Embracing Christ: Finding Peace Amidst Rebellion

 

Summary

In the midst of a world filled with confusion, pain, and unrest, we gather to seek understanding and solace through the Word of God. On this Remembrance Day, we reflect on the state of our world, questioning why war, disease, and sorrow persist. The Bible offers a profound answer: these are not new phenomena but manifestations of humanity's long-standing rebellion against God. This rebellion is vividly depicted in the second Psalm, which speaks to the futility of human schemes and the raging of nations against the Lord and His anointed.

The Psalm divides into four parts, each revealing a different aspect of this rebellion and God's response. The first part describes the tumultuous state of the world, likening it to a raging sea, restless and chaotic. This is a perfect metaphor for our current age, where sin is rampant, and humanity devises empty, futile schemes apart from God. The second part reveals God's reaction to this rebellion: He laughs at the folly of human pride and self-confidence, for He is the sovereign ruler of the universe.

The third part of the Psalm introduces the Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed, who embodies God's plan for redemption. Despite humanity's rejection and crucifixion of Christ, God demonstrated His power and love through the resurrection, offering salvation to all who believe. The final part of the Psalm is an appeal to wisdom and submission, urging us to "kiss the Son"—to acknowledge Christ's authority and embrace His love.

In rejecting God's laws and love, humanity not only defies His righteousness but also spurns His mercy. Yet, God's gracious purpose remains: He sent His Son to save us from the consequences of our rebellion. On this Remembrance Day, let us be wise, receive instruction, and submit to the Son, finding peace and eternal life in Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The turmoil and unrest in the world are not new but are manifestations of humanity's rebellion against God. This rebellion is characterized by a rejection of God's laws and a reliance on futile human schemes. The Bible offers the only satisfactory explanation for this condition, urging us to recognize our need for divine guidance. [03:35]

- God's response to human rebellion is one of sovereign authority and derision towards human pride. Despite humanity's attempts to defy Him, God remains the ruler of the universe, and His plans will ultimately prevail. This calls us to humility and recognition of our dependence on Him. [32:27]

- The Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed, is central to God's plan for redemption. Despite being rejected and crucified, His resurrection demonstrates God's power and love, offering salvation to all who believe. This highlights the importance of embracing Christ's authority and love. [40:30]

- Rejecting God's laws and love is not only defiance but also a tragedy, as it spurns the mercy and salvation offered through Christ. God's gracious purpose is to save us from the consequences of our rebellion, offering eternal life and peace. [46:57]

- The Psalmist's appeal is a call to wisdom and submission, urging us to "kiss the Son"—to acknowledge Christ's authority and embrace His love. This submission leads to peace, understanding, and eternal life, contrasting with the chaos of a world in rebellion. [50:27]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - Introduction to Acts 4 and Psalm 2
- [01:03] - Context of Remembrance Day
- [02:48] - The Bible's Answer to Worldly Confusion
- [03:35] - The Timeless Nature of Human Rebellion
- [05:42] - Structure of Psalm 2
- [07:24] - The Prophetic Nature of the Psalm
- [09:06] - The Question of "Why?"
- [11:13] - Description of the World's State
- [13:22] - The Raging of Nations
- [16:01] - Futile Human Schemes
- [19:30] - Humanism and Self-Confidence
- [22:14] - Rebellion Against God
- [32:27] - God's Response to Human Folly
- [40:30] - The Role of Christ in Redemption
- [46:57] - The Tragedy of Rejecting God's Love
- [50:27] - The Call to Wisdom and Submission

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 2
- Acts 4:25-26
- Romans 8:7

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Observation Questions:

1. How does Psalm 2 describe the state of the world and its leaders in relation to God? What imagery is used to convey this? [05:42]

2. In Acts 4:25-26, how do the early Christians interpret the events surrounding Jesus' crucifixion in light of Psalm 2? [07:24]

3. According to the sermon, what is God's response to human rebellion as depicted in Psalm 2? [32:27]

4. What does Romans 8:7 reveal about the natural human mindset towards God and His laws? How does this relate to the themes in Psalm 2? [27:09]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. The sermon suggests that the turmoil in the world is a result of humanity's rebellion against God. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your understanding of current global issues? [22:14]

