Embracing Christ: Our True King and Savior

 

Summary

In my sermon today, I drew parallels between the longing for earthly kings and the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ. I began by recounting the tale of a 6th-century British warrior king, who fought to unify his people against common enemies and establish justice. This historical figure, who would later inspire the legend of King Arthur, represents our innate desire for a leader who can bring order from chaos and stand against tyranny.

I then shifted to the spiritual realm, emphasizing that while earthly kings and kingdoms are numerous, there is only one true King over heaven and earth: Jesus Christ. I cited Colossians 1:15-20, which describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. Through Him, all things were created, and He holds all things together. His sacrifice on the cross reconciled us to God, making peace through His blood.

I reminded the congregation that our fate and destiny are to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Philippians 2:5-11 tells us that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not a distant event but a present reality that we must embrace now, accepting His gift of salvation and submitting to His kingship.

Reflecting on our American heritage, I acknowledged the difficulty we might have in accepting a king due to our nation's founding on the rejection of earthly monarchy. However, I stressed that Jesus is not an earthly king demanding taxes and enforcing tyranny, but a heavenly King who offers freedom, unity with God, and peace to our souls.

I contrasted the Israelites' desire for an earthly king with God's warning of the consequences, as recounted in 1 Samuel 8. The Lord cautioned that an earthly king would lead to war, sorrow, and slavery. Instead, I urged the congregation to seek first the kingdom of God, as instructed in Matthew 6:33, and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2).

In closing, I invited the congregation to reflect on Psalm 145, which praises God's eternal kingship and His compassionate rule. I encouraged everyone to call out to Jesus, our King, and to let Him save us. We must take up our cross daily, follow Christ, and seek first His kingdom, not the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of King Arthur resonates with us because it echoes a deeper truth: our souls yearn for a righteous leader who can bring order and justice. This longing is fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the true King who unifies us and stands against spiritual enemies. His reign is not one of tyranny but of peace and salvation. [02:42]

- Our ultimate destiny is to bow before Jesus and confess Him as Lord. This is not a future event to be passively awaited but a present opportunity to willingly submit to His authority. In doing so, we find peace and assurance, knowing that our King has already triumphed over sin and death. [13:18]

- The concept of kingship is deeply ingrained in our psyche, yet as believers, we must distinguish between the allure of earthly power and the true kingship of Christ. Jesus's reign is characterized by sacrificial love and service, not domination and control. As His subjects, we are called to emulate His humility and obedience. [17:05]

- The Israelites' demand for an earthly king serves as a cautionary tale of misplaced trust. We too must guard against the temptation to seek security in human institutions rather than in God's sovereign rule. Our allegiance to Jesus as King should shape our identity and priorities above all earthly loyalties. [06:57]

- As followers of Christ, we are invited to live as citizens of His kingdom, which transcends earthly boundaries. This kingdom is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. By seeking first His kingdom, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and experience His provision and care. [19:13]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 1:15-20 - "He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things were created by him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross."

2. Philippians 2:5-11 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father."

3. 1 Samuel 8:10-20 - "Samuel told all the words of the Lord to the people who were asking him for a king. He said, 'This is what the king who will reign over you will claim as his rights: He will take your sons and make them serve with his chariots and horses, and they will run in front of his chariots. Some he will assign to be commanders of thousands and commanders of fifties, and others to plow his ground and reap his harvest, and still others to make weapons of war and equipment for his chariots. He will take your daughters to be perfumers and cooks and bakers. He will take the best of your fields and vineyards and olive groves and give them to his attendants. He will take a tenth of your grain and of your vintage and give it to his officials and attendants. Your male and female servants and the best of your cattle and donkeys he will take for his own use. He will take a tenth of your flocks, and you yourselves will become his slaves. When that day comes, you will cry out for relief from the king you have chosen, but the Lord will not answer you in that day.' But the people refused to listen to Samuel. 'No!' they said. 'We want a king over us. Then we will be like all the other nations, with a king to lead us and to go out before us and fight our battles.'"

