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The Progress of God’s Kingdom in Israel’s History

1. CONNECT

   10min
   The story of God’s kingdom in Israel is a mixture of positive accomplishments and abysmal failures. As we learned in our last session, Israel plays a central role in the Old Testament because God called for Abraham’s descendants to build and expand his kingdom on earth beyond where it had been during the Primeval History. In this session, we’ll look at three major times in the history of Israel when God’s kingdom took major strides forward: the time of God’s promises to Israel’s patriarchs, the time of Israel’s exodus from Egypt (including the conquest of the Promised Land), and the time of human kingship when Israel became a great empire. Yet, as much as God’s kingdom in Israel moved forward, Israel also fell into flagrant rebellion against God and suffered severe consequences.

2. Reflection

   As we look back at the Old Testament story of God’s kingdom in Israel, we must be sure to cherish what God accomplished. Every facet of Israel’s faithful service to God was a positive step toward the goal of extending the kingdom of God throughout the world. At the same time, we must also acknowledge the failures of Israel. The sins of Israel draw our attention to the wonder of the redemption God has provided for all of us in Christ.

3. Guiding Question

   Why did God’s kingdom in Israel continue to progress despite Israel’s failures?

4. WATCH

   15min

5. DISCUSS

   15min
   1. What’s the relationship between God’s promise to Abraham in Genesis 15:5-7 and the original commission God gave to Adam and Eve in Genesis 1:28?
   2. After the Israelites crossed the Red Sea, Moses celebrated the furtherance of God’s reign on earth as he reflected on Israel’s future settlement in the Promised Land. What does Moses’ song of praise in Exodus 15:17-18 reveal about God’s purposes for giving Israel the Promised Land?
   3. God ordained David’s house to lead Israel’s worship and service in all areas of life before God. What was God’s ultimate goal for establishing Israel as a growing empire under the rule of David’s house? How does Christ fulfill this hope in the house of David? (To help with your answer, read Psalm 72:1-17.)

6. APPLY

   15min
   1. In what ways are Christians called to continue humanity’s original service to God’s kingdom in a sinful world?
   2. God took Israel from a migrating tribe, to an established nation, to an empire with a king in order to spread his kingdom to the ends of the earth. Give some examples of a similar strategy for growth used in the modern world. Is this pattern of growth an effective way to bring people into God’s kingdom today? Why or why not?

7. CHALLENGE

   Write down five things you can learn about Christ’s saving work by studying the progress of God’s kingdom in Israel’s history. Finish with a time of prayer.