The following post is an excerpt from Chasing Love, an upcoming Bible study from Dr. Sean McDowell and True Love Waits.
Here’s the truth: God loves us because of who He is, not because of anything we did. Jesus didn’t require us to repent before He laid down His life for us. He didn’t die for good people; He died for sinners. God paid the ultimate price through the death of His Son so we could have eternal life. So, do you trust Him? Do you trust this God?
In the garden of Eden, Satan tempted Adam and Eve by trying to undermine their confidence in God’s character. He caused them to question: Did God really have their best interest in mind, or was He keeping them from something better?
Adam and Eve ultimately lost confidence in God’s goodness and ate the fruit. They doubted His character, and their disobedience brought immeasurable suffering to the world. We’re faced with the same kind of choice today.
The voices in our culture can be powerful and convincing, especially since we hear them nonstop through social media, school, television, celebrities, and so on. As a result, we are tempted to stop trusting God and wonder, “Did God really say … ?”
Satan aims to undermine God’s character because we evaluate God’s commands in light of His character. Scripture teaches that God is good, so we can trust His commands. Not only is God good, but His commands are intended for our good. They are not random or unreasonable. They stem from His character and are intended to help us thrive in our lives and relationships.
The world says to follow our hearts, to put ourselves first, to do whatever makes us happy. But many of the things we chase to make us happy will ultimately disappoint us. Jesus promises us that if we “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness,” God will grant us true, lasting happiness (Matt. 6:33).
NEW from True Love Waits: Chasing Love
Chasing Love is the newest Bible study release from True Love Waits, written by Dr. Sean McDowell. In this study, students are guided through Biblical answers to today’s most pressing questions about sex, love, gender, and relationships.
Leader Kit Pre-sale Offer—starts November 16th!
Order early and save through our church presale offer. Save 20% on a Leader Kit when you purchase 5 or more Student Bible Study Books.
Use promo code: CHASINGLOVE at checkout.
Offer valid November 16–30, 2020.
Learn more at lifeway.com/chasinglove.
