WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.360 Yes, you take your copy of God's Word and join me in Psalm chapter 2. 00:00:09.640 --> 00:00:13.460 Well, once again, we are going to take a breather from our study of Romans. 00:00:13.460 --> 00:00:23.679 ! On Monday, you likely know an individual entered a private Christian school and killed three adults and three nine-year-olds. 00:00:24.640 --> 00:00:26.960 The whole matter is heartbreaking. 00:00:26.960 --> 00:00:33.320 The event itself and the ensuing coverage and politicizing of it. 00:00:34.359 --> 00:00:41.439 And it is a grand example of the moral insanity that Paul speaks of at the conclusion of Romans chapter 1. 00:00:42.820 --> 00:00:48.760 I don't want to belittle or minimize other mass shootings, even those that have occurred this year. 00:00:49.439 --> 00:00:52.480 But this one especially was felt by me. 00:00:52.479 --> 00:01:00.519 As I considered and prayed this week, my mind was continually drawn to Psalm 2. 00:01:01.519 --> 00:01:06.140 Now, I preached on Psalm 2 in January of 21. 00:01:07.239 --> 00:01:12.699 Some of you may remember some reasons why we might have considered Psalm 2 then. 00:01:12.700 --> 00:01:16.719 A clay preached on it in March of 22. 00:01:17.920 --> 00:01:20.040 And now we're going to look at it once again. 00:01:20.159 --> 00:01:24.280 Perhaps more than ever, we need its lessons for us. 00:01:24.420 --> 00:01:27.520 Could be that we're starting a bit of a tradition here. 00:01:27.519 --> 00:01:37.920 I've mentioned before that my work as a pastor for the first 12 years can be summarized in my working to answer three questions. 00:01:38.619 --> 00:01:43.340 I was asked to me one time, what do you want college students to know before they leave your church? 00:01:44.179 --> 00:01:48.699 And I wanted college students to have fully formed answers to three questions. 00:01:48.840 --> 00:01:50.099 Number one, what is the Bible? 00:01:50.239 --> 00:01:52.280 Number two, what is the gospel? 00:01:52.280 --> 00:01:54.939 And number three, what is the church? 00:01:55.140 --> 00:02:04.099 We thought we'd be doing a great work if we could send college students out from our church into the world with good answers to those three questions. 00:02:04.920 --> 00:02:13.479 In the last two years, I found that I need to add a fourth, an extremely important question to that list. 00:02:13.479 --> 00:02:22.719 I think that far too many professing Christians are being shaken in our time when they ought to be immovable. 00:02:23.839 --> 00:02:39.159 Beloved, I want us to be immovable, regardless of the circumstance of our day, from mass shootings and grand tragedy to the minutia of the circumstances we walk through each day. 00:02:39.159 --> 00:02:47.519 And we will not be immovable unless we can rightly answer the question, who is God? 00:02:50.519 --> 00:02:58.019 We will explore this question for all of this life and in the life to come, which is a thing to consider. 00:02:58.659 --> 00:03:04.519 But our God has told us much of himself and we do well to learn as much as we can. 00:03:04.520 --> 00:03:10.140 So let's look at Psalm 2 together this morning to do that very thing. 00:03:11.240 --> 00:03:19.820 Before we read Psalm 2, I want to remind you, beloved, that this is God's word to us written for his glory and for our good. 00:03:20.640 --> 00:03:26.260 And so we would all do well to listen to it in order to believe its promises and to obey its commands. 00:03:27.080 --> 00:03:29.000 Psalm 2, beginning in verse 1. 00:03:29.000 --> 00:03:35.259 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:42.460 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 00:03:42.740 --> 00:03:47.099 Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. 00:03:48.180 --> 00:03:51.159 He who sits in the heavens laughs. 00:03:51.900 --> 00:03:53.960 The Lord holds them in derision. 00:03:53.960 --> 00:03:59.120 Then he will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, 00:03:59.680 --> 00:04:04.319 As for me, I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 00:04:05.620 --> 00:04:07.080 I will tell of the decree. 00:04:07.400 --> 00:04:08.819 The Lord said to me, 00:04:09.439 --> 00:04:10.439 You are my son. 00:04:11.000 --> 00:04:12.300 Today I have begotten you. 00:04:13.319 --> 00:04:17.019 Ask of me and I will make the nations your heritage and the ends of the earth your possession. 00:04:17.800 --> 00:04:23.100 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel. 00:04:23.959 --> 00:04:27.319 Now, therefore, O kings, be wise. 00:04:27.599 --> 00:04:30.099 Be warned, O rulers of the earth. 00:04:31.159 --> 00:04:34.639 Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling. 00:04:36.019 --> 00:04:39.159 Kiss the son, lest he be angry and you perish in the way. 00:04:39.779 --> 00:04:41.959 For his wrath is quickly kindled. 