WEBVTT

00:00:00.800 --> 00:00:06.200
 Now, as I mentioned, as we consider this text this morning, we're not going to be going verse by verse through Revelation 19.

00:00:06.200 --> 00:00:14.740
! We see this title, King of Kings, but what we see more broadly in the book of Revelation is this overarching theme of the kingdom of God.

00:00:15.740 --> 00:00:19.580
 And so this morning, I want us to consider the kingdom of God really in three parts.

00:00:19.580 --> 00:00:22.300
 I want us to consider the king of the kingdom.

00:00:23.179 --> 00:00:25.760
 I want us to consider the citizens of the kingdom.

00:00:26.420 --> 00:00:28.679
 And the realm of the kingdom.

00:00:28.679 --> 00:00:33.780
 And so let's first consider this king, the king of kings, as described here.

00:00:34.719 --> 00:00:39.259
 Now, if you think about politics, if someone's running for public office, there's a lot that you want to know about them.

00:00:39.320 --> 00:00:40.159
 You want to know their party.

00:00:40.500 --> 00:00:41.780
 You want to know their platforms.

00:00:42.259 --> 00:00:43.679
 You want to know their ideology, their experience.

00:00:44.420 --> 00:00:47.840
 And oftentimes, we care to know their background, their history.

00:00:48.560 --> 00:00:55.460
 So oftentimes, politicians will be very careful about how they craft this narrative about who they are and how they've reached this point in their life.

00:00:55.460 --> 00:01:03.020
 If you were to study the history of Winston Churchill and read biographies, those books do not begin in 1940 when he becomes prime minister.

00:01:03.980 --> 00:01:05.480
 They look back at his childhood.

00:01:05.819 --> 00:01:08.400
 How he had this deep love for his nanny.

00:01:08.540 --> 00:01:11.140
 How he had this estranged relationship with his father.

00:01:11.260 --> 00:01:12.879
 How he spent time in boarding school.

00:01:13.540 --> 00:01:14.760
 And so on and so forth.

00:01:14.760 --> 00:01:19.800
 And so the similar practice needs to be done here, I think, as we think about Christ as our king.

00:01:19.880 --> 00:01:21.280
 We need to understand the context.

00:01:21.460 --> 00:01:26.920
 Because in this passage in Revelation 19, it's really the end of the story.

00:01:27.939 --> 00:01:31.460
 Christ is coming in his power to claim final victory over his enemies.

00:01:31.580 --> 00:01:34.820
 To establish this perfect and everlasting kingdom.

00:01:34.819 --> 00:01:39.899
 But I think it's important that we go back to see the very beginning of the story.

00:01:40.779 --> 00:01:44.780
 Because while we have the Bible and we understand it's divided into Old Testament and New Testament.

00:01:44.899 --> 00:01:49.439
 We have 66 separate verses or separate books in our Bible.

00:01:49.579 --> 00:01:54.659
 We recognize that this is one overarching unified story of scripture.

00:01:55.859 --> 00:01:59.159
 And so in order to appreciate the end, we really need to understand the beginning.

00:01:59.159 --> 00:02:01.979
 And so we really need to go back to the beginning.

00:02:02.119 --> 00:02:02.899
 To Genesis 1.

00:02:03.000 --> 00:02:05.679
 Where we see God creating the heavens and the earth.

00:02:05.780 --> 00:02:09.240
 And we see that he is this eternal king by his very nature.

00:02:10.479 --> 00:02:14.019
 It says in scripture that he upholds the universe by the word of his power.

00:02:14.139 --> 00:02:16.800
 He is the sovereign sustainer of all life.

00:02:17.759 --> 00:02:19.379
 And so we see this in his very character.

00:02:19.599 --> 00:02:22.019
 Whether, regardless of his relationship with man.

00:02:22.180 --> 00:02:23.539
 Regardless of his plan of redemption.

00:02:24.159 --> 00:02:26.460
 Christ, the Lord, is king.

00:02:26.460 --> 00:02:32.780
 But what we're going to be looking at today is specifically how he serves as our mediator king.

00:02:32.879 --> 00:02:36.920
 How he extends his grace and provides salvation to rebels like you and me.

00:02:37.980 --> 00:02:39.819
 And so we really see this play out through scriptures.

00:02:40.319 --> 00:02:43.020
 Christ, as king, as creator.

00:02:43.939 --> 00:02:44.920
 He creates Adam.

00:02:45.600 --> 00:02:49.040
 And he puts Adam in a role very much like a prime minister of sorts.

00:02:49.140 --> 00:02:51.020
 To have dominion over the earth.

00:02:51.100 --> 00:02:52.300
 And he puts him in this garden.

00:02:52.379 --> 00:02:54.879
 The earth is created to be like God's tabernacle.

00:02:54.879 --> 00:02:57.439
 The garden is meant to be like the holy of holies.

00:02:57.519 --> 00:02:58.439
 This place of worship.

00:02:58.579 --> 00:03:00.799
 This place of peace like we talked about last week.

00:03:01.500 --> 00:03:05.120
 But unfortunately we know that Adam rebelled.

00:03:06.259 --> 00:03:08.680
 And rather than worshipping this one true king.

00:03:09.180 --> 00:03:11.919
 He chooses to worship another king.

00:03:12.019 --> 00:03:13.039
 This king of self.

00:03:14.359 --> 00:03:16.219
 But rather than become a king.

00:03:16.340 --> 00:03:18.319
 He actually becomes a slave to sin.

00:03:19.400 --> 00:03:22.439
 And we see that this rebellion proves fatal.

00:03:22.439 --> 00:03:25.960
 But we see that God in his great mercy.

00:03:26.259 --> 00:03:28.159
 He promises a rescuer.

00:03:28.319 --> 00:03:31.300
 Someone who will come to restore this fallen kingdom.

00:03:32.620 --> 00:03:34.280
 And so with time as we go through scriptures.

00:03:34.439 --> 00:03:37.539
 We see someone else who's appointed like a prime minister.

00:03:38.139 --> 00:03:38.620
 Abraham.

