Chapter 17

Keys to God’s Interaction

Sections

This chapter discusses key factors that underlie and influence all God does in relating to his people. The latter part looks at God’s incomparable gift of his Holy Spirit, which is at the heart of God’s relationship with each believer.

God’s Presence with His People

God and Jesus Christ are always with their people

[God:] Just as I was with Moses, so I will be with you. I will not leave you or forsake you.   Joshua 1:5b ESV

[Jesus:] And remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age.   Matthew 28:20b NET

Note that most of what this and the following chapters in Part D say about God is also applicable to Jesus Christ.

God is with his people in trouble

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.   Psalms 46:1 GW

God’s Knowledge of His People

God knows his people

[God, to Moses:] I know you by name.   Exodus 33:17b ISV

The expression “I know you by name” indicates: intimate knowledge – “I know you very well” (GNT, NCV); and a personal relationship – “you are my friend” (NLT, cf. CEV).

God knows his people’s needs

Your Father [God] already knows what you need before you ask him.   Matthew 6:8b GNT

God’s Love and Grace

God loves his people greatly

[David, to God:] You are good to us and forgiving, full of constant love for all who pray to you.   Psalms 86:5 GNT

God shows much grace to his people

[Paul, to the Corinthians:] And in their [needy believers’] prayers on your behalf they long for you because of the extraordinary grace God has shown to you.   2 Corinthians 9:14 NET

Here Paul speaks of God’s grace in moving the Corinthians to generously give towards supporting needy believers. The verse illustrates that God’s grace (his undeserved favor) is shown not only in his provision of salvation, but also in his ongoing dealings with his people.

God’s Gift of the Holy Spirit

God gives his people his Holy Spirit, to help and live in them

[Paul, to believers:] All of this happens because God has given us the Holy Spirit, who fills our hearts with his love.   Romans 5:5b CEV

[Paul, to Timothy:] With the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us, protect the Good News that has been entrusted to you.   2 Timothy 1:14 GW

God works through his people by the Holy Spirit

[God, to Zerubbabel who was a leader of the Jews:] I am the Lord All-Powerful. So don’t depend on your own power or strength, but on my Spirit. 7Zerubbabel, that mountain in front of you will be leveled to the ground. Then you will bring out the temple’s most important stone and shout, “God has been very kind.”   Zechariah 4:6b-7 CEV

God would accomplish the work he was doing through Zerubbabel by his Spirit. By the Holy Spirit Zerubbabel would overcome mountainous problems, in completing the work of rebuilding the temple.

Pray for persecuted Christians