WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:04.200 Well, it's very good to see all of you this evening. I'm glad that you could join us. 00:00:04.200 --> 00:00:08.599 ! We, I think, have found out who the ride or dies are. 00:00:09.800 --> 00:00:11.000 You're the real ones. 00:00:12.700 --> 00:00:18.120 Or we just know now who has steep driveways and who doesn't. I'm not sure which. 00:00:18.199 --> 00:00:21.660 We're really glad that you could be here with us this evening. 00:00:22.300 --> 00:00:24.260 We've been a bit off of our preaching schedule. 00:00:25.080 --> 00:00:27.859 Last week, Caleb Anderson was meant to preach. 00:00:27.859 --> 00:00:32.799 He'll come back and he will preach the sermon that he had prepared just before they leave. 00:00:34.179 --> 00:00:39.820 I decided, kind of an 11th hour decision, to do something a little different for today as well. 00:00:39.939 --> 00:00:44.280 And so, Lord willing, we'll get back to our exposition of John next week. 00:00:44.379 --> 00:00:52.079 But I was thinking just about these last two weeks and how really frail we are as human people. 00:00:52.079 --> 00:00:53.640 Just as the creation. 00:00:53.640 --> 00:01:00.140 It does not really take that much to bring our society to a screeching halt. 00:01:01.399 --> 00:01:03.340 To be sure, it's troublesome. 00:01:03.640 --> 00:01:05.099 There's real issues. 00:01:05.480 --> 00:01:09.260 Power outages and loss of heat and water lines freezing. 00:01:09.379 --> 00:01:11.640 These are all terribly inconvenient things. 00:01:11.640 --> 00:01:22.939 But just how really quickly and really easily our sovereign God can snap his fingers and things just stop. 00:01:23.640 --> 00:01:26.400 So, I was musing about this a bit in the negative. 00:01:26.700 --> 00:01:31.000 This tight little temperature range that we survive within. 00:01:31.319 --> 00:01:34.500 And then thinking about it much in the positive. 00:01:34.500 --> 00:01:41.260 I'm very grateful that we know this God that controls all things. 00:01:41.500 --> 00:01:43.819 Purposes beyond our total comprehension. 00:01:44.079 --> 00:01:47.659 But certainly we know for his glory. 00:01:48.579 --> 00:01:59.359 I've mentioned before that my work as a pastor now for the past 17 plus years can be summarized in my working to answer four questions. 00:01:59.359 --> 00:02:02.659 They are, what is the Bible? 00:02:03.400 --> 00:02:04.819 What is the gospel? 00:02:05.819 --> 00:02:07.480 What is the church? 00:02:08.039 --> 00:02:11.319 And who is God? 00:02:11.699 --> 00:02:14.719 A lot to be said about each of these questions. 00:02:15.080 --> 00:02:18.159 Big and broad answers to be given to all of them. 00:02:18.219 --> 00:02:22.979 And all of them are under assault by our culture. 00:02:22.979 --> 00:02:34.099 I think that far too many professing Christians are being shaken in our time when they ought to be immovable. 00:02:34.799 --> 00:02:45.259 Our concerns in the world seem to be far too often the very same concerns of the lost world around us. 00:02:46.019 --> 00:02:48.579 I want us to be immovable. 00:02:48.580 --> 00:02:52.700 Regardless of the circumstances of our day, whatever may be going on. 00:02:53.500 --> 00:02:55.020 Wars and rumors of wars. 00:02:56.240 --> 00:02:57.040 Tragic weather. 00:02:58.040 --> 00:03:04.660 But we will not be immovable unless we can rightly answer that final question. 00:03:05.140 --> 00:03:08.200 Who is God? 00:03:08.199 --> 00:03:17.479 And we are going to explore this question for all of this life and for all of the life to come. 00:03:17.619 --> 00:03:20.419 Which is a reality I love to think about. 00:03:20.500 --> 00:03:25.579 We are going to be constantly discovering who God is for all of eternity. 00:03:26.299 --> 00:03:29.759 But our God has told us much of himself. 00:03:29.859 --> 00:03:31.780 Everything we need to know of him. 00:03:31.780 --> 00:03:38.699 And so we want to do the best we can to learn as much as we can in this life. 00:03:39.960 --> 00:03:42.139 So to do that this evening together. 00:03:42.420 --> 00:03:45.819 I'm going to pick up a bit of a sermon I've preached before. 00:03:46.680 --> 00:03:49.699 A little dusting off and changing for today. 00:03:49.819 --> 00:03:52.400 So join me if you will in Psalm 2. 00:03:53.580 --> 00:03:54.300 Psalm 2. 00:03:57.900 --> 00:04:00.120 Let me lead us in a prayer before I read it. 00:04:00.120 --> 00:04:04.319 Our Father and our God, thank you for your word. 00:04:04.740 --> 00:04:15.480 Thank you that we have it in such abundant access that we can take time this evening to sit together and think about what you have said for our good and for your glory. 