#### Observation Questions
1. According to Colossians 1:15-20, what roles and attributes are ascribed to Jesus Christ? How does this passage describe His relationship to creation and the church?
2. In Philippians 2:5-11, what actions did Jesus take to demonstrate humility and obedience? What was the result of His actions according to this passage?
3. What warnings did Samuel give the Israelites about having an earthly king in 1 Samuel 8:10-20? How did the people respond to these warnings? [06:08]
4. How does the story of the 6th-century British warrior king, who inspired the legend of King Arthur, illustrate our longing for a righteous leader? [02:42]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the description of Jesus in Colossians 1:15-20 challenge or reinforce your understanding of His kingship and authority over all creation?
2. What does Philippians 2:5-11 teach us about the nature of true leadership and kingship? How does Jesus' example contrast with typical earthly rulers?
3. Reflecting on 1 Samuel 8:10-20, why do you think the Israelites insisted on having an earthly king despite God's warnings? How does this relate to our own tendencies to seek security in human institutions? [06:57]
4. How does the sermon’s comparison of King Arthur and Jesus help us understand the difference between earthly and heavenly kingship? [02:42]

#### Application Questions
1. In what ways can you acknowledge Jesus as King in your daily life? Are there specific areas where you struggle to submit to His authority? [13:18]
2. How can you emulate Jesus' humility and obedience as described in Philippians 2:5-11 in your relationships and responsibilities?
3. Reflect on a time when you placed your trust in human institutions or leaders instead of God. What were the outcomes, and how can you shift your trust to Jesus as your ultimate King? [06:57]
4. The sermon mentioned that our American heritage might make it difficult to accept the concept of a king. How can you reconcile this cultural perspective with the biblical teaching of Jesus' kingship? [16:24]
5. How can you actively seek first the kingdom of God in your daily decisions and priorities, as instructed in Matthew 6:33? What practical steps can you take to set your mind on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3:1-2? [19:13]
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of living as citizens of Jesus' kingdom, which transcends earthly boundaries. How can you cultivate a mindset and lifestyle that reflect this heavenly citizenship? [19:54]
7. Psalm 145 praises God's eternal kingship and compassionate rule. How can you incorporate praise and adoration for Jesus into your daily routine, acknowledging Him as your King? [23:48]

Devotional

Day 1: Christ Fulfills Our Righteous Leadership Longing
The legend of King Arthur stirs within us a deep yearning for a leader who embodies justice and order. This longing is not merely for historical or mythical figures but points to a spiritual truth that resonates with the core of our being. Jesus Christ stands as the fulfillment of this desire, not as a conqueror who imposes His will through force, but as a righteous King who brings peace and salvation. His leadership is unlike any earthly rule; it is established on the principles of love and self-sacrifice. As we reflect on the story of King Arthur, we are reminded of the greater narrative at work in our lives—the reign of Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world and its spiritual adversaries to unite us under His benevolent kingship. [07:40]

"For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us." - Isaiah 33:22 ESV

Reflection: How does the understanding that Jesus is our true King influence your view of leadership and your role in His kingdom?

Day 2: Embracing Christ's Lordship Now
The concept of Jesus as Lord is not a distant theological truth to be acknowledged in the future; it is a present reality demanding our immediate response. To confess Jesus Christ as Lord is to enter into a relationship of peace and assurance, knowing that He has triumphed over sin and death. This act of submission is not passive but an active, daily decision to align ourselves with His authority. As we bow our knees and confess with our tongues, we participate in the victory of Christ, allowing His lordship to shape our lives and actions in the here and now. [13:18]

"Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved." - Romans 10:9 ESV

Reflection: What are practical ways you can submit to Christ's lordship in your daily life, and how can this submission transform your interactions with others?