00:04:42.959 --> 00:04:46.240 Blessed are all who take refuge in him. 00:04:46.240 --> 00:04:55.439 As we consider the present state of the world in which we live, we see widespread and seemingly unbridled rebellion. 00:04:56.400 --> 00:05:03.840 All we have to do to see this rebellion locally is turn in to our favorite TV, radio or social media outlet. 00:05:03.839 --> 00:05:09.799 This is a rebellion that spans all cultural and political vantage points. 00:05:10.879 --> 00:05:14.179 What is the Christian meant to think of such things? 00:05:15.199 --> 00:05:20.479 How are we to bear up when everything seems to be falling apart around us? 00:05:20.480 --> 00:05:30.439 Psalm 2 speaks into our world concerning its rebellion and tells us that God is powerfully at work to end this world's rebellion. 00:05:31.120 --> 00:05:36.520 The uprising that began with Adam and Eve will not be allowed to persist forever. 00:05:37.560 --> 00:05:41.939 For those not in Christ, this is terrible news. 00:05:41.939 --> 00:05:49.620 For those found in Christ, Psalm 2 is a psalm of hope and encouragement. 00:05:50.740 --> 00:05:53.920 I often read to you a quotation off of your bulletin. 00:05:53.980 --> 00:05:56.800 Today I want to read to you one that's on the kids' coloring sheet. 00:05:57.019 --> 00:05:58.060 If you don't know, these exist. 00:05:59.959 --> 00:06:01.720 They're available for you too, adults. 00:06:03.120 --> 00:06:07.259 Susanna Spurgeon, the wife of Charles Spurgeon, once said, 00:06:07.259 --> 00:06:16.300 The soul that has learned the blessed secret of seeing God's hand in all that concerns it cannot be a prey to fear. 00:06:17.019 --> 00:06:26.240 It looks beyond all second causes straight into the heart and will of God and rests content because he rules. 00:06:27.420 --> 00:06:33.680 So I hope that Psalm 2 will be a psalm of hope and encouragement to you today. 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:37.439 We will study the text briefly in the following outline. 00:06:38.480 --> 00:06:40.280 Number one, the world rebels. 00:06:40.939 --> 00:06:43.519 Number two, God the Father answers. 00:06:44.420 --> 00:06:47.139 Number three, God the Son declares. 00:06:48.060 --> 00:06:51.420 And number four, God the Spirit invites. 00:06:52.560 --> 00:06:54.340 Number one, the world rebels. 00:06:55.319 --> 00:06:58.639 Psalm 2 begins with a rhetorical question. 00:06:59.180 --> 00:07:02.920 I imagine the psalmist frustrated, shaking his head. 00:07:02.920 --> 00:07:05.920 It's the way I read it when we read it together. 00:07:06.140 --> 00:07:10.699 Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:07:11.500 --> 00:07:18.379 He has noticed that the world over, people have a rebellion problem. 00:07:19.060 --> 00:07:21.560 He continues in this disbelief. 00:07:21.720 --> 00:07:28.420 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 00:07:28.420 --> 00:07:33.740 Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. 00:07:34.640 --> 00:07:41.400 Let us not believe that God does in fact reign and that his reign is a good reign. 00:07:41.600 --> 00:07:44.580 We want nothing to do with an authority over us. 00:07:44.639 --> 00:07:46.879 We want to be an authority. 00:07:46.879 --> 00:07:55.399 The nations, the peoples, the kings, and the rulers of the earth do not want to be placed under any type of authority. 00:07:55.800 --> 00:07:58.360 We have this problem, too. 00:07:59.219 --> 00:08:01.620 They want to be unbound to go their own way. 00:08:01.620 --> 00:08:08.980 And the psalmist tells us that all the people of the world are rebelling against the Lord and against his anointed. 00:08:10.019 --> 00:08:13.480 They do not want to be placed under the authority of whom? 00:08:14.280 --> 00:08:17.780 Of God and of Jesus Christ. 00:08:17.779 --> 00:08:23.859 The early church understood Jesus to be the anointed of Psalm 2. 00:08:24.819 --> 00:08:32.039 Listen to the response of the church to the news that Peter and John have been arrested and then released in Acts chapter 4. 00:08:32.539 --> 00:08:34.759 I'll begin reading in verse 24 and following. 00:08:34.759 --> 00:08:40.299 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, 00:08:41.079 --> 00:08:44.839 Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 00:08:44.840 --> 00:08:49.300 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 00:08:49.920 --> 00:08:53.800 Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:08:54.200 --> 00:08:59.860 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. 00:09:00.379 --> 00:09:06.139 For truly in this city, they were gathered together against your holy servant, Jesus, 00:09:06.580 --> 00:09:12.500 whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the people of Israel, 00:09:12.500 --> 00:09:16.820 to do whatever your hand and your plan had protested to take place. 