2. God's laughter in response to human rebellion is mentioned in the sermon. What does this reaction signify about God's sovereignty and human pride? [32:27]

3. The sermon emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ in God's plan for redemption. How does the resurrection of Christ serve as a demonstration of God's power and love according to the sermon? [40:30]

4. The call to "kiss the Son" in Psalm 2 is highlighted in the sermon. What does this act of submission and acknowledgment of Christ's authority mean for believers today? [50:27]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking divine guidance. How can you cultivate a habit of turning to God in moments of confusion or unrest? [03:35]

2. The sermon calls for humility in recognizing our dependence on God. What practical steps can you take to foster humility in your daily life, especially in areas where you feel self-sufficient? [32:27]

3. How can you actively embrace Christ's authority and love in your life? Identify one area where you struggle to submit to His will and consider a specific action to address this. [50:27]

4. The sermon describes rejecting God's laws as a tragedy. In what ways have you witnessed or experienced the consequences of ignoring God's guidance? How can you encourage others to see the value in following His ways? [46:57]

5. Consider the chaos and unrest in the world today. How can you be a source of peace and understanding in your community, reflecting the peace found in Christ? [50:27]

6. The sermon mentions the importance of being wise and receiving instruction. What resources or practices can you incorporate into your life to grow in wisdom and understanding of God's Word? [50:27]

7. Identify a person in your life who may be struggling with rebellion against God. How can you lovingly share the message of God's mercy and redemption with them this week? [43:31]

Devotional

Day 1: Humanity's Rebellion and the Futility of Human Schemes
In a world filled with turmoil and unrest, the persistent rebellion against God is evident. This rebellion is not a new phenomenon but a continuation of humanity's long-standing defiance of divine authority. The Bible describes this rebellion as a rejection of God's laws and a reliance on futile human schemes. These schemes, though seemingly innovative and promising, ultimately lead to chaos and confusion. The Psalmist likens the state of the world to a raging sea, restless and chaotic, a perfect metaphor for our current age where sin is rampant. The Bible urges us to recognize our need for divine guidance, as human efforts apart from God are empty and futile. [03:35]

Jeremiah 2:13 (ESV): "For my people have committed two evils: they have forsaken me, the fountain of living waters, and hewed out cisterns for themselves, broken cisterns that can hold no water."

Reflection: What is one area in your life where you rely on your own understanding rather than seeking God's guidance? How can you begin to trust Him more in this area today?


Day 2: God's Sovereign Authority Over Human Pride
Despite humanity's attempts to defy God, He remains the sovereign ruler of the universe. The Bible portrays God's response to human rebellion as one of sovereign authority and derision towards human pride. God laughs at the folly of human pride and self-confidence, knowing that His plans will ultimately prevail. This calls us to humility and recognition of our dependence on Him. In a world where humanism and self-confidence are often celebrated, the Bible reminds us of the futility of such pride and the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty. [32:27]

Isaiah 40:23-24 (ESV): "who brings princes to nothing, and makes the rulers of the earth as emptiness. Scarcely are they planted, scarcely sown, scarcely has their stem taken root in the earth, when he blows on them, and they wither, and the tempest carries them off like stubble."

Reflection: In what ways do you find yourself relying on your own strength and abilities? How can you practice humility and acknowledge God's sovereignty in your daily life?


Day 3: Christ's Central Role in Redemption
The Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed, is central to God's plan for redemption. Despite being rejected and crucified, His resurrection demonstrates God's power and love, offering salvation to all who believe. This highlights the importance of embracing Christ's authority and love. The Bible calls us to recognize the significance of Christ's sacrifice and the hope it brings to a world in rebellion. By acknowledging Christ's authority, we find redemption and a path to eternal life. [40:30]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: How does the resurrection of Christ impact your understanding of God's love and power? What steps can you take to embrace Christ's authority in your life today?