00:03:39.579 --> 00:03:41.060
 And God makes a promise to Abraham.

00:03:41.139 --> 00:03:42.340
 And says I will be your king.

00:03:42.400 --> 00:03:45.079
 And your ancestors will be citizens of my kingdom.

00:03:45.080 --> 00:03:48.180
 And so as we move forward and study this.

00:03:48.640 --> 00:03:50.500
 The history of the people of Israel.

00:03:50.640 --> 00:03:52.320
 They are delivered from Egypt.

00:03:52.460 --> 00:03:53.400
 From this land of slavery.

00:03:53.540 --> 00:03:55.160
 They're brought into this promised land.

00:03:56.020 --> 00:03:57.320
 A land that's supposed to resemble.

00:03:57.500 --> 00:03:58.580
 Symbolize this new Eden.

00:03:59.520 --> 00:04:02.160
 But just like their father Adam.

00:04:02.960 --> 00:04:05.960
 Didn't cast out the enemy from the garden.

00:04:06.080 --> 00:04:07.640
 The same happened for the people of Israel.

00:04:08.640 --> 00:04:10.280
 And rather than cast out the enemies.

00:04:10.480 --> 00:04:12.540
 They become attracted by the enemies.

00:04:12.539 --> 00:04:14.639
 And see all these enemy nations.

00:04:14.639 --> 00:04:16.680
 With them having their own earthly kings.

00:04:18.120 --> 00:04:19.699
 And while they had their own king.

00:04:19.759 --> 00:04:21.000
 God promising to be their king.

00:04:21.099 --> 00:04:21.939
 They come.

00:04:22.039 --> 00:04:23.180
 The elders of Israel.

00:04:23.360 --> 00:04:25.800
 They come to the high priest Samuel.

00:04:25.899 --> 00:04:27.180
 And say we want a king too.

00:04:28.819 --> 00:04:29.459
 Samuel says.

00:04:29.560 --> 00:04:30.180
 He warns them.

00:04:30.219 --> 00:04:32.099
 He says you don't want a human king.

00:04:32.500 --> 00:04:34.579
 They will only tax you and oppress you.

00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:36.259
 But they're adamant.

00:04:36.360 --> 00:04:39.039
 And say we want a king over us.

00:04:39.040 --> 00:04:42.280
 And so we see that God grants a request.

00:04:42.439 --> 00:04:43.960
 He gives them Saul from the very beginning.

00:04:44.040 --> 00:04:44.700
 Not a good king.

00:04:45.420 --> 00:04:47.140
 He replaces him with David.

00:04:47.800 --> 00:04:49.980
 And we see that this is a part of God's plan.

00:04:50.100 --> 00:04:52.420
 That through the lineage of this earthly king David.

00:04:52.540 --> 00:04:54.160
 He's going to bring about his Messiah.

00:04:54.720 --> 00:04:56.480
 A king who is both God.

00:04:56.980 --> 00:04:57.379
 Yahweh.

00:04:58.379 --> 00:05:00.379
 But also a king who will be a humanly king.

00:05:00.379 --> 00:05:01.860
 From the line of David.

00:05:02.860 --> 00:05:04.800
 And so this is the covenant promise to Davis.

00:05:04.980 --> 00:05:06.900
 That we heard read earlier.

00:05:06.900 --> 00:05:08.000
 From 2 Samuel 7.

00:05:08.000 --> 00:05:11.060
 And listens to portions of it again.

00:05:11.259 --> 00:05:12.639
 He says speaking to David.

00:05:12.860 --> 00:05:13.860
 When your days are over.

00:05:14.000 --> 00:05:15.240
 And you rest with your ancestors.

00:05:15.879 --> 00:05:17.899
 I will raise up your offspring to succeed you.

00:05:17.980 --> 00:05:19.000
 Your own flesh and blood.

00:05:19.100 --> 00:05:20.339
 And I will establish his kingdom.

00:05:21.060 --> 00:05:23.879
 I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.

00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:25.879
 I will be his father.

00:05:26.019 --> 00:05:27.040
 And he will be my son.

00:05:27.899 --> 00:05:29.319
 Your house and your kingdom.

00:05:29.639 --> 00:05:31.220
 Will endure forever before me.

00:05:31.540 --> 00:05:33.480
 Your throne will be established forever.

00:05:35.120 --> 00:05:36.899
 So even though we have King David.

00:05:36.899 --> 00:05:39.419
 Who's described as a man after God's own heart.

00:05:39.539 --> 00:05:41.120
 We know that he did not rule perfectly.

00:05:41.279 --> 00:05:44.739
 And he could not fulfill this prophecy or this promise.

00:05:45.279 --> 00:05:48.500
 He only served as the shadow of this divine king who would be sent.

00:05:49.939 --> 00:05:51.339
 And so we see through scripture.

00:05:51.620 --> 00:05:53.799
 This promise being carried forward.

00:05:53.959 --> 00:05:55.339
 One king after the other.

00:05:55.459 --> 00:05:57.339
 But instead of creating a legacy.

00:05:57.339 --> 00:05:59.060
 Of loyalty and victory.

00:05:59.060 --> 00:06:00.739
 We see a history of sin.

00:06:00.739 --> 00:06:02.500
 And rebellion and failure.

00:06:02.500 --> 00:06:07.180
 These kings repeatedly broke this treaty.

00:06:07.180 --> 00:06:09.439
 That they had with the one true king.

00:06:10.480 --> 00:06:12.980
 But yet we see a God who remains faithful to his people.

00:06:14.160 --> 00:06:15.660
 And so we see these prophecies.

00:06:15.779 --> 00:06:16.899
 And these promises continue.

00:06:17.000 --> 00:06:18.300
 Of this king that is coming.

00:06:18.420 --> 00:06:20.420
 This is the passage we looked at last week.

00:06:20.459 --> 00:06:21.399
 From Isaiah 9.

00:06:21.800 --> 00:06:23.620
 For unto you a child is born.

00:06:23.720 --> 00:06:25.000
 For unto you a son is given.

00:06:25.339 --> 00:06:27.160
 And the government will be on his shoulders.