00:04:16.579 --> 00:04:20.560 We ask humbly that you would help us to understand it. 00:04:20.560 --> 00:04:32.819 Use my feeble preparation, our feeble understanding, our small minds to gain a greater grasp of who you are to us. 00:04:33.680 --> 00:04:40.519 Help us to see this, especially in the personal work of Jesus Christ by the power of your spirit. 00:04:41.340 --> 00:04:42.699 And it's to this end that we pray. 00:04:43.860 --> 00:04:44.220 Amen. 00:04:44.220 --> 00:05:14.200 Psalm 2. 00:05:14.220 --> 00:05:44.200 Psalm 3. 00:05:44.199 --> 00:06:09.180 As we consider the present state of the world in which we live, 00:06:09.180 --> 00:06:14.379 we see widespread and seemingly unbridled rebellion. 00:06:14.699 --> 00:06:19.660 This takes place in all kinds of degrees, all kinds of forms. 00:06:19.660 --> 00:06:32.080 All we have to do to see the rebellion is tune into our world concerning this rebellion to our favorite TV or radio, social media outlet. 00:06:32.220 --> 00:06:34.140 It is just everywhere. 00:06:34.139 --> 00:06:39.659 It's a rebellion that spans all culture and political vantage points. 00:06:39.660 --> 00:06:46.780 What is the Christian meant to speak, seek, and speak of all those things? 00:06:46.980 --> 00:06:49.460 What are we supposed to think about these things? 00:06:49.560 --> 00:06:55.240 How are we to bear up when everything seems to be falling apart around us? 00:06:55.300 --> 00:06:57.640 It's just unraveling around us. 00:06:57.639 --> 00:07:10.019 I think that Psalm 2 speaks poignantly into our world concerning its rebellion and tells us that God is powerfully at work to end the rebellion of the world. 00:07:10.019 --> 00:07:16.399 The uprising that began with Adam and Eve will not be allowed to persist forever. 00:07:16.399 --> 00:07:17.459 Praise God. 00:07:17.459 --> 00:07:22.819 For those not in Christ, this is terrible news. 00:07:22.819 --> 00:07:30.139 For those found in Christ, Psalm 2 is a psalm of hope and of encouragement. 00:07:31.259 --> 00:07:34.599 I hope this evening that it will be the latter for you. 00:07:36.040 --> 00:07:39.899 We'll take a look at this text briefly in the following outline. 00:07:40.019 --> 00:07:41.480 Number one, the world rebels. 00:07:41.699 --> 00:07:44.459 Number two, God the Father answers. 00:07:45.000 --> 00:07:48.659 Number three, God the Son declares. 00:07:48.660 --> 00:07:53.380 And number four, God the Spirit invites. 00:07:54.460 --> 00:07:59.580 I listened to a podcast recently with pastors where a pastor of preaching at Southern said, 00:07:59.660 --> 00:08:02.200 you should never give the outline in advance of your sermon. 00:08:02.400 --> 00:08:03.820 And I went, oh, well. 00:08:04.900 --> 00:08:06.440 And then I decided to do it anyway. 00:08:06.720 --> 00:08:07.260 Number one. 00:08:08.200 --> 00:08:11.080 Number one, the world rebels. 00:08:12.120 --> 00:08:15.300 Psalm 2 begins with a rhetorical question. 00:08:15.300 --> 00:08:19.020 I imagine the psalmist frustrated, right? 00:08:19.060 --> 00:08:20.620 He's shaking his head. 00:08:20.699 --> 00:08:23.340 He's wagging it back and forth as he asks, 00:08:23.960 --> 00:08:28.879 why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:08:29.560 --> 00:08:36.180 He has noticed that the world over, people have a rebellion problem. 00:08:36.879 --> 00:08:39.299 Undoubtedly, this is true. 00:08:39.299 --> 00:08:39.899 True. 00:08:40.059 --> 00:08:43.139 And he goes on in his disbelief. 00:08:43.399 --> 00:08:45.759 The kings of the earth set themselves. 00:08:45.919 --> 00:08:49.099 This is evidence of his rhetorical question. 00:08:49.240 --> 00:08:50.259 They set themselves. 00:08:50.839 --> 00:08:56.139 And the rulers, they take counsel together against the Lord and against his anointed, 00:08:57.000 --> 00:09:03.339 saying, let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us. 00:09:03.340 --> 00:09:12.060 The nations, the peoples, the kings and the rulers of the earth do not want to be placed under any authority. 00:09:12.420 --> 00:09:17.300 They view the authority of God as an authority that ought to be cast off. 00:09:17.720 --> 00:09:21.720 They want to be unbound to go their own way. 00:09:21.860 --> 00:09:26.820 They believe their own way is better than the way of the Creator. 00:09:26.820 --> 00:09:36.040 And the psalmist tells us that all the peoples of the world are rebelling against the Lord and against his anointed. 00:09:37.260 --> 00:09:40.600 They do not want to be placed under the authority of who? 00:09:41.580 --> 00:09:44.200 God and Jesus Christ. 00:09:45.540 --> 00:09:50.960 The early church understood Jesus to be the anointed of Psalm 2. 00:09:51.140 --> 00:09:55.700 So if there's a question raised in your mind at that point, I want to settle it for you. 00:09:55.700 --> 00:10:03.100 Listen to the response of the church to the news that Peter and John had been arrested and then released in Acts chapter 4. 