Nahum Study

Summary – Does God truly care about our struggles? This compelling question fuels our deep dive into the ancient Assyrian Empire and its profound significance in modern times. Join me, Aaron, as we journey through the books of the minor prophets Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah, uncovering the context, biblical text, and their resonance today. We focus on the urgent and universal question that is deeply rooted in the human psyche: Does God empathize with our struggles?

Our exploration unveils the vital character of God depicted in the book of Nahum. We scrutinize the Assyrian Empire, its abrupt decline, and the prophetic declaration of Nahum to the people of Nineveh. Here, we discover God’s character: wrathful yet just, mighty yet merciful. We conclude with a focus on God’s comforting promise of goodness, which has proven to be a refuge for many during challenging times. This journey serves as a potent reminder that these ancient texts offer valuable guidance for us today and can greatly enrich our relationship with God. Be ready to be captivated as we embark on this fascinating exploration!

Discussion –

1. How do you perceive God’s character based on Nahum’s depiction of Him in the books of Nahum?
2. The sermon discusses God’s empathy and His concern for our struggles. Can you share an instance when you felt God’s empathy in your personal struggles?
3. Aaron talked about God’s character being wrathful yet just, mighty yet merciful. How does this multi-dimensional nature of God’s character affect your understanding of Him?
4. The sermon emphasizes on God’s promise of goodness during challenging times. Have you experienced God’s goodness in your own life during difficult times? Share your experiences.
5. In the sermon, the decline of the Assyrian Empire is linked to the prophecy of Nahum. What does this tell us about the power of God’s word and His control over the rise and fall of nations? (Reference: Nahum 1:1-3)
6. Aaron discusses the character of God in the book of Nahum, emphasizing God’s attributes like jealousy, vengeance, and wrath. How do you reconcile these attributes with the concept of a loving and merciful God?
7. The sermon concludes with the comforting promise of God’s goodness. How can this promise serve as a refuge for us during challenging times?
8. The book of Nahum offers insights into God’s character and His empathy for our struggles. How can these insights help you in your spiritual journey and deepen your relationship with God?
9. In your own understanding, what does it mean that God is ‘jealous’ and ‘avenging’? How do these characteristics affect your relationship with Him? (Reference: Nahum 1:2)
10. The sermon brings up the question, “Does God empathize with our struggles?” How would you answer this question based on your personal experiences and understanding of scripture?

Devotional –

Day 1: Bible Reading: Nahum 1:1-10 – Devotional: Begin the week by diving into the book of Nahum. As you read the opening verses, take note of the character traits of God. Reflect on the notion of God’s wrathful yet just nature, as expressed in the sermon.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you perceive God’s wrathful yet just character as depicted in Nahum?
2. Can you identify instances in your life where you have experienced God’s justice?

Day 2: Bible Reading: Nahum 1:11-15 -Devotional: Today, focus on God’s promise of goodness. Consider how God’s comforting promises serve as a refuge during challenging times.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you understand the concept of God’s comforting promises in the context of your life?
2. Can you share a time when God’s promise of goodness provided solace during a difficult time?

Day 3: Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:1-10 – Devotional: As you explore the book of Habakkuk, consider the ways God empathizes with our struggles. Reflect on God’s compassionate side as highlighted in the sermon.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the book of Habakkuk reveal God’s empathy towards our struggles?
2. Can you identify instances where you have felt God’s empathy in your life?

Day 4: Bible Reading: Habakkuk 1:11-20 – Devotional: Today, delve deeper into the character of God as revealed in Habakkuk. Reflect on the sermon’s exploration of God’s mighty yet merciful nature.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How do you reconcile God’s mightiness with His mercy?
2. Can you share a time when you have experienced God’s mightiness and mercy?

Day 5: Bible Reading: Zephaniah 1:1-10 – Devotional: End the week by reflecting on the book of Zephaniah. Contemplate the sermon’s exploration of God’s promise of goodness and how these ancient texts continue to offer guidance in our present lives.

Questions for Reflection:

1. How does the book of Zephaniah echo God’s promise of goodness?
2. How have the teachings from these ancient texts influenced your relationship with God?

Summary – In Nahum part 2 we journey back in time to explore the mysteries of the ancient world. We’ll ponder over the seven wonders of the world, and whether the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of these marvels, actually existed. The historical records from Josephus and ancient machines that possibly powered these gardens are all up for discussion. But that’s not all, we also touch on the other six wonders, such as the grandeur of the Colossus of Rhodes and the mesmerizing beauty of the Temple of Artemis in Ephesus.

