Closer Look: God is All Knowing

(5–8 minutes, easy setup)

Read Psalm 139:4. Note that the psalmist cried out, “Even before there is a word on my tongue, Behold, O Lord, You know it all.” State that God is omniscient, meaning that He “knows” everything. Say: According to one biblical theologian, “Omniscience means that God knows everything, things actual and possible, effortlessly and equally well” (Ryrie, pp. 41-42).

Ask: How does the fact that God is omniscience impact His relationship with you and yours with Him? After responses, share the following (based on Ryrie’s work):

• Because God knows everything, nothing can ever come to light in a believer’s life that would surprise God.
• Since God is omniscient, we can take comfort in the fact that He always knows what ultimate good and glory will come from those inexplicable circumstances of life.
• God knows all His works from the beginning of time and even knows what might have been (Matt. 11:21).
  [Adapted from Charles Ryrie, Basic Theology: A Systematic Guide to Understanding Biblical Theology, pp. 41-42.]

Discuss: How does the omniscience of God bring about peace in your life? What does His omniscience say about the love of God?