Wisdom Series Study Guide.

Wisdom Study Guide- Developed by John Mulholland Jr.

Many years ago, I (John) created a brief study guide called “What does the Bible have to say about government?” While not exhaustive, it will help you focus on scripture and engage one of the most important tools God has given his people. I hope you’ll learn a few things. I hope it will expose your thoughts, assumptions, and presuppositions that are not aligned with the ideals of God. When that happens, my prayer for you is that you would repent of your sin. Maybe, that sounds harsh. It’s also true. The only “fix” we have, the only thing we can truly count on and trust in, is the righteousness of God. It is for this reason Jesus came to earth; he came to make things right, to restore our relationship with God so that we would be part of the Kingdom.

Read Deuteronomy 17:14-20, then respond to the following questions:

• What reason is given for WHY the people will want a king?

• Make a list of the things that God says a king should be, should do, and should not do.

• Why did God tell Moses what was going to happen?

• What is the point behind all of these rules and regulations?

 

Read 1 Samuel 8, then respond to the following questions:

• Why did the people want a king?

• Who were the people REALLY rejecting when they asked for a king? Why?

• Compare/contrast verses 11-17 with Deuteronomy 17:14-20.

• Why would God give in to the people like this?

 

Read Matthew 22:15-22, then respond to the following questions:

• The Pharisees were a group of Jews who were nationalistic and hated the Roman Empire and its rule over Israel. The Herodians were a group of Jews who supported the Roman rule of the Herods. Knowing this, why would the Pharisees and Herodians join forces?

• Why did Jesus respond in the way he did?

• What was Jesus trying to communicate about government in his response?

Read Acts 4 and 5, then respond to the following questions:

• According to chapter 4, verse 19, the apostles are not following the governing authority. What is the reason given?

• According to chapter 5, verse 29, the apostles are not following the governing authority. What is the reason given?

• How were the situations in these 2 chapters similar?

• Was it right or wrong for the apostles to do what they did? Why?

 

Some additional points to ponder:

• Were the governing authorities in power then proper and just? Are our governing authorities NOW proper and just? How would we know?

• If ALL authority that exists has been “established by God”, shouldn’t we always obey it? Why? Why not?

• Remember that other people are not our enemy.

• “…You must be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry”- James 1:19.

• “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves…You must have the same attitude that Christ had”- Philippians 2:3, 5.

• The last thing that Jesus prayed for his disciples was that they’d be unified- John 17. As you read through the texts, the following five questions can help you find significance. When you study a passage ask yourself:

1. How can this passage increase my knowledge of God?

2. Is there a sin for me to avoid?

3. Is there a promise for me to trust?

4. Is there an example for me to follow?

5. Is there a command for me to obey?