00:06:27.160 --> 00:06:30.020
 And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor.

00:06:30.160 --> 00:06:30.840
 Mighty God.

00:06:31.000 --> 00:06:32.000
 Everlasting Father.

00:06:32.400 --> 00:06:33.300
 Prince of Peace.

00:06:34.400 --> 00:06:36.580
 Of the greatness of his government and peace.

00:06:36.680 --> 00:06:37.500
 There will be no end.

00:06:37.600 --> 00:06:39.380
 He will reign on David's throne.

00:06:39.620 --> 00:06:40.900
 And over his kingdom.

00:06:41.100 --> 00:06:42.820
 Establishing it and upholding it.

00:06:42.900 --> 00:06:44.660
 With justice and righteousness.

00:06:45.040 --> 00:06:46.160
 From that time on.

00:06:46.440 --> 00:06:47.240
 And forever.

00:06:48.800 --> 00:06:50.480
 And so this is the promise.

00:06:50.480 --> 00:06:52.400
 That's given to God's people.

00:06:52.860 --> 00:06:54.540
 And centuries continue to pass.

00:06:54.540 --> 00:06:56.740
 And the people remain longing.

00:06:57.300 --> 00:06:59.180
 And waiting for this promised Messiah.

00:06:59.620 --> 00:07:00.840
 Enduring flawed leader.

00:07:01.100 --> 00:07:02.220
 After flawed leader.

00:07:02.340 --> 00:07:03.260
 After flawed leader.

00:07:03.379 --> 00:07:04.160
 Until finally.

00:07:05.060 --> 00:07:06.820
 The time has come.

00:07:08.200 --> 00:07:11.120
 And we read in the very beginning of the Gospel of Luke.

00:07:11.200 --> 00:07:14.540
 That an angel comes to a young poor woman named Mary.

00:07:15.660 --> 00:07:17.160
 And this is what he says to her.

00:07:18.120 --> 00:07:20.920
 He says you will conceive and give birth to a son.

00:07:21.340 --> 00:07:22.600
 And you are to call him Jesus.

00:07:22.600 --> 00:07:22.800
 Jesus.

00:07:23.480 --> 00:07:24.660
 And he will be great.

00:07:25.300 --> 00:07:27.600
 And he will be called the son of the most high.

00:07:28.560 --> 00:07:31.720
 The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.

00:07:31.800 --> 00:07:34.360
 And he will reign over Jacob's descendants forever.

00:07:34.780 --> 00:07:36.480
 His kingdom will never end.

00:07:37.939 --> 00:07:39.760
 We see shortly after Jesus' birth.

00:07:39.860 --> 00:07:41.260
 Magi come from the east.

00:07:41.500 --> 00:07:42.580
 And come to Jerusalem.

00:07:42.720 --> 00:07:44.460
 And ask where is the one who has been born?

00:07:44.600 --> 00:07:45.400
 King of the Jews.

00:07:45.500 --> 00:07:46.379
 We have seen his star.

00:07:46.660 --> 00:07:47.780
 And we have come to worship him.

00:07:47.779 --> 00:07:51.000
 And so very early on in the Gospels.

00:07:51.099 --> 00:07:54.619
 We see the fulfillment of this promise coming to pass.

00:07:54.679 --> 00:07:56.439
 But in a very unexpected way.

00:07:57.539 --> 00:07:59.879
 We see a king coming not in power.

00:08:00.359 --> 00:08:01.479
 But in weakness.

00:08:02.319 --> 00:08:03.599
 Not in honor.

00:08:04.339 --> 00:08:05.139
 But in humility.

00:08:06.179 --> 00:08:07.339
 Not in glory.

00:08:07.559 --> 00:08:08.919
 But in his grace.

00:08:08.920 --> 00:08:12.100
 And this is even what Isaiah had prophesied.

00:08:12.220 --> 00:08:13.379
 That this man.

00:08:13.600 --> 00:08:14.740
 Nothing in his appearance.

00:08:16.240 --> 00:08:18.100
 Shows you that you should desire him.

00:08:19.120 --> 00:08:19.900
 And this is true.

00:08:19.980 --> 00:08:21.740
 Who did the Jewish leaders want in the New Testament.

00:08:21.840 --> 00:08:22.960
 To raise up as their Messiah.

00:08:23.220 --> 00:08:24.540
 They wanted an earthly king.

00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:27.460
 They wanted someone who would come to the throne.

00:08:27.639 --> 00:08:28.360
 Raise up an army.

00:08:28.560 --> 00:08:29.759
 Parade into Jerusalem.

00:08:29.920 --> 00:08:30.759
 On a horse.

00:08:30.879 --> 00:08:31.800
 And overthrow the Romans.

00:08:31.800 --> 00:08:34.500
 Who do we see instead?

00:08:34.500 --> 00:08:35.539
 We see Jesus.

00:08:36.159 --> 00:08:37.700
 Who comes in Jerusalem on a donkey.

00:08:39.159 --> 00:08:41.659
 And rather than going toward the throne.

00:08:41.820 --> 00:08:43.080
 He is going toward the cross.

00:08:44.679 --> 00:08:46.039
 And we see that in Jerusalem.

00:08:46.179 --> 00:08:46.919
 There he's arrested.

00:08:47.059 --> 00:08:49.059
 And he's questioned by the Roman leader Pilate.

00:08:49.620 --> 00:08:50.960
 And what does Pilate ask him?

00:08:51.860 --> 00:08:53.700
 He says are you the king of the Jews?

00:08:55.399 --> 00:08:57.019
 Jesus says you speak correctly.

00:08:58.320 --> 00:08:59.360
 But he clarifies.

00:08:59.460 --> 00:09:01.299
 He says my kingdom is not of this world.

00:09:01.299 --> 00:09:03.179
 If it were my servants would fight.

00:09:03.419 --> 00:09:05.399
 To prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders.

00:09:05.839 --> 00:09:07.759
 But now my kingdom is from another place.

00:09:09.620 --> 00:09:11.019
 So Pilate says you are a king then.