00:09:17.220 --> 00:09:22.120 The early church saw this, that Christ was the anointed of Psalm 2. 00:09:23.080 --> 00:09:28.919 Rebellion against God and his Christ did not end with the persecution of the early church. 00:09:29.600 --> 00:09:36.700 Much of the New Testament is written to Christians who were suffering because the world was rebelling against God and his Christ. 00:09:36.700 --> 00:09:43.480 I find it quite fascinating to speak to believers who are older than me. 00:09:43.960 --> 00:09:45.840 They exist, praise God. 00:09:46.600 --> 00:09:56.200 So many so shocked that the world now has some pushback against their Christianity. 00:09:56.460 --> 00:09:57.480 This place in which we live. 00:09:57.700 --> 00:10:03.379 I would have never thought that the world would not be a follower of Christ. 00:10:03.379 --> 00:10:08.980 This has been the truth of the church throughout its history. 00:10:09.779 --> 00:10:18.759 Near the end of his reign, the Roman emperor Diocletian set up two massive pillars in Spain declaring victory over Jesus Christ. 00:10:19.279 --> 00:10:21.759 The inscription on the pillar reads, 00:10:22.600 --> 00:10:28.820 Diocletian, Hovian, Maximian, Hercules, Caesarius, Augusti. 00:10:29.340 --> 00:10:30.340 There was his title. 00:10:30.340 --> 00:10:34.160 For having adopted Gallerius in the East. 00:10:34.519 --> 00:10:39.840 For having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ. 00:10:40.139 --> 00:10:44.500 For having extended the worship of the gods. 00:10:45.120 --> 00:10:49.780 Set up this monument to himself to congratulate himself for such a thing. 00:10:50.820 --> 00:10:55.240 This rebellion against God and his Christ continues to this day. 00:10:55.820 --> 00:10:59.160 We saw a clear example of it on Monday. 00:10:59.159 --> 00:11:02.959 We can witness it all around us in many forms. 00:11:03.379 --> 00:11:09.199 And we should make no mistake that it is a rebellion against God and his Christ. 00:11:09.819 --> 00:11:11.579 We may experience it. 00:11:11.759 --> 00:11:15.719 But it is ultimately a rebellion against the Lord and his anointed. 00:11:16.620 --> 00:11:26.679 As God's people, it is reasonable that we will be seen as enemies of those rebelling against the one we follow. 00:11:26.679 --> 00:11:35.000 The early church expected to suffer for the name of Christ and rejoiced when the suffering came. 00:11:35.779 --> 00:11:38.439 What a difficult emotion to feel. 00:11:39.439 --> 00:11:42.879 Expected it and rejoiced in it. 00:11:42.879 --> 00:11:47.460 Let me show you an example from Acts chapter 5 verse 40 and following. 00:11:48.100 --> 00:11:51.439 When they, the council, had called in the apostles. 00:11:52.299 --> 00:11:58.080 They beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 00:11:58.080 --> 00:12:04.639 Then they, the apostles, left the presence of the council rejoicing. 00:12:04.800 --> 00:12:09.200 They were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 00:12:09.800 --> 00:12:17.740 And every day in the temple and from house to house, they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. 00:12:17.740 --> 00:12:20.639 So the world rebels. 00:12:21.419 --> 00:12:28.600 It always has and it will until Christ returns and makes all things new. 00:12:30.379 --> 00:12:35.680 But we find in the psalm that God, the father, answers this rebellion. 00:12:35.960 --> 00:12:38.320 The rebellion does not go unanswered. 00:12:38.840 --> 00:12:43.720 And he answers the rebellion of the world with laughter. 00:12:43.720 --> 00:12:48.920 Verse 4 says, he who sits in the heavens laughs. 00:12:49.639 --> 00:12:54.000 The Lord holds them in derision or think mockery. 00:12:54.480 --> 00:12:54.580 Right? 00:12:55.060 --> 00:13:00.560 The world and everything in it belongs to God. 00:13:00.920 --> 00:13:01.019 Right? 00:13:01.519 --> 00:13:08.759 He reigns over it absolutely regardless if somebody wants to rebel against him. 00:13:09.500 --> 00:13:11.340 Psalm 24 verse 1 and 2 says, 00:13:11.340 --> 00:13:17.259 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein. 00:13:17.700 --> 00:13:21.540 For he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 00:13:21.680 --> 00:13:21.800 Right? 00:13:21.920 --> 00:13:22.920 He made it. 00:13:23.040 --> 00:13:24.540 It is his. 00:13:25.639 --> 00:13:27.759 Isaiah chapter 40 and verse 15. 00:13:27.759 --> 00:13:34.720 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket and are accounted as the dust on the scales. 00:13:34.960 --> 00:13:39.820 Behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 00:13:39.820 --> 00:13:53.720 God reigns over all things and all peoples with absolute sovereignty to the degree that he finds the rebellion of the world laughable and mockable. 