A.  Man has a great problem with his relationship with God.

       B.  It seems that we do not understand the very nature of God.

       C.  Man has the idea that God is like man.

            1.  Psalm 50:21.

       D.  If we are going to serve God as He would have us to then we must strive
             to understand all we can about His nature.

       E.  Today, let's notice some things about God's nature in the book of
             Ephesians as the apostle Paul reveals them to the brethren at Ephesus.

   I.  GOD IS A GOD OF POWER - 1:19.

       A.  Power to create the universe.

            1.  Romans 1:20 - God is revealed in His creation.

            2.  Psalm 19:1-6.

       B.  Power to raise the dead - raised Jesus - 1:20.

            1.  Acts 2:24.

            2.  Romans 1:4.

       C.  Power to give life to the spiritually dead - 2:1-5.

            1.  Sin caused death - Romans 6:23.

            2.  Romans 1:16 - power to save.

       D.  Power for the Christian to withstand the powers of Satan - 6:10-20.

            1.  God gives us our protection.

  II.  GOD IS A GOD OF GREAT LOVE - 2:4.

       A.  Love is the essential nature of God.

            1.  I John 4:8.

       B.  God's love is demonstrated in:

            1.  His concern for man - Romans 5:6-8.

            2.  God sending His only Son.

                 a.  I John 4:10.

                 b.  John 3:16.

            3.  In Christ Himself - He was a man of love.

                 a.  To see Christ is to see God - John 14:9.

 III.  GOD IS A GOD OF WISDOM - 3:10.

       A.  Manifold wisdom - many colors; many facets.

       B.  God is an omniscient, all wise God.

            1.  Romans 11:33.

            2.  Psalm 139:1-6.

       C.  The church reveals His wisdom.

            1.  The church was planned by God - 3:11.

            2.  God chose us before the foundation of the world - 1:3-4.

  IV.  GOD IS A FATHER - 5:20.

       A.  Father loves and cares.

       B.  He is the father of Jesus - 1:2.

       C.  God is an accessible Father - 2:18.

            1.  We are urged to draw nigh unto God - Hebrews 10:22.

            2.  Romans 5:2 - we have access.

       D.  God is a glorious Father - 1:17.

            1.  Give God the glory always.

            2.  Never disrespect God by taking the glory yourself.

   V.  GOD IS A GOD OF GRACE - 2:7-10.

       A.  Grace means - "God has a friendly disposition from which kindly acts
             proceed; He has toward man a lovingkindness and goodwill." (Vine)

       B.  Paul preached the dispensation of grace - 3:2.

       C.  Titus 2:11.

       D.  God shows His love by His grace.

  VI.  GOD IS A GOD OF WRATH - 5:6.

       A.  God hates sin.

            1.  Romans 1:18.

            2.  Romans 2:8-9.

 VII.  GOD IS A GOD OF MERCY - 2:4.

       A.  Mercy - "An act of pity in a time of need."

       B.  God is the Father of mercies - II Cor. 1:3.

       C.  Titus 3:5.

   CONCLUSION:

       A.  What is your relationship to the nature of God?

       B.  Will you let Him change your life with His power?

       C.  Have you accepted His grace?