WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:10.820 As I said, the exaltation of Jesus, I really believe, is a feature of the gospel that is absolutely necessary, but often forgotten about. 00:00:12.099 --> 00:00:21.539 And I tried to think through this week, why is it that we don't speak so much about Jesus' ascension, so much about his place on the throne as we do some other things? 00:00:21.539 --> 00:00:42.480 And I think part of it is that, even rightfully so, we're so fixated on what Christ did and when he was and who he was that we don't make it so far as to consider who he is and what he is doing. 00:00:43.479 --> 00:00:56.099 We think back on the things of the cross and the resurrection and the things listed in his life and the mighty signs and works and wonders and the things that we have studied these last couple of weeks in Acts chapter 2. 00:00:56.099 --> 00:01:04.340 But we never move on from there to consider the fact that he is actually still living and he has a place. 00:01:04.439 --> 00:01:10.479 So where is he? He's not on earth any longer. Where is the Lord Jesus? Well, he's on the throne. 00:01:10.480 --> 00:01:15.859 And what is it exactly that the Lord Jesus is doing on the throne? 00:01:15.920 --> 00:01:26.159 And I really think that as we begin to dig into these things, we will find that not only is it necessary for us to understand them, but it's actually wonderful for us to know them. 00:01:27.140 --> 00:01:33.020 And I don't want you to misunderstand me. I'm not saying that we should focus less on the crucifixion and resurrection. 00:01:33.020 --> 00:01:38.700 That's not what I mean at all. My point is that we shouldn't consider the crucifixion and resurrection 00:01:38.700 --> 00:01:42.879 apart from the exaltation of Jesus. 00:01:43.780 --> 00:01:52.359 And the fact that he is the exalted Lord, that he is presently and eternally reigning over all of creation. 00:01:52.820 --> 00:01:58.260 And I think there's some dangers that we face in our Christian life and our Christian growth 00:01:58.260 --> 00:02:02.820 when we don't duly consider the exaltation of Jesus. 00:02:02.819 --> 00:02:07.399 I think it presents major weaknesses in three particular areas. 00:02:07.719 --> 00:02:16.199 I think it points to major weaknesses in our worship, in our Christian maturity, and in our gospel evangelism. 00:02:16.859 --> 00:02:17.979 Here's what I mean. 00:02:17.979 --> 00:02:24.120 Our worship, Sunday by Sunday, our personal private worship day by day, 00:02:24.639 --> 00:02:31.280 can very quickly become about what is satisfying to us rather than what is glorifying to God 00:02:31.280 --> 00:02:37.199 when we don't take the time to consider the fact that we have a Lord that we are worshiping 00:02:37.199 --> 00:02:41.619 and that He demands our worship to be carried out in a particular way. 00:02:41.619 --> 00:02:47.919 And when we stop thinking about our worship actually being a sacrifice of praise that is offered to Him, 00:02:48.079 --> 00:02:52.979 we begin to view our worship as something that is satisfying to us instead. 00:02:53.879 --> 00:02:59.359 That's why so many churches trade sheep so oftentimes in a city like ours 00:02:59.359 --> 00:03:01.859 where there's so many different churches that you can attend. 00:03:01.860 --> 00:03:08.420 When the worship or the program or the structures of one particular church 00:03:08.420 --> 00:03:11.620 I find to be less satisfying to me personally, 00:03:11.800 --> 00:03:15.720 then I go find a church that is more satisfying to me personally. 00:03:16.380 --> 00:03:22.560 And I really think part of this is because we have failed to notice and recognize regularly 00:03:22.560 --> 00:03:25.780 that we have a Lord, that He is the exalted Lord, 00:03:25.900 --> 00:03:29.880 that our worship comes to Him, that our worship is not actually about us. 00:03:29.879 --> 00:03:35.900 And I think it can reveal some weaknesses there in our spiritual growth and maturity. 00:03:36.780 --> 00:03:43.639 It's hindered when we think of Jesus as only the forgiver of sin 00:03:43.639 --> 00:03:47.859 and not also as the judge of our sin. 00:03:49.240 --> 00:03:53.479 I'll never forget the first time that a Christian or a professing Christian 00:03:54.319 --> 00:03:59.539 excused his sin to me on the basis of God's forgiveness. 00:03:59.879 --> 00:04:07.479 And it was on the school bus actually one day, riding to school or maybe back home from school 00:04:07.479 --> 00:04:08.519 in high school. 00:04:09.240 --> 00:04:12.639 And somehow me and some of my friends were talking about sin. 00:04:12.719 --> 00:04:14.400 I don't even remember what sin it was. 00:04:14.699 --> 00:04:19.439 But one of my buddies, his name was Paul, he said he was talking about a particular thing 00:04:19.439 --> 00:04:21.560 that he was planning on doing that night when he got home. 00:04:22.540 --> 00:04:26.780 And the rest of us were like, well, why would you plan on doing that when you know it's not right? 00:04:26.839 --> 00:04:30.000 He was like, well, it's no big deal because Jesus is just going to forgive my sin. 00:04:30.120 --> 00:04:34.579 I can do the thing and then when I'm finished, I'll ask God to forgive my sin and He'll forgive my sin. 00:04:35.980 --> 00:04:38.540 And Paul only thought of Jesus as a forgiver. 00:04:39.399 --> 00:04:43.259 He didn't actually think of Jesus as a judge, as a Lord. 00:04:43.259 --> 00:04:47.399 Do you see how that can hinder our spiritual growth? 00:04:48.360 --> 00:04:56.480 We might tend to maybe not necessarily happily live in sin, but conveniently live in sin 00:04:56.480 --> 00:04:59.420 because we know the forgiveness is there. 00:04:59.759 --> 00:05:02.959 And we're not so much concerned about pleasing the Lord that we follow 00:05:02.959 --> 00:05:08.800 as much as we are having an escape hatch when we get into trouble and we face consequences for those things. 00:05:08.800 --> 00:05:10.439 It hinders our worship. 00:05:10.759 --> 00:05:13.340 It hinders our growth in the Lord. 00:05:14.460 --> 00:05:19.480 Similarly to that, our evangelism is impacted by this. 00:05:21.160 --> 00:05:24.560 We stop preaching a full gospel. 00:05:25.939 --> 00:05:30.100 We hit the parts of the gospel that are most palatable to most people. 00:05:30.100 --> 00:05:36.680 And we start to plead with people to receive Jesus as a sacrifice of their sin 00:05:36.680 --> 00:05:40.220 without actually bowing to Him as their Lord. 00:05:41.879 --> 00:05:42.660 Do you see? 00:05:44.600 --> 00:05:48.840 Have you been around people professing Christians who really don't know anything of the lordship of Christ? 00:05:49.820 --> 00:05:51.860 They don't know anything really of repentance. 00:05:52.200 --> 00:05:54.820 They just know of grace and they know of forgiveness. 00:05:54.819 --> 00:06:01.579 But they've only been preached a half gospel, which is a problem. 00:06:01.719 --> 00:06:03.459 It affects our evangelism. 00:06:04.279 --> 00:06:11.600 But the lordship of Christ has always been an essential focus in the worship and in the preaching of the church. 00:06:12.959 --> 00:06:14.800 As we'll see throughout our study this morning, 00:06:15.339 --> 00:06:20.420 the apostles always rejoiced in the glories of the cross and the resurrection 00:06:20.420 --> 00:06:27.319 in conjunction with the assurance of Christ's exalted place in heaven. 00:06:28.819 --> 00:06:34.720 For them, the cross and the resurrection and the ascension and the exaltation and the return, 00:06:34.920 --> 00:06:40.439 all of those truths, all of those dynamics of the gospel were intertwined and closely related. 00:06:40.680 --> 00:06:45.840 They didn't separate them out so that they could focus on the cross and the empty tomb in one place. 00:06:45.960 --> 00:06:50.319 And just when they get to it, they could focus on the lordship and exaltation of Christ. 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:53.800 If you read the New Testament and read what the apostles were preaching, 00:06:54.280 --> 00:06:56.319 Peter's sermon here being clear evidence of it, 00:06:56.580 --> 00:07:03.620 they always linked in the lordship, the exaltation of Jesus with the glories of the cross and the resurrection. 