1. GOD’S RULE AMONG THE NATIONS
God’s role dismissed by many, but not by Bible students
History replete with divine hand in national affairs
Rule not arbitrary or unfair, but principled
Jesus’ role in this rule

2. GOD DOES RULE NATIONS.
Creator of world, Giver of life, Sovereign of nations
Acts 17:24-26
Job 12:23; Jer. 10:7; Psm. 22:28
Dan. 4:17
Timeless principle of divine rule: OT, NT
Principle of righteousness: Prov. 14:34; 16:12; Psm. 9:17

3. GOD DESTROYS WHEN THERE IS INSUFFICIENT SALT TO SAVE IT.
Antediluvian world, Gen. 6
Sodom, Gen. 18:26
Amorites in Canaan, Gen. 15:13-16
Israel, Deut. 4:5; 28:47-50
Eight different nations/cities, Amos 1-2; 3:7
Two unknowns: 1) How much salt? 2) How longsuffering is God (1 Pet. 3:20)?

4. GOD’S USE OF ANCIENT NATIONS
Assyria, Isa. 10:5-7, 24
Babylon, Hab.1:5-6; Dan. 4:17- 32; Jer. 50:17
Medes, Jer. 51:11, 28
Greece (Macedonia), Dan. 8:5-8, 21
Rome, Mt. 23:37-38; Lk. 21:20

5. PLACE OF JESUS IN GOD’S RULE
Psm. 2 - nations his inheritance
Psm. 45:6-7 - loves right., hates iniquity
Psm judges the nations
Isa. 11:4-5- slays the wicked
Mic. 5:15 - divine vengeance
Mt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-23; 1 Pet. 3: all authority
Rev. 1:5; 12:5; 17:14; 19: rules kings
Mt. 23: house left desolate

6. PRINCIPLES IN SUMMARY
God spares righteous nations but destroys evil ones.
God uses other nations, even wicked ones.
True strength for survival lies in righteousness, not wealth or weaponry.
Christians can influence God’s decision by righteous conduct and persistent prayer.