00:10:03.460 --> 00:10:07.000 And when they heard it, they lifted their voices together to God and said, 00:10:07.560 --> 00:10:11.879 Sovereign Lord, who made the heaven and the earth and the sea and everything in them, 00:10:12.320 --> 00:10:16.080 who through the mouth of our father David, your servant, said by the Holy Spirit, 00:10:16.620 --> 00:10:21.060 Why did the Gentiles rage and the peoples plot in vain? 00:10:21.059 --> 00:10:28.359 The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers were gathered together against the Lord and against his anointed. 00:10:29.399 --> 00:10:34.419 For truly in the city they were gathered together against your holy servant Jesus, 00:10:34.859 --> 00:10:40.979 whom you anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, 00:10:41.099 --> 00:10:46.079 to do whatever your hand and your plan have predestined to take place. 00:10:46.080 --> 00:10:48.139 It's very clearly there. They're connecting this. 00:10:48.220 --> 00:10:54.520 They understand the anointed of Psalm 2 to be the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:10:54.759 --> 00:10:59.200 And just as an aside, oh, that we would pray prayers like that in adversity. 00:11:00.860 --> 00:11:07.320 Rebellion against God and his Christ did not end with the persecution of the early church. 00:11:08.120 --> 00:11:14.840 Much of the New Testament is written to Christians who were suffering because the world was rebelling against God and his Christ. 00:11:14.840 --> 00:11:24.759 Near the end of his reign, the Roman emperor Diocletian set up two massive pillars in Spain declaring victory over Jesus Christ. 00:11:25.600 --> 00:11:28.460 The inscription on the pillars read, 00:11:29.160 --> 00:11:34.920 Diocletian, Jovian, Maximian, Hercules, Caesareus Augusti. 00:11:35.000 --> 00:11:37.399 Boy, does he think a lot of himself. 00:11:37.399 --> 00:11:41.360 For having adopted Gallerius in the East. 00:11:41.840 --> 00:11:46.840 For having everywhere abolished the superstition of Christ. 00:11:47.319 --> 00:11:53.699 For having extended the worship of the gods, lowercase gods. 00:11:54.480 --> 00:12:00.899 And this rebellion against God and his Christ continues to this day. 00:12:00.899 --> 00:12:03.840 We can witness it all around us. 00:12:04.139 --> 00:12:05.659 Many forms, many measures. 00:12:05.819 --> 00:12:11.699 And we should make no mistake that it is rebellion against God and his Christ. 00:12:12.419 --> 00:12:20.299 And as God's people, it is reasonable that we will be seen as enemies of those rebelling against the Lord. 00:12:21.340 --> 00:12:27.460 The early church expected to suffer for the name of Christ and rejoiced when the suffering came. 00:12:27.460 --> 00:12:29.660 Acts chapter 5. 00:12:29.659 --> 00:12:34.159 When they, the Sanhedrin, had called in the apostles, 00:12:35.000 --> 00:12:40.360 they beat them and charged them not to speak in the name of Jesus and let them go. 00:12:41.419 --> 00:12:48.059 Then they left the presence of the council rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer dishonor for the name. 00:12:48.799 --> 00:12:51.419 And every day in the temple and from house to house, 00:12:51.539 --> 00:12:57.439 they did not cease teaching and preaching that the Christ is Jesus. 00:12:57.440 --> 00:13:00.540 Unshakeable people. 00:13:01.200 --> 00:13:01.800 Why? 00:13:02.280 --> 00:13:05.500 Because they have an immovable God. 00:13:05.780 --> 00:13:13.980 They recognize the rebellion of the world against God will be one day made right. 00:13:15.180 --> 00:13:15.800 So that was first. 00:13:15.920 --> 00:13:16.560 The world rebels. 00:13:16.740 --> 00:13:17.080 Secondly, 00:13:18.580 --> 00:13:21.300 God the Father answers. 00:13:22.300 --> 00:13:26.240 The rebellion of the world does not go unanswered. 00:13:26.240 --> 00:13:31.100 God the Father answers the rebellion of the world. 00:13:31.340 --> 00:13:33.580 And note how he responds. 00:13:33.799 --> 00:13:34.600 Verse 4 says, 00:13:34.779 --> 00:13:39.860 He who sits in the heavens laughs. 00:13:40.860 --> 00:13:42.379 He laughs. 00:13:43.080 --> 00:13:47.220 The Lord holds them in derision or you can think mockery. 00:13:47.659 --> 00:13:52.580 He laughs and he makes fun of the rebellion of the world. 00:13:52.580 --> 00:13:57.080 The world and everything in it belongs to God. 00:13:57.440 --> 00:13:58.720 Psalm 24, verse 1 and 2. 00:13:58.840 --> 00:14:01.379 The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof. 00:14:01.960 --> 00:14:04.200 The world and those who dwell therein. 00:14:04.940 --> 00:14:09.960 For he has founded upon the seas and established it upon the rivers. 00:14:10.800 --> 00:14:12.580 Isaiah chapter 40 and verse 15. 00:14:12.580 --> 00:14:13.420 Verse 15. 00:14:13.960 --> 00:14:21.900 Behold, the nations are like a drop from a bucket and are accounted as the dust on the scales. 