00:07:04.759 --> 00:07:09.080 And throughout history, Christians have done the same thing, not only in their preaching, 00:07:09.079 --> 00:07:14.159 but they have continued to persevere through great hardship and persecution 00:07:14.159 --> 00:07:22.860 because of their hope and recognition of the sovereign rule of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 00:07:23.699 --> 00:07:29.379 I thought about this week, Charles Spurgeon in the Metropolitan Tabernacle in London. 00:07:30.019 --> 00:07:33.959 Before it was the Metropolitan Tabernacle, it was the New Park Street Chapel. 00:07:33.959 --> 00:07:39.120 And in 1856, Spurgeon was only 25 years old. 00:07:40.120 --> 00:07:42.500 His preaching was fantastic. 00:07:42.620 --> 00:07:45.019 It drew massive crowds, even at such a young age. 00:07:45.199 --> 00:07:49.319 And they were outgrowing the facility in which they were meeting on New Park Street. 00:07:50.219 --> 00:07:55.859 And so they began to have services at the Surrey Music Hall in London, 00:07:55.860 --> 00:08:01.840 a place that seats about 10,000, or in that day sat about 10,000 people. 00:08:02.139 --> 00:08:05.259 On one particular night in October of 1856, 00:08:05.879 --> 00:08:13.920 14,000 people are estimated to have gathered into the music hall that night in London to hear Charles Spurgeon preach. 00:08:14.460 --> 00:08:17.500 And they were using this facility while they were building another facility 00:08:17.500 --> 00:08:20.480 that would be more accommodating to the size of their church. 00:08:20.480 --> 00:08:26.740 On that night, just before he actually got up to the platform to preach his sermon for the evening, 00:08:27.319 --> 00:08:32.580 there were some miscreants in the crowd that decided they were going to cause some trouble for the group. 00:08:33.399 --> 00:08:36.539 And there were different places around the building. 00:08:36.659 --> 00:08:41.500 They began to yell, fire, fire, the balconies are falling, the balconies are falling. 00:08:41.820 --> 00:08:43.840 And immediately, chaos ensues. 00:08:43.840 --> 00:08:48.960 And all of these people, scared for their lives, immediately began to run for the doors, 00:08:49.080 --> 00:08:52.440 trying to get out of the way because they thought the place was on fire, 00:08:52.700 --> 00:08:55.860 that there were so many people the building was going to collapse and they were all going to die. 00:08:56.680 --> 00:08:59.780 Well, none of those things were true, but it's what they thought were true. 00:09:00.820 --> 00:09:02.660 And they began to stampede out of the building. 00:09:03.100 --> 00:09:06.980 That night, seven people lost their lives just being trampled by the crowd. 00:09:07.560 --> 00:09:11.540 28 other people were hospitalized with severe injuries from the evening 00:09:11.540 --> 00:09:13.500 because of what had taken place. 00:09:14.540 --> 00:09:17.120 And of course, Spurgeon, so impacted by this, 00:09:17.560 --> 00:09:21.639 it said that on the night when they finally told him what had happened with the seven people 00:09:21.639 --> 00:09:25.360 dying as a result of trying to hear his preaching, 00:09:25.899 --> 00:09:28.139 that he actually fainted upon hearing the news. 00:09:28.340 --> 00:09:30.860 It was a burden that he carried with them his entire life. 00:09:32.000 --> 00:09:37.139 The newspapers, as you might expect, were very friendly to Spurgeon after that. 00:09:37.139 --> 00:09:38.680 They were not friendly at all, actually. 00:09:38.740 --> 00:09:41.800 They were very critical of him and the church and all these other things. 00:09:41.799 --> 00:09:44.479 And it just became a major burden for the church. 00:09:45.259 --> 00:09:50.519 Two weeks later, Spurgeon preaches for the first time after the tragedy happens. 00:09:50.899 --> 00:09:53.479 He's back at the New Park Street Chapel. 00:09:53.939 --> 00:09:57.779 And I want to read to you the way that he opened his sermon, or at least a portion of it. 00:09:57.779 --> 00:09:59.419 He said, 00:09:59.419 --> 00:10:16.719 The text I have selected is one that has comforted me and in a great measure enabled me to come here today. 00:10:16.720 --> 00:10:23.680 The single reflection upon it had such a power to comfort on my depressed spirit. 00:10:24.399 --> 00:10:31.220 I have been utterly unable to study, but I thought that even a few words might be acceptable to you this morning. 00:10:31.740 --> 00:10:34.540 And I trust to your loving hearts to excuse them. 00:10:35.500 --> 00:10:40.440 And with that, he instructed the congregation to turn to Philippians chapter 2. 00:10:40.440 --> 00:10:47.520 He read verses 9 through 11, and he preached a short sermon on the exaltation of Jesus Christ. 00:10:48.580 --> 00:10:49.660 It's amazing, isn't it? 00:10:50.880 --> 00:10:56.020 The one scripture that comforted him in his depressed spirit. 00:10:56.280 --> 00:11:00.980 The one thing that as a pastor he felt like his church needed to know more than anything else, 00:11:01.080 --> 00:11:05.680 two weeks after such a tremendous tragedy had taken place in their midst. 00:11:05.679 --> 00:11:10.359 The one thing that he decided to focus on for that day in pastoring and shepherding his people 00:11:10.359 --> 00:11:12.739 was the sovereign rule of our Lord. 00:11:13.939 --> 00:11:16.819 The exaltation of Jesus Christ. 00:11:17.620 --> 00:11:19.039 And so it's important for us. 00:11:19.239 --> 00:11:20.259 We need not neglect it. 00:11:20.859 --> 00:11:21.919 Peter didn't neglect it. 00:11:22.719 --> 00:11:27.599 I think his aim was threefold here as he deals with it in this particular sermon. 00:11:27.839 --> 00:11:31.139 I think he's continuing to identify Jesus as Messiah. 00:11:31.139 --> 00:11:39.139 He's affirming that Jesus was actually the agent and giver of the spirit that they had witnessed that day. 00:11:39.500 --> 00:11:46.379 And then he's also aiming to proclaim that Jesus is the righteous judge of all. 00:11:46.779 --> 00:11:49.580 And we're going to explore all of those things under three headings today. 00:11:50.179 --> 00:11:51.860 Jesus as the exalted king. 00:11:52.279 --> 00:11:54.419 Jesus as the expected king. 00:11:54.980 --> 00:11:57.759 Jesus as the exclusive king. 00:11:57.759 --> 00:12:03.360 So look with me first at verse 33 as we see Jesus as the exalted king. 00:12:04.840 --> 00:12:11.819 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, 00:12:12.700 --> 00:12:17.299 he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 00:12:18.700 --> 00:12:24.460 Now when we refer to the exaltation of Jesus, generally we're using the term in a broad sense. 00:12:24.460 --> 00:12:30.360 We really mean to include various facets of the work of Christ, 00:12:30.460 --> 00:12:34.519 including his resurrection and his intercessory work in heaven, 00:12:34.879 --> 00:12:39.560 his second coming, his return, all of those things we would include in a broad sense. 00:12:40.060 --> 00:12:45.240 But there's a specific event of which the apostles were witnesses 00:12:45.240 --> 00:12:51.180 that proves Jesus of Nazareth to be the exalted Christ. 00:12:51.860 --> 00:12:53.400 And this was his ascension. 00:12:53.399 --> 00:12:55.620 You're in Acts chapter 2. 00:12:55.699 --> 00:12:57.679 Flip back a page to Acts chapter 1. 00:12:58.139 --> 00:13:01.459 And look at it with me beginning at verse 6. 00:13:03.220 --> 00:13:07.939 This is approximately or right at 40 days following Jesus' resurrection. 00:13:09.039 --> 00:13:13.059 Jesus is about to go back to heaven as he told his disciples all along he would do. 00:13:13.559 --> 00:13:15.699 And this is their last encounter with him on earth. 