Day 4: The Tragedy of Rejecting God's Love
Rejecting God's laws and love is not only defiance but also a tragedy, as it spurns the mercy and salvation offered through Christ. God's gracious purpose is to save us from the consequences of our rebellion, offering eternal life and peace. The Bible emphasizes the tragedy of rejecting God's love and the importance of accepting His mercy. By turning away from God's love, we miss out on the peace and salvation that He offers through Christ. [46:57]

Hebrews 2:3 (ESV): "how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation? It was declared at first by the Lord, and it was attested to us by those who heard,"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are resisting God's love and mercy? How can you open your heart to receive His grace and salvation today?


Day 5: The Call to Wisdom and Submission
The Psalmist's appeal is a call to wisdom and submission, urging us to "kiss the Son"—to acknowledge Christ's authority and embrace His love. This submission leads to peace, understanding, and eternal life, contrasting with the chaos of a world in rebellion. The Bible invites us to seek wisdom and submit to Christ, recognizing that true peace and fulfillment come from aligning our lives with His will. By embracing Christ's love and authority, we find a path to eternal life and a deeper understanding of God's purpose for us. [50:27]

Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."

Reflection: What does it mean for you to "kiss the Son" and submit to Christ's authority? How can you actively seek wisdom and align your life with His will today?

Quotes



In rejecting God's laws and love, humanity not only defies His righteousness but also spurns His mercy. Yet, God's gracious purpose remains: He sent His Son to save us from the consequences of our rebellion. On this Remembrance Day, let us be wise, receive instruction, and submit to the Son, finding peace and eternal life in Him. [00:46:57]

The turmoil and unrest in the world are not new but are manifestations of humanity's rebellion against God. This rebellion is characterized by a rejection of God's laws and a reliance on futile human schemes. The Bible offers the only satisfactory explanation for this condition, urging us to recognize our need for divine guidance. [00:03:35]

God's response to human rebellion is one of sovereign authority and derision towards human pride. Despite humanity's attempts to defy Him, God remains the ruler of the universe, and His plans will ultimately prevail. This calls us to humility and recognition of our dependence on Him. [00:32:27]

The Lord Jesus Christ, God's anointed, is central to God's plan for redemption. Despite being rejected and crucified, His resurrection demonstrates God's power and love, offering salvation to all who believe. This highlights the importance of embracing Christ's authority and love. [00:40:30]

The Psalmist's appeal is a call to wisdom and submission, urging us to "kiss the Son"—to acknowledge Christ's authority and embrace His love. This submission leads to peace, understanding, and eternal life, contrasting with the chaos of a world in rebellion. [00:50:27]

The Bible alone can give us a satisfactory answer to the world's confusion and unrest. It tells us that these are not new phenomena but manifestations of humanity's long-standing rebellion against God. This rebellion is vividly depicted in the second Psalm, which speaks to the futility of human schemes. [00:02:48]

The world is filled with restlessness, trouble, and perplexity, being carried backwards and forwards, victims of the latest news bulletin or the latest edition of a newspaper, never knowing what's going to happen. This is the great trouble in life tonight; men and women have lost all sense of direction. [00:13:22]

The world is convinced that it can make a perfect world, that it can give us all peace and plenty and happiness and enjoyment without end. The world is quite sure that it's got it in it to make things just as it wants them to be. This is nothing but the story of civilization. [00:22:14]

The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His anointed, saying, "Let us break their bands asunder and cast away their cords from us." This is the full and complete explanation of humanity's rebellion against God. [00:32:27]

God's gracious purpose, though we've arrogantly rebelled against Him and defied Him and hated His laws, is that He sent His only begotten Son into the world to save us from the consequences of our rebellion. This is the message of God's love and mercy towards humanity. [00:46:57]

The world is ignorant of God's plan and purpose. Despite humanity's rebellion, God has a plan, a great purpose, which He began to reveal at the beginning of the human race. This plan is demonstrated most clearly in the life, death, and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:40:30]

The Bible not only describes the condition of the world but also gives us the explanation of it. It opens our understanding to the causes of this condition: humanity's rebellion against God. This is the adequate and sufficient answer to why the world is as it is. [00:32:27]

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