What is a Nation? Seven Truths from the Table of Nations

Occoquan Bible Church

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What is a Nation? Seven Truths from the Table of Nations

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July 7, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 10

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Dear OBC Family,

On Thursday, America celebrated 248 years of independence from England. With fireworks, cookouts, and a host of other American celebrations, Americans remembered the historical origin story of our nation. Or, at least, most did.

Today, cultural amnesia afflicts many in our country and as a result, many who enjoy the fireworks may not know what the celebration is for. In fact, many might not even know or appreciate what it means to be a nation independent from other nations. Yet, such a separation from England marks a key feature of world history—not only for America but for all nations.

Indeed, since the Tower of Babel, God has ordered the world to be divided into nations, made up of different languages, cultures, and clans. And in fact, the whole story of redemptive history includes the way that God superintends nations and brings the gospel to them.

This means that knowing our place in God’s story means knowing our place among the nations, but especially in the country we call home. Scripture is not silent about nations and God’s purposes with them. Nor is it silent about what God expects of us in our own nation. And one of the most illuminating passages on this subject is Genesis 10.

On Sunday, we will consider The Table of Nations and what God has to say to us about nations and his purposes with them. As you have time, read Genesis 10 and 11, as both are needed to understand the division of the nations that comes about after the flood. Pray for our time together and pray for our nation. On Sunday, we will consider further what our responsibility is in our nation—both now and until Christ returns to earth.

As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday.

For His Glory and your joy in Jesus,

Pastor David

Discussion & Response Questions ( Genesis 10)

1. How much thought have you given to the idea of ‘nations’? What has been most (un)helpful?

2. What place do nations play in the Bible? In redemptive history? In God’s plans in the world today?

3. What is the common source of nations? Why does this matter? What happens if this common origin is lost?

4. What brought about the division among the nations? Why is this a good thing?

5. What is God doing among the various nations of the world? What does that teach us about our respective nations?

6. What is the relationship between Babel (Genesis 11) and the division of nations (Genesis 10)? Why is the order seemingly reversed?

7. How does God use the various nations in redemptive history? What does the Day of Pentecost mean for the nations?

8. Who is the desire of the nations? What role does the church have in bringing the gospel to the nations?

9. If earthly nations are not ultimate, what is our responsibility for them? What role do you play in blessing your nation?

More from Genesis 4-11: Salvation & Judgment

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July 14, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 11

Finding a Faithful Older Brother: What Shem, Ham, and Japheth Reveal about Christ and the Cosmos (Ge

June 30, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 9:18–29

Dear OBC Family, I have to make a confession: When I started to prepare for this week’s sermon on Genesis 9:18–29, I didn’t think much of the passage. Or, at least, I didn’t quite know what to make of it. This last section about Noah does not have the same drama as the flood, it’s not that long, it’s something of a transition passage, and its curse on Canaan and blessing on Shem does not seem to have an immediate application today. At least, that’s how I thought about Genesis 9 when the week began. As I write this email, however, I am now convinced that this little section of Genesis 9 is more than a transition from Noah to the nations. The section is not a transition at all. Rather, it is the foundation for understanding three different kinds of people that fill the world today! And more, by reading this passage carefully, it helps us to know who we are and how we might be blessed and not cursed. That is to say, this passage does more than tell us something about the past. It tells us something about the Lord of all creation who fills heaven and earth and how we know him and be like him. That is what this passage has for us. And as we prepare for Sunday, I would ask you to read Genesis 9 and to pray that God would give us insight into what it means to be a true child of God! On Sunday, I will share more. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you on Sunday! For His Glory and your joy in Christ, Pastor David Discussion & Response Questions ( Genesis 9:18-29)Consider how the events immediately after the Flood mirror Genesis 1-3. What does this new beginning look like, and how is it marred? How does the vineyard mirror Eden? In what ways is it similar, and how is it different? Consider the sin, covering, curse, and blessing that unfolds in Genesis 9. How is this similar and distinct from Genesis 3? What are the interpretations of Ham’s sin? What are you biblically persuaded of, and why? Look for repetition regarding Canaan. Why is this significant? Compare and contrast Noah’s sons, and the blessings given to Shem and Japheth, and the curse given to Ham. Historically, how has the curse of Ham been misrepresented? Why does the priestly role of Noah play a part in understanding the drama of Genesis 9:18–29? How does the Bible speak about wine? What is the biblical ethic of wine for the Christian? What does Scripture teach about nakedness and covering nakedness? How might application of this text differ between the first audience with Moses, and the church today? How should we respond to this text?

Remembering the Rainbow: 6 Parts of God's Covenant with Noah... And Us

June 9, 2024 • David Schrock • Genesis 9:8–17

Dear OBC Family, When was the last time you saw a rainbow? And what did you think when you saw it? What did you remember? On Sunday, we will see what God has to say about rainbows and what the meaning of the rainbow is. Indeed, the rainbow is a sign of God’s grace and we should remember the covenant with Noah that is still in effect today. To prepare for Sunday, read Genesis 9, as well as Isaiah 54. We will be reminded of God’s promise of grace this Sunday and how that promise encourages us to continue to walk confidently with God. As the Lord allows, I look forward to seeing you Sunday as we worship God together. For His Glory and your joy, Pastor David -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Discussion & Response Questions (Genesis 9:8 – 17) Consider the text for this week. What stands out to you? How do you think about the flood? The world that came after it? Is Genesis 1–11 more like a galaxy far, far away? Or does it influence how you think about the world? How does the rest of the Bible pick up and apply this new beginning? What are the parts of the world that Genesis 8:20–9:7 describe? What is the pattern of “world building” that is found here? How does that support your views of the world? How does that invite change? How is this new beginning after the Flood distinct from the first beginning in Genesis 1-2? What change did the exaltation of Christ bring to the world? And does that mean for us? How ought we to respond to this text?