00:13:16.419 --> 00:13:18.340 So when they had come together, verse 6, 00:13:18.340 --> 00:13:19.759 they asked him, 00:13:19.759 --> 00:13:22.899 Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel? 00:13:23.399 --> 00:13:24.740 And he said to them, 00:13:24.960 --> 00:13:30.639 it is not for you to know the times or seasons that the Father has fixed by his own authority, 00:13:30.639 --> 00:13:35.000 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:41.259 and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria and the end of the earth. 00:13:41.259 --> 00:13:44.019 And when he had said these things, 00:13:44.019 --> 00:13:46.179 as they were looking on, 00:13:46.600 --> 00:13:48.200 he was lifted up, 00:13:48.639 --> 00:13:51.720 and a cloud took him out of their sight. 00:13:52.279 --> 00:13:54.639 And while they were gazing into heaven, 00:13:54.639 --> 00:13:55.720 as he went, 00:13:56.279 --> 00:13:56.600 behold, 00:13:56.720 --> 00:13:59.159 two men stood by them in white robes 00:13:59.159 --> 00:14:00.139 and said, 00:14:00.139 --> 00:14:01.159 men of Galilee, 00:14:01.879 --> 00:14:03.839 why do you stand looking into heaven? 00:14:04.679 --> 00:14:07.620 This Jesus who was taken up from you into heaven 00:14:07.620 --> 00:14:12.919 will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. 00:14:14.000 --> 00:14:16.839 Now that's a significant event for these men to witness. 00:14:17.899 --> 00:14:23.159 They see the resurrected Christ leave the earth in a physical way, 00:14:23.600 --> 00:14:24.939 gathered in by the clouds, 00:14:25.120 --> 00:14:27.500 ascending out of sight into the heavens, 00:14:27.500 --> 00:14:32.519 clearly symbolizing his ascension back to the throne of heaven. 00:14:32.820 --> 00:14:36.940 Now Peter was an eyewitness to everything he mentions in this sermon. 00:14:37.940 --> 00:14:41.539 He saw the mighty works and wonders and signs. 00:14:41.539 --> 00:14:45.899 He was there when Jesus was condemned and executed. 00:14:46.559 --> 00:14:49.240 He saw himself the empty tomb. 00:14:49.519 --> 00:14:53.759 He interacted on multiple occasions with the risen Christ. 00:14:53.759 --> 00:14:57.860 And when Peter speaks of Christ's exaltation in this verse, 00:14:58.039 --> 00:15:04.379 he isn't speaking in theoretical terms of what he think has happened with Jesus, 00:15:04.379 --> 00:15:09.879 but it's based on the ascension of the Lord that he personally witnessed. 00:15:10.679 --> 00:15:13.200 He was there on the Mount of Olives that day. 00:15:13.399 --> 00:15:18.960 He saw Jesus leave this earth and return to heaven. 00:15:18.960 --> 00:15:22.620 He heard the angels stand by and say, 00:15:23.060 --> 00:15:24.440 why are you gazing here? 00:15:24.639 --> 00:15:26.360 Go do what he said to do. 00:15:26.500 --> 00:15:29.759 He's coming back in the same way that he just left. 00:15:30.379 --> 00:15:34.980 And the Lord's ascension then reflects his exalted position. 00:15:35.540 --> 00:15:38.580 And it impacts Peter's sermon in two ways here. 00:15:38.820 --> 00:15:41.620 The first thing I want you to see is his place. 00:15:42.220 --> 00:15:43.160 His place. 00:15:43.159 --> 00:15:45.360 Look with me again at verse 33. 00:15:46.620 --> 00:15:50.879 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God. 00:15:51.600 --> 00:15:52.000 Of God. 00:15:52.679 --> 00:15:57.439 This is clearly in reference to a place of authority. 00:15:58.899 --> 00:16:01.919 Ruling the world at the right hand of God the Father. 00:16:02.579 --> 00:16:07.120 Jesus, his son, has been exalted to the throne of heaven. 00:16:07.939 --> 00:16:12.799 But that doesn't mean it was a position he had never occupied before. 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:16.480 Jesus is co-equal. 00:16:17.120 --> 00:16:20.539 Co-eternal with the Father and the Spirit. 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:24.879 And this is why John begins his gospel in John chapter 1. 00:16:25.339 --> 00:16:27.240 In the beginning was the Word. 00:16:27.699 --> 00:16:29.519 And the Word was with God. 00:16:29.699 --> 00:16:31.839 And the Word was God. 00:16:32.459 --> 00:16:34.240 He was in the beginning with God. 00:16:34.659 --> 00:16:37.039 All things were made through him. 00:16:37.319 --> 00:16:40.819 And without him was not anything made that was made. 00:16:41.039 --> 00:16:42.659 In him was life. 00:16:43.159 --> 00:16:45.860 And the life was the light of men. 00:16:46.519 --> 00:16:51.740 This exalted position is not one Jesus had not yet occupied. 00:16:52.379 --> 00:16:54.480 It's one he was returning to. 00:16:55.480 --> 00:16:57.980 Jesus is not a created being. 00:16:58.480 --> 00:17:00.059 He's the eternal God. 00:17:00.559 --> 00:17:02.939 He's the second person of the Trinity. 00:17:03.279 --> 00:17:05.839 He's the agent of creation. 00:17:05.839 --> 00:17:10.419 And he's always had his place on the throne. 00:17:11.159 --> 00:17:29.220 And the emphasis of the exaltation in the apostles' preaching reminds us that the king who was on the throne condescended from the throne in order that he might make an atonement for our sin. 00:17:29.220 --> 00:17:35.900 It's not that he gained an exalted place after his crucifixion. 00:17:35.900 --> 00:17:40.660 It's that he returned to his exalted place. 00:17:40.660 --> 00:17:44.019 Which is why Paul wrote in Philippians chapter 2. 00:17:44.019 --> 00:17:46.720 Though he was in the form of God. 00:17:46.720 --> 00:17:51.079 He did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped. 00:17:51.839 --> 00:17:54.799 But he emptied himself not of his deity. 00:17:55.180 --> 00:17:59.839 But of all of the glories that comes with being the king on the throne. 00:18:00.059 --> 00:18:05.240 He did not consider those things worth holding on to in order to leave us in our sins. 00:18:05.240 --> 00:18:07.579 He does not give away his deity. 00:18:07.720 --> 00:18:08.559 He's still God. 00:18:08.620 --> 00:18:09.440 He's always God. 00:18:09.680 --> 00:18:14.240 But he condescends from heaven, Paul says. 00:18:14.420 --> 00:18:16.420 And he takes on the form of a servant. 00:18:16.859 --> 00:18:18.799 Being born in the likeness of men. 00:18:19.559 --> 00:18:21.420 And being found in human form. 00:18:21.759 --> 00:18:25.960 He humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death. 00:18:26.420 --> 00:18:27.819 Even death on a cross. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:31.660 Therefore God has highly exalted him. 00:18:31.660 --> 00:18:35.480 And bestowed on him the name that is above every name. 00:18:35.880 --> 00:18:37.840 So that the name of Jesus. 00:18:38.019 --> 00:18:41.240 Every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth. 00:18:41.519 --> 00:18:44.460 And every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. 00:18:44.759 --> 00:18:46.540 To the glory of God the Father. 00:18:47.540 --> 00:18:50.940 I really believe one of the most beautiful pictures of this. 00:18:51.140 --> 00:18:53.420 Is seen in the last supper. 00:18:54.660 --> 00:18:55.259 Do you remember? 00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:57.740 The night of Jesus' arrest. 00:18:58.720 --> 00:19:01.500 Began with the Passover feast with his disciples. 00:19:01.660 --> 00:19:06.200 Jesus sat at the honored seat at the table. 00:19:07.500 --> 00:19:11.340 And he willingly steps out of the honored seat at the table. 00:19:11.560 --> 00:19:13.640 And he takes off his garment. 00:19:13.920 --> 00:19:16.019 And he goes over and he gets the pot. 00:19:16.160 --> 00:19:17.400 And he gets the towel. 00:19:17.720 --> 00:19:22.720 And one by one he condescends to wash the feet of every one of his disciples. 00:19:22.720 --> 00:19:26.140 And when he's finished with his work. 00:19:27.559 --> 00:19:30.440 Providing the cleansing that they needed that night. 00:19:31.140 --> 00:19:32.160 What did he do? 00:19:32.759 --> 00:19:36.559 He returned back to the seat of honor at the table. 00:19:37.259 --> 00:19:40.600 Is that not what Paul is saying that Jesus has done for us? 00:19:40.599 --> 00:19:43.539 He is in the seat of honor. 00:19:43.539 --> 00:19:45.839 The seat of power on the throne. 00:19:46.039 --> 00:19:49.779 And he willingly steps out of that seat of glory. 00:19:49.779 --> 00:19:53.779 And that seat of honor in order to come and serve us. 00:19:54.319 --> 00:19:56.159 And he humbles himself. 