00:13:55.160 --> 00:13:59.200 Do you find yourself troubled at the rebellion of the world? 00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:07.379 If you belong to God, you need to know this morning that God finds the world's rebellion laughable. 00:14:08.360 --> 00:14:13.160 That isn't to say that he thinks lightly of the wickedness of humanity. 00:14:13.840 --> 00:14:19.460 But the idea that humanity can set aside God's rule is what he finds laughable. 00:14:19.460 --> 00:14:24.320 The rebellious think that they can escape the authority of God. 00:14:24.620 --> 00:14:27.259 But he reigns with absolute authority. 00:14:28.100 --> 00:14:33.379 Nothing has ever or will ever escape his grasp or his control. 00:14:33.379 --> 00:14:41.019 In fact, he orders all things, even tragic things, according to his will. 00:14:42.519 --> 00:14:50.539 So God the Father answers the rebellion of the world with laughter, but also with speech. 00:14:50.980 --> 00:14:54.580 This is how we know that he doesn't take wickedness lightly. 00:14:54.580 --> 00:15:04.060 Verse 5 says, then he will speak to them in his wrath and terrify them in his fury, saying, 00:15:04.820 --> 00:15:10.780 As for me, I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 00:15:12.040 --> 00:15:19.480 Note that after God laughs, he speaks and what he says should receive our highest attention as he says it furiously. 00:15:19.480 --> 00:15:22.000 What does he say? 00:15:23.820 --> 00:15:31.019 In the text, verse 6, as for me, I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 00:15:31.740 --> 00:15:37.000 God says that he has anointed King Jesus to reign. 00:15:38.860 --> 00:15:44.460 When you think of Jesus, where do you most regularly place him in your mind? 00:15:44.460 --> 00:15:54.220 Is he the humble servant, the suffering Savior, or the reigning king? 00:15:55.240 --> 00:15:59.519 He is all of these at all times. 00:16:00.360 --> 00:16:06.460 And an awareness of his person, his complete person, and his accomplished work will enable you in the day of trouble 00:16:06.460 --> 00:16:13.820 to also laugh at the rebellion of the world because you know that King Jesus reigns. 00:16:14.460 --> 00:16:19.920 God has not been silent against the rebellion of the world. 00:16:20.040 --> 00:16:26.180 He laughs and he speaks and he says, Jesus is the Christ and he reigns. 00:16:26.179 --> 00:16:32.879 And so we see thirdly in our text that God the Son declares. 00:16:34.179 --> 00:16:36.659 Now here the voice of the psalm changes. 00:16:37.459 --> 00:16:40.319 And it's this point that Jesus Christ is speaking. 00:16:40.919 --> 00:16:46.199 And he declares three things that God the Father has said of him. 00:16:47.359 --> 00:16:48.159 Verse 7. 00:16:48.500 --> 00:16:49.139 Number 1. 00:16:49.519 --> 00:16:50.579 Christ's identity. 00:16:50.580 --> 00:16:56.759 I will tell, Jesus says, I will tell of the decree the Lord said to me, 00:16:57.320 --> 00:16:58.460 you are my son. 00:16:59.040 --> 00:17:01.360 Today I have begotten you. 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:07.420 Christ's identity as the Son of God resurrected. 00:17:08.019 --> 00:17:10.000 And I'm going to show you why that's the case. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:13.500 What does it mean that Jesus is begotten? 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:21.319 It is important to note that that is not the same word translated in John 3.16 as only begotten. 00:17:21.440 --> 00:17:23.519 That's for another morning. 00:17:24.700 --> 00:17:28.380 Psalm 2.7 is cited three times in the New Testament, 00:17:28.380 --> 00:17:34.920 which is very helpful to us understanding what this word means, begotten. 00:17:35.359 --> 00:17:36.599 So let me give you these three. 00:17:36.799 --> 00:17:39.980 First, Hebrews chapter 1, verses 3 through 5. 00:17:40.119 --> 00:17:42.019 Keep in mind, we're talking about Christ's identity. 00:17:42.019 --> 00:17:46.980 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature. 00:17:47.639 --> 00:17:50.960 And he upholds the universe by the word of his power. 00:17:52.240 --> 00:17:58.559 After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the majesty on high. 00:17:59.119 --> 00:18:04.079 Having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs. 00:18:04.500 --> 00:18:07.259 For to which of the angels did God ever say? 00:18:07.400 --> 00:18:10.700 And here we are in Psalm 2. 00:18:10.700 --> 00:18:12.380 You are my son. 00:18:12.819 --> 00:18:15.000 Today I have begotten you. 00:18:15.580 --> 00:18:19.240 Or again, I will be to him a father and he shall be to me a son. 00:18:19.380 --> 00:18:25.319 Okay, so here we see this idea of him being gotten, tied to him making purification for sins, 00:18:25.460 --> 00:18:31.640 and then sitting down at the right hand of the majesty on high in his session where he reigns right now. 00:18:31.640 --> 00:18:34.520 Hebrews 5, 5. 