00:09:12.059 --> 00:09:14.459
 And he says you are correct to say that I'm a king.

00:09:14.899 --> 00:09:16.479
 In fact the reason I was born.

00:09:16.579 --> 00:09:17.479
 And came into the world.

00:09:17.599 --> 00:09:19.759
 Is to testify to this truth.

00:09:21.199 --> 00:09:24.599
 And so while Pilate finds no fault in this man.

00:09:25.099 --> 00:09:27.099
 The people of Israel still cry out.

00:09:27.319 --> 00:09:28.059
 Crucify him.

00:09:28.339 --> 00:09:29.059
 Crucify him.

00:09:29.059 --> 00:09:32.399
 And so while you think a king would come to conquer.

00:09:32.519 --> 00:09:33.859
 By shedding the blood of his enemies.

00:09:34.019 --> 00:09:35.559
 We see this king Jesus who comes.

00:09:35.879 --> 00:09:37.599
 And is willing to spill his own blood.

00:09:39.019 --> 00:09:41.399
 But a king cannot conquer simply by dying.

00:09:41.819 --> 00:09:43.379
 We see this king defeated death.

00:09:43.459 --> 00:09:45.339
 And the curse of sin through his resurrection.

00:09:45.659 --> 00:09:47.159
 By overcoming the grave.

00:09:47.979 --> 00:09:50.439
 And so what appeared to be such a great weakness.

00:09:50.619 --> 00:09:53.019
 In fact became the greatest act.

00:09:53.239 --> 00:09:54.639
 In human history.

00:09:54.639 --> 00:09:57.740
 And so what follows then.

00:09:58.039 --> 00:10:00.019
 King Jesus is his coronation.

00:10:00.980 --> 00:10:03.179
 Where he ascends back to the father.

00:10:03.279 --> 00:10:04.319
 Having secured the victory.

00:10:04.419 --> 00:10:06.259
 This is what we looked at in the book of Acts.

00:10:06.299 --> 00:10:07.699
 Early on in Acts chapter 2.

00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:08.539
 What Peter preaches.

00:10:09.039 --> 00:10:12.399
 He says that Christ has been exalted to the right hand of God.

00:10:12.639 --> 00:10:14.039
 He has received from the father.

00:10:14.139 --> 00:10:16.500
 The promised Holy Spirit that has been poured out now.

00:10:16.960 --> 00:10:19.519
 Therefore let all Israel be assured of this.

00:10:19.519 --> 00:10:22.480
 God has made Jesus whom you crucified.

00:10:22.860 --> 00:10:24.840
 Both Lord and Messiah.

00:10:26.419 --> 00:10:29.439
 And so this is the king that we see in Revelation 19.

00:10:29.679 --> 00:10:31.779
 This divine Davidic king.

00:10:31.960 --> 00:10:33.600
 Who shed his blood for his people.

00:10:33.759 --> 00:10:37.340
 And now comes in power to judge the evil one.

00:10:37.379 --> 00:10:39.159
 To establish his eternal kingdom.

00:10:39.460 --> 00:10:41.240
 Of peace and prosperity forever.

00:10:41.740 --> 00:10:44.079
 This is the king of kings.

00:10:45.659 --> 00:10:48.319
 And so in order to understand more about this king.

00:10:48.320 --> 00:10:48.980
 And what he does.

00:10:49.060 --> 00:10:51.540
 We really need to think about that second element of the kingdom.

00:10:52.080 --> 00:10:53.360
 The citizens of the kingdom.

00:10:53.780 --> 00:10:55.140
 We say that Jesus came to save.

00:10:55.200 --> 00:10:56.440
 Well who did he come to save?

00:10:57.879 --> 00:10:59.060
 A number of years ago.

00:10:59.200 --> 00:11:02.340
 I was able to tour the beaches of Normandy.

00:11:02.780 --> 00:11:03.640
 And France.

00:11:03.740 --> 00:11:05.980
 Where the allied forces invaded on World War II.

00:11:07.000 --> 00:11:08.780
 And one of the things that really left an impact.

00:11:08.960 --> 00:11:10.940
 Was not simply seeing the scars of war.

00:11:11.040 --> 00:11:12.020
 These old bunkers.

00:11:12.240 --> 00:11:15.520
 Or these divots from bombs that still exist.

00:11:15.600 --> 00:11:18.300
 But actually going into these little coastal communities.

00:11:18.320 --> 00:11:18.940
 And towns.

00:11:19.100 --> 00:11:22.080
 And seeing flying American and British flags.

00:11:24.040 --> 00:11:25.240
 And it's striking.

00:11:25.840 --> 00:11:28.960
 The fact that these flags simplifies the freedom.

00:11:29.600 --> 00:11:31.500
 That was given to these French citizens.

00:11:31.500 --> 00:11:33.200
 Not because they freed themselves.

00:11:33.360 --> 00:11:35.440
 But because someone else came for them.

00:11:36.080 --> 00:11:37.860
 And the fact that they're still flying.

00:11:37.980 --> 00:11:38.900
 Shows as a symbol.

00:11:39.060 --> 00:11:40.980
 How it impacts their life even today.

00:11:40.980 --> 00:11:43.940
 And so we see a similar.

00:11:45.120 --> 00:11:47.060
 Similar picture here in the New Testament.

00:11:47.200 --> 00:11:48.800
 Where Paul talks in Colossians 1.

00:11:49.960 --> 00:11:52.700
 And he says God has rescued us from the dominion of darkness.

00:11:52.700 --> 00:11:56.399
 And brought us into the kingdom of the son he loves.

00:11:56.539 --> 00:11:57.680
 In whom we have redemption.

00:11:58.200 --> 00:11:59.580
 And forgiveness of sins.

00:11:59.580 --> 00:12:05.220
 And so we see here that Christ doesn't merely invite allegiance.

00:12:05.639 --> 00:12:08.660
 He actually secures it through his grace.

00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:10.840
 That's received through faith.

00:12:10.920 --> 00:12:13.060
 That we may willingly come under his reign.

00:12:13.059 --> 00:12:16.039
 And what we see here is this.