00:19:56.699 --> 00:19:58.219 And when he finished his work. 00:19:58.359 --> 00:20:04.000 When he finished the work of providing us with the exact cleansing that we needed. 00:20:04.000 --> 00:20:05.099 What did he do? 00:20:05.319 --> 00:20:11.200 He returned to his exalted place at the right hand of God the Father. 00:20:12.500 --> 00:20:13.880 He's the exalted Lord. 00:20:14.579 --> 00:20:17.819 He always has been the exalted Lord. 00:20:18.740 --> 00:20:23.500 And this is the truth that the apostles spoke of again and again. 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:26.180 Acts chapter 5 verse 31. 00:20:26.480 --> 00:20:27.619 This is Peter again. 00:20:27.619 --> 00:20:32.079 God exalted him at his right hand as leader and savior. 00:20:32.079 --> 00:20:35.480 To give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins. 00:20:36.259 --> 00:20:38.899 And we are witnesses to these things he says. 00:20:39.220 --> 00:20:40.899 And so is the Holy Spirit. 00:20:41.159 --> 00:20:43.539 Whom God has given to those who obey him. 00:20:44.379 --> 00:20:46.500 Paul writes about it to the Ephesians. 00:20:46.679 --> 00:20:49.039 In Ephesians chapter 1 in verse 19. 00:20:49.419 --> 00:20:51.720 According to the working of his great might. 00:20:52.079 --> 00:20:53.419 That he worked in Christ. 00:20:53.799 --> 00:20:55.299 When he raised him from the dead. 00:20:55.299 --> 00:20:59.859 And seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places. 00:20:59.859 --> 00:21:05.979 Far above all rule and authority and power and dominion. 00:21:06.079 --> 00:21:07.879 Above every name that is named. 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:09.539 Not only in this age. 00:21:09.679 --> 00:21:12.019 But also in the one to come. 00:21:12.959 --> 00:21:14.879 And he put all things under his feet. 00:21:15.479 --> 00:21:18.279 And gave him as head over all things to the church. 00:21:18.519 --> 00:21:19.740 Which is his body. 00:21:20.179 --> 00:21:22.259 The fullness of him who fills all in all. 00:21:22.259 --> 00:21:24.559 And then the writer of Hebrews. 00:21:24.700 --> 00:21:25.619 Whoever that was. 00:21:26.140 --> 00:21:27.319 Says the same thing. 00:21:27.839 --> 00:21:29.019 Chapter 1 in verse 3. 00:21:29.339 --> 00:21:31.440 He's the radiance of the glory of God. 00:21:31.599 --> 00:21:33.339 The exact imprint of his nature. 00:21:33.879 --> 00:21:36.480 He upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:21:36.740 --> 00:21:38.960 This is Jesus this writer is speaking of. 00:21:39.119 --> 00:21:41.799 And after making purification for sins. 00:21:41.799 --> 00:21:46.480 He sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. 00:21:46.779 --> 00:21:47.460 Do you see? 00:21:47.859 --> 00:21:50.779 The apostles never separated the gospel. 00:21:50.779 --> 00:21:52.980 That includes the crucifixion and resurrection. 00:21:52.980 --> 00:21:55.599 From the exaltation of Jesus. 00:21:55.759 --> 00:21:57.259 That includes his lordship. 00:21:57.399 --> 00:21:59.559 It's all interwoven together. 00:22:00.200 --> 00:22:01.579 It's a glorious truth. 00:22:03.279 --> 00:22:05.220 Because it's from this place. 00:22:05.639 --> 00:22:07.299 Of honor and power. 00:22:07.859 --> 00:22:10.779 That Jesus rules over the world in which we live. 00:22:11.859 --> 00:22:14.220 It's from this exalted place. 00:22:14.480 --> 00:22:16.740 That he according to the writer of Hebrews. 00:22:17.059 --> 00:22:20.019 Lives to make intercession for us. 00:22:20.019 --> 00:22:21.940 It's from this place. 00:22:21.940 --> 00:22:22.940 According to John. 00:22:23.019 --> 00:22:25.119 That he works as our advocate. 00:22:25.119 --> 00:22:26.720 When we've sinned. 00:22:26.720 --> 00:22:28.039 It's from this place. 00:22:28.039 --> 00:22:30.019 That Isaiah wrote in Isaiah 53. 00:22:30.019 --> 00:22:34.059 That he makes intercession for the transgressors. 00:22:34.599 --> 00:22:37.240 This is why the exaltation of Jesus. 00:22:37.240 --> 00:22:39.700 Has brought such peace and comfort. 00:22:39.700 --> 00:22:41.799 To Christians throughout the centuries. 00:22:41.799 --> 00:22:45.160 Because he was not only a lord for 33 years. 00:22:45.279 --> 00:22:46.819 He's the everlasting lord. 00:22:46.819 --> 00:22:48.139 He rules the world. 00:22:48.139 --> 00:22:49.939 Which means he rules our lives. 00:22:49.939 --> 00:22:51.379 And we take great peace. 00:22:51.379 --> 00:22:52.480 And comfort. 00:22:52.480 --> 00:22:54.139 And help from knowing. 00:22:54.139 --> 00:22:55.679 That it is our lord. 00:22:55.679 --> 00:22:57.159 That rules the world. 00:22:57.740 --> 00:22:58.919 It is our lord. 00:22:58.919 --> 00:23:01.339 That makes intercession on our behalf. 00:23:01.339 --> 00:23:02.819 It is our lord. 00:23:02.819 --> 00:23:04.399 Who provides the forgiveness. 00:23:04.740 --> 00:23:05.919 That we need. 00:23:06.359 --> 00:23:08.419 What a glorious truth it is. 00:23:09.599 --> 00:23:11.439 Don't only see his place though. 00:23:11.839 --> 00:23:13.039 See his promise. 00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:15.079 See his promise again. 00:23:15.279 --> 00:23:16.399 In verse 33. 00:23:16.899 --> 00:23:19.700 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God. 00:23:20.460 --> 00:23:22.339 Having received from the father. 00:23:22.579 --> 00:23:24.379 The promise of the Holy Spirit. 00:23:25.000 --> 00:23:26.980 He has poured out this. 00:23:27.079 --> 00:23:28.759 That you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 00:23:29.619 --> 00:23:31.859 He being Jesus in Peter's sermon. 00:23:33.139 --> 00:23:35.779 Jesus made this happen today. 00:23:35.920 --> 00:23:39.460 This display of the spirit of God's work. 00:23:39.460 --> 00:23:42.000 And this is the second way. 00:23:42.000 --> 00:23:43.660 That the exaltation of Jesus. 00:23:43.660 --> 00:23:45.480 Impacts Peter's sermon. 00:23:46.819 --> 00:23:48.880 From his exalted place in heaven. 00:23:49.880 --> 00:23:51.440 Jesus was responsible. 00:23:51.440 --> 00:23:53.579 For pouring out the spirit on his people. 00:23:55.539 --> 00:23:56.759 What they were witnessing. 00:23:56.759 --> 00:23:59.100 Was the inauguration of the last days. 00:23:59.440 --> 00:24:01.279 And Jesus was the true Messiah. 00:24:01.279 --> 00:24:03.039 Who made it happen. 00:24:04.539 --> 00:24:06.100 Not only was it a reality. 00:24:06.100 --> 00:24:07.079 That this was happening. 00:24:07.079 --> 00:24:09.599 But this was the promise of Jesus. 00:24:09.779 --> 00:24:11.579 He said he would do this. 00:24:12.319 --> 00:24:14.000 Turn with me to John's gospel. 00:24:14.319 --> 00:24:14.799 Would you do that? 00:24:14.839 --> 00:24:16.579 Just a few pages back from where you are. 00:24:16.960 --> 00:24:18.899 Start with me in chapter 14. 00:24:20.579 --> 00:24:21.919 John chapter 14. 00:24:22.500 --> 00:24:25.079 I want you to notice the promise of Jesus here. 00:24:31.319 --> 00:24:32.539 John chapter 14. 00:24:33.279 --> 00:24:34.899 Look at verse 16. 00:24:37.079 --> 00:24:38.199 I will ask the father. 00:24:39.559 --> 00:24:42.099 And he will give you another helper. 00:24:43.039 --> 00:24:45.079 To be with you forever. 00:24:45.079 --> 00:24:48.059 Even the spirit of truth. 00:24:48.539 --> 00:24:50.039 Whom the world cannot receive. 00:24:50.579 --> 00:24:53.259 Because it neither sees him nor knows him. 00:24:53.939 --> 00:24:55.039 You know him. 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:57.059 For he dwells with you. 00:24:57.379 --> 00:25:00.199 And he will be in you. 00:25:00.699 --> 00:25:01.519 Jesus promises. 00:25:02.179 --> 00:25:03.240 Now skip down a few verses. 00:25:03.419 --> 00:25:04.759 Verse 25. 00:25:04.759 --> 00:25:07.940 These things I have spoken to you. 00:25:07.960 --> 00:25:09.160 While I am still with you. 00:25:09.799 --> 00:25:10.900 But the helper. 00:25:11.680 --> 00:25:12.700 The Holy Spirit. 00:25:13.220 --> 00:25:15.799 Whom the father will send in my name. 00:25:16.180 --> 00:25:18.259 He will teach you all things. 