00:14:22.639 --> 00:14:27.300 Behold, he takes up the coastlands like fine dust. 00:14:27.720 --> 00:14:32.800 Belongs to him and is insignificant in comparison to him. 00:14:32.799 --> 00:14:41.539 God reigns over all things and all peoples with absolute sovereignty. 00:14:42.159 --> 00:14:43.919 Absolute sovereignty. 00:14:44.419 --> 00:14:51.279 To the degree that he finds the rebellion of the world laughable. 00:14:52.139 --> 00:14:53.000 Mockable. 00:14:53.000 --> 00:15:00.059 Do you find yourself troubled at the rebellion of the world? 00:15:01.259 --> 00:15:06.580 I think all of us, if we're honest, would say, yes, at times I do. 00:15:07.720 --> 00:15:16.840 If you belong to God, you need to know this evening that God finds the world's rebellion amusing. 00:15:16.840 --> 00:15:21.940 That isn't to say that he thinks lightly of the wickedness of humanity. 00:15:22.680 --> 00:15:28.800 But the idea that humanity can set aside God's rule is what is so laughable. 00:15:30.160 --> 00:15:38.440 The rebellious think that they can escape the authority of God, but he reigns with absolute authority. 00:15:38.740 --> 00:15:42.720 He will make all things right. 00:15:42.720 --> 00:15:50.340 Nothing has ever or will ever escape his grasp of control. 00:15:51.560 --> 00:15:57.279 In fact, he orders all things according to his will. 00:15:58.120 --> 00:16:01.680 Not a single thing not according to his will. 00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:11.240 So God the Father answers the rebellion of the world with laughter, with mockery, but he also speaks. 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:16.700 Verse 5 says that he speaks to them in his wrath. 00:16:16.879 --> 00:16:20.860 He does not take lightly the sinfulness of man. 00:16:21.019 --> 00:16:28.320 He laughs at it, but then he speaks to them in his wrath and terrifies them in his fury, saying... 00:16:28.320 --> 00:16:31.519 This is so noteworthy. 00:16:31.600 --> 00:16:35.820 What does he say in his wrath towards the rebellion of mankind? 00:16:35.820 --> 00:16:43.500 He says, as for me, I have set my king on Zion, my holy hill. 00:16:45.040 --> 00:16:47.940 After he laughs, he speaks. 00:16:48.560 --> 00:16:52.100 And what he says should receive our highest attention. 00:16:52.280 --> 00:16:53.600 He says it furiously. 00:16:54.560 --> 00:16:55.540 What does he say? 00:16:56.100 --> 00:17:00.240 That he has anointed King Jesus to reign. 00:17:00.240 --> 00:17:04.599 That is his response to the rebellion of the world. 00:17:05.900 --> 00:17:12.000 When you think of Jesus, where do you most regularly place him in your mind? 00:17:12.720 --> 00:17:15.400 What do you picture in your mind when you think of Jesus? 00:17:16.460 --> 00:17:18.460 Is he the humble servant? 00:17:18.460 --> 00:17:21.920 Is he the suffering Savior? 00:17:23.059 --> 00:17:26.680 Is he the reigning King? 00:17:27.000 --> 00:17:29.240 He is all of these, right? 00:17:29.420 --> 00:17:31.160 All of these things are true of him. 00:17:31.440 --> 00:17:40.880 And an awareness of his person, his complete person, and his accomplished work will enable you in the day of trouble. 00:17:40.880 --> 00:17:43.320 To also laugh. 00:17:44.260 --> 00:17:46.760 To mock the rebellion of the world. 00:17:46.880 --> 00:17:52.420 Because you know that King Jesus reigns over everything. 00:17:53.700 --> 00:17:58.060 So the world rebels, and God the Father answers. 00:17:58.380 --> 00:18:01.200 But then the voice of the psalm changes. 00:18:02.000 --> 00:18:07.100 And so my third point, God the Son declares. 00:18:07.099 --> 00:18:17.679 It's at this point, verse 7, that Jesus says three things that God the Father said of him. 00:18:18.659 --> 00:18:20.819 The first you see in verse 7. 00:18:21.419 --> 00:18:22.639 And it's his identity. 00:18:23.559 --> 00:18:25.139 It says, I will tell of the decree. 00:18:25.279 --> 00:18:29.399 The Lord said to me, you are my son. 00:18:29.639 --> 00:18:32.839 Today I have begotten you. 00:18:32.839 --> 00:18:37.319 Now what does it mean that Jesus is begotten? 00:18:37.399 --> 00:18:40.159 We could spend a lot of time on this. 00:18:40.879 --> 00:18:45.319 Simply begotten means to proceed from. 00:18:45.439 --> 00:18:48.439 We spent some time on this at the beginning of John's Gospel. 00:18:49.199 --> 00:18:58.519 But it's important to note that this word in Psalm 2 is not the same word translated in John's Gospel, only begotten. 00:18:58.579 --> 00:19:01.939 I know you Hebrew and Greek people, I know this was written in Hebrew and the Greek, right? 00:19:01.940 --> 00:19:03.580 But the Septuagint version of it in Greek. 00:19:03.580 --> 00:19:09.460 Not the same word translated in John's Gospel, only begotten. 00:19:10.900 --> 00:19:14.519 Psalm 2-7 is cited three times in the New Testament, 00:19:14.840 --> 00:19:22.779 which is very helpful to give us understanding as to what this word means in this context. 