The Imminence of God's Judgment
Notes
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Scripture Reading
Opening Prayer
Introduction
Exposition One (12a)
12 Thus says the Lord, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
“Thus says the Lord”
only time in Nahum
“Though they are full strength and many”
Helps us in determining a date
A time in Assyria’s might that they are “unbeatable”
“They will be cut down”
like blades of grass, in one fell swoop
“and pass away” (Alternate translation)
Nahum 1:12
12 This is what the Lord says: Though they are strong and numerous, they will still be mowed down, and he will pass away. Though I have punished you, I will punish you no longer.
They>He
Who is He?
“pass away” can also be translated “pass over” as in “the Lord will pass over them in judgment” like at the passover in Egypt
I. God’s judgment cannot be stopped my the might or wisdom of mankind (12a)
I. God’s judgment cannot be stopped my the might or wisdom of mankind (12a)
We saw last week that God is Sovereign and slow to wrath. God’s judgment is only delayed based on His Sovereign Grace
Illustration
Application
Pray for mercy
Repent
Rest in God’s Sovereign Grace
Exposition Two
12 Thus says the Lord, “Though they are at full strength and many, they will be cut down and pass away. Though I have afflicted you, I will afflict you no more.
13 And now I will break his yoke from off you and will burst your bonds apart.”
God has afflicted the Remnant in Judah
He will afflict them no more?
what about Babylon?
Specifically, affliction from Assyria
But also points to a future hope in which judgment will be poured out on another once and for all to redeem God’s people
13 - God’s judgment will free Judah from physical slavery
God’s ultimate judgment poured out on Jesus will deliver His people from sin and death
II. God’s judgment of sin is good because it delivers the creation from the curse (12b-13)
II. God’s judgment of sin is good because it delivers the creation from the curse (12b-13)
Illustration: Imagine a world where sin was allowed to reign...
Sin is destructive
Application
Thank God for His judgment of sin
General - world
Specific - Even His judgment of our sin
67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.
71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.
God’s judgment works to transform us.
Pray to God that He will judge sin
Sin around you
Warn people of God’s judgment and call them to repentance
Exposition Three
14 The Lord has given commandment about you: “No more shall your name be perpetuated; from the house of your gods I will cut off the carved image and the metal image. I will make your grave, for you are vile.”
“You” is misc. singular
Refers to the King (Ashurbanipal - Last Great King of Assyria)
Assyrian gods vs Yaweh
“Vile” = worthless/ no significance
III. God decrees judgment in His timing (14)
III. God decrees judgment in His timing (14)
Application
God’s salvation is deliverance from a sinful people
Rely on God to deliver you when the time is right
Conclusion
I. God’s judgment cannot be stopped my the might or wisdom of mankind (12a)
II. God’s judgment of sin is good because it delivers the creation from the curse (12b-13)
III. God decrees judgment in His timing (14)
BIG IDEA:
God’s unstoppable judgment is good, both in effect and timing
God’s unstoppable judgment is good, both in effect and timing