00:25:18.500 --> 00:25:20.059 And bring to your remembrance. 00:25:20.500 --> 00:25:22.160 All that I have said to you. 00:25:22.460 --> 00:25:24.839 You can picture in Jesus' statement there. 00:25:25.099 --> 00:25:26.379 The fear of the disciples. 00:25:27.359 --> 00:25:29.500 They've spent three years following. 00:25:29.700 --> 00:25:31.279 And listening to Jesus' teaching. 00:25:31.279 --> 00:25:33.539 And in those three years. 00:25:33.619 --> 00:25:34.420 They messed up a lot. 00:25:34.519 --> 00:25:36.099 There's a lot of things that weren't clicking for them. 00:25:36.339 --> 00:25:36.500 Right? 00:25:37.460 --> 00:25:38.599 Now Jesus is saying. 00:25:38.660 --> 00:25:39.420 He's going to have to leave. 00:25:39.619 --> 00:25:41.099 He's going to go back to the throne. 00:25:42.139 --> 00:25:43.180 And they're worried. 00:25:43.920 --> 00:25:45.119 What if we forget? 00:25:45.599 --> 00:25:47.660 What if we forget the things you've taught? 00:25:48.299 --> 00:25:49.019 And he says. 00:25:49.019 --> 00:25:49.539 Don't worry. 00:25:49.599 --> 00:25:50.500 It's good for you. 00:25:51.420 --> 00:25:54.160 Because the father is going to send the spirit in my name. 00:25:54.279 --> 00:25:55.819 He's going to remind you of all these things. 00:25:55.819 --> 00:25:58.619 He's going to teach you all these things. 00:25:58.619 --> 00:26:00.179 Flip over to chapter 15. 00:26:00.299 --> 00:26:01.500 Verse 26. 00:26:04.179 --> 00:26:05.319 But when the helper comes. 00:26:05.679 --> 00:26:08.019 Whom I will send to you from the father. 00:26:08.379 --> 00:26:09.839 The spirit of truth. 00:26:09.979 --> 00:26:11.679 Who proceeds from the father. 00:26:12.099 --> 00:26:14.759 He will bear witness about me. 00:26:15.599 --> 00:26:18.699 And you also will bear witness. 00:26:19.339 --> 00:26:20.979 Because you have been with me. 00:26:21.239 --> 00:26:22.219 From the beginning. 00:26:23.019 --> 00:26:24.219 So what happens? 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:26.239 2,000 years later. 00:26:26.240 --> 00:26:28.779 Somebody brings the word of God. 00:26:29.180 --> 00:26:30.339 That the apostles have. 00:26:30.859 --> 00:26:33.779 Were used by God to write for us in the New Testament. 00:26:33.980 --> 00:26:36.420 And they begin to preach the truth of this scripture. 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:39.079 And the Holy Spirit of God does this amazing work. 00:26:39.160 --> 00:26:42.240 Where he bears witness about Jesus in our hearts. 00:26:42.380 --> 00:26:43.359 That's his role. 00:26:43.799 --> 00:26:44.859 That's the role of the spirit. 00:26:44.859 --> 00:26:46.700 He points us back to Christ. 00:26:47.039 --> 00:26:47.700 And then he says. 00:26:48.079 --> 00:26:49.720 But you will be my witnesses too. 00:26:49.839 --> 00:26:51.000 Because you've been with me. 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:52.759 That's a statement to the apostles. 00:26:53.559 --> 00:26:54.440 What does he mean? 00:26:54.759 --> 00:26:55.920 You're going to see me crucified. 00:26:56.300 --> 00:26:57.519 You're going to see me resurrected. 00:26:57.820 --> 00:26:59.180 You're going to see me ascended. 00:26:59.360 --> 00:27:00.740 And then you're going to take that message. 00:27:00.920 --> 00:27:01.940 And you're going to preach it. 00:27:02.039 --> 00:27:05.720 And the Holy Spirit is going to use the preaching of the truth. 00:27:05.920 --> 00:27:07.360 Look at chapter 16 now. 00:27:07.620 --> 00:27:08.340 This is the last one. 00:27:08.560 --> 00:27:10.779 Chapter 16 verse 7. 00:27:13.360 --> 00:27:14.940 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth. 00:27:15.380 --> 00:27:18.000 It is to your advantage that I go away. 00:27:18.740 --> 00:27:20.200 For if I do not go away. 00:27:20.200 --> 00:27:21.860 The helper will not come to you. 00:27:21.859 --> 00:27:23.559 But if I go. 00:27:24.179 --> 00:27:27.159 I will send him to you. 00:27:28.159 --> 00:27:31.299 Do you see why this was so important to the apostles? 00:27:31.500 --> 00:27:33.899 And why it should be so important to us? 00:27:34.779 --> 00:27:35.779 The king. 00:27:36.259 --> 00:27:39.279 The king sends his spirit. 00:27:39.799 --> 00:27:41.799 So that we can know him. 00:27:42.240 --> 00:27:44.279 So that we can believe him. 00:27:44.559 --> 00:27:46.479 So that we can follow him. 00:27:46.480 --> 00:27:47.839 And obey him. 00:27:48.220 --> 00:27:51.140 And endure the struggle of this life. 00:27:52.200 --> 00:27:55.099 This is the promise that comes from Jesus the king. 00:27:55.240 --> 00:27:56.440 The sovereign ruler. 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:58.299 It's a part of his exaltation. 00:27:58.579 --> 00:27:59.660 He sends the spirit. 00:27:59.660 --> 00:28:02.620 You know why all those Christians through the years. 00:28:02.779 --> 00:28:04.420 Have been able to persevere. 00:28:04.540 --> 00:28:06.300 Despite the great persecution. 00:28:06.940 --> 00:28:09.140 It's not because of what was in them. 00:28:09.340 --> 00:28:12.040 It's because of who is in them. 00:28:12.680 --> 00:28:15.019 The spirit of God doing his work. 00:28:15.820 --> 00:28:16.960 Comforting their hearts. 00:28:17.779 --> 00:28:18.700 Giving them assurance. 00:28:19.580 --> 00:28:20.900 Teaching them the truth. 00:28:21.640 --> 00:28:22.960 Helping them to persevere. 00:28:23.720 --> 00:28:24.400 In the faith. 00:28:25.400 --> 00:28:27.420 So from his exalted position. 00:28:27.420 --> 00:28:30.100 Jesus sends his spirit. 00:28:30.100 --> 00:28:32.160 As a sign of his salvation. 00:28:32.940 --> 00:28:34.300 And as our helper. 00:28:35.320 --> 00:28:36.360 In all matters. 00:28:36.940 --> 00:28:38.120 Of faith and obedience. 00:28:39.019 --> 00:28:41.380 And it's because he has ascended. 00:28:41.380 --> 00:28:42.880 To the right hand of the father. 00:28:43.360 --> 00:28:44.960 That we can have confidence. 00:28:45.840 --> 00:28:47.060 That the spirit of truth. 00:28:47.060 --> 00:28:48.840 Has indeed descended. 00:28:49.279 --> 00:28:50.620 Upon all who believe. 00:28:51.820 --> 00:28:53.860 Because he is the exalted Lord. 00:28:55.039 --> 00:28:57.180 That's why we can trust this truth. 00:28:58.420 --> 00:29:00.539 I want you to see the expected king now. 00:29:00.600 --> 00:29:01.220 That was the long one. 00:29:01.300 --> 00:29:01.420 Okay. 00:29:01.460 --> 00:29:02.100 The next two are short. 00:29:02.640 --> 00:29:04.000 That was the exalted king. 00:29:04.380 --> 00:29:05.440 I want you to see Jesus. 00:29:05.560 --> 00:29:06.680 The expected king. 00:29:07.240 --> 00:29:08.240 Verse 34. 00:29:10.440 --> 00:29:12.759 For David did not ascend into the heavens. 00:29:13.600 --> 00:29:15.300 But he himself says. 00:29:15.940 --> 00:29:17.440 The Lord said to my Lord. 00:29:18.200 --> 00:29:19.440 Sit at my right hand. 00:29:20.160 --> 00:29:21.480 Until I make your enemies. 00:29:21.480 --> 00:29:22.320 Your footstool. 00:29:22.319 --> 00:29:26.159 This is the third time in this sermon. 00:29:26.159 --> 00:29:29.220 That Peter explicitly quotes the scriptures. 00:29:29.740 --> 00:29:32.099 As the foundation for his message. 00:29:33.099 --> 00:29:34.859 The preaching of the apostles. 00:29:35.319 --> 00:29:37.700 Was always thoroughly biblical. 00:29:39.700 --> 00:29:43.220 Preaching must be thoroughly biblical. 00:29:43.220 --> 00:29:45.460 And in this case. 00:29:45.860 --> 00:29:47.740 Peter goes to Psalm 110. 00:29:48.339 --> 00:29:49.680 And we talked about this at length. 00:29:49.720 --> 00:29:50.339 A couple weeks ago. 00:29:50.380 --> 00:29:51.360 In our study of Mark. 00:29:51.480 --> 00:29:53.539 Jesus quoted the same verse. 00:29:54.140 --> 00:29:55.319 Verses in Psalm 110. 00:29:56.380 --> 00:29:57.740 Let me just remind you. 00:29:57.819 --> 00:29:59.180 But based on a covenant. 00:29:59.180 --> 00:30:00.860 That God had made with David. 00:30:01.100 --> 00:30:01.620 King David. 00:30:02.620 --> 00:30:04.019 The Jews expected. 00:30:04.019 --> 00:30:05.799 That the promised Messiah. 00:30:05.799 --> 00:30:07.600 Would come from the lineage of David. 00:30:07.599 --> 00:30:07.679 David. 