00:19:23.100 --> 00:19:25.519 So let me read them to you quickly, but try to listen. 00:19:25.519 --> 00:19:30.519 Hebrews chapter 1, verses 3-5 says of Jesus, 00:19:30.660 --> 00:19:34.220 He is the radiance of the glory of God in the exact imprint of His nature, 00:19:34.440 --> 00:19:37.639 and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. 00:19:38.299 --> 00:19:43.619 After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 00:19:44.119 --> 00:19:48.039 having become as much superior to angels as the name He has inherited, 00:19:48.440 --> 00:19:50.539 is more excellent than theirs. 00:19:50.539 --> 00:19:52.639 So, He's completed the work. 00:19:52.980 --> 00:19:58.039 After He made the purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high. 00:19:58.139 --> 00:19:58.859 And then verse 5 says, 00:19:58.940 --> 00:20:01.519 For to which of the angels did God ever say, 00:20:02.039 --> 00:20:05.799 You are my Son, today I have begotten you. 00:20:06.319 --> 00:20:09.920 Or again, I will be to Him a Father, and He shall be to me a Son. 00:20:10.059 --> 00:20:10.619 So there it is. 00:20:11.619 --> 00:20:13.339 Psalm 2 and verse 7. 00:20:14.099 --> 00:20:16.859 Then later in Hebrews, chapter 5 and verse 5, 00:20:16.859 --> 00:20:21.359 So also Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, 00:20:21.359 --> 00:20:24.759 but was appointed by Him who said to Him, 00:20:25.359 --> 00:20:29.919 You are my Son, today I have begotten you. 00:20:31.339 --> 00:20:38.240 Then in Acts, chapter 13, Paul speaking in the synagogue at Antioch, beginning in verse 30. 00:20:38.599 --> 00:20:39.259 There it says, 00:20:39.259 --> 00:20:43.500 But God raised Him from the dead. 00:20:44.039 --> 00:20:47.460 And for many days He appeared to those who had come up with Him from Galilee to Jerusalem, 00:20:47.759 --> 00:20:49.579 who were now as witnesses to the people. 00:20:50.200 --> 00:20:53.500 And we bring you the good news that what God promised to the fathers, 00:20:53.900 --> 00:20:57.319 this He has fulfilled to us, their children, by raising Jesus, 00:20:57.759 --> 00:21:00.379 as also it has been written in the second Psalm, 00:21:00.839 --> 00:21:05.839 You are my Son, today I have begotten you. 00:21:05.839 --> 00:21:09.639 And as for the fact He was raised from the dead, no more to return corruption, 00:21:09.779 --> 00:21:11.179 He has spoken in this way, 00:21:11.579 --> 00:21:15.319 I will give you the holy and sure blessings of David. 00:21:16.639 --> 00:21:18.799 Notice that in each of these texts, 00:21:19.259 --> 00:21:26.599 the resurrection of Christ is either explicit in the case of Acts, chapter 13, verse 30 to 34, 00:21:26.939 --> 00:21:35.220 or it's heavily implicit in the cases of Hebrews, chapter 1, 3 through 5, and chapter 5, verse 5. 00:21:35.839 --> 00:21:40.079 So begotten in this case, by way of sparing you further details, 00:21:40.579 --> 00:21:44.319 means to bring forth, to proceed from, 00:21:44.759 --> 00:21:48.720 and refers to the bringing forth of Jesus from the grave, 00:21:49.399 --> 00:21:50.299 from His resurrection, 00:21:50.859 --> 00:21:54.519 like this high moment in His work. 00:21:55.319 --> 00:21:59.859 When Jesus declares His identity in Psalm, chapter 2, and verse 7, 00:21:59.859 --> 00:22:01.500 the Lord said to me, 00:22:02.159 --> 00:22:04.679 you are my Son, today I have begotten you. 00:22:04.740 --> 00:22:10.339 He is speaking to the future reality of His resurrected life, 00:22:10.899 --> 00:22:13.599 and therefore, His sacrificial death, 00:22:13.839 --> 00:22:16.740 and all that it accomplished. 00:22:17.119 --> 00:22:19.939 Sure promises, yes and amen, 00:22:20.819 --> 00:22:21.319 in Jesus. 00:22:22.319 --> 00:22:23.419 So He speaks to His identity. 00:22:23.420 --> 00:22:26.660 He also speaks to His destiny. 00:22:26.960 --> 00:22:28.140 What will we become? 00:22:28.980 --> 00:22:30.360 Ask of me, verse 8 says, 00:22:30.940 --> 00:22:32.840 and I will make the nations your heritage, 00:22:32.980 --> 00:22:35.800 and the ends of the earth your possession. 00:22:37.000 --> 00:22:40.620 God has promised to give to Jesus every corner of the creation, 00:22:41.060 --> 00:22:45.720 and all the peoples of it to rule over forever. 00:22:47.200 --> 00:22:48.940 Philippians chapter 2, verse 8, 00:22:48.940 --> 00:22:51.539 and following, being found in human form, 00:22:52.059 --> 00:22:54.700 He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, 00:22:54.799 --> 00:22:56.299 even death on a cross. 00:22:57.539 --> 00:22:59.940 Therefore, God has highly exalted Him, 00:23:00.039 --> 00:23:02.740 and bestowed on Him the name that is above every name, 00:23:03.340 --> 00:23:05.960 so that the name of Jesus every knee should bow, 00:23:06.059 --> 00:23:07.799 in heaven and on earth, and under the earth, 00:23:08.019 --> 00:23:11.519 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, 00:23:11.519 --> 00:23:14.519 to the glory of God the Father. 