00:12:16.279 --> 00:12:19.579
 This liberation actually involves transformation.

00:12:21.819 --> 00:12:23.359
 Because sometimes we may think.

00:12:23.439 --> 00:12:25.019
 Well we've been rescued from the enemy.

00:12:25.139 --> 00:12:26.839
 In fact we were the enemy.

00:12:27.839 --> 00:12:29.639
 We were the ones who have been rescued.

00:12:29.759 --> 00:12:31.699
 And been transformed from death to life.

00:12:31.839 --> 00:12:33.859
 From the enemy now to loyal subjects.

00:12:34.819 --> 00:12:35.399
 And so again.

00:12:35.500 --> 00:12:37.339
 This is what Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5.

00:12:37.340 --> 00:12:38.879
 Therefore if anyone is in Christ.

00:12:39.080 --> 00:12:40.519
 He is a new creation.

00:12:41.180 --> 00:12:42.379
 The old has gone.

00:12:42.480 --> 00:12:43.560
 The new is here.

00:12:44.920 --> 00:12:46.160
 Further in Ephesians 4.

00:12:46.840 --> 00:12:48.860
 He tells us to put off our old self.

00:12:48.940 --> 00:12:50.080
 And to put on a new self.

00:12:50.740 --> 00:12:52.660
 Created after the likeness of God.

00:12:52.759 --> 00:12:55.280
 In true righteousness and holiness.

00:12:56.480 --> 00:12:58.080
 And so this is what we see in our passage.

00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:59.440
 Going back to Revelation 19.

00:12:59.620 --> 00:13:01.500
 It describes the bride of Christ.

00:13:02.560 --> 00:13:03.920
 Ready for the wedding.

00:13:05.040 --> 00:13:06.980
 It says that we are the bride of Christ.

00:13:06.980 --> 00:13:08.920
 Dressed in fine linen.

00:13:09.060 --> 00:13:09.899
 Bright and clean.

00:13:10.000 --> 00:13:11.639
 That has been given to us to wear.

00:13:12.259 --> 00:13:13.539
 And it says this fine linen.

00:13:13.740 --> 00:13:15.259
 Stands for the righteous acts.

00:13:15.620 --> 00:13:16.620
 Of God's people.

00:13:18.320 --> 00:13:20.440
 This is the identity that we have in Christ.

00:13:20.539 --> 00:13:22.420
 We have been given his righteousness.

00:13:23.960 --> 00:13:24.960
 But as citizens.

00:13:25.120 --> 00:13:27.019
 It's not only our identity that changed.

00:13:27.100 --> 00:13:28.620
 But also our mission.

00:13:28.759 --> 00:13:30.220
 We have this new commission.

00:13:30.220 --> 00:13:32.420
 Paul says that we are ambassadors of Christ.

00:13:32.899 --> 00:13:35.240
 With a ministry of reconciliation.

00:13:36.980 --> 00:13:39.320
 And so if we are truly stewards of God's grace.

00:13:39.399 --> 00:13:41.639
 It should be our desire to extend this kingdom.

00:13:41.860 --> 00:13:44.500
 That more and more may be brought in as citizens.

00:13:46.259 --> 00:13:49.300
 In an age when many countries are thinking about shutting down borders.

00:13:49.420 --> 00:13:50.860
 Of having to stop immigration.

00:13:51.000 --> 00:13:54.039
 We see the commission given to God's people very different.

00:13:54.259 --> 00:13:56.300
 To preach the gospel to the nations.

00:13:56.300 --> 00:13:59.200
 That more and more may be brought into the kingdom.

00:13:59.200 --> 00:14:02.120
 And so is that.

00:14:02.200 --> 00:14:03.000
 As citizens of this kingdom.

00:14:03.060 --> 00:14:03.759
 Is that our desire?

00:14:04.560 --> 00:14:07.320
 Do we even recognize ourselves to be citizens of this kingdom?

00:14:08.700 --> 00:14:11.620
 I think so often our identity can be taken up with other things.

00:14:11.620 --> 00:14:12.660
 Whether it's our work.

00:14:12.800 --> 00:14:13.720
 Or our school.

00:14:13.879 --> 00:14:14.560
 Or our family.

00:14:16.220 --> 00:14:18.960
 And it's our identity that so often dictates our priorities.

00:14:19.140 --> 00:14:20.500
 How we're going to spend our time.

00:14:20.540 --> 00:14:21.360
 And our resources.

00:14:21.560 --> 00:14:22.940
 Where do our loyalties lie?

00:14:22.940 --> 00:14:26.300
 I think as Christians so often.

00:14:26.500 --> 00:14:29.200
 We want to be kings of our own little kingdom.

00:14:31.240 --> 00:14:33.540
 We want to cling to our own comforts.

00:14:33.540 --> 00:14:34.500
 And our own conveniences.

00:14:35.140 --> 00:14:37.340
 We want to plan out our own schedules.

00:14:37.520 --> 00:14:38.620
 What's going to be our next holiday?

00:14:38.760 --> 00:14:40.100
 What's my kids next activity?

00:14:40.500 --> 00:14:42.140
 When do I get my next promotion?

00:14:43.420 --> 00:14:46.680
 And we think well maybe I'll sprinkle a little bit of Christianity on top.

00:14:48.080 --> 00:14:48.960
 I'll be the king.

00:14:49.040 --> 00:14:50.260
 Maybe God can be my duke.

00:14:52.940 --> 00:14:56.580
 You know when most of you here are probably born British citizens.

00:14:56.800 --> 00:14:59.580
 But for those of us who may want to become British citizens.

00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:01.640
 We have to take an oath of citizenship.

00:15:02.540 --> 00:15:04.440
 And this is what the oath says.

00:15:04.540 --> 00:15:07.100
 It says I do swear that I will be faithful.

00:15:07.640 --> 00:15:10.860
 And bear true allegiance to his majesty King Charles.

00:15:11.240 --> 00:15:14.000
 His heirs and successors according to law.

00:15:14.360 --> 00:15:15.320
 So help me God.