00:30:08.179 --> 00:30:09.659 And in Psalm 110. 00:30:11.019 --> 00:30:12.859 David spoke of the Messiah. 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:14.379 Not as a great king. 00:30:14.679 --> 00:30:16.859 But as the greatest king. 00:30:17.659 --> 00:30:19.039 And he prophesied. 00:30:19.219 --> 00:30:20.839 That this king would be exalted. 00:30:21.379 --> 00:30:23.199 To the right hand of God. 00:30:23.539 --> 00:30:25.419 And would conquer any and every enemy. 00:30:25.419 --> 00:30:26.179 Of God's people. 00:30:26.519 --> 00:30:28.500 That's the part that Peter actually quotes. 00:30:28.500 --> 00:30:29.419 There from Psalm 110. 00:30:29.599 --> 00:30:30.839 The Lord said to my Lord. 00:30:31.059 --> 00:30:33.339 Sit at my right hand. 00:30:33.959 --> 00:30:36.039 Now this posed a problem for the Jews. 00:30:36.039 --> 00:30:37.500 When they were trying to interpret this. 00:30:37.500 --> 00:30:37.839 Psalm. 00:30:37.980 --> 00:30:38.319 Because they. 00:30:38.819 --> 00:30:39.500 For a while. 00:30:39.619 --> 00:30:41.119 They considered it to be something. 00:30:41.200 --> 00:30:42.920 Related specifically to David. 00:30:44.700 --> 00:30:46.099 But there was a problem with that. 00:30:46.140 --> 00:30:47.240 Because David died. 00:30:48.920 --> 00:30:50.339 David saw corruption. 00:30:52.119 --> 00:30:52.559 David. 00:30:53.220 --> 00:30:54.720 Didn't raise from the dead. 00:30:54.720 --> 00:30:56.539 Neither did David ascend. 00:30:57.480 --> 00:30:59.160 To the right hand of God. 00:30:59.559 --> 00:31:00.940 David did none of those things. 00:31:01.539 --> 00:31:03.019 So it couldn't have been speaking. 00:31:03.019 --> 00:31:04.160 About King David. 00:31:04.160 --> 00:31:05.299 It had to have been speaking. 00:31:05.299 --> 00:31:06.720 About someone else. 00:31:07.500 --> 00:31:37.500 NINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNINGNING 00:31:37.500 --> 00:31:40.839 based on what they saw with their own eyes. 00:31:41.759 --> 00:31:43.980 And here, it's the ascension. 00:31:45.339 --> 00:31:47.799 Now, before we move on, I just want to remind you about something, 00:31:47.940 --> 00:31:50.059 why this is so significant to the gospel. 00:31:51.440 --> 00:31:56.700 Remember, part of what the Jews' hang-up was with Jesus' messianic claims 00:31:56.700 --> 00:31:59.500 was the fact of his suffering and death. 00:32:00.359 --> 00:32:03.299 Remember, as we've studied through Mark, that was the problem for the disciples. 00:32:03.299 --> 00:32:09.079 In their theology, they had no capacity for a Messiah who would suffer. 00:32:10.240 --> 00:32:13.119 They had no capacity for a Messiah who would die. 00:32:14.139 --> 00:32:18.099 They thought of his kingdom as merely earthly and political. 00:32:19.000 --> 00:32:26.480 So for them, Jesus' suffering actually made it impossible for him to be the exalted Christ. 00:32:26.940 --> 00:32:28.119 But they had it backwards. 00:32:28.700 --> 00:32:32.259 They looked at his suffering and said, because he suffered, 00:32:32.259 --> 00:32:34.200 he can't be the Christ. 00:32:34.660 --> 00:32:36.879 But the apostles saw it the right way. 00:32:37.240 --> 00:32:40.440 They looked at his ascension as a proof of his suffering. 00:32:40.720 --> 00:32:44.799 They looked at his exaltation and said, because he has been exalted, 00:32:45.059 --> 00:32:48.339 that means his suffering was necessary for us. 00:32:48.819 --> 00:32:50.879 Do you see why this is so important to the gospel? 00:32:51.759 --> 00:32:53.920 Because he has ascended to the throne, 00:32:54.299 --> 00:32:55.960 God has put him at his right hand. 00:32:55.960 --> 00:32:59.299 That puts the stamp of approval on the sacrifice. 00:32:59.299 --> 00:33:03.259 That means that what Jesus did was actually necessary for us. 00:33:04.039 --> 00:33:06.700 Now, when the Jews thought about the Messiah delivering them, 00:33:06.960 --> 00:33:08.419 they thought about an earthly kingdom. 00:33:09.079 --> 00:33:12.779 They thought about the king delivering them from all of their enemies. 00:33:13.279 --> 00:33:18.099 The apostles saw beyond that to see not only physical enemies, 00:33:18.359 --> 00:33:20.460 but spiritual enemies. 00:33:20.460 --> 00:33:23.799 So that Paul in 1 Corinthians 15, 00:33:23.799 --> 00:33:26.019 in writing about the resurrection of Jesus, 00:33:26.400 --> 00:33:30.500 says the last enemy to be destroyed is death. 00:33:31.559 --> 00:33:33.120 Not a physical army, 00:33:33.640 --> 00:33:35.039 not a physical kingdom, 00:33:35.360 --> 00:33:39.240 but a spiritual reality that rules over every one of us 00:33:39.240 --> 00:33:40.720 as a result of our sin. 00:33:41.079 --> 00:33:45.079 And Jesus the king came to suffer in our place, 00:33:45.079 --> 00:33:52.339 to raise for our justification in order that he might conquer death for us. 00:33:52.599 --> 00:33:54.859 That's what makes him the conquering king. 00:33:55.139 --> 00:33:55.779 Do you see? 00:33:56.359 --> 00:33:57.919 He's the conquering king. 00:33:58.179 --> 00:34:00.799 And when the apostles went and they looked at the ascension 00:34:00.799 --> 00:34:02.839 and they considered his exaltation, 00:34:02.939 --> 00:34:06.839 they said, this is a proof that what he did was not only necessary, 00:34:07.159 --> 00:34:08.480 but it was sufficient. 00:34:08.819 --> 00:34:09.920 It was right. 00:34:10.079 --> 00:34:11.199 And it was good. 00:34:11.199 --> 00:34:13.439 And it's what the scripture always says, 00:34:13.539 --> 00:34:15.460 because we can look at Psalm 110, 00:34:15.819 --> 00:34:17.779 and we can see David said, 00:34:17.960 --> 00:34:19.279 this was going to happen. 00:34:19.859 --> 00:34:21.759 And it's happened in one person, 00:34:22.219 --> 00:34:23.639 Jesus of Nazareth. 00:34:23.839 --> 00:34:26.439 He's the savior and the king. 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:28.759 Just look at what the scriptures say. 00:34:29.339 --> 00:34:30.399 That's Peter's point. 00:34:32.439 --> 00:34:34.219 He's the expected one. 00:34:34.960 --> 00:34:37.179 And we sing wonderful songs about him. 00:34:37.960 --> 00:34:40.079 Christ the true and better David, 00:34:40.079 --> 00:34:41.960 lowly shepherd, 00:34:42.159 --> 00:34:43.119 mighty king. 00:34:43.980 --> 00:34:45.940 He the champion in the battle, 00:34:46.840 --> 00:34:48.119 where, O death, 00:34:48.679 --> 00:34:49.980 is now thy sting. 00:34:50.659 --> 00:34:52.000 In our place, 00:34:52.259 --> 00:34:53.739 he bled and conquered. 00:34:54.619 --> 00:34:57.159 Crown him Lord of majesty. 00:34:58.159 --> 00:35:00.480 He shall be the throne forever. 00:35:01.380 --> 00:35:04.279 We shall ever his people be. 00:35:04.980 --> 00:35:07.159 He is the expected king. 00:35:07.159 --> 00:35:08.079 Finally, 00:35:08.420 --> 00:35:10.059 he's the exclusive king. 00:35:10.619 --> 00:35:12.019 The exclusive king. 00:35:12.879 --> 00:35:14.379 Look with me at verse 36. 00:35:15.799 --> 00:35:17.960 This is where Peter draws his sermon 00:35:17.960 --> 00:35:19.859 to that point of application. 00:35:20.420 --> 00:35:22.480 He demands a response from the people. 00:35:23.059 --> 00:35:23.639 He says, 00:35:24.059 --> 00:35:27.480 let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain, 00:35:28.539 --> 00:35:32.539 God has made him both Lord and Christ, 00:35:32.539 --> 00:35:36.679 this Jesus who you crucified. 00:35:39.000 --> 00:35:42.619 So after proving through the life and death 00:35:42.619 --> 00:35:45.079 and resurrection and ascension, 00:35:46.219 --> 00:35:48.739 Jesus of Nazareth was the true Messiah, 00:35:50.019 --> 00:35:51.519 Peter reminded the people 00:35:51.519 --> 00:35:54.000 of how they had rejected him. 00:35:54.000 --> 00:35:57.960 He says, 00:35:58.039 --> 00:35:59.679 God sent you his Christ 00:35:59.679 --> 00:36:02.239 and you killed him. 00:36:03.119 --> 00:36:04.239 You killed him. 00:36:05.679 --> 00:36:06.219 Of course, 00:36:06.320 --> 00:36:07.860 Peter's already covered the fact 00:36:07.860 --> 00:36:11.559 that it was the definite plan of God 00:36:11.559 --> 00:36:13.679 that the Christ died for our sins. 00:36:14.239 --> 00:36:16.360 But that didn't mean the people 00:36:16.360 --> 00:36:18.019 weren't still responsible 00:36:18.019 --> 00:36:19.619 and culpable 00:36:19.619 --> 00:36:22.019 for rejecting their Messiah. 