Celebrating the Eternal Reign of Jesus This Advent
Summary
In today's message, we explore the profound truth that "He Shall Reign," focusing on the significance of the Advent season and the eternal kingship of Jesus Christ. As we transition from Thanksgiving to Advent, we are reminded of the importance of refocusing our attention on Jesus, who comes to us in our moments of need, vulnerability, and triumph. Advent is a time to celebrate the arrival of Jesus, who breaks through the chaos of our world to secure our salvation and gain our allegiance. This season is a global celebration, with people everywhere lifting their voices in praise of Jesus, who punctuates the darkness with the light of His salvation.
We delve into Psalm 2, which, although it does not explicitly mention Jesus, reflects the coming of the Son who takes His place as King. This psalm contrasts the godly and ungodly, highlighting the futility of those who conspire against God's will. Despite the temporary reign of earthly powers, God has set His King upon His holy hill, a King who reigns with authority, majesty, and eternality. This King, Jesus, is not just an ordinary ruler but the begotten Son of God, whose kingdom stretches to the uttermost parts of the earth.
The message emphasizes that Jesus reigns with authority, having been given all power in heaven and earth. His reign is marked by majesty, as He sits on God's holy hill in Zion, a place of divine presence and power. The call to worship is a call to recognize His majesty and authority, to serve Him with reverence, and to kiss the Son, acknowledging His superiority over all creation. Ultimately, Jesus' reign is eternal, and His kingdom shall never end. We are invited to trust in Him, knowing that whatever God sets up, no force can tear down. In this Advent season, let us celebrate the King who reigns forever, trusting in His power to transform our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. Advent as a Time of Refocusing: Advent is a season to shift our focus from worldly distractions to the profound presence of Jesus in our lives. It is a reminder that Jesus comes to us in our moments of need, offering salvation and securing our allegiance. This season calls us to remember the Savior amidst the hustle and bustle of life. [03:45]
2. The Eternal Kingship of Jesus: Psalm 2 reveals the eternal kingship of Jesus, who reigns with authority and majesty. Despite the temporary power of earthly rulers, God has set His King upon His holy hill, a King whose reign is marked by divine authority and eternal majesty. [07:58]
3. Authority and Majesty of Jesus: Jesus' authority extends to all of creation, with His kingdom stretching to the uttermost parts of the earth. His reign is not limited by geography or time, and His authority is unmatched. This calls us to recognize His majesty and worship Him with reverence. [19:48]
4. Worship as an Act of Reverence: Worship is an act of reverence and homage to the King who reigns with majesty. It involves serving the Lord with fear and trembling, acknowledging His superiority, and kissing the Son, which signifies deep adoration and submission to His authority. [23:32]
5. Trusting in the Eternal King: Jesus' reign is eternal, and His kingdom shall never end. We are invited to trust in Him, knowing that whatever God sets up, no force can tear down. In the midst of life's challenges, we can find assurance in the eternal reign of Jesus, who sustains and keeps us. [30:30]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:45] - Advent: A Season of Refocusing
- [07:58] - The Eternal Kingship of Jesus
- [12:09] - Earthly Powers vs. Divine Authority
- [19:48] - Jesus' Authority Over All
- [22:25] - Reigning with Majesty
- [23:32] - Worship and Reverence
- [30:30] - The Eternal Reign of Jesus
- [34:17] - Trusting in the King
- [35:14] - Celebrating the King
- [36:12] - The Unshakeable Kingdom
- [38:49] - Invitation to Trust
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
- Psalm 2: This passage reflects the coming of the Son who takes His place as King, highlighting the futility of those who conspire against God's will and the eternal kingship of Jesus.
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Psalm 2 reveal about the contrast between the godly and the ungodly? How does this relate to the eternal kingship of Jesus? [07:58]
2. How does the sermon describe the transition from Thanksgiving to Advent, and what is the significance of this transition? [03:45]
3. According to the sermon, how does Jesus' authority extend to all of creation, and what does this mean for His reign? [19:48]
4. What is the significance of worship as an act of reverence, and how is this depicted in the sermon? [23:32]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the sermon interpret the authority and majesty of Jesus as described in Psalm 2, and what implications does this have for believers today? [22:25]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that earthly powers are temporary compared to the eternal reign of Jesus? How does this perspective affect our understanding of current world events? [12:09]
3. How does the sermon explain the concept of "kissing the Son" in Psalm 2, and what does this signify in terms of our relationship with Jesus? [23:32]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of trust in Jesus' eternal reign, and how can this trust impact our daily lives? [30:30]
#### Application Questions
1. Advent is a time to refocus on Jesus amidst worldly distractions. What specific distractions in your life might be preventing you from focusing on Jesus, and how can you address them this Advent season? [03:45]
2. The sermon emphasizes Jesus' authority over all creation. How can recognizing His authority change the way you approach challenges in your life? [19:48]
3. Worship is described as an act of reverence and homage. How can you deepen your worship experience to truly "kiss the Son" and acknowledge His superiority? [23:32]
4. The sermon highlights the temporary nature of earthly powers. How can this understanding influence your perspective on current events and your role as a believer in society? [12:09]
5. Trusting in Jesus' eternal reign is a key theme. In what areas of your life do you struggle to trust in His reign, and what steps can you take to strengthen your trust? [30:30]
6. How can you celebrate the eternal kingship of Jesus in your daily life, especially during the Advent season? What practical actions can you take to honor His reign? [34:17]
7. Reflect on a time when you felt God's favor in the midst of unfavorable circumstances. How can this experience encourage you to trust in His eternal reign today? [36:12]
Devotional
Day 1: Refocusing on Jesus During Advent
Advent is a season that invites believers to shift their focus from the distractions of the world to the profound presence of Jesus in their lives. This time of year serves as a reminder that Jesus comes to us in our moments of need, offering salvation and securing our allegiance. Amidst the hustle and bustle of life, Advent calls us to remember the Savior and His transformative power. It is a time to pause, reflect, and realign our hearts with the eternal truth of Jesus' kingship. As we transition from Thanksgiving to Advent, we are encouraged to refocus our attention on Jesus, who breaks through the chaos of our world to secure our salvation. [03:45]
"Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ." (1 Peter 1:13, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally refocus your attention on Jesus during this Advent season, amidst the distractions and busyness of daily life?
