His Promises

A Series on the Lovingkindness of God

These Bible study lessons are designed to complement the myriad of study guides and plans available today. Through them, we hope to introduce sound study methodology, build a strong foundation of knowledge from which you can build and integrate a more coherent and comprehensive understanding of God's word and theology.

Arising from His compassionate and gracious character, God exhibits lovingkindness and truth, which God mentions often as a pair. The pairing is significant, because it is repeated elsewhere (Gen 24:27; 2 Sam 2:6; Ps 25:10; 26:3; 40:10-11; 57:3, 10; 61:7; 85:10; 86:15; 89:14; 108:4; 117:2; 138:2; Prov 16:6). Additionally God uses the phrase "lovingkindness for thousands" elsewhere (Ex 20:6; Deut 5:10) and a prophet repeats it as well (Jer 32:18).

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1. There are many ways of looking up the meaning of a word such as "lovingkindness." The following start at the most objective to methods of increasing risk of subjectivity and perhaps some error: a) use a concordance to see how the Bible defines the word, b) use a lexicon to see the meaning of the Hebrew or Greek term, c) use a Bible dictionary, or d) use a commentary. Try a couple of the methods above to understand the word "lovingkindness" and "truth."

2. God made personal promises to men of certain character (Noah: Gen 6:5-9, Abraham: Gen 12:1-4, David: 1 Sam 13:14; 16:7; Acts 13:22). When examining why God displays such lovingkindness, how do the reason(s) why connect lovingkindness to truth (Deut 7:7-9)?

3. For example, observe carefully this aspect of the covenant with Abraham (Gen 15:13-14). Why did God promise this to Abraham (Ex 3:20-22; 11:1-3; 25:1-9, 17-22)?

4. What is the distinction and relationship between God's promise and command? What do you observe (Acts 9:15-16; 22:14-15; 26:16-18)? How does God use a Believer's testimony (Acts 9:1-2; 22:1-5; 26:2-11)? What covenant(s) is / are being fulfilled (cite the biblical passage)? Recorded in three different accounts in one single book (Acts 9:1-21; 22:3-21; 26:2-20), Luke devotes sixteen of twenty eight chapters of the book of Acts to the apostle Paul who would author 13 epistles that would make up nearly one fourth of the New Testament. Consider how something true is validated.

5. How does God's lovingkindness reflect His self described compassionate and gracious character (Ex 34:6-7; 2 Pet 3:8-9)? Study this promise of God regarding the heart (Ezek 36:22-28). Have you ever considered what the heart meant in Hebrew? Observe how the New Covenant is fulfilled (John 16:7; 14:3-26; 15:26; 1 Cor 2:10-16; 6:17-20; Gal 5:15-16; Tit 3:4-7). Discuss what all of this means and its implications to the Believer.

References for Group Study Leaders

1. What does "lovingkindness" mean?

2. What Does God Say About His Character?

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His PromisesA Series on the Lovingkindness of God

His Promises

A Series on the Lovingkindness of God