00:36:23.219 --> 00:36:24.860 And it's at this point 00:36:24.860 --> 00:36:27.940 that Peter reminded the people 00:36:27.940 --> 00:36:31.039 that Jesus is the everlasting Lord 00:36:31.039 --> 00:36:34.000 to whom they must answer. 00:36:34.980 --> 00:36:36.320 He's the judge. 00:36:37.920 --> 00:36:39.960 He's not just the forgiver. 00:36:40.800 --> 00:36:44.460 He's also the righteous judge. 00:36:44.460 --> 00:36:47.760 Instead of praising him, 00:36:48.260 --> 00:36:49.539 they cursed him. 00:36:50.740 --> 00:36:52.900 Rather than celebrating his coming, 00:36:53.340 --> 00:36:54.460 they denied him. 00:36:55.440 --> 00:36:57.220 When they should have bowed to him, 00:36:57.519 --> 00:36:59.960 they hung him on a tree to die. 00:37:01.059 --> 00:37:02.780 And Isaiah said this would happen. 00:37:03.780 --> 00:37:05.220 Isaiah 53.3 00:37:05.220 --> 00:37:09.579 He was despised and rejected by men, 00:37:10.159 --> 00:37:11.720 a man of sorrows 00:37:11.720 --> 00:37:13.559 and acquainted with grief. 00:37:13.559 --> 00:37:17.659 And as one from whom men hide their faces, 00:37:18.400 --> 00:37:19.940 he was despised 00:37:19.940 --> 00:37:22.759 and we esteemed him not. 00:37:24.900 --> 00:37:26.599 God sends his Messiah. 00:37:27.619 --> 00:37:29.279 They reject the Messiah 00:37:29.279 --> 00:37:30.900 that they were waiting for. 00:37:32.699 --> 00:37:33.860 Now I want you to notice 00:37:33.860 --> 00:37:37.900 the exclusivity of Peter's claim here. 00:37:38.559 --> 00:37:39.480 Notice again. 00:37:40.199 --> 00:37:41.320 Let all the house of Israel 00:37:41.320 --> 00:37:42.539 therefore know for certain 00:37:42.539 --> 00:37:45.460 God has made him both 00:37:45.460 --> 00:37:49.239 Lord and Christ. 00:37:50.779 --> 00:37:52.659 There is no other Lord of Christ. 00:37:54.179 --> 00:37:56.699 This is a statement of exclusivity. 00:37:57.559 --> 00:37:59.360 This is the preaching of the gospel 00:37:59.360 --> 00:38:02.480 that refers to the exclusivity of Christ. 00:38:02.860 --> 00:38:04.480 There is no other way to the Father. 00:38:05.440 --> 00:38:07.960 There is no other way to forgiveness of sins. 00:38:07.960 --> 00:38:09.980 There is no other Lord. 00:38:09.980 --> 00:38:11.980 There is no other Christ. 00:38:12.639 --> 00:38:15.500 He did not say that God has made Jesus 00:38:15.500 --> 00:38:17.820 a Lord and a Savior. 00:38:18.500 --> 00:38:21.559 He said God has made him the Lord 00:38:21.559 --> 00:38:23.659 and the Savior. 00:38:24.659 --> 00:38:25.500 Exclusivity. 00:38:25.500 --> 00:38:28.739 Only Jesus, Peter says. 00:38:30.280 --> 00:38:31.739 And let me remind you. 00:38:33.079 --> 00:38:36.079 Jesus is not simply an option 00:38:36.079 --> 00:38:38.159 on a menu of religious leaders 00:38:38.159 --> 00:38:39.739 that you can choose to follow 00:38:39.739 --> 00:38:41.820 in order to make your way to God. 00:38:41.820 --> 00:38:45.680 You cannot follow the Oprah method 00:38:45.680 --> 00:38:46.480 of salvation 00:38:46.480 --> 00:38:49.220 that says there's a wagon wheel. 00:38:49.600 --> 00:38:50.860 A religious wagon wheel. 00:38:51.059 --> 00:38:51.920 God's at the center. 00:38:52.039 --> 00:38:53.780 It doesn't matter which spoke you take. 00:38:53.940 --> 00:38:55.640 It's all eventually going to get you to God. 00:38:55.800 --> 00:38:57.460 That's the primary thought 00:38:57.460 --> 00:38:59.760 in any type of secular understanding 00:38:59.760 --> 00:39:01.440 of the things of God 00:39:01.440 --> 00:39:02.559 in our nation today. 00:39:02.880 --> 00:39:04.360 It doesn't matter how you get there. 00:39:04.620 --> 00:39:06.300 Eventually, you're going to get there. 00:39:06.420 --> 00:39:07.460 It's just not true. 00:39:08.199 --> 00:39:09.460 He's not a Lord. 00:39:09.639 --> 00:39:10.720 He's the Lord. 00:39:10.900 --> 00:39:12.300 He's not a Savior. 00:39:12.619 --> 00:39:14.440 He's the Savior. 00:39:15.440 --> 00:39:18.000 And you do not receive salvation 00:39:18.000 --> 00:39:20.300 by choosing him to be your Lord, 00:39:20.460 --> 00:39:24.539 but acknowledging that he is the only Lord. 00:39:24.720 --> 00:39:27.440 That he is the only Christ. 00:39:28.760 --> 00:39:31.940 Salvation is by faith alone 00:39:31.940 --> 00:39:34.280 in Christ alone. 00:39:35.240 --> 00:39:37.159 And true repentance recognizes 00:39:37.159 --> 00:39:40.619 that every other Lord is false. 00:39:41.440 --> 00:39:43.899 Every other way is the broad way 00:39:43.899 --> 00:39:45.719 that leads to destruction. 00:39:46.219 --> 00:39:48.079 Jesus himself said it. 00:39:48.299 --> 00:39:49.739 If you want to get to the kingdom, 00:39:50.199 --> 00:39:51.519 take the narrow path, 00:39:51.799 --> 00:39:53.039 find the narrow gate, 00:39:53.159 --> 00:39:55.319 because there are few people that find it. 00:39:55.719 --> 00:39:58.139 Because everybody else is on the broad way. 00:39:58.139 --> 00:40:00.539 And they get to the wide gate 00:40:00.539 --> 00:40:03.159 that leads to destruction. 00:40:03.159 --> 00:40:05.779 And the exaltation of Jesus 00:40:05.779 --> 00:40:07.899 proves this is true. 00:40:08.899 --> 00:40:10.440 He ascended to heaven. 00:40:10.940 --> 00:40:12.339 He sits on the right hand 00:40:12.339 --> 00:40:13.679 of the throne of God. 00:40:13.839 --> 00:40:15.420 And you and me 00:40:15.420 --> 00:40:18.199 will all stand before him one day 00:40:18.199 --> 00:40:19.659 to answer to him 00:40:19.659 --> 00:40:21.420 and to him alone. 00:40:21.420 --> 00:40:27.000 And I said at the beginning, 00:40:27.159 --> 00:40:28.519 the exaltation of Jesus 00:40:28.519 --> 00:40:31.639 has been a source of comfort 00:40:31.639 --> 00:40:34.360 and encouragement and strength 00:40:34.360 --> 00:40:36.360 to Christians since the days of the apostles. 00:40:38.460 --> 00:40:39.920 And in addition to the things 00:40:39.920 --> 00:40:40.559 I've already mentioned, 00:40:40.639 --> 00:40:43.260 I want to close by giving you three reasons 00:40:43.260 --> 00:40:44.659 why you should take hope 00:40:44.659 --> 00:40:45.740 in the Lordship of Christ. 00:40:45.739 --> 00:40:46.759 why this should be 00:40:46.759 --> 00:40:48.079 at the forefront of your mind 00:40:48.079 --> 00:40:50.079 constantly as a believer. 00:40:51.199 --> 00:40:52.559 The first is hope. 00:40:53.939 --> 00:40:55.679 It brings us hope. 00:40:57.519 --> 00:40:59.259 There is no greater peace 00:40:59.259 --> 00:41:00.479 and comfort in this life 00:41:00.479 --> 00:41:01.459 than to know 00:41:01.459 --> 00:41:03.500 that Jesus is in total control 00:41:03.500 --> 00:41:04.239 of this world 00:41:04.239 --> 00:41:05.539 and everything in it. 00:41:07.339 --> 00:41:08.579 Everything we see, 00:41:08.759 --> 00:41:09.639 it's chaos. 00:41:10.419 --> 00:41:11.219 It's chaos. 00:41:11.719 --> 00:41:12.739 Can you imagine 00:41:12.739 --> 00:41:14.839 a God that isn't in control? 00:41:15.739 --> 00:41:18.659 There's hope 00:41:18.659 --> 00:41:20.500 that comes from knowing 00:41:20.500 --> 00:41:22.899 that despite the chaos 00:41:22.899 --> 00:41:24.379 and the destruction 00:41:24.379 --> 00:41:26.759 that ensues as a result 00:41:26.759 --> 00:41:29.079 of the sinfulness of men's hearts, 00:41:30.079 --> 00:41:31.879 that there is a Lord in heaven 00:41:31.879 --> 00:41:34.419 who is in sovereign control 00:41:34.419 --> 00:41:35.279 over all things 00:41:35.279 --> 00:41:36.759 that are unfolding around us. 00:41:37.619 --> 00:41:39.559 And he will ultimately judge 00:41:39.559 --> 00:41:41.500 every evil work. 00:41:42.619 --> 00:41:44.899 And he will ultimately reward 00:41:44.900 --> 00:41:48.039 every righteous deed. 00:41:48.380 --> 00:41:49.860 There's comfort in that. 00:41:51.019 --> 00:41:52.860 There is nothing in your life, 00:41:53.420 --> 00:41:54.639 no sickness, 00:41:55.340 --> 00:41:57.019 no heartache, 00:41:57.539 --> 00:41:58.800 no anxiety 00:41:58.800 --> 00:42:01.820 that is beyond his concern 00:42:01.820 --> 00:42:04.280 and that is out of his control. 