Day 2: The Eternal Kingship of Jesus
Psalm 2 reveals the eternal kingship of Jesus, who reigns with authority and majesty. Despite the temporary power of earthly rulers, God has set His King upon His holy hill, a King whose reign is marked by divine authority and eternal majesty. This psalm contrasts the godly and ungodly, highlighting the futility of those who conspire against God's will. Jesus, the begotten Son of God, is not just an ordinary ruler but one whose kingdom stretches to the uttermost parts of the earth. His reign is eternal, and His kingdom shall never end, offering believers a foundation of hope and assurance. [07:58]
"The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all." (Psalm 103:19, ESV)
Reflection: How does the eternal kingship of Jesus provide you with hope and assurance in the face of life's uncertainties and challenges?
Day 3: Recognizing Jesus' Authority and Majesty
Jesus' authority extends to all of creation, with His kingdom stretching to the uttermost parts of the earth. His reign is not limited by geography or time, and His authority is unmatched. This calls believers to recognize His majesty and worship Him with reverence. As the King who reigns with authority and majesty, Jesus invites us to serve Him with reverence and to acknowledge His superiority over all creation. Worship becomes an act of homage to the King, involving deep adoration and submission to His authority. [19:48]
"Who is this King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle!" (Psalm 24:8, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively recognize and honor the authority and majesty of Jesus in your daily life?
Day 4: Worship as an Act of Reverence
Worship is an act of reverence and homage to the King who reigns with majesty. It involves serving the Lord with fear and trembling, acknowledging His superiority, and kissing the Son, which signifies deep adoration and submission to His authority. This act of worship is a response to the divine presence and power of Jesus, who sits on God's holy hill in Zion. As believers, we are called to worship Him with reverence, recognizing His majesty and authority over all creation. Worship becomes a transformative experience that aligns our hearts with the eternal truth of Jesus' kingship. [23:32]
"Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him." (Psalm 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: How can you make your worship a more intentional act of reverence and submission to Jesus' authority in your life?
Day 5: Trusting in the Eternal King
Jesus' reign is eternal, and His kingdom shall never end. Believers are invited to trust in Him, knowing that whatever God sets up, no force can tear down. In the midst of life's challenges, we can find assurance in the eternal reign of Jesus, who sustains and keeps us. Trusting in the eternal King means placing our confidence in His power to transform our lives and to guide us through the uncertainties of life. As we celebrate the King who reigns forever, we are reminded of the unshakeable foundation of His kingdom and the hope it brings to our lives. [30:30]
"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations." (Psalm 145:13, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to place greater trust in Jesus' eternal reign, and how can you begin to do so today?
Quotes
"Psalm 2 gives to us the reflection of what it means to have the Son to come into our lives and to make his presence known to us as he sits as King, of all the world. That's what Psalm 2 reflects on. It's the reflection of the Son who comes into the world and takes his place, occupies his space on the throne." [00:08:54] (28 seconds)
"And as a consequence, they are conspiring, so says scripture, against God and his anointed. Don't miss that. They're conspiring against God and his anointed. In the midst of this conspiracy, the Bible says in verse 4 of Psalm 2 that God laughs at them." [00:11:07] (20 seconds)
"Not only shall he reign with authority, church, he shall reign with majesty. I remember. He shall reign with majesty. Still in the text, will you please return to verse six? Because verse six of Psalm two reads like this. I have set my king upon my holy hill in Zion." [00:22:25] (23 seconds)
"God said I'm gonna position him in the midst of the other Kings conspiracy comes a coronation on Mount Zion and the Lord operates from that position of authority with Majesty Majesty so much Majesty and when you get to the end of Psalm 2 the psalmist teaches you how you're supposed to come before this king." [00:25:37] (29 seconds)
"That no king can take him down. No person can dethrone him. No person can overthrow him. He shall reign forever." [00:34:05] (10 seconds)
"And today I want to Put my trust in him Should we go all the way to the end of psalm 2 It says that blessed is every person Who puts their trust In him Somebody needs to put your trust in him today I know that circumstances Aren't always pleasing And circumstances aren't always Favorable But in the midst of unfavorable circumstances Comes a God who still grants favor." [00:38:00] (26 seconds)