00:23:14.519 --> 00:23:19.400 This is the destiny of Christ, 00:23:19.500 --> 00:23:22.200 to rule over all things, 00:23:22.740 --> 00:23:24.639 all peoples. 00:23:25.539 --> 00:23:28.599 So that was chapter 2, verse 8-11 of Philippians, 00:23:28.859 --> 00:23:31.200 and then in verse 12, 00:23:31.579 --> 00:23:32.359 Paul says, 00:23:32.940 --> 00:23:35.859 Therefore, my beloved. 00:23:36.639 --> 00:23:38.299 So in light of this reality, 00:23:38.480 --> 00:23:41.420 this humbling of Christ to come and die on a cross, 00:23:41.420 --> 00:23:45.620 and in light of the reality that He has now been exalted, 00:23:46.220 --> 00:23:47.320 therefore, 00:23:47.580 --> 00:23:50.800 and it was our scripture reading from earlier, 00:23:50.980 --> 00:23:53.600 so it's on the bulletin that was handed out to you, 00:23:53.700 --> 00:23:55.060 my 11th hour, 00:23:55.460 --> 00:23:57.779 quick put together bulletin. 00:23:58.340 --> 00:23:59.840 Look with me, if you will, 00:24:00.620 --> 00:24:03.279 at verses 12-18. 00:24:04.400 --> 00:24:08.240 In light of the reality that Jesus Christ humbled Himself 00:24:08.240 --> 00:24:09.279 to become a servant, 00:24:09.339 --> 00:24:09.980 to die on the cross, 00:24:10.099 --> 00:24:13.019 and is now exalted by God. 00:24:14.599 --> 00:24:15.579 What are we supposed to do? 00:24:16.599 --> 00:24:19.740 How are we supposed to live in light of that reality? 00:24:20.660 --> 00:24:21.519 Therefore, my beloved, 00:24:22.519 --> 00:24:24.019 as you have always obeyed, 00:24:24.039 --> 00:24:24.539 so now, 00:24:24.680 --> 00:24:25.859 not only as in my presence, 00:24:25.960 --> 00:24:27.380 but much more in my absence, 00:24:28.319 --> 00:24:29.759 work out your own salvation 00:24:29.759 --> 00:24:31.660 with fear and trembling. 00:24:32.819 --> 00:24:34.400 For it is God who works in you, 00:24:34.440 --> 00:24:35.740 both to will and to work, 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:37.740 for His good pleasure. 00:24:38.920 --> 00:24:42.140 Do all things without grumbling or disputing, 00:24:42.880 --> 00:24:44.400 that you may be blameless and innocent, 00:24:44.579 --> 00:24:45.960 children of God without blemish 00:24:45.960 --> 00:24:47.980 in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation 00:24:47.980 --> 00:24:51.359 among whom you shine as lights in the world, 00:24:51.859 --> 00:24:53.980 holding fast to the word of life, 00:24:54.660 --> 00:24:56.480 so in the day of Christ I may be proud 00:24:56.480 --> 00:24:59.079 that I did not run in vain or labor in vain. 00:25:00.200 --> 00:25:02.440 Even if I am to be poured out as a drink offering 00:25:02.440 --> 00:25:04.660 upon the sacrificial offering of your faith, 00:25:04.660 --> 00:25:07.019 I am glad and rejoice with you all. 00:25:07.820 --> 00:25:10.140 Likewise, you also should be glad 00:25:10.140 --> 00:25:12.920 and rejoice with me. 00:25:14.279 --> 00:25:19.060 Notice that our response to Jesus' forever reign, 00:25:19.140 --> 00:25:20.320 His exaltation, 00:25:21.019 --> 00:25:23.320 should be good works, 00:25:23.820 --> 00:25:24.640 verse 12, 00:25:25.500 --> 00:25:28.220 accompanied by good attitudes, 00:25:28.220 --> 00:25:30.259 verse 14, 00:25:31.120 --> 00:25:34.880 that we should read and know and treasure God's word, 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:35.759 verse 16, 00:25:36.380 --> 00:25:40.920 and that we should be found happy and rejoicing, 00:25:41.640 --> 00:25:42.920 verse 18. 00:25:44.279 --> 00:25:48.839 As you contemplate the troubled age in which we live, 00:25:48.839 --> 00:25:54.879 does the reign of Jesus Christ affect you in this way? 00:25:56.299 --> 00:25:57.079 It should. 00:25:58.099 --> 00:25:58.599 It should. 00:25:59.319 --> 00:26:01.179 Therefore, my beloved, 00:26:01.480 --> 00:26:04.399 in light of this wonderful truth, 00:26:05.119 --> 00:26:08.720 this is how we ought to live. 00:26:10.319 --> 00:26:12.199 So, Christ's destiny, 00:26:12.439 --> 00:26:14.319 but also thirdly, Christ's authority. 00:26:15.319 --> 00:26:16.319 Verse 9 says, 00:26:16.319 --> 00:26:18.179 You shall break them with a rod of iron 00:26:18.179 --> 00:26:19.720 and dash them in pieces 00:26:19.720 --> 00:26:22.500 like a potter's vessel. 00:26:23.599 --> 00:26:24.700 God has given to Jesus 00:26:24.700 --> 00:26:26.159 His anointed the authority 00:26:26.159 --> 00:26:27.960 to judge the nations 00:26:27.960 --> 00:26:30.119 for their rebellion. 00:26:30.480 --> 00:26:32.279 That's the context of Psalm 2, remember. 00:26:33.679 --> 00:26:34.179 However, 00:26:35.419 --> 00:26:37.779 before the final judgment comes, 00:26:38.799 --> 00:26:41.439 Jesus is calling all men everywhere 00:26:41.439 --> 00:26:43.439 to repent. 