Moving on, we reflect on the biblical tale of the fall of Nineveh, the city overtaken by Babylonians and Medes. This segment looks at the futile preparations made to protect the city and its eventual fate. Drawing parallels with other cities, we discuss the prophecy of restoration of the majesty of Jacob and Israel, while punishing the plunderers. Finally, we talk about the importance of trust in God over wealth, power, and prestige. Listen in as we contemplate our own legacy, and conclude with a prayer for guidance and generosity in our lives.

Discussion Questions –

1. In the sermon, Pastor Aaron discusses the mystery of the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the fall of Nineveh. How does this historical exploration of ancient marvels and cities challenge your understanding of the Bible and its teachings? (Refer: Nahum 2:1-13)
2. How does the comparison between the Hanging Gardens of Babylon and the fall of Nineveh relate to our lives today? Are there any instances where we may be investing too much in our own ‘Hanging Gardens’ instead of trusting in God?
3. Pastor Aaron mentions the concept of legacy and how both Nineveh and the rich man from Jesus’s parable placed their trust in their wealth and power. How can we, as Christians, ensure that our legacy is not grounded in worldly possessions but in our faith and actions? (Refer: Luke 12:13-21)
4. The sermon draws parallels between the fall of Nineveh and Jesus’s parable of the rich fool. Discuss the lesson we can draw from these stories about the futility of hoarding wealth and power. (Refer: Luke 12:13-21)
5. In the sermon, Pastor Aaron emphasizes on the importance of trust, legacy, and generosity. Discuss practical ways we can apply these values in our daily lives and relationships.
6. How can we ensure that our life is ‘oriented towards God’ as Pastor Aaron mentioned in his concluding prayer? Share examples from your own experiences.
7. The fall of Nineveh was due to the city’s misplaced trust in their own power and prestige rather than in God. Discuss examples from contemporary society where similar misplaced trust can lead to downfall.
8. The sermon discusses how God was against Nineveh due to their pride and arrogance. How can we remain humble and prevent pride from leading us away from God? (Refer: Proverbs 16:18)
9. In what ways can we learn from the history of Nineveh and the rich man’s story to live our lives more in line with God’s teachings and expectations? (Refer: Luke 12:13-21)

Devotional –

Day 1: Bible Reading: Nahum 1:15 – Devotional: Today, let’s reflect on the Lord’s promise to restore the majesty of Jacob and Israel while punishing the plunderers. As we go about our day, let’s ask ourselves: Are there areas in our lives that need restoration? How can we align ourselves with God’s plan of restoration and justice?

Day 2: Bible Reading: Nahum 2:1-2 – Devotional: In today’s sermon, we heard about the futile preparations of Nineveh against its impending fall. How often do we rely on our own strength and preparations, ignoring God’s plans for us? Let’s meditate on the areas in our lives where we need to surrender control and trust in God’s plans.

Day 3: Bible Reading: Nahum 2:3-6 – Devotional: The grandeur of Nineveh’s city and its eventual destruction serve as a stark reminder that worldly possessions and achievements are fleeting. Today, let’s focus on cultivating treasures in heaven through love, faith, and good deeds that outlast our earthly life.

Day 4: Bible Reading: Luke 12:13-21 – Devotional: Jesus warns us against covetousness and placing our trust in wealth and material possessions. As we read this passage today, let’s examine our hearts and ask ourselves: Are we storing up treasures on earth or in heaven? Where is our trust truly placed?

Day 5: Bible Reading: Luke 12:22-34 – Devotional: In today’s sermon, we were reminded that God cares about our character and how we treat others. As we reflect on this passage, let’s ask ourselves: Are we living generously, trusting in God rather than in wealth, power, and prestige? How can we show God’s love and generosity to others today?

Summary – What if the ultimate symbol of strength and power was reduced to nothing? What if the defenses you trust in became your downfall? We take you on an exploration of these questions as we recount the annihilation of Nineveh and the Assyrian kingdom. Prepare for an intriguing journey through history as we dissect the dramatic falling of what was once the largest kingdom in the world, known for its professional army and pride. Be prepared to be fascinated as we unveil how their trusted defenses led them into the hands of total destruction, leaving them as a laughing stock.