00:15:16.960 --> 00:15:20.160
 And so if that's what we pledge to a national king.

00:15:20.159 --> 00:15:28.000
 How much more should we willingly and joyfully pledge allegiance to the reigning king of kings.

00:15:28.299 --> 00:15:30.299
 Who continues to serve his people.

00:15:31.500 --> 00:15:32.519
 And I want to make this clear.

00:15:32.620 --> 00:15:34.139
 When we become citizens of his kingdom.

00:15:34.319 --> 00:15:36.879
 It's not as though the responsibility shifts on us.

00:15:36.879 --> 00:15:38.699
 About what we have to do for the kingdom.

00:15:39.100 --> 00:15:42.039
 It's the focus remains on the king and what he does for us.

00:15:43.539 --> 00:15:44.279
 And so all we have to do.

00:15:44.439 --> 00:15:47.459
 If we return to the Westminster Shorter Catechism 26.

00:15:47.460 --> 00:15:50.700
 And for those who may not be familiar with catechisms.

00:15:50.900 --> 00:15:54.860
 They're a means of helping us to understand and articulate our faith.

00:15:54.940 --> 00:15:56.040
 That's taken from scripture.

00:15:57.080 --> 00:15:58.580
 And this question 26.

00:15:58.920 --> 00:16:01.600
 It says how does Christ execute the office of king?

00:16:02.840 --> 00:16:03.759
 This is the answer.

00:16:04.200 --> 00:16:08.200
 Christ executes the office of king in subduing us to himself.

00:16:08.759 --> 00:16:10.780
 In ruling and defending us.

00:16:11.100 --> 00:16:14.920
 And in restraining and conquering all of his and our enemies.

00:16:14.919 --> 00:16:19.299
 The act of this king of kings.

00:16:19.299 --> 00:16:21.839
 Was not simply just a one time act of redemption.

00:16:22.279 --> 00:16:23.860
 He conquers us as rebels.

00:16:24.500 --> 00:16:27.179
 But then it says he rules and defends us.

00:16:28.339 --> 00:16:30.159
 He gives us his word.

00:16:30.860 --> 00:16:32.639
 To be our law and our guide.

00:16:32.799 --> 00:16:35.019
 He gives us his spirit to empower us.

00:16:35.159 --> 00:16:36.099
 Toward obedience.

00:16:36.259 --> 00:16:37.479
 He gives us his church.

00:16:37.819 --> 00:16:39.000
 As a form of unity.

00:16:39.480 --> 00:16:40.939
 And leadership and accountability.

00:16:40.940 --> 00:16:43.720
 He preserves our faith.

00:16:43.920 --> 00:16:45.500
 Even in the midst of struggle.

00:16:45.960 --> 00:16:47.420
 And suffering and opposition.

00:16:48.140 --> 00:16:50.260
 And it says he continues to do battle for the enemy.

00:16:50.620 --> 00:16:51.360
 Against the enemy.

00:16:53.040 --> 00:16:54.260
 Often times in the Old Testament.

00:16:54.400 --> 00:16:56.940
 You see this imagery used for shepherds.

00:16:58.340 --> 00:17:00.600
 And often times kings could be referred to as shepherds.

00:17:00.660 --> 00:17:01.200
 Why is that?

00:17:01.240 --> 00:17:01.940
 Because it was their responsibility.

00:17:02.980 --> 00:17:04.360
 To look after their sheep.

00:17:04.480 --> 00:17:05.759
 To look after their flock.

00:17:06.640 --> 00:17:08.559
 This is why we say in Psalm 23.

00:17:08.559 --> 00:17:09.860
 The Lord is my shepherd.

00:17:09.859 --> 00:17:10.799
 I shall not want.

00:17:11.899 --> 00:17:13.679
 He's a good shepherd.

00:17:13.679 --> 00:17:15.379
 Who cares for his flock.

00:17:16.619 --> 00:17:17.579
 He is a king.

00:17:17.799 --> 00:17:20.240
 Who graciously conquers our hearts.

00:17:20.359 --> 00:17:22.479
 Who wisely governs our lives.

00:17:22.879 --> 00:17:25.119
 Who faithfully protects our salvation.

00:17:25.699 --> 00:17:27.979
 And who powerfully defeats every enemy.

00:17:28.119 --> 00:17:29.500
 Now and forever.

00:17:31.099 --> 00:17:32.799
 Is this not who we want as a king?

00:17:34.839 --> 00:17:37.119
 And that really brings us to our final point then.

00:17:37.119 --> 00:17:39.159
 What is the realm of the kingdom?

00:17:39.160 --> 00:17:42.259
 Because I think it's easy for us to think about Christ as king.

00:17:42.360 --> 00:17:43.400
 And we can be his citizens.

00:17:43.560 --> 00:17:45.100
 But then we look around us at the world.

00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:47.880
 And we see the chaos and the brokenness all around us.

00:17:48.200 --> 00:17:49.900
 We see war and threats of war.

00:17:50.220 --> 00:17:51.000
 We see poverty.

00:17:51.460 --> 00:17:52.380
 We see oppression.

00:17:52.840 --> 00:17:53.720
 We see slavery.

00:17:55.420 --> 00:17:56.960
 We see rising inflation.

00:17:57.380 --> 00:17:58.600
 We see a slowing economy.

00:17:58.740 --> 00:17:59.860
 We see growing debt.

00:18:00.840 --> 00:18:02.200
 That's just on a macro level.

00:18:02.300 --> 00:18:03.519
 Think about a micro level.

00:18:03.620 --> 00:18:04.900
 In your personal life.

00:18:04.900 --> 00:18:06.340
 You may be struggling at work.

00:18:06.440 --> 00:18:08.040
 Or finances may be tight.

00:18:08.120 --> 00:18:10.380
 Or you need to repair work on your car done.

00:18:12.060 --> 00:18:13.540
 Your marriage is on the rocks.

00:18:13.660 --> 00:18:15.540
 Your schedule is constantly too full.

00:18:17.140 --> 00:18:19.259
 And that's just looking at outside of us.

