Bethany Community Church Header Image

Nahum – The Paradox of Judgment

by Richard ~ June 9th, 2009. Filed under: Sermons and Discussion.

As we see in Nahum, prophets (aka truth-tellers) are not popular. Truth in the broad sense brings comfort and challenge, rebuke and mercy.  Our response to truth can indicate our willingness for transformation.

Preached on Sunday, June 14th.

 
 Nahum – The Paradox of Judgment: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Discussion Questions:

  1. Can you think of a truth-teller in your life?  Can you think of a time when their truth was comforting?  Challenging?  How do you respond to them?
  2. Do you see yourself as a truth-teller?  Can you give an example of how telling the truth has impacted a relationship?
  3. In the context of Nahum’s time, God intervened in history by using wicked nations to accomplish His will.  How does this affect your understanding of God?
  4. Can you think of an example when God has used an unexpected person or event to intervene in history or in your life?  How did you respond to that?
  5. When have you wished God would intervene, and He didn’t?  How did you respond to that?
  6. “Today, if you hear God’s voice, do not harden your heart…”  What may God be saying to you?  How long has he been saying this to you?  What causes you to resist?
  7. What is the purpose of God’s judgment?  How is that different from our judgment?
  8. What is going on within you that may not be apparent on the outside?  What would happen if that were exposed?   Would it lead to transformation?  Defensiveness?
  9. “Judgment is in keeping with our deep longings for justice.”  How so?
  10. What external injustices do you use righteous indignation to cover for in your own life?  Can you name a place of transformation in your life?  What would be needed to get you moving toward transformation?

1 Response to Nahum – The Paradox of Judgment

  1. Dan
    June 19th, 2009 at 10:10 am

    I’m always challenged by the call to respond TODAY if you hear God’s voice. What a great call to action. There’s no room for negotiation or hesitancy – God’s blessings and rewards are waiting for me/us if we trust and believe by responding when we hear God’s voice.

    Great sermon, Richard. Really appreciate your committment to speaking real truth in a culture that longs to hear truth is relative to each person and situation.

    I don’t understand how relativism can equal truth? What is the foundation that relativists base reality on if it’s always based on changing factors?

Leave a Reply