00:42:05.440 --> 00:42:06.280 Spurgeon, again, 00:42:06.539 --> 00:42:09.099 spoke on this so often. 00:42:10.079 --> 00:42:11.220 It was Spurgeon who said, 00:42:11.219 --> 00:42:12.759 I rest my head each night 00:42:12.759 --> 00:42:13.619 on the pillow 00:42:13.619 --> 00:42:14.659 of God's sovereignty. 00:42:15.559 --> 00:42:17.279 What was it that brought him comfort 00:42:17.279 --> 00:42:18.980 amidst great tragedy 00:42:18.980 --> 00:42:19.939 and depression 00:42:19.939 --> 00:42:20.719 that he faced? 00:42:21.179 --> 00:42:22.059 The knowledge 00:42:22.059 --> 00:42:23.299 that he is in control, 00:42:23.819 --> 00:42:24.619 that one day 00:42:24.619 --> 00:42:26.679 he will right all wrongs, 00:42:26.939 --> 00:42:27.879 that one day 00:42:27.879 --> 00:42:28.539 this sin 00:42:28.539 --> 00:42:29.239 and this death 00:42:29.239 --> 00:42:29.819 and this heartache 00:42:29.819 --> 00:42:31.079 will come to an end 00:42:31.079 --> 00:42:32.959 because he is coming back. 00:42:33.679 --> 00:42:34.239 The king 00:42:34.239 --> 00:42:35.119 is coming 00:42:35.119 --> 00:42:36.179 back. 00:42:37.119 --> 00:42:38.239 He brings us home. 00:42:38.239 --> 00:42:41.119 He truly is the ruler. 00:42:42.259 --> 00:42:43.839 He's working all things 00:42:43.839 --> 00:42:44.859 together for good 00:42:44.859 --> 00:42:46.979 for his people 00:42:46.979 --> 00:42:48.839 and for his glory. 00:42:50.000 --> 00:42:50.979 Victory is certain 00:42:50.979 --> 00:42:53.079 and you can endure 00:42:53.079 --> 00:42:54.399 because of it. 00:42:55.699 --> 00:42:56.479 Press on. 00:42:57.479 --> 00:42:58.279 Press on. 00:42:59.279 --> 00:43:00.479 The king is on the throne. 00:43:01.879 --> 00:43:03.579 He will give his spirit. 00:43:04.779 --> 00:43:05.479 Trust him. 00:43:05.480 --> 00:43:07.320 Believe him. 00:43:08.619 --> 00:43:09.260 Persevere. 00:43:10.860 --> 00:43:12.360 It also gives us 00:43:12.360 --> 00:43:13.280 assurance. 00:43:14.480 --> 00:43:14.940 Assurance. 00:43:16.800 --> 00:43:18.780 In his exalted position, 00:43:19.320 --> 00:43:21.159 he's our advocate. 00:43:22.920 --> 00:43:25.000 He's interceding for us 00:43:25.000 --> 00:43:27.119 before the Father. 00:43:28.760 --> 00:43:30.320 And on your darkest day, 00:43:30.820 --> 00:43:32.119 when your sin 00:43:32.119 --> 00:43:33.059 is weighing heavy 00:43:33.059 --> 00:43:33.820 on your heart, 00:43:33.820 --> 00:43:36.420 you can rest assured 00:43:36.420 --> 00:43:38.960 that Jesus' sacrifice 00:43:38.960 --> 00:43:40.380 is enough. 00:43:41.600 --> 00:43:42.559 It's enough. 00:43:44.640 --> 00:43:46.200 You can be assured 00:43:46.200 --> 00:43:47.059 that it's enough 00:43:47.059 --> 00:43:49.240 because of his exalted 00:43:49.240 --> 00:43:50.340 place. 00:43:51.400 --> 00:43:53.080 The Father has received 00:43:53.080 --> 00:43:54.140 his sacrifice 00:43:54.140 --> 00:43:55.400 for your sin. 00:43:55.640 --> 00:43:56.760 Not just the sins 00:43:56.760 --> 00:43:57.539 you have committed, 00:43:57.820 --> 00:43:58.640 but every sin 00:43:58.640 --> 00:43:59.500 you ever will commit. 00:44:00.960 --> 00:44:01.800 And no matter 00:44:01.800 --> 00:44:02.500 how badly 00:44:02.500 --> 00:44:03.320 you blow it, 00:44:03.820 --> 00:44:05.699 you can trust 00:44:05.699 --> 00:44:06.960 that your Lord 00:44:06.960 --> 00:44:07.559 and Savior 00:44:07.559 --> 00:44:08.659 has conquered 00:44:08.659 --> 00:44:09.699 your sin. 00:44:10.760 --> 00:44:11.659 What a wonderful 00:44:11.659 --> 00:44:12.800 assurance that is. 00:44:14.519 --> 00:44:15.500 Now remember, 00:44:16.380 --> 00:44:17.639 he's the judge. 00:44:19.420 --> 00:44:20.500 He's the one 00:44:20.500 --> 00:44:21.139 before whom 00:44:21.139 --> 00:44:22.000 every person 00:44:22.000 --> 00:44:23.239 will give an account. 00:44:24.960 --> 00:44:26.500 And if he's your Lord, 00:44:27.099 --> 00:44:28.440 you can trust him 00:44:28.440 --> 00:44:29.320 as your judge. 00:44:29.320 --> 00:44:32.220 because he will not 00:44:32.220 --> 00:44:32.980 look at your life 00:44:32.980 --> 00:44:33.580 at the end 00:44:33.580 --> 00:44:35.460 and judge you 00:44:35.460 --> 00:44:36.039 on the basis 00:44:36.039 --> 00:44:37.080 of what you have done 00:44:37.080 --> 00:44:38.180 or what you have not done. 00:44:39.680 --> 00:44:40.580 Because he's also 00:44:40.580 --> 00:44:41.260 your Christ. 00:44:42.700 --> 00:44:44.019 He will judge your life 00:44:44.019 --> 00:44:44.559 on the basis 00:44:44.559 --> 00:44:45.660 of what he has done 00:44:45.660 --> 00:44:46.320 for you. 00:44:47.780 --> 00:44:49.260 And the perfect judge 00:44:49.260 --> 00:44:50.880 will forgive you 00:44:50.880 --> 00:44:51.900 and grant you 00:44:51.900 --> 00:44:52.780 mercy and grace 00:44:52.780 --> 00:44:53.400 in eternity 00:44:53.400 --> 00:44:55.420 because he 00:44:55.420 --> 00:44:56.860 paid your price. 00:44:56.860 --> 00:44:57.860 holiness. 00:44:58.180 --> 00:44:59.180 There's wonderful 00:44:59.180 --> 00:44:59.840 assurance 00:44:59.840 --> 00:45:01.579 in the exaltation 00:45:01.579 --> 00:45:02.099 of Christ. 00:45:02.559 --> 00:45:03.079 Finally, 00:45:04.500 --> 00:45:05.039 holiness. 00:45:05.980 --> 00:45:06.380 Holiness. 00:45:07.760 --> 00:45:08.720 When you think 00:45:08.720 --> 00:45:09.620 on the exalted 00:45:09.620 --> 00:45:10.519 position of Christ, 00:45:10.599 --> 00:45:11.320 it brings hope, 00:45:11.579 --> 00:45:12.400 it brings assurance, 00:45:12.680 --> 00:45:13.360 and then it should 00:45:13.360 --> 00:45:13.940 drive you 00:45:13.940 --> 00:45:14.820 to holiness. 00:45:16.500 --> 00:45:17.840 Because it reminds us 00:45:17.840 --> 00:45:18.840 that we have a Lord 00:45:18.840 --> 00:45:19.780 to serve 00:45:19.780 --> 00:45:22.000 and that we will answer 00:45:22.000 --> 00:45:22.720 for how we have 00:45:22.720 --> 00:45:23.320 served him. 00:45:23.320 --> 00:45:25.820 not on the basis 00:45:25.820 --> 00:45:27.360 of eternal damnation, 00:45:27.720 --> 00:45:29.260 but according to the apostles, 00:45:29.460 --> 00:45:30.120 on the basis 00:45:30.120 --> 00:45:31.559 of eternal reward. 00:45:32.720 --> 00:45:33.680 We will still 00:45:33.680 --> 00:45:34.360 give an account. 00:45:35.940 --> 00:45:37.200 And the same fear 00:45:37.200 --> 00:45:38.180 of his lordship 00:45:38.180 --> 00:45:38.900 that drives 00:45:38.900 --> 00:45:39.920 the unbeliever 00:45:39.920 --> 00:45:41.700 to fear for his soul 00:45:41.700 --> 00:45:43.280 drives the believer 00:45:43.280 --> 00:45:45.019 to pursue righteousness. 00:45:46.019 --> 00:45:47.120 Not to earn 00:45:47.120 --> 00:45:47.860 God's favor, 00:45:48.220 --> 00:45:49.059 but to obey 00:45:49.059 --> 00:45:49.660 his Lord. 00:45:50.660 --> 00:45:51.640 To submit 00:45:51.639 --> 00:45:53.219 to his king. 00:45:53.980 --> 00:45:54.920 And remembering 00:45:54.920 --> 00:45:56.299 the lordship of Jesus 00:45:56.299 --> 00:45:57.519 will lead us 00:45:57.519 --> 00:45:58.199 to a fruitful 00:45:58.199 --> 00:45:59.699 and joyful 00:45:59.699 --> 00:46:00.639 life 00:46:00.639 --> 00:46:01.819 of righteousness. 00:46:03.019 --> 00:46:04.519 This is a huge deal. 00:46:05.759 --> 00:46:06.980 Don't neglect it. 00:46:07.920 --> 00:46:08.900 When you think 00:46:08.900 --> 00:46:09.599 of the cross 00:46:09.599 --> 00:46:10.480 and the resurrection, 00:46:11.019 --> 00:46:11.639 think also 00:46:11.639 --> 00:46:12.299 of the throne 00:46:12.299 --> 00:46:12.759 in heaven. 00:46:13.819 --> 00:46:14.679 Think also 00:46:14.679 --> 00:46:16.319 of the intercessory 00:46:16.319 --> 00:46:17.359 work of our Lord. 00:46:17.980 --> 00:46:19.259 Think often 00:46:19.260 --> 00:46:21.660 of him as judge 00:46:21.660 --> 00:46:22.680 and as Lord 00:46:22.680 --> 00:46:23.760 to whom we must follow. 00:46:24.320 --> 00:46:25.520 And follow him. 00:46:25.880 --> 00:46:27.380 And follow him faithfully. 00:46:27.380 --> 00:46:29.380 NING 00:46:29.380 --> 00:46:29.380