00:18:34.520 --> 00:18:42.660 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, 00:18:43.320 --> 00:18:44.440 you are my son. 00:18:44.600 --> 00:18:47.300 Today I have begotten you. 00:18:47.520 --> 00:18:47.640 Right? 00:18:47.880 --> 00:18:55.100 So Christ, after his death, burial, and resurrection, is exalted and made a high priest over the church. 00:18:55.099 --> 00:19:00.439 And here again we see the citation from Psalm 2. 00:19:00.539 --> 00:19:03.599 I keep trying to say Acts 2 and my mind goes, no, stop it, dummy. 00:19:04.119 --> 00:19:04.799 Psalm 2. 00:19:05.480 --> 00:19:06.359 You are my son. 00:19:06.439 --> 00:19:09.119 Today I have begotten you. 00:19:09.119 --> 00:19:16.759 And then most clearly in Acts chapter 13, verse 30 and following, Paul here is speaking in the synagogue at Antioch, 00:19:16.759 --> 00:19:17.699 and he says, 00:19:17.700 --> 00:19:21.680 But God raised him from the dead. 00:19:22.480 --> 00:19:26.059 And for many days he appeared to those who had come up with him from Galilee to Jerusalem, 00:19:26.059 --> 00:19:28.480 who are now his witnesses to the people. 00:19:28.900 --> 00:19:32.640 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:36.819 this he has fulfilled to us their children by raising Jesus, 00:19:37.220 --> 00:19:40.059 as also it is written in the second Psalm, 00:19:40.420 --> 00:19:41.420 You are my son. 00:19:41.819 --> 00:19:44.440 Today I have begotten you. 00:19:44.440 --> 00:19:48.820 And as for the fact that he raised him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, 00:19:48.820 --> 00:19:50.460 he has spoken in this way, 00:19:50.960 --> 00:19:54.380 I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. 00:19:55.539 --> 00:19:57.400 Notice that in each of these texts, 00:19:57.519 --> 00:20:02.380 the resurrection of Christ is either explicit in the case of Acts chapter 13, 00:20:02.680 --> 00:20:08.700 or implicit in the cases of Hebrews 1, 3 through 5 and 5, 5. 00:20:08.700 --> 00:20:13.360 So begotten, in this case, in Psalm 2, 00:20:14.080 --> 00:20:16.360 by way of sparing you further details, 00:20:17.019 --> 00:20:19.819 means to bring forth. 00:20:20.400 --> 00:20:21.799 It's a literal translation of it. 00:20:21.819 --> 00:20:23.100 It means to bring forth, 00:20:23.319 --> 00:20:27.000 and it refers to the bringing forth of Jesus from the grave. 00:20:27.240 --> 00:20:29.740 It refers to his resurrection. 00:20:29.740 --> 00:20:35.740 When Jesus declares his identity in Psalm chapter 2 and verse 7, 00:20:36.279 --> 00:20:37.220 the Lord said to me, 00:20:37.319 --> 00:20:38.339 You are my son. 00:20:38.579 --> 00:20:41.599 Today I have begotten you. 00:20:42.380 --> 00:20:45.859 He is speaking to the future reality of his resurrected life. 00:20:46.400 --> 00:20:49.920 The fact that he is the Christ, 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:52.460 that the church will be built on that foundation, 00:20:52.559 --> 00:20:55.200 and the gates of hell will not prevail against it. 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:58.440 And therefore, his sacrificial death, 00:20:58.940 --> 00:21:01.460 and all that it has accomplished. 00:21:03.059 --> 00:21:06.279 He also tells us something of his destiny. 00:21:07.080 --> 00:21:07.700 Verse 8 says, 00:21:07.860 --> 00:21:10.380 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, 00:21:10.480 --> 00:21:13.420 and the ends of the earth your possession. 00:21:14.640 --> 00:21:18.519 God has promised to give Jesus Christ every corner of the creation, 00:21:18.900 --> 00:21:22.720 and all the peoples of it to rule over it forever. 00:21:22.720 --> 00:21:25.339 Some cross references for this. 00:21:25.440 --> 00:21:28.319 Philippians chapter 2, verse 8 through 11. 00:21:29.519 --> 00:21:31.160 And being found in human form, 00:21:31.559 --> 00:21:34.220 Christ humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:21:34.299 --> 00:21:36.279 even death on a cross. 00:21:37.240 --> 00:21:39.079 Therefore God has highly exalted him, 00:21:39.140 --> 00:21:41.640 and bestowed on him the name that is above every name. 00:21:42.319 --> 00:21:43.360 So that the name of Jesus, 00:21:43.500 --> 00:21:45.259 every knee should bow in heaven and on earth, 00:21:45.299 --> 00:21:46.000 and under the earth, 00:21:46.059 --> 00:21:48.839 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:21:49.160 --> 00:21:51.579 to the glory of God the Father. 00:21:51.579 --> 00:21:56.299 The reigning and the praise of the peoples. 00:21:57.099 --> 00:21:59.339 Now join me, if you will, in Philippians chapter 2. 00:21:59.819 --> 00:22:02.359 I want you to look at the text that immediately follows 00:22:02.359 --> 00:22:04.259 verses 8 through 11. 