Day 3: Distinguishing Earthly Power from Christ's Kingship
The allure of earthly power can often cloud our perception of true kingship. Christ's reign is not one of domination but of sacrificial love and service. As His followers, we are called to emulate His example of humility and obedience. This kingship does not seek to control but to liberate, not to oppress but to elevate. In a world that often equates power with force, we are invited to recognize the gentle strength of Jesus's authority and to live out this paradoxical power in our own lives, serving others as He served us. [17:05]

"But Jesus called them to him and said, 'You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant.'" - Matthew 20:25-26 ESV

Reflection: In what ways can you model Christ's servant leadership in your community, and how can this approach change the dynamics of power and influence around you?

Day 4: Misplaced Trust and the Sovereignty of God
The Israelites' demand for an earthly king serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of misplaced trust. In our own lives, we face the temptation to seek security in human institutions rather than in the sovereignty of God. Our allegiance to Jesus as King should supersede all earthly loyalties, shaping our identity and priorities. By placing our trust in Christ's eternal kingship, we guard against the disillusionment that often accompanies human leadership and align ourselves with a kingdom that cannot be shaken. [06:57]

"Put not your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation. When his breath departs, he returns to the earth; on that very day his plans perish." - Psalm 146:3-4 ESV

Reflection: Can you identify an area where you might be placing too much trust in human leadership or institutions, and how can you shift that trust toward God's sovereignty?

Day 5: Living as Citizens of Christ's Kingdom
As believers, we are called to live as citizens of Christ's kingdom, which transcends all earthly boundaries. This kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. By seeking first His kingdom, we align ourselves with God's eternal purposes and experience His provision and care. Our daily choices and actions should reflect our citizenship in heaven, as we prioritize the values of His kingdom over the fleeting allure of worldly success and recognition. [19:13]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." - Philippians 3:20 ESV

Reflection: What is one tangible way you can prioritize the values of God's kingdom in your daily routine, and how can this commitment impact your sense of belonging and purpose?

Quotes

"In my sermon today, I drew parallels between the longing for earthly kings and the ultimate kingship of Jesus Christ. I began by recounting the tale of a 6th-century British warrior king, who fought to unify his people against common enemies and establish justice. This historical figure, who would later inspire the legend of King Arthur, represents our innate desire for a leader who can bring order from chaos and stand against tyranny." [02:42]( | | )

"I then shifted to the spiritual realm, emphasizing that while earthly kings and kingdoms are numerous, there is only one true King over heaven and earth: Jesus Christ. I cited Colossians 1:15-20, which describes Jesus as the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. Through Him, all things were created, and He holds all things together. His sacrifice on the cross reconciled us to God, making peace through His blood." [17:49]( | | )

"I reminded the congregation that our fate and destiny are to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. Philippians 2:5-11 tells us that every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. This is not a distant event but a present reality that we must embrace now, accepting His gift of salvation and submitting to His kingship." [13:18]( | | )

"Reflecting on our American heritage, I acknowledged the difficulty we might have in accepting a king due to our nation's founding on the rejection of earthly monarchy. However, I stressed that Jesus is not an earthly king demanding taxes and enforcing tyranny, but a heavenly King who offers freedom, unity with God, and peace to our souls." [16:24]( | | )

"I contrasted the Israelites' desire for an earthly king with God's warning of the consequences, as recounted in 1 Samuel 8. The Lord cautioned that an earthly king would lead to war, sorrow, and slavery. Instead, I urged the congregation to seek first the kingdom of God, as instructed in Matthew 6:33, and to set our minds on things above, not on earthly things (Colossians 3:1-2)." [06:57]( | | )

"In closing, I invited the congregation to reflect on Psalm 145, which praises God's eternal kingship and His compassionate rule. I encouraged everyone to call out to Jesus, our King, and to let Him save us. We must take up our cross daily, follow Christ, and seek first His kingdom, not the world." [24:43]( | | )

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Transcript
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