Embracing Christ's Sovereignty: Our Call to Witness

Summary

In our journey through the Scriptures today, we have delved into the profound mystery and majesty of Jesus Christ, the Son of Man and the Son of God. We have explored the depths of His deity, His humanity, and the eternal kingdom He inaugurates. We have been reminded that our God is not a distant deity, indifferent to our plight, but rather, He is intimately involved in the fabric of our existence, having stepped into creation to redeem it.

We began by acknowledging the patience of God, which should not be mistaken for indifference or inability. God's longsuffering grants us the opportunity to proclaim His glory and truth to all. We are called to do so with humble confidence, recognizing that we are nothing without Him, and yet, through Him, we have a message of hope and salvation to share.

As we prepared for communion, we reflected on our church covenant, committing ourselves to support the ministry, relieve the poor, and spread the Gospel. This covenant is not just a promise we make to one another, but a commitment we make before God, relying on His strength to fulfill it.

We turned our attention to the Book of Daniel, specifically chapter 7, verses 13 and 14, where Daniel receives a vision of one like a Son of Man coming with the clouds of heaven. This figure is presented before the Ancient of Days and is given dominion and glory and a kingdom that will never be destroyed. This passage, rich in apocalyptic imagery, is not meant to instill fear but to bolster our faith in the sovereignty of Christ.

We also examined the Gospel of Mark, where Jesus, during His trial, identifies Himself as the Son of Man who will be seated at the right hand of power and coming with the clouds of heaven. This self-identification with the vision in Daniel reveals Jesus' understanding of His divine authority and His role in the ultimate judgment and redemption of the world.

Finally, we looked to the book of Revelation, where the glorified Christ is depicted as the Son of Man, coming to reap the harvest of the earth. This future event is a call to action for us today, to live in the light of Christ's kingship and to serve Him with the urgency and joy that comes from knowing Him.

Key Takeaways:

- The patience of God is a divine opportunity for evangelism and witness. We must not misconstrue His patience as indifference but recognize it as a merciful extension for us to share the Gospel. Our confidence in evangelism stems from the assurance that God is sovereign and His plans are unfolding as He wills. [01:13:06]

- The communion we partake in is not merely a ritual; it is a profound act of remembrance and proclamation. As we break bread and drink from the cup, we are reminded of the humility and sacrifice of Christ, who became part of creation to redeem it. This act of love calls us to live in gratitude and to extend that love to others. [01:16:17]

- Daniel's vision of the Son of Man is a powerful affirmation of the deity and humanity of Christ. Jesus is the fulfillment of this vision, the one who has been given all authority and whose kingdom is everlasting. This truth should embolden our faith and our witness, as we serve a King whose reign is without end. [59:16]

- Jesus' claim to deity is not only evident in His words but also in His actions. Throughout His ministry, He demonstrated authority over creation, sin, and death. His resurrection is the ultimate vindication of His claims, and as His followers, we are called to live in the reality of His lordship over all aspects of life. [01:00:47]

- The return of Christ is a certainty that should shape our present reality. As we anticipate His coming, we are to engage the world with the transformative power of the Gospel. The kingdom of God is already at work in the world, and we are participants in its expansion, empowered by the Spirit to disciple nations and call all to acknowledge Jesus as Lord. [01:11:02]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 7:13-14: "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."
2. Mark 14:60-64: "And the high priest stood up in the midst and asked Jesus, 'Have you no answer to make? What is it that these men testify against you?' But he remained silent and made no answer. Again the high priest asked him, 'Are you the Christ, the Son of the Blessed?' And Jesus said, 'I am, and you will see the Son of Man seated at the right hand of Power, and coming with the clouds of heaven.' And the high priest tore his garments and said, 'What further witnesses do we need? You have heard his blasphemy. What is your decision?' And they all condemned him as deserving death."
3. Revelation 14:14-16: "Then I looked, and behold, a white cloud, and seated on the cloud one like a son of man, with a golden crown on his head, and a sharp sickle in his hand. And another angel came out of the temple, calling with a loud voice to him who sat on the cloud, 'Put in your sickle, and reap, for the hour to reap has come, for the harvest of the earth is fully ripe.' So he who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth, and the earth was reaped."

#### Observation Questions
1. What vision does Daniel describe in Daniel 7:13-14, and what is given to the "one like a son of man"?
2. In Mark 14:60-64, how does Jesus respond to the high priest's question, and what Old Testament imagery does He use to describe Himself? [01:01:40]
3. According to Revelation 14:14-16, what does the "one like a son of man" do, and what is the significance of the sickle?