00:18:19.940 --> 00:18:21.180
 What about inside of us?

00:18:21.180 --> 00:18:25.680
 We're continuing to struggle with the same sins over and over.

00:18:26.640 --> 00:18:27.500
 We're sick.

00:18:28.539 --> 00:18:30.320
 We experience physical ailments.

00:18:31.140 --> 00:18:32.539
 The effects of aging.

00:18:32.779 --> 00:18:33.820
 Mental health issues.

00:18:33.819 --> 00:18:36.939
 And so you may be left asking.

00:18:37.119 --> 00:18:38.539
 If this is the kingdom.

00:18:39.960 --> 00:18:41.659
 I don't know if I can trust the king.

00:18:43.039 --> 00:18:45.679
 I don't know if I want to be a citizen of this kingdom.

00:18:47.099 --> 00:18:50.960
 And so it's vitally important that we understand the realm of the kingdom.

00:18:51.179 --> 00:18:51.980
 Where is the kingdom?

00:18:52.319 --> 00:18:53.099
 When is the kingdom?

00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.019
 We look back in scriptures.

00:18:56.019 --> 00:18:58.019
 In the testimony of Jesus himself.

00:18:58.019 --> 00:19:04.059
 He says repeatedly that the kingdom is at hand.

00:19:06.039 --> 00:19:08.599
 He also compares the kingdom to a mustard seed.

00:19:08.700 --> 00:19:10.579
 So he says that even though it's something very small.

00:19:10.660 --> 00:19:12.139
 It grows into something very large.

00:19:13.839 --> 00:19:15.960
 But then at the last supper he takes the wine.

00:19:16.099 --> 00:19:18.099
 And he says I'm not going to drink of this again.

00:19:18.119 --> 00:19:19.960
 Until the kingdom of God comes.

00:19:20.160 --> 00:19:21.000
 So which is it?

00:19:21.319 --> 00:19:22.500
 Is the kingdom here?

00:19:22.639 --> 00:19:23.359
 Is it growing?

00:19:23.539 --> 00:19:25.240
 Or is it yet to come?

00:19:25.240 --> 00:19:26.900
 And the answer is yes.

00:19:28.599 --> 00:19:30.180
 We've spoken about this before.

00:19:30.319 --> 00:19:34.240
 This understanding that we live in this tension of the already and the not yet.

00:19:34.900 --> 00:19:37.259
 We live in this collision of two ages.

00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:40.000
 This age which is an age of sin and death.

00:19:40.099 --> 00:19:43.299
 And the age to come which is an age of life and peace.

00:19:44.639 --> 00:19:46.839
 And so the age of death began at the fall.

00:19:48.160 --> 00:19:50.480
 But we see that Christ at his first advent.

00:19:50.639 --> 00:19:51.500
 At his first coming.

00:19:51.500 --> 00:19:52.639
 He enters in.

00:19:52.839 --> 00:19:56.200
 He invades this current age to bring his grace and salvation.

00:19:56.200 --> 00:20:01.559
 And so we can say that this kingdom of God was inaugurated.

00:20:01.740 --> 00:20:03.900
 Or it was established at the cross.

00:20:04.120 --> 00:20:06.180
 Where he bore the punishment for our sins.

00:20:06.259 --> 00:20:08.000
 Where he conquered death at his resurrection.

00:20:09.340 --> 00:20:12.000
 But we look around us and we know that sin and decay.

00:20:12.200 --> 00:20:13.799
 This age still persists.

00:20:14.180 --> 00:20:16.940
 And so this is why we wait for Christ's return.

00:20:16.940 --> 00:20:20.039
 When he will not be coming in grace.

00:20:20.160 --> 00:20:21.580
 But he will be coming in glory.

00:20:22.080 --> 00:20:25.200
 And he will be coming in his judgment with power and might.

00:20:25.320 --> 00:20:27.000
 To fully and finally defeat the enemy.

00:20:28.240 --> 00:20:30.460
 And so this is what we see in our passage.

00:20:31.019 --> 00:20:32.039
 Revelation 19.

00:20:32.039 --> 00:20:35.259
 I saw the heavens standing open.

00:20:35.339 --> 00:20:36.960
 And there before me was a white horse.

00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:39.099
 Whose rider is called Faithful and True.

00:20:39.440 --> 00:20:42.039
 With justice he judges and wages war.

00:20:43.200 --> 00:20:45.379
 His eyes are like the blazing fire.

00:20:45.539 --> 00:20:47.440
 And on his head are many crowns.

00:20:48.279 --> 00:20:50.159
 The armies of heaven were following him.

00:20:50.259 --> 00:20:51.339
 Riding on white horses.

00:20:51.500 --> 00:20:52.519
 Dressed in fine linens.

00:20:52.619 --> 00:20:53.500
 White and clean.

00:20:53.980 --> 00:20:56.139
 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword.

00:20:56.139 --> 00:20:57.759
 With which to strike down the nations.

00:20:58.420 --> 00:21:00.399
 He will rule them with an iron scepter.

00:21:00.400 --> 00:21:04.860
 He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of almighty God.

00:21:06.300 --> 00:21:07.720
 And so this is what we see.

00:21:07.820 --> 00:21:10.580
 The kingdom of God was inaugurated.

00:21:10.940 --> 00:21:14.600
 When Christ bore the penalty for our sins.

00:21:15.620 --> 00:21:17.960
 And the kingdom of God will be consummated.

00:21:18.180 --> 00:21:21.280
 When he pours out his punishment on his enemies.

00:21:22.740 --> 00:21:24.100
 And it's at this time.

00:21:24.720 --> 00:21:26.220
 If we read on the book of Revelation.

00:21:26.440 --> 00:21:28.240
 That Satan will be defeated.

00:21:28.240 --> 00:21:30.060
 That a new heaven and a new earth.

00:21:30.059 --> 00:21:30.799
 Will be created.

00:21:31.000 --> 00:21:32.240
 And God will once again.

00:21:32.619 --> 00:21:33.519
 Dwell with his people.

00:21:33.940 --> 00:21:34.759
 In perfect peace.