00:26:44.399 --> 00:26:45.779 We'll see this in the Psalm, 00:26:45.779 --> 00:26:46.779 but let me take you elsewhere 00:26:46.779 --> 00:26:47.619 for just a moment. 00:26:47.740 --> 00:26:48.759 Ephesians chapter 2, 00:26:48.879 --> 00:26:50.559 in verse 17. 00:26:51.160 --> 00:26:53.980 Jesus came and preached peace 00:26:53.980 --> 00:26:55.839 to you who are far off 00:26:55.839 --> 00:26:59.099 and peace to those who are near. 00:26:59.859 --> 00:27:01.460 Avoid this judgment, 00:27:01.759 --> 00:27:03.899 this enmity with God, 00:27:04.139 --> 00:27:04.299 right? 00:27:04.559 --> 00:27:07.819 This being broken with a rod of iron 00:27:07.819 --> 00:27:09.519 and dashed in pieces 00:27:09.519 --> 00:27:11.059 like a potter's vessel. 00:27:11.059 --> 00:27:12.980 Avoid that because Jesus 00:27:12.980 --> 00:27:15.779 has preached peace. 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:19.399 He's invited you to come to Him. 00:27:20.139 --> 00:27:22.339 Repent and believe in His person 00:27:22.339 --> 00:27:23.799 and work 00:27:23.799 --> 00:27:25.919 to have peace with God. 00:27:27.399 --> 00:27:28.559 Those who do not repent 00:27:28.559 --> 00:27:29.339 and believe in the person 00:27:29.339 --> 00:27:30.240 and work of Jesus Christ 00:27:30.240 --> 00:27:32.679 will face the judgment 00:27:32.679 --> 00:27:34.059 of Christ. 00:27:34.059 --> 00:27:37.240 If you're not in Christ this evening, 00:27:37.399 --> 00:27:39.059 this should make you tremble. 00:27:40.339 --> 00:27:41.659 Revelation chapter 19, 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.619 verse 11 and following, 00:27:42.720 --> 00:27:43.659 that I saw heaven open 00:27:43.659 --> 00:27:44.179 and behold, 00:27:44.740 --> 00:27:45.659 a white horse. 00:27:46.159 --> 00:27:47.539 The one sitting on it 00:27:47.539 --> 00:27:49.940 is called faithful and true 00:27:49.940 --> 00:27:50.899 and in righteousness 00:27:50.899 --> 00:27:51.839 He judges 00:27:51.839 --> 00:27:53.500 and makes war. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:55.980 His eyes are like a flame of fire 00:27:55.980 --> 00:27:56.599 and on His head 00:27:56.599 --> 00:27:57.059 are many diadems 00:27:57.740 --> 00:27:59.119 and He has a name written 00:27:59.119 --> 00:28:00.319 that no one knows 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:01.359 but Himself. 00:28:01.359 --> 00:28:04.559 He is clothed in a robe 00:28:04.559 --> 00:28:05.759 dipped in blood 00:28:05.759 --> 00:28:06.899 and the name by which 00:28:06.899 --> 00:28:07.639 He is called 00:28:07.639 --> 00:28:09.619 is the Word of God. 00:28:10.339 --> 00:28:11.879 And the armies of heaven 00:28:11.879 --> 00:28:13.119 arrayed in fine linen 00:28:13.119 --> 00:28:13.859 white and pure 00:28:13.859 --> 00:28:14.839 were following Him 00:28:14.839 --> 00:28:15.719 on white horses. 00:28:16.759 --> 00:28:17.559 From His mouth 00:28:17.559 --> 00:28:18.819 comes a sharp sword 00:28:18.819 --> 00:28:19.899 with which to strike 00:28:19.899 --> 00:28:20.740 down the nations 00:28:20.740 --> 00:28:22.479 and He will rule them 00:28:22.479 --> 00:28:24.500 with a rod of iron. 00:28:25.199 --> 00:28:26.639 He will tread 00:28:26.639 --> 00:28:28.019 the winepress 00:28:28.019 --> 00:28:29.119 of the fury 00:28:29.119 --> 00:28:30.240 of the wrath 00:28:30.240 --> 00:28:31.279 of God 00:28:31.279 --> 00:28:32.880 the Almighty. 00:28:34.640 --> 00:28:36.059 Note Christ's authority 00:28:36.059 --> 00:28:37.180 in this text 00:28:37.180 --> 00:28:38.279 against rebellion 00:28:38.279 --> 00:28:40.880 against Him. 00:28:42.880 --> 00:28:43.920 Number four, 00:28:44.180 --> 00:28:45.599 God the Spirit 00:28:45.599 --> 00:28:46.599 invites. 00:28:46.680 --> 00:28:47.359 Now the text does not 00:28:47.359 --> 00:28:48.220 expressly state 00:28:48.220 --> 00:28:48.940 that this is the Spirit 00:28:48.940 --> 00:28:49.960 of God speaking. 00:28:50.180 --> 00:28:51.660 You could say 00:28:51.660 --> 00:28:52.279 that it's an invitation 00:28:52.279 --> 00:28:53.460 of Jesus Himself 00:28:53.460 --> 00:28:54.400 but we know 00:28:54.400 --> 00:28:55.359 that the Scriptures 00:28:55.359 --> 00:28:56.420 are inspired 00:28:56.420 --> 00:28:57.559 and that people 00:28:57.559 --> 00:28:58.140 come to repent 00:28:58.140 --> 00:28:58.559 and believe 00:28:58.559 --> 00:28:59.279 through the work 00:28:59.279 --> 00:29:00.539 of God the Spirit 00:29:00.539 --> 00:29:01.259 and the voice 00:29:01.259 --> 00:29:02.599 changes in the psalm 00:29:02.599 --> 00:29:03.839 once again. 00:29:04.240 --> 00:29:05.460 I think it's entirely 00:29:05.460 --> 00:29:06.419 fair to see 00:29:06.419 --> 00:29:07.579 our triune God 00:29:07.579 --> 00:29:09.759 in this text. 00:29:10.720 --> 00:29:12.059 So verse 10 00:29:12.059 --> 00:29:12.839 says, 00:29:12.839 --> 00:29:29.099 Kissing the Son 00:29:29.099 --> 00:29:29.899 is an act of 00:29:29.899 --> 00:29:31.539 humility 00:29:31.539 --> 00:29:32.859 and restoration. 