00:22:09.579 --> 00:22:12.399 At the beginning of verse 12 of Philippians 2, 00:22:13.000 --> 00:22:13.659 Paul says, 00:22:13.980 --> 00:22:16.579 Therefore, my beloved. 00:22:16.579 --> 00:22:19.819 So in light of the exaltation of Jesus Christ, 00:22:20.539 --> 00:22:25.899 I want you to look for the responses we should have to that reality. 00:22:27.039 --> 00:22:27.839 Paul says, 00:22:28.199 --> 00:22:29.019 Therefore, my beloved, 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:31.980 as you have always obeyed, 00:22:32.519 --> 00:22:34.339 so now, not only as in my presence, 00:22:34.419 --> 00:22:35.539 but much more in my absence, 00:22:35.759 --> 00:22:38.859 work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. 00:22:38.859 --> 00:22:41.419 For it is God who works in you, 00:22:41.519 --> 00:22:43.359 both to will and to work for his good pleasure. 00:22:44.359 --> 00:22:47.399 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 00:22:48.079 --> 00:22:50.319 that you may be blameless and innocent, 00:22:51.079 --> 00:22:54.679 children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, 00:22:54.859 --> 00:22:58.079 among whom you shine as lights in the world, 00:22:58.079 --> 00:23:00.199 holding fast to the word of life, 00:23:00.259 --> 00:23:01.359 so that in the day of Christ, 00:23:01.419 --> 00:23:05.119 I may be proud that it did not run in vain or labor in vain. 00:23:05.919 --> 00:23:08.099 Even if I am being poured out as a drink offering 00:23:08.099 --> 00:23:10.299 upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, 00:23:10.480 --> 00:23:12.599 I am glad and rejoice with you all. 00:23:13.299 --> 00:23:17.619 Likewise, you also should be glad and rejoice with me. 00:23:19.159 --> 00:23:22.679 Notice that our response to Jesus' forever reign 00:23:22.679 --> 00:23:25.480 should be good works. 00:23:25.480 --> 00:23:27.059 verse 12, 00:23:27.700 --> 00:23:29.779 accompanied by good attitudes, 00:23:30.279 --> 00:23:31.700 verse 14, 00:23:31.960 --> 00:23:33.360 general holiness, 00:23:34.079 --> 00:23:37.180 that we should read, know, and treasure God's word, 00:23:37.319 --> 00:23:38.460 verse 16, 00:23:39.319 --> 00:23:43.299 and that we should be found happy and rejoicing, 00:23:44.220 --> 00:23:45.039 verse 18. 00:23:47.259 --> 00:23:52.220 Is this the characteristic response of us 00:23:52.220 --> 00:23:54.500 to the trouble that we find all around us 00:23:54.500 --> 00:23:55.720 in our day? 00:23:57.420 --> 00:23:58.619 I hope that it is. 00:23:59.339 --> 00:24:01.099 I wrestle to this end. 00:24:02.380 --> 00:24:03.680 As you contemplate 00:24:03.680 --> 00:24:05.960 the troubled age in which we live, 00:24:06.059 --> 00:24:07.759 does the reign of Jesus Christ 00:24:07.759 --> 00:24:09.200 affect you, 00:24:09.359 --> 00:24:11.440 inform the way you respond 00:24:11.440 --> 00:24:13.079 in this way, 00:24:13.940 --> 00:24:14.960 Philippians chapter 2, 00:24:15.019 --> 00:24:16.220 verse 12 and following? 00:24:17.180 --> 00:24:17.940 It should. 00:24:18.599 --> 00:24:19.220 It should. 00:24:19.220 --> 00:24:23.680 Let's look lastly here at Christ's authority. 00:24:24.600 --> 00:24:25.740 Verse 9 says, 00:24:25.799 --> 00:24:27.500 this is back in Psalm 2, 00:24:28.380 --> 00:24:30.460 you shall break them with a rod of iron 00:24:30.460 --> 00:24:32.079 and dash them in pieces 00:24:32.079 --> 00:24:34.000 like a potter's vessel. 00:24:35.000 --> 00:24:36.259 God has given to Jesus, 00:24:36.380 --> 00:24:37.880 has anointed the authority 00:24:37.880 --> 00:24:39.920 and the power to judge the nations 00:24:39.920 --> 00:24:41.180 for their rebellion. 00:24:41.559 --> 00:24:41.660 Right? 00:24:41.940 --> 00:24:43.360 Think an effortless task, 00:24:43.500 --> 00:24:43.680 right? 00:24:43.680 --> 00:24:46.519 It's not difficult to break a pot 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.640 with a rod of iron. 00:24:48.600 --> 00:24:50.080 And we spoke of God's judgment 00:24:50.080 --> 00:24:51.420 last week 00:24:51.420 --> 00:24:53.200 at greater length 00:24:53.200 --> 00:24:53.980 and in the future 00:24:53.980 --> 00:24:55.279 we'll look at it once again 00:24:55.279 --> 00:24:57.100 in Romans chapter 2. 00:24:57.900 --> 00:24:58.860 But I want you to note 00:24:58.860 --> 00:25:01.740 that before the final judgment comes, 00:25:02.600 --> 00:25:04.460 Jesus is calling all men 00:25:04.460 --> 00:25:05.240 everywhere 00:25:05.240 --> 00:25:06.759 to repent. 00:25:07.560 --> 00:25:08.759 Ephesians chapter 2 00:25:08.759 --> 00:25:09.940 and verse 17, 00:25:09.940 --> 00:25:10.740 Paul says, 00:25:10.880 --> 00:25:11.660 and Jesus came 00:25:11.660 --> 00:25:12.960 and preached peace to you 00:25:12.960 --> 00:25:14.440 who were far off 00:25:14.440 --> 00:25:16.519 and peace to those 00:25:16.519 --> 00:25:17.600 who were near. 00:25:17.960 --> 00:25:18.059 Right? 