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Daniel's vision in Daniel 7:13-14 affirm both the deity and humanity of Christ? What does this duality mean for our understanding of Jesus? [50:35]
2. Why did Jesus' declaration in Mark 14:62 cause such a strong reaction from the high priest? What does this reveal about Jesus' self-understanding and His mission? [01:02:27]
3. In Revelation 14:14-16, what does the imagery of the harvest and the sickle represent? How does this passage connect to the themes of judgment and redemption discussed in the sermon? [01:06:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on God's patience as described in the sermon, how can you use this divine opportunity to share the Gospel with someone in your life? What steps will you take this week to act on this? [01:13:06]
2. Communion is a profound act of remembrance and proclamation. How can you deepen your understanding and experience of communion in your personal spiritual life? What specific actions can you take to live out the humility and sacrifice of Christ? [01:16:17]
3. Daniel's vision of the Son of Man should embolden our faith. How can you let this truth strengthen your witness and service in your community? What practical steps can you take to share the message of Christ's eternal kingdom? [59:16]
4. Jesus' claim to deity is evident in His words and actions. How does His resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? What areas of your life need to be more fully submitted to His lordship? [01:00:47]
5. The certainty of Christ's return should shape our present reality. How does this future event influence your current priorities and actions? What changes can you make to live more fully in the light of Christ's kingship? [01:11:02]
6. The church covenant calls us to support the ministry, relieve the poor, and spread the Gospel. How are you currently fulfilling these commitments? What new ways can you contribute to these areas in your church and community? [01:16:17]
7. Considering the urgency and joy that comes from knowing Christ, how can you cultivate a sense of urgency in your spiritual life? What specific practices or habits can you adopt to keep this sense of urgency alive? [01:06:50]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Patience as Witnessing Opportunity
God's patience is often misunderstood as indifference, but it is actually a divine opportunity for believers to witness His glory and share the message of His love and salvation. This patience is a testament to His mercy, allowing more time for those who are seeking truth to encounter believers and experience the transformative power of the Gospel. Believers are called to use this time wisely, not taking it for granted but recognizing it as a precious gift to proclaim God's glory, beauty, power, and goodness. With humble confidence, they should live out their faith, knowing that without God, they are nothing, and with Him, they are part of His eternal plan.

2 Peter 3:9 says, "The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance."

Reflection: How can you actively use God's gift of time today to demonstrate His love to someone who may be seeking the truth? [01:13:06]

Day 2: Covenant Commitment Empowered by Christ
The church covenant is a sacred promise made by the members of the faith community to uphold the Gospel, support the ministry, and extend God's kingdom. This commitment goes beyond mere formality; it is a pledge to live out the values of sustaining worship, ordinances, discipline, and doctrines. It includes supporting the ministry, assisting the poor, and spreading the Gospel to all nations. This covenant is not carried out in human strength alone but is empowered by Christ within believers, enabling them to fulfill their promise to each other and to God.

Hebrews 10:23-24 states, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection: In what practical ways can you contribute to the continuance of a faithful evangelical ministry within your community this week? [01:16:17]

Day 3: The Everlasting Dominion of Christ
Jesus Christ, the Son of Man, is the embodiment of both full humanity and full deity. His dominion is everlasting, and His kingdom will never fade. This comforting truth should embolden the faith of believers, as they worship and serve a King who will return in glory. Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess His lordship. Jesus humbled Himself to become part of His creation, obedient unto death on a cross, demonstrating amazing love and grace. His sacrifice absorbed the wrath that was deserved, and as believers celebrate communion, they do so with a sense of awe and rejoicing.

Daniel 7:13-14 describes a vision of the Son of Man, saying, "I saw in the night visions, and behold, with the clouds of heaven there came one like a son of man, and he came to the Ancient of Days and was presented before him. And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."

Reflection: How does the reality of Jesus' everlasting kingdom influence the way you live your life today? [59:16]

Day 4: Jesus' Divine Authority and Eternal Kingship
The vision of the Son of Man in the Book of Daniel is a powerful affirmation of Jesus' divine authority and His role as the eternal King. This pre-incarnate glimpse of Jesus Christ reveals Him as the God-Man who came down from heaven to become one of us out of love. His kingdom is an everlasting one, and His deity is displayed as He is served by all peoples, nations, and languages. This revelation should inspire awe and worship in the hearts of believers, as they recognize the majesty and power of their Savior.

Revelation 5:9-10 proclaims, "And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.'"

Reflection: What aspect of Jesus' character or kingship can you meditate on today to deepen your worship and awe of Him? [52:43]

Day 5: Empowered to Act by the Holy Spirit
As believers face challenges and opposition in this world, they are reminded of the power at their disposal through Christ. They are called to disciple nations and remind rulers of the true King. Jesus' patience should not be mistaken for indifference; His return will bring judgment for those who do not submit to Him. Believers serve a God who is not indifferent to their plight but is actively involved in their redemption. They are empowered by the reality that Jesus is King and has unleashed resurrection life and new creation upon the world.

Ephesians 3:20-21 declares, "Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in your life to someone who does not yet know Jesus? [01:11:02]

Quotes

- "Your longsuffering and your patience is not indicative of your indifference or your inability... to share with everyone we know your beauty and your goodness and your power and your glory." [01:13:06](Download | )

- "We are nothing; you are everything... help us to understand and recognize that one we serve is the Almighty Sovereign of the universe who has put all things under his feet." [01:14:59](Download | )

- "This Kingdom... is an everlasting Dominion which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed... this is something reserved only for God." [59:57](Download | )

- "Jesus says, 'I am and you will see the son of man seated at the right hand of power and coming with the Clouds Of Heaven.'... Jesus here makes reference... to Daniel 713-14." [01:02:27](Download | )

- "Jesus Christ knew who he was, he knew that he was the son of man in Daniel 713-14... he says to the high priest you will see the son of man coming in the clouds with great power." [01:09:35](Download | )

- "Jesus is king and the father has handed him the Nations his Spirit has come Resurrection Life and New Creation are Unleashed on the world... believe this and rejoice." [01:11:41](Download | )

- "Daniel is privileged beyond measure to view a pre-incarnate glimpse of the incarnated Jesus Christ... he came down and became one of us." [53:25](Download | )

- "This one arrives as only God God arrives therefore there is indications from the text that this one is God is deity has all of the realities of the Divine in them." [55:37](Download | )

- "Jesus Christ the righteous, the resurrected Lord appears like a son of man... that's how much he loves us but he peeled back a little bit on the Mount of transfiguration and showed his disciples what he really looks like." [01:06:01](Download | )

- "This Duality is further implied because it says unto him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom... this is the kingdom of Christ the kingdom that he talks about a lot in the Gospels." [56:59](Download | )

Chatbot

Transcript

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