Lesson 4 Review: The Nations: Part 1

 

Introduction

Memory Text: “ ‘Then to Him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve Him. His dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and His kingdom the one which shall not be destroyed’ ” (Daniel 7:14, NKJV).

The book of Revelation shows us God’s solutions for fallen humanity. It is the book of Genesis in Reverse, it shows us that everything that was lost in the book of Revelation will be restored, God’s “everlasting kingdom” (Dan. 7:27) is established.

Who is Nimrod before God?

Nimrod is great in his own estimation, and he stands “before” the Lord in the sense that he defies God.

What do we see in Genesis 10:1-12 concerning Nimrod and Nineveh?

What we see in these texts is the spreading of the rebellion against God, a rebellion that will exist until, ultimately, all rebellion will be forever eradicated.

Why did God call Abram (later Abraham) out from his country of origin?

God intended to use Abraham to establish a nation that would stand in contrast to human kingdoms. They were to show what would happen if the human race returned to their Creator. Israel was established to be a blessing to “ ‘all the families of the earth’ ”(Gen. 12:3, NKJV).

What was God’s message to the children of Abraham, God’s children, in Deuteronomy 4:5-9?

God’s message to His children was that they keep the statues and commandments as a nation. By so doing, they would cause other nations to say, “ ‘ “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people” ’ ” (Deut. 4:6, NKJV).

What was the consequence of not living up to the expectations of God?

Not living up to the expectations of God, that is, not obeying God’s statues and commandments, would bring curses instead of blessing and death instead of life.

What was the implication of Israel’s request for a king?

Israel’s request for a king was a rejection of God’s reign over His people. The Israelites were to answer to God directly, and their relationship with God was put in display through the sanctuary and its services, among other things. But by requesting a king, they would bring the same kinds of suffering on themselves that the Gentile kingdoms experienced. They would discover that human potentates tend to rule in their own favor instead of benevolently, as God does.

What is the problem with human governments?

The problem with human governments is the fact that sinners govern sinners.

What error did Jesus warn His disciples to avoid in establishing the work of the Christian church?

Jesus warned His disciples to avoid the error of being like the Gentiles who have rulers and lords over them. The admonition is to serve as Christ served.

What led to the corruption of the Christian Church in the fourth century?

The church made an appeal to the roman emperor to intervene in disputes that broke out in the church. This was how the bishop of Rome rose in prominence (against God’s ideal) where he had been one senior bishop among equals. This was how things went from bad to worse.

What is God’s intended role for His people in this world?

God’s intended role for His people in this world is for them to be illuminated with the glory of God, to come to Christ.

In Conclusion,

All nations shall be illuminated with the glory of God. The role the Israelites were to play to the nations is the same role the church has to “every nation, tribe, tongue, and people” (Rev. 14:6, NKJV): to illuminate the earth with the glory of God, to draw sinners to Christ. May God help us to draw sinners to Him, in Jesus’ name.