Table Talk | October 12-13
Opening Question:
– What was your initial reaction to hearing about God’s anger and vengeance in this sermon? How does it challenge or align with your previous understanding of God?
Key Takeaways:
1. God is the ultimate avenger, perfectly just in His anger and judgment.
2. God’s patience should not be mistaken for permissiveness or indifference to sin.
3. There are only two groups of people in God’s eyes: those who take refuge in Him and those who are His enemies.
4. Jesus Christ is the one who brings peace between God and humanity.
Discussion Questions:
1. How does the idea of God maintaining and cherishing His anger towards evil impact your view of His love and justice?
2. Discuss the tension between hating evil and not becoming hateful of people. How can we practically live this out in our daily lives?
3. In what ways might we be showing “contempt for God’s kindness” by misunderstanding His patience?
4. How does the finality of God’s judgment in Nahum challenge us to live with urgency in our faith?
5. Reflect on the two groups of people described in the sermon. How can we ensure we’re firmly in the group that takes refuge in God?
Practical Applications:
1. This week, identify an area in your life where you may have mistaken God’s patience for permissiveness. Take steps to address this and seek repentance.
2. Practice “hating evil but not becoming hateful” by choosing one societal issue to pray about and consider how you can respond with both truth and love.
3. Share the gospel with someone this week, emphasizing the peace that Jesus brings between God and humanity.
4. Spend time in prayer, thanking God for His patience and asking for discernment to live in a way that honors His kindness.
Closing Prayer:
Close the session by praying for each group member to have a renewed understanding of God’s character and a deepened commitment to living in light of His coming judgment and offered peace through Christ.