00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.679
 This is the goal.

00:21:37.039 --> 00:21:38.099
 Of the king of kings.

00:21:38.220 --> 00:21:39.480
 This has been his plan.

00:21:39.859 --> 00:21:41.519
 From the very beginning of time.

00:21:42.960 --> 00:21:44.299
 And so as we live.

00:21:44.359 --> 00:21:45.659
 Between these two advents.

00:21:45.720 --> 00:21:46.559
 Of his first coming.

00:21:46.659 --> 00:21:47.339
 Of his second coming.

00:21:47.419 --> 00:21:48.940
 What we call the last days.

00:21:49.319 --> 00:21:51.319
 It's a question that each of us have to ask.

00:21:51.599 --> 00:21:53.579
 Do we acknowledge Christ as our king?

00:21:53.579 --> 00:21:56.139
 Is he your king?

00:21:58.460 --> 00:22:01.439
 Have you bowed the knee in faith and allegiance?

00:22:02.319 --> 00:22:07.419
 Because the reality is that his wrath is coming for anyone who does not acknowledge him as king.

00:22:07.420 --> 00:22:12.120
 But what we see here is a God who is merciful.

00:22:12.620 --> 00:22:15.400
 Who is willing to extend his grace to his enemies.

00:22:15.580 --> 00:22:19.580
 And turn them from rebels to children.

00:22:19.579 --> 00:22:23.220
 And so this is why he came and was born.

00:22:23.939 --> 00:22:26.240
 Humbly as a child into a poor family.

00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:30.379
 Because he desires to seek and save the lost.

00:22:32.039 --> 00:22:35.960
 And for those of us who are citizens of this kingdom already.

00:22:35.960 --> 00:22:39.440
 Do we recognize the sense of urgency?

00:22:40.700 --> 00:22:41.779
 The obligation.

00:22:41.980 --> 00:22:45.519
 The joy that we have to extend this message of the gospel.

00:22:45.660 --> 00:22:47.160
 That his kingdom may continue to grow.

00:22:47.460 --> 00:22:49.220
 And do we long for the day of his return?

00:22:50.539 --> 00:22:53.279
 We started our service by singing joy to the world.

00:22:54.120 --> 00:22:56.920
 Often times this is a Christmas song that we sing.

00:22:57.039 --> 00:23:02.360
 But do you recognize it's not actually talking about just Christ first advent but his second?

00:23:03.819 --> 00:23:05.259
 Listen to these verses again.

00:23:05.259 --> 00:23:06.180
 Verse 3 and 4.

00:23:06.599 --> 00:23:08.460
 No more let sin and sorrow grow.

00:23:08.539 --> 00:23:10.119
 Nor thorn infest the ground.

00:23:10.420 --> 00:23:12.839
 He comes to make his blessings flow.

00:23:13.039 --> 00:23:14.599
 Far as the curse is found.

00:23:15.599 --> 00:23:18.000
 He rules the world with truth and grace.

00:23:18.720 --> 00:23:22.119
 And makes the nations prove the glories of his righteousness.

00:23:22.759 --> 00:23:24.200
 And wonders of his love.

00:23:25.660 --> 00:23:28.539
 It's a truth that is true and is coming true.

00:23:29.920 --> 00:23:32.099
 And so we do we long for this truth.

00:23:32.099 --> 00:23:35.919
 Jesus himself tells us how to pray.

00:23:36.019 --> 00:23:38.000
 He says to pray thy kingdom come.

00:23:39.419 --> 00:23:41.719
 What do we mean when we pray thy kingdom come?

00:23:43.259 --> 00:23:44.279
 I'll leave you with this.

00:23:44.379 --> 00:23:45.219
 Another catechism.

00:23:45.299 --> 00:23:47.699
 Westminster Shorter Catechism number 102.

00:23:47.700 --> 00:23:52.420
 That describes for us how we are to pray thy kingdom come.

00:23:52.539 --> 00:23:53.440
 What do we mean?

00:23:53.539 --> 00:23:54.660
 What do we long for?

00:23:55.440 --> 00:23:56.160
 And it's this.

00:23:56.860 --> 00:23:59.039
 That Satan's kingdom may be destroyed.

00:23:59.860 --> 00:24:02.740
 That the kingdom of grace may be advanced.

00:24:03.620 --> 00:24:07.340
 That ourselves and others brought into it and kept into it.

00:24:07.840 --> 00:24:08.519
 Kept in it.

00:24:08.519 --> 00:24:12.240
 And that the kingdom of glory may be hastened.

00:24:13.299 --> 00:24:15.180
 May this be our longing.

00:24:16.519 --> 00:24:18.839
 The king of kings will accomplish it.

00:24:19.980 --> 00:24:20.839
 Let's pray.

00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:33.319
 O Lord we thank you that you are the king of kings.

00:24:35.480 --> 00:24:39.839
 That there is great certainty in your reign now and forever.

00:24:41.119 --> 00:24:43.720
 And so may we long for the day.

00:24:43.839 --> 00:24:45.500
 May we pray thy kingdom come.

00:24:46.859 --> 00:24:50.079
 When your kingdom will be fully and finally established.

00:24:51.439 --> 00:24:53.199
 It may be fully consummated.

00:24:53.359 --> 00:24:55.799
 And we may live in perfect peace with you once again.

00:24:57.699 --> 00:25:00.939
 Lord for those who are here who may not be citizens of your kingdom.

00:25:02.059 --> 00:25:04.759
 May they recognize the welcome that you give them.

00:25:05.779 --> 00:25:08.419
 May they recognize the ability that you give them.

00:25:08.480 --> 00:25:10.379
 To turn from their rebellious ways.

00:25:10.819 --> 00:25:12.059
 And follow after you.

00:25:13.899 --> 00:25:16.379
 God this Christmas evening may we have great joy.

00:25:16.379 --> 00:25:18.759
 Not only at celebrating your first advent.

00:25:19.220 --> 00:25:20.419
 But your second advent.

00:25:20.839 --> 00:25:22.059
 God this you.

00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059


00:25:22.059 --> 00:25:22.059