Biblical Revelation: God’s Plan for the Nations
Essay Topics on Biblical Themes
Three Reasons to Study and Preach the Historical Books
The three reasons why we should study and preach the historical books are:
- They cover the whole counsel of God.
- They reveal God’s plan and show how His plan has been accomplished in history.
- They provide a framework for understanding the rest of the Bible.
Principles for Preaching from Old Testament Historical Books
There are several principles that should be followed when using Old Testament historical books in preaching:
- (A) We should avoid using the Historical books allegorically, i.e., representing or symbolizing the details of the story with something else.
- (B) Historical passages should be interpreted and preached using the same principles as other Scriptures. This involves three steps: Observation, Interpretation, and Application.
- (C) We should not omit the middle step of interpretation, as this would mean that our preaching would be based on our own creative imagination, inventing new meanings for the text.
- (D) Each story was included for a reason; therefore, we should identify that reason.
The Sovereignty of God or Seeking and Obeying God’s Plan
Write a paragraph on one of the following topics: 1) The sovereignty of God or 2) seeking and obeying God’s plan.
God’s Plan to Reach the Nations Throughout Biblical Revelation
Write a two-page essay in which you will give an overview of how God’s plan to reach the nations developed and grew throughout the biblical revelation (35 Marks). In so doing, you will:
- Identify the historical periods of the biblical revelation.
- Identify the four key themes that first appear in the Pentateuch and extend throughout the Old Testament to the New Testament.
- Describe how these themes are revealed in the unfolding plan of God in several of the historical periods of the biblical revelation—from the mission of God formed in the Pentateuch and unfolded through the Old Testament to the New Testament.
The 5-Stage Cycle
The Cycle begins with faithfulness, where the people were faithful to the ways of God. Then apostasy, which was the falling away from God through the worship of false gods. It was followed by bondage, where God allowed oppressive people to conquer the Israelites. Then there was repentance, where the Israelites would break down and call on the Lord. Finally, there was deliverance, where God would raise up a judge after hearing the Israelites’ cry, bringing them back to the beginning of the cycle.
Three Lessons
- It demonstrates man’s depravity and inherent sin nature.
- It shows that there is no salvation without repentance.
- It shows that God is willing to forgive.
The Four Promises to David
- He promised to make David’s name great.
- He promised to “plant” Israel in the land.
- He promised to give David rest from his enemies.
- He promised to “establish a house” for David.
A Long Dynasty for David?
God was revealing to David the plan for all ages, where the seed promised to Abraham, who would bless all nations, would also be the ruler of God’s kingdom.
Significance of the Covenant to New Testament Writers
The significance was in light of Jesus.
Two Reasons for Solomon’s Failure
- The relationships he kept. Ministers should avoid relationships that will not enhance their relationship with God.
- He did not recognize the discipline of the Lord. Ministers should not regard all hardships as coming from the enemy, but God can also put obstacles in our way to slow us down, make us change course, or turn our attention back to Him.
Four Actions for Revival
- Humbling themselves
- Praying
- Seeking God’s face
- Repenting
God wants people to humble themselves, pray, seek His face, and turn away from their wicked ways. By doing so, God will hear from heaven, forgive their sins, and heal their land.
How Can a Minister Grow in Ministry?
By learning to grow in ministry and by learning how to move out from the shadow of the great previous leader (by seeking their own anointing, honoring the past, exalting God’s name, and following what they have learned).
God’s Use of Cyrus
It shows that God can use all people in accomplishing His will, even pagans like Cyrus. It also shows that every people group is in God’s plan for salvation and that every tribe is worthy of receiving the message of Christ.
Two Examples from Esther
- Esther was providentially selected to be the new queen after the king deposed Queen Vashti.
- Esther’s national identity being kept a secret was also providentially used by God to bring deliverance.