MEMORY VERSE: “ And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” Colossians 1:17
BIBLE PASSAGE: Psalm 139:1-5
INTRODUCTION
The immanence of God refers to His presence, nearness, and active involvement in His creation and in the lives of His people. It is the biblical truth that God is not distant or merely observing from afar; He is close, attentive, connected, and relational. This is different from His transcendence, which means that God is above, infinitely greater, more powerful, distant, and separate from the material universe, existing beyond and utterly distinct from everything He created Jeremiah 23:23; Isaiah 55:9.
OUTLINES
- BIBLICAL INSTANCES
- THE IMPLICATIONS
1. BIBLICAL INSTANCES
God has always been present with and involved in the world He created, especially with His people. At creation, God formed Adam “from the dust” and breathed life into him Genesis 2:7. God’s voice was heard “walking in the garden” Genesis 3:8. The burning bush reveals God’s personal call to Moses Exodus 3:4 as well as His awareness, compassion, and active response to the affliction of His people Exodus 3:7. God’s presence dwelt among Israel in the tabernacle Exodus 25:8 and His glory (visibly) filled the temple 1 Kings 8:10-11. David declares God’s inescapable nearness: whether in the heavens, depths, or darkness, God is there. Psalm 139:7. 1 Kings 19:12 reveals God’s personal and intimate way of speaking to His prophets.
Jesus, becoming God in the flesh John 1:14, is the ultimate act of divine immanence. “Immanuel” means “God with us” Matthew 1:23. He came to the earth, walked, talked, healed, cried, and ate
with people. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would come to dwell in believers John 14:17. The Spirit is not just near but indwelling, guiding, and teaching us John 14:26. Christ remains present with His people through the Holy Spirit Matthew 28:20. In the New Heavens and New Earth, God will dwell fully and forever with His people Revelation 21:3. This is the eternal expression of
God’s immanence. Thus, it is evidenced that throughout our earth’s sojourning till eternity, the believer can enjoy God’s continual unbroken presence.
2. THE IMPLICATIONS
God is accessible - We can pray and hear from Him 1 John 5:14-15.
- God is personal - God knows our thoughts, fears, and desires Psalm 139:1-3
- God is relational - You can relate and build intimate relationship with Him. 1 John 1:1
- God is compassionate - He sees suffering and acts accordingly Exodus 3:7- 8; Hebrews 4:15.
- God disciplines and guides - As a Father does Hebrews 12:6-7.
- God is worthy of worship - Not just as Creator but as a loving Father Revelation 15:4.
- He demands holiness, purity, and high moral standard since He Himself is perfectly holy 1 Peter 1:14-16
CONCLUSION
God is not far from believers in Christ: “for in Him we live and move and have our being” Acts 17:27-28. His promise “I will never leave you nor forsake you” stands forever
FURTHER READING
Sun: Psalm 139:1-3.
Mon: Exodus 3:7-8.
Tue: John 5:14-15.
Wed: Revelation 15:4.
Thurs: Hebrews 12:6-7.
Fri: John 14:17.
Sat: Acts 17:27-28