4: The Nations: Part 1 – Teaching Plan

Key Thought : One of the key issues in Daniel and Revelation in worldly government; human attempts to control a planet that belongs to God.
April 26, 2025

1. Have a volunteer read Genesis 12:1-9.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point is in this passage.
Why did God call Abram out from his country of origin?
Personal Application: Why is the sin of rebellion against God more subtle than we might realize? Does it really matter where we are living? Can we be in Babylon as long as Babylon is not in us? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your relatives states, “I don’t understand. God called Abraham out of Babylon, and years later his descendants end up captives back in Babylon, and eventually sent Cyrus to deliver Israel out of Babylon again..” How would you respond to your relative?

2. Have a volunteer read I Samuel 8:4-18.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
Why do you think the people found the idea of a king appealing?
Personal Application: Has God used people outside God’s people to help them before? Why would you think God might or might not use people outside His church to help them in some way to fulfil His purposes? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your friends states, “What was wrong with the people wanting a king? Don’t most countries have a king or president as a figurehead for their country and people? Didn’t God appoint Moses to lead them before?.” How would you respond to your friend?

3. Have a volunteer read Matthew 20:25-28.

Ask class members to share a short thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What error did Jesus warn His disciples to avoid in establishing the work of the Christian church?
Personal Application: In your society, what are ways in which temptations can justice imperil the integrity of our faith? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: One of your neighbors states: “Does God ever use people outside the church to further the gospel and accomplish His goals?” How would you respond to your neighbor?

4. Have a volunteer read Numbers 14:17-21; Isaiah 42:6; 49:6; 60:3; Rev 18:1-4.

Ask class members to share a thought on what the most important point in this text is.
What do these texts teach us about God’s role for His people in the world?
Personal Application: How can we be used as a church to call out God’s people who are still in Babylon? Share your thoughts.
Case Study: Think of one person who needs to hear a message from this week’s lesson. Tell the class what you plan to do this week to share with them.

(Truth that is not lived, that is not imparted, loses its life-giving power, its healing virtue. Its blessings can be retained only as it is shared. ”Ministry of Healing, p. 148).