00:25:18.680 --> 00:25:19.279 Rebels. 00:25:19.759 --> 00:25:22.080 Those held in laughable, 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:24.360 mockable state. 00:25:25.580 --> 00:25:26.259 Christ has come 00:25:26.259 --> 00:25:28.880 and preached peace to us 00:25:28.880 --> 00:25:30.920 that we might by faith in him 00:25:30.920 --> 00:25:33.420 have peace with God. 00:25:34.340 --> 00:25:35.820 Those who do not repent 00:25:35.820 --> 00:25:38.019 and believe in the personal work 00:25:38.019 --> 00:25:38.900 of Jesus Christ 00:25:38.900 --> 00:25:41.320 are going to face 00:25:41.320 --> 00:25:44.880 a frightful final judgment. 00:25:45.860 --> 00:25:47.480 Hear just a little bit of that 00:25:47.480 --> 00:25:49.600 from Revelation chapter 19. 00:25:49.960 --> 00:25:52.320 This is verse 11 through 15. 00:25:53.540 --> 00:25:54.280 John writes, 00:25:54.360 --> 00:25:55.560 Then I saw heaven opened 00:25:55.560 --> 00:25:57.660 and behold a white horse. 00:25:58.360 --> 00:25:59.500 The one sitting on it 00:25:59.500 --> 00:26:01.660 is called Faithful and True. 00:26:02.300 --> 00:26:03.120 And in righteousness 00:26:03.120 --> 00:26:06.420 he judges and makes war. 00:26:06.420 --> 00:26:09.100 His eyes are like a flame of fire 00:26:09.100 --> 00:26:10.160 and on his head 00:26:10.160 --> 00:26:11.240 are many diadems 00:26:11.240 --> 00:26:12.400 and he has a name written 00:26:12.400 --> 00:26:13.759 that no one knows 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:14.620 but himself. 00:26:15.539 --> 00:26:16.779 He is clothed 00:26:16.779 --> 00:26:17.420 in a robe 00:26:17.420 --> 00:26:18.380 dipped in blood 00:26:18.380 --> 00:26:19.740 and the name by which 00:26:19.740 --> 00:26:20.380 he is called 00:26:20.380 --> 00:26:22.080 is the Word of God. 00:26:22.900 --> 00:26:23.940 And the armies of heaven 00:26:23.940 --> 00:26:25.019 arrayed in fine linen 00:26:25.019 --> 00:26:25.820 white and pure 00:26:25.820 --> 00:26:26.759 were following him 00:26:26.759 --> 00:26:27.580 on white horses. 00:26:28.259 --> 00:26:29.000 From his mouth 00:26:29.000 --> 00:26:30.220 comes a sharp sword 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.480 with which to strike 00:26:31.480 --> 00:26:32.340 down the nations 00:26:32.339 --> 00:26:33.679 and he will rule them 00:26:33.679 --> 00:26:34.859 with a rod 00:26:34.859 --> 00:26:35.859 of iron. 00:26:36.220 --> 00:26:36.939 Hear that language 00:26:36.939 --> 00:26:38.619 picked up from Psalm 2. 00:26:39.319 --> 00:26:40.179 He will tread 00:26:40.179 --> 00:26:41.639 the winepress 00:26:41.639 --> 00:26:42.599 of the fury 00:26:42.599 --> 00:26:43.559 of the wrath 00:26:43.559 --> 00:26:44.139 of God 00:26:44.139 --> 00:26:45.259 the Almighty. 00:26:46.259 --> 00:26:48.019 Jesus will come 00:26:48.019 --> 00:26:49.099 and he 00:26:49.099 --> 00:26:50.319 will judge 00:26:50.319 --> 00:26:51.759 and he declares this 00:26:51.759 --> 00:26:54.039 as God says 00:26:54.039 --> 00:26:54.539 over him 00:26:54.539 --> 00:26:55.199 in verse 9 00:26:55.199 --> 00:26:56.159 of Psalm 2 00:26:56.159 --> 00:26:57.439 that he has the authority 00:26:57.440 --> 00:26:58.740 to do so. 00:26:59.840 --> 00:27:01.279 But in the meantime 00:27:01.279 --> 00:27:02.559 he came 00:27:02.559 --> 00:27:03.720 and he preached peace 00:27:03.720 --> 00:27:05.220 and he charged others 00:27:05.220 --> 00:27:07.220 to preach that peace 00:27:07.220 --> 00:27:08.340 and we see 00:27:08.340 --> 00:27:09.700 a beautiful summary 00:27:09.700 --> 00:27:10.340 at the end 00:27:10.340 --> 00:27:11.259 of Psalm 2 00:27:11.259 --> 00:27:12.600 which I've given us 00:27:12.600 --> 00:27:13.660 the title of 00:27:13.660 --> 00:27:14.840 God the Spirit 00:27:14.840 --> 00:27:16.200 invites. 00:27:17.299 --> 00:27:18.059 Now the text 00:27:18.059 --> 00:27:19.059 does not expressly 00:27:19.059 --> 00:27:19.820 state that this is 00:27:19.820 --> 00:27:20.539 the Spirit of God 00:27:20.539 --> 00:27:21.080 speaking 00:27:21.080 --> 00:27:22.600 but we know 00:27:22.600 --> 00:27:23.120 that the Scriptures 00:27:23.120 --> 00:27:24.200 are inspired 00:27:24.200 --> 00:27:25.700 and that people 00:27:25.700 --> 00:27:26.400 come to repent 00:27:26.400 --> 00:27:26.880 and believe 00:27:26.880 --> 00:27:28.120 through the efficacious 00:27:28.120 --> 00:27:29.160 work of God 00:27:29.160 --> 00:27:30.400 the Spirit. 00:27:31.020 --> 00:27:31.520 And so I think 00:27:31.520 --> 00:27:32.800 it is fair 00:27:32.800 --> 00:27:33.960 it's also 00:27:33.960 --> 00:27:35.720 nice and tidy 00:27:35.720 --> 00:27:36.400 to see 00:27:36.400 --> 00:27:38.420 our triune God 00:27:38.420 --> 00:27:40.320 in this text. 00:27:40.760 --> 00:27:41.780 God the Spirit 00:27:41.780 --> 00:27:43.480 invites. 