WEEKLY LESSON OUTLINE

Date: October 31, 2020 Topic: “God, Government, and Glory”

Introduction Welcome to the final episode of our five-part series on Bible Bloopers! Life sometimes goes off script, God’s script for us. The aim of this series is to study some of the famous failures, shortcomings and personal tragedies in the lives of select Bible characters, and show how God lovingly delivered them from their bloopers, restored them, and re-wrote or re-affirmed His script for their lives. He then used them to accomplish His purpose, despite their personal challenges. This Week’s Characters: King Manasseh of Judah, King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon, and Jesus of Nazareth Who is King of Kings. TOPIC: “God, Government, and Glory” Listen to this text of Scripture: Psalm 24:7-10

Points of Discussion Character #1 – King Manasseh of Judah 1. This story is found in 2 Kings 21:1–18 and :33 – 33:20 • Manasseh, son of , came to the throne at age 12 ______• He reigns after his father’s death for 55 years. He was not a good king at first ______• What were the bloopers in his life, leadership? ______• ______• Further thoughts ______

2. What happened as a result of King Manasseh’s poor leadership? ______

3. God restores Manasseh’s kingdom. Why did God do such good for such a wicked king? • Manasseh repented of his sins (33:12-13) ______• Further thoughts on God and government ______© 2020 by Restoring the Hope Ministries | www.RestoringTheHope.org

Character #2 – King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon 1. This story is found in Daniel 1-4 • Babylon: a vast empire ______• Nebuchadnezzar’s conquest of King and the ______• Nebuchadnezzar’s strategy for maintaining his power (1:3-5) ______• Nebuchadnezzar’s dream (2:1-45) ______• God reigns over all earthly rulers (2:21) ______• God introduces Himself personally to the king (2:28) ______• Question (based on 2:37-38): Is it God Who sets up whoever becomes king, president, prime minister, even though the people vote for them? ( chosen AFTER the people demand a king) ______• Is there a difference between what God wills and what God allows? ______

2. What were Nebuchadnezzar’s kingly bloopers, and what happened as a result? • Nebuchadnezzar’s image (3:1-23) ______• Jesus reveals Himself to the king (3:24-30) ______• Nebuchadnezzar’s 2nd blooper (his 2nd dream forewarns him in 4:1-18) ______• Big blooper! (4:28-33) ______• God restores a repentant king (4:34-37) ______• Further thoughts on God and government ______

Character #3 – Jesus, King of Kings 1. This story is found in throughout the Bible, but here are a few select passages: • He created before there was any earthly kingdom! Genesis 1:1, 26-31 and John 1:1-3, 14 ______• He created rest to commemorate creation! Genesis 2:1-3; Exodus 20:8-11 ______• His eternal kingdom of glory will come and will not be left to other people! Daniel 2:44-45 ______

2. Jesus and His glorious coming to set up His eternal kingdom • He is the King of Glory! Psalm 24:17-20 ______• Jesus makes it clear that this is certain! John 14:1-3 ______• Jesus is going to restore all things as new! Revelation 21:1-4 ______

Conclusion & Call to Action Call to Action 1. In spite of our personal bloopers, God restores the repentant sinner 2. The invitation is open to everyone today - APPEAL 3. Let’s Pray

© 2020 by Restoring the Hope Ministries | www.RestoringTheHope.org