00:29:33.119 --> 00:29:33.939 Lest you be angry 00:29:33.939 --> 00:29:34.859 and you perish 00:29:34.859 --> 00:29:36.319 in the way. 00:29:36.959 --> 00:29:37.899 For His wrath 00:29:37.899 --> 00:29:39.240 is quickly 00:29:39.240 --> 00:29:40.659 kindled. 00:29:40.660 --> 00:29:42.340 blessed are all 00:29:42.340 --> 00:29:43.380 who take refuge 00:29:43.380 --> 00:29:44.880 in Him. 00:29:46.279 --> 00:29:47.200 Because of the coming 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.460 judgment of Christ, 00:29:49.420 --> 00:29:50.200 God the Spirit 00:29:50.200 --> 00:29:52.000 calls all people 00:29:52.000 --> 00:29:52.840 everywhere 00:29:52.840 --> 00:29:53.900 to put down 00:29:53.900 --> 00:29:54.500 their rebellion 00:29:54.500 --> 00:29:56.160 and take refuge 00:29:56.160 --> 00:29:57.880 in Jesus. 00:29:58.600 --> 00:29:59.360 Recognizing 00:29:59.360 --> 00:30:01.460 that He reigns. 00:30:02.140 --> 00:30:03.320 So be wise, 00:30:03.500 --> 00:30:04.340 be warned. 00:30:05.000 --> 00:30:05.880 If you have not 00:30:05.880 --> 00:30:06.680 repented and believed 00:30:06.680 --> 00:30:07.300 in Christ, 00:30:07.640 --> 00:30:08.300 do so. 00:30:08.299 --> 00:30:09.619 Do so today. 00:30:10.579 --> 00:30:11.279 Kiss the Son. 00:30:11.419 --> 00:30:12.279 Swear your allegiance 00:30:12.279 --> 00:30:12.859 to Him 00:30:12.859 --> 00:30:13.460 because 00:30:13.460 --> 00:30:14.859 I do not. 00:30:14.980 --> 00:30:16.339 We do not 00:30:16.339 --> 00:30:17.460 want you to perish 00:30:17.460 --> 00:30:19.279 when His wrath 00:30:19.279 --> 00:30:20.319 comes. 00:30:22.059 --> 00:30:23.319 The world rebels. 00:30:23.720 --> 00:30:24.339 God the Father 00:30:24.339 --> 00:30:24.839 answers. 00:30:25.019 --> 00:30:25.619 God the Son 00:30:25.619 --> 00:30:26.279 declares. 00:30:26.700 --> 00:30:28.240 God the Spirit 00:30:28.240 --> 00:30:28.799 invites. 00:30:30.200 --> 00:30:30.759 God the Father 00:30:30.759 --> 00:30:31.659 will not tolerate 00:30:31.659 --> 00:30:32.299 the rebellion 00:30:32.299 --> 00:30:33.259 of the world 00:30:33.259 --> 00:30:34.440 forever. 00:30:34.440 --> 00:30:36.100 one day 00:30:36.100 --> 00:30:36.759 God the Son 00:30:36.759 --> 00:30:37.360 will return 00:30:37.360 --> 00:30:37.820 and judge 00:30:37.820 --> 00:30:38.420 the nations. 00:30:39.299 --> 00:30:40.299 But in the meantime 00:30:40.299 --> 00:30:41.120 they are working 00:30:41.120 --> 00:30:42.080 mercifully 00:30:42.080 --> 00:30:43.240 by God the Spirit 00:30:43.240 --> 00:30:44.080 to call people 00:30:44.080 --> 00:30:44.820 to be saved 00:30:44.820 --> 00:30:45.380 and to enter 00:30:45.380 --> 00:30:46.299 into everlasting 00:30:46.299 --> 00:30:47.299 comfort 00:30:47.299 --> 00:30:48.600 and joy 00:30:48.600 --> 00:30:50.200 and peace. 00:30:51.480 --> 00:30:51.960 Rebellion 00:30:51.960 --> 00:30:52.600 against Him 00:30:52.600 --> 00:30:53.580 will never 00:30:53.580 --> 00:30:54.519 afford you 00:30:54.519 --> 00:30:55.400 that. 00:30:56.680 --> 00:30:57.460 If you have not 00:30:57.460 --> 00:30:57.840 already, 00:30:59.299 --> 00:31:00.039 repent and believe 00:31:00.039 --> 00:31:00.860 in the finished work 00:31:00.860 --> 00:31:01.600 of the Lord 00:31:01.600 --> 00:31:03.220 Jesus Christ. 00:31:03.220 --> 00:31:05.160 if you are 00:31:05.160 --> 00:31:05.860 in Christ 00:31:05.860 --> 00:31:06.860 beloved, 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:08.460 the reality 00:31:08.460 --> 00:31:09.299 of who our God 00:31:09.299 --> 00:31:10.680 is should make 00:31:10.680 --> 00:31:11.759 you 00:31:11.759 --> 00:31:13.059 immovable. 00:31:14.019 --> 00:31:14.860 We should have 00:31:14.860 --> 00:31:15.700 such 00:31:15.700 --> 00:31:16.900 confidence 00:31:16.900 --> 00:31:17.839 despite the 00:31:17.839 --> 00:31:18.440 circumstances 00:31:18.440 --> 00:31:19.579 of our day 00:31:19.579 --> 00:31:20.420 because our 00:31:20.420 --> 00:31:21.440 God 00:31:21.440 --> 00:31:22.640 is immovable 00:31:22.640 --> 00:31:23.940 and His promises 00:31:23.940 --> 00:31:24.620 therefore 00:31:24.620 --> 00:31:25.960 are 00:31:25.960 --> 00:31:27.100 sure. 00:31:27.500 --> 00:31:27.720 They are 00:31:27.720 --> 00:31:28.440 absolute. 00:31:28.700 --> 00:31:29.299 It will 00:31:29.299 --> 00:31:30.240 happen. 00:31:30.819 --> 00:31:31.160 And so we 00:31:31.160 --> 00:31:31.579 wait 00:31:31.579 --> 00:31:32.900 patiently 00:31:32.900 --> 00:31:34.440 for that 00:31:34.440 --> 00:31:34.720 day. 00:31:35.640 --> 00:31:36.100 Let's pray 00:31:36.100 --> 00:31:36.400 together. 00:31:36.400 --> 00:31:36.080 Let's pray 00:31:36.080 --> 00:31:36.420 together.