00:27:44.380 --> 00:27:45.080 Now therefore 00:27:45.080 --> 00:27:46.500 O kings 00:27:46.500 --> 00:27:47.000 be wise 00:27:47.000 --> 00:27:47.560 be warned 00:27:47.560 --> 00:27:48.040 O rulers 00:27:48.040 --> 00:27:49.080 of the earth 00:27:49.080 --> 00:27:50.900 serve the Lord 00:27:50.900 --> 00:27:52.120 with fear 00:27:52.120 --> 00:27:52.840 and rejoice 00:27:52.840 --> 00:27:54.360 with trembling 00:27:54.360 --> 00:27:56.300 kiss the sun 00:27:56.299 --> 00:27:57.579 give your devotion 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.200 to him 00:27:58.200 --> 00:27:59.700 lest he be angry 00:27:59.700 --> 00:28:00.960 and you perish 00:28:00.960 --> 00:28:01.619 in the way 00:28:01.619 --> 00:28:03.779 for his wrath 00:28:03.779 --> 00:28:04.980 is quickly kindled 00:28:04.980 --> 00:28:06.759 blessed are all 00:28:06.759 --> 00:28:07.980 who take refuge 00:28:07.980 --> 00:28:09.359 in him. 00:28:10.039 --> 00:28:10.839 The very one 00:28:10.839 --> 00:28:11.799 the authority 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:12.379 to come 00:28:12.379 --> 00:28:13.019 and to reign 00:28:13.019 --> 00:28:13.639 and judge 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:14.839 is the one 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.519 in whom 00:28:15.519 --> 00:28:16.879 we hide ourselves 00:28:16.879 --> 00:28:18.799 from that very wrath. 00:28:18.799 --> 00:28:20.480 because of the coming 00:28:20.480 --> 00:28:21.480 judgment of Christ 00:28:21.480 --> 00:28:22.919 God the Spirit 00:28:22.919 --> 00:28:24.079 calls all people 00:28:24.079 --> 00:28:24.559 everywhere 00:28:24.559 --> 00:28:25.460 to put down 00:28:25.460 --> 00:28:26.059 their rebellion 00:28:26.059 --> 00:28:27.879 and take refuge 00:28:27.879 --> 00:28:29.139 in Christ 00:28:29.139 --> 00:28:30.519 recognizing 00:28:30.519 --> 00:28:32.440 that he reigns. 00:28:32.839 --> 00:28:34.099 So be wise 00:28:34.099 --> 00:28:35.079 be warned 00:28:35.079 --> 00:28:36.319 if you have not 00:28:36.319 --> 00:28:36.839 repented 00:28:36.839 --> 00:28:37.799 and believed 00:28:37.799 --> 00:28:38.599 in Christ 00:28:38.599 --> 00:28:40.460 do so today 00:28:40.460 --> 00:28:42.319 kiss the sun 00:28:42.319 --> 00:28:43.220 swear your allegiance 00:28:43.220 --> 00:28:43.700 to him 00:28:43.700 --> 00:28:45.559 because I do not 00:28:45.559 --> 00:28:47.619 we do not 00:28:47.619 --> 00:28:49.159 want you to perish 00:28:49.159 --> 00:28:50.700 when his wrath 00:28:50.700 --> 00:28:51.879 comes. 00:28:53.619 --> 00:28:54.099 And so we see 00:28:54.099 --> 00:28:55.119 in Psalm 2 00:28:55.119 --> 00:28:56.960 the world rebels 00:28:56.960 --> 00:28:58.079 God the Father 00:28:58.079 --> 00:28:58.639 answers 00:28:58.639 --> 00:28:59.460 God the Son 00:28:59.460 --> 00:29:00.139 declares 00:29:00.139 --> 00:29:01.659 and God the Spirit 00:29:01.659 --> 00:29:02.960 invites. 00:29:04.079 --> 00:29:05.000 God the Father 00:29:05.000 --> 00:29:05.799 will not tolerate 00:29:05.799 --> 00:29:06.279 the rebellion 00:29:06.279 --> 00:29:06.839 of the world 00:29:06.839 --> 00:29:07.619 forever. 00:29:08.159 --> 00:29:08.940 One day 00:29:08.940 --> 00:29:09.519 God the Son 00:29:09.519 --> 00:29:10.119 will return 00:29:10.119 --> 00:29:11.240 and judge the nations 00:29:11.240 --> 00:29:12.740 but in the meantime 00:29:12.740 --> 00:29:13.679 they are working 00:29:13.680 --> 00:29:15.140 mercifully by God 00:29:15.140 --> 00:29:15.560 the Spirit 00:29:15.560 --> 00:29:16.320 to call people 00:29:16.320 --> 00:29:16.980 to be saved 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:18.080 and to enter 00:29:18.080 --> 00:29:18.860 into everlasting 00:29:18.860 --> 00:29:20.340 comfort and joy 00:29:20.340 --> 00:29:21.720 and peace. 00:29:22.560 --> 00:29:23.440 If you have not 00:29:23.440 --> 00:29:24.920 already done so 00:29:24.920 --> 00:29:25.860 repent and believe 00:29:25.860 --> 00:29:26.640 in the finished work 00:29:26.640 --> 00:29:27.160 of the Lord 00:29:27.160 --> 00:29:28.380 Jesus Christ. 00:29:29.060 --> 00:29:30.080 If you are 00:29:30.080 --> 00:29:30.740 in Christ 00:29:30.740 --> 00:29:31.560 beloved 00:29:31.560 --> 00:29:33.200 the reality 00:29:33.200 --> 00:29:34.100 of who our God 00:29:34.100 --> 00:29:34.600 is 00:29:34.600 --> 00:29:35.360 as we answer 00:29:35.360 --> 00:29:36.060 that question 00:29:36.060 --> 00:29:37.860 who is God 00:29:37.860 --> 00:29:39.200 it should make 00:29:39.200 --> 00:29:39.640 you 00:29:39.640 --> 00:29:40.860 immovable 00:29:40.860 --> 00:29:42.480 despite the 00:29:42.480 --> 00:29:43.039 circumstances 00:29:43.039 --> 00:29:43.659 of our day 00:29:43.659 --> 00:29:44.859 because our 00:29:44.859 --> 00:29:45.759 God 00:29:45.759 --> 00:29:46.799 is immovable. 00:29:47.500 --> 00:29:48.440 Let's pray together.