Anglican Bible study - STUDY 40, OCTOBER 2, 2022
STUDY 40
Anglican Bible study - STUDY 40, OCTOBER 2, 2022, 16TH SUNDAY AFTER TRINITY OCTOBER 2 2022
THEME: THE LORD GOD AND THE REIGN OF PEACE
SUB THEME: Evidence of godly rule-1
TOPIC: Humility
TEXTS: 2Chron. 34:26-33
AIMS:
i. to teach us that earthly leaders exist only, at the behest of the Almighty, Omnipotent God.
ii. to teach that humility under the fear of the Lord is an evidence of a virtuous and godly ruler.
INTRODUCTION
In life, nobility does not mean feeling superior to other people. You may grow and become nobler and superior to your former self. Some contemporary rulers and leaders wrongly assume that conquest and success at elections are all that they require for good governance and the prosperity of the people, they lead or govern.
Godly fear, humility and a heart to hearken unto the dictates and biddings of the Almighty God are the surest ways to peace, tranquility and good governance. Of all the kings of both the Northern and the Southern Kingdoms, Josiah excelled more than any one of them, because he had the fear of God.
The same can be said of the king of Nineveh (Jonah 3:6–10); who listened to, received and obeyed the messages of the prophets Huldah and Jonah, and they, with their subjects repented and prospered.
STUDY GUIDE
1. According to the text and the introduction, how can the humility of a ruler bring peace and joy to the citizens and the entire land? Ref to Esth 8:3-8 (ref to 4:11, 15-16); Jonah 3:10.
2. What do you understand in this statement “ In life, nobility does not ... and superior to your former self " as stated above. Discuss in the context of John 3:5-9; John 3:28-30.
3. As Christians, what moral lessons can we draw from the attitudes of Josiah, the King of Nineveh and John the Baptist and Jesus Christ (Matt 3:13-15)?
4. How do contemporary rulers and leaders in civil and political offices react to God’s messages and divine instructions in the contemporary world? Matt 14:3-4
CONCLUSION
Pride and pomposity have become the bane of most of world leaders and rulers in politics,, culture, and the church. King Josiah purposed in his heart to serve the God of his forefather – David. He singled himself out as the most successful ruler among all the other Kings in both the northern and the Southern Kingdoms.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT: “True humility is not thinking less of yourself; it is thinking of yourself less”
MEMORY VERSE: Jam 4:6 “Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble”.