We then pivot to the teachings of Jesus, a path that is narrow but leads to life. Does it feel easier to choose the wide gate, the path that seems right but eventually leads to destruction? We challenge you to consider Jesus’ path, a choice that not only saves us from doom but morphs us into torches of love, hope, and mercy. We wrap up by reflecting on how we can guide others towards this path of salvation, standing solid in the knowledge that Jesus accompanies us in every stride. This enlightening journey through faith and history is one that you don’t want to miss!

Discussion Questions –

1. In the sermon, we heard about the destruction of Nineveh and the Assyrian kingdom. Can you recall a time in your life where something you put your trust in fell apart? How did that experience shape your faith? (Reference: Nahum 1:1-9)
2. The preacher discussed how Nineveh’s trusted defenses led them to destruction. How does this relate to the modern world and the defenses or securities we put our faith in? How can we ensure we are putting our faith in God instead? (Reference: Proverbs 18:10)
3. Reflecting on Jesus’ teaching about the narrow gate, why do you think it is often easier to choose the wide gate? What steps can we take to choose the narrow gate more consistently? (Reference: Matthew 7:13-14)
4. How can we help guide others towards the path of salvation, as was discussed in the sermon? What are some practical ways to demonstrate Jesus’ love, hope, and mercy to others in our daily lives? (Reference: Matthew 5:14-16)
5. Discuss the concept of the path to destruction versus the path to life as presented in the sermon. How can understanding this concept help us make better decisions in our own lives? (Reference: Proverbs 14:12)
6. The sermon talks about the consequences of sensuality, sorcery, bloodshed, lies, thieving, and hoarding. How does the Bible instruct us to avoid these sins? (Reference: Galatians 5:19-21)
7. The preacher emphasizes the importance of examining our own lives. What does it mean to examine your life in the context of your faith? How can we hold ourselves accountable and ensure we are walking the path that leads to life? (Reference: 2 Corinthians 13:5)
8. The sermon ended with an appeal to choose Jesus and lead others. How can we practically live out this call in our lives and communities? (Reference: Matthew 28:19-20)
9. In the sermon, we heard the phrase “There’s a lot of ways to ruin your life. There’s a thousand ways to get to Nineveh.” What does this mean to you and how does it relate to your own life journey? (Reference: Proverbs 14:12)
10. The preacher spoke about reconciliation with God. What does reconciliation mean in this context and how can we strive for it in our relationship with God? (Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20)

Devotional –

Day 1: Reading: Matthew 7:13-14 – Devotional: Begin the week reflecting on the teaching of Jesus about the narrow gate that leads to life. Ponder on your life choices and actions. Are you walking down the narrow path, even though it’s hard? Or are you being swayed by the broad, seemingly easy path that leads to destruction? Jesus encourages us to choose the narrow gate. It’s not the easy choice, but it’s the one that leads to true life.

Question: What does choosing the narrow gate mean to you in your current life situation? How can you ensure you stay on this path?

Day 2: Reading: Nahum 3:1-4 – Devotional: Today, we examine the path of Nineveh that led to their destruction. They trusted in their defenses and power, but these things failed them. They chose a path of sensuality, sorcery, bloodshed, lies, thieving, and hoarding. Reflect on your life. Are there areas where you are trusting in your own strength rather than relying on God? Are there behaviors or attitudes that you need to repent of?

Question: What can you learn from Nineveh’s downfall? How can you apply this lesson in your life?

Day 3: Reading: Jonah 3:1-10 – Devotional: We learn that Nineveh had a chance to repent and they took it. They turned from their evil ways and God spared them. This is a powerful testament of God’s mercy. He does not desire the destruction of the wicked, but that they turn from their ways and live. The path to redemption is always open with God.

Question: Is there an area in your life that you need to repent and turn back to God? How does God’s mercy inspire you to make changes?

Day 4: Reading: Matthew 26:52 – Devotional: Jesus reminds us that those who live by the sword will die by the sword. The way of violence and power isn’t the path that leads to life. Reflect on how you respond to conflict and power struggles in your life. Are you choosing the way of peace and humility as demonstrated by Jesus?

Question: What can you do to cultivate a peaceful and humble heart in the face of conflict or power struggles?

Day 5: Reading: 2 Corinthians 5:18-20 – Devotional: The sermon wraps up with a message of reconciliation. Despite the doom and destruction, God has made a way for us to be reconciled to Him through Christ. Our role is to accept this reconciliation and help others to do the same. Reflect on your role as an ambassador for Christ.

Question: How can you live out your role as an ambassador for Christ? What does it look like to guide others towards the path of reconciliation with God?