1. The Goodness and Severity of God Romans 11:17-24

2. God Is Not One-Dimensional Many people want to reduce God down to a single character trait “I AM WHO I AM” (Exodus 3:14-17)

3. Nehemiah 9:6-31 God’s name is glorious, for He alone has made Heaven and earth God is discerning, able to judge the heart of Abram God is protective, hearing the cries of the people of Israel in Egypt God executes judgment, showing signs and wonders against the oppressors of His people

4. Nehemiah 9:6-31 God directs and guides, leading the people through the wilderness God is the Lawgiver, speaking just ordinances and true laws from Mount Sinai God provides, sustaining the Israelites with food and water in the wilderness God is a just punisher, commanding for 3000 to be slain when the people rebelled

5. Nehemiah 9:6-31 God is merciful, pardoning the people and not forsaking them God keeps His promises, multiplying the children of Israel as He promised Abram God is powerful, giving His people strength to overcome great armies and walled cities God is jealous, delivering Israel into the hands of their enemies when they disobeyed

6. Nehemiah 9:6-31 God is forgiving, restoring the people each time they cried out and repented God is multifaceted and cannot be described with merely one character trait!

7. Consider the Goodness of God Every good gift comes from God (James 1:17) Jesus’ sacrifice makes us heirs of eternal life (Titus 3:4-7) God is patient with us (2 Peter 3:9)

8. Consider the Severity of God God’s wrath against the disobedient (Eph. 5:3-6) God’s wrath against suppressors of the truth (Rom. 1:18-19) Indignation and wrath against stubborn and impenitent hearts (Rom. 2:5-9)

9. Importance of Growth God expects us to grow Some specific traits to add (2 Pet. 1:5-11) Speaking the truth in love and doing our share (Eph. 4:15-16) Doing things God’s way and not our own (Col. 2:18-19) Actively working according to the word of truth (2 Tim. 2:15)