Embracing God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Turmoil
Summary
In reflecting on the second Psalm, we find a timeless message that speaks directly to the condition of our world today. The psalm begins with a question that resonates through the ages: "Why do the heathen rage, and the people imagine a vain thing?" This question is not merely rhetorical; it is an expression of astonishment at the state of humanity, both in ancient times and now. Despite the passage of nearly 3,000 years since David penned these words, the human condition remains remarkably unchanged. We live in a world filled with turmoil, restlessness, and rebellion against God, much like the times of David, the early church, and many other periods throughout history.
The psalmist's description of the world as a raging sea is a powerful metaphor for the chaos and unrest that characterize human society. This restlessness is not just a historical observation but a present reality. We see it in the violence, moral decay, and the breakdown of societal norms. The world is in turmoil, and humanity's attempts to solve its problems through political, educational, and philosophical means have proven futile and empty. These schemes, devised by human wisdom, fail to address the root cause of our predicament: our rebellion against God.
The psalmist identifies this rebellion as the core issue, highlighting humanity's deliberate defiance of God and His commandments. This rebellion stems from a fundamental misunderstanding of God's nature and His laws, which are intended for our good and not as burdensome restrictions. The tragedy of our time is that in rejecting God, we also reject His love and the salvation offered through His Son, Jesus Christ.
The psalm concludes with a call to wisdom and submission to God: "Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and ye perish from the way." This is an invitation to acknowledge God's sovereignty, to submit to His authority, and to embrace the salvation He offers. In doing so, we find true peace and security, not only in this life but in the life to come.
Key Takeaways:
- The timeless relevance of the second Psalm lies in its accurate depiction of the human condition, marked by restlessness and rebellion against God. This rebellion is not just a historical phenomenon but a present reality that continues to manifest in various forms of societal turmoil. [05:50]
- Human attempts to solve the world's problems through political, educational, and philosophical means are ultimately futile. These schemes fail because they do not address the root cause of our predicament: humanity's rebellion against God. [19:15]
- The rebellion against God is rooted in a misunderstanding of His nature and His commandments. God's laws are not burdensome restrictions but are given for our benefit and well-being. Recognizing this truth is essential for finding true peace and order in life. [34:28]
- The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the ultimate demonstration of God's power and the assurance of His sovereignty. Despite humanity's attempts to reject and defy God, His purposes will prevail, and His offer of salvation remains open to all who will receive it. [46:43]
- The call to "kiss the Son" is an invitation to submit to God's authority and embrace the salvation offered through Jesus Christ. This submission leads to true peace and security, both in this life and in the life to come. [52:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:15] - Introduction to Psalm 2
- [01:32] - Relevance of the Bible Today
- [03:30] - Historical Context of Psalm 2
- [05:50] - The Human Condition: Restlessness and Rebellion
- [08:29] - Description of Society's Turmoil
- [11:22] - The Futility of Human Schemes
- [19:15] - The Root Cause: Rebellion Against God
- [29:49] - The Incontrovertible Fact of Rebellion
- [34:28] - Misunderstanding God's Laws
- [38:56] - The Folly of Rejecting God
- [46:43] - The Power of the Resurrection
- [52:15] - Invitation to Submit to God
- [56:50] - The Call to "Kiss the Son"
- [59:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 2
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 2
- Acts 4:25-26
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Observation Questions:
1. What is the psalmist's reaction to the state of the world as described in Psalm 2, and how does this reflect the human condition both in ancient times and today? [06:51]
2. How does the sermon describe the attempts of humanity to solve its problems through political, educational, and philosophical means? What is the ultimate verdict on these attempts? [19:15]
3. In the sermon, what metaphor is used to describe the restlessness of human society, and how is this metaphor explained? [08:29]
4. What is the significance of the phrase "Kiss the Son" in the context of the psalm and the sermon? [52:15]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the rebellion against God as described in Psalm 2, and what are the implications of this rebellion for individuals and society? [31:03]
2. The sermon mentions that God's laws are often misunderstood as burdensome. How does the sermon suggest we should view God's commandments instead? [34:28]
3. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate demonstration of God's power, and how does this relate to the assurance of His sovereignty? [46:43]
4. How does the sermon explain the futility of human schemes in addressing the world's problems, and what is identified as the root cause of these problems? [19:15]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt restless or in turmoil. How might recognizing this as a symptom of rebellion against God change your perspective or actions? [08:29]
2. The sermon suggests that human attempts to solve problems without God are futile. Can you identify an area in your life where you have relied solely on your own understanding? How might you invite God into that situation? [19:15]
3. Consider the metaphor of the raging sea used in the sermon. In what ways do you see this restlessness manifesting in your own life or community, and how can you seek God's peace in these areas? [08:29]
4. The sermon calls for submission to God's authority. What does "kissing the Son" look like in your daily life, and how can you practice this submission more intentionally? [52:15]
5. How do you perceive God's commandments in your life? Are there specific commandments you struggle with, and how can you begin to see them as beneficial rather than restrictive? [34:28]
6. The resurrection of Jesus is highlighted as a demonstration of God's power. How does this truth impact your faith and daily living? [46:43]
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of acknowledging God's sovereignty. What steps can you take this week to better align your life with this truth? [52:15]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional.
Quotes
The psalmist is expressing his astonishment, his amazement. He says, why are things as they are? And surely this is the question that every thinking person must be asking tonight. Here we are in this last quarter of the 20th century, and our world is in terrible trouble. We are all aware of this. [00:07:11]
Mankind is always restless. That's why the Bible, in one of its favorite analogies, compares the human race to the sea. And as you know, the great characteristic of the sea is that it is always restless. It's always moving. Now, I know that on a very fine summer's day, you look at the sea and you're almost persuaded that it's not moving at all. [00:09:04]
The psalmist tells us that this is true of all kinds: the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together. It's not only Tom, Dick, and Harry in the docks in Cardiff who are living this terrible life. The kings and the princes, the philosophers, the scientists, the growth bin, they're in it. [00:31:21]
The psalmist is asking us to face. He says here, be wise now, therefore, the instructed hisses. This is the whole object of the message of the Bible, to make us think. You know, the people outside, the people who never go to a place of worship, they think that those of us who are Christians, they think we're just an attack of intelligent people. [00:15:25]
The world is raving tonight. It is a raging, it is violent, and the turgid dis third turbulence is casting a mire and dirt, all the filth of today, the filth on the television and the wireless, the filth in the newspapers, the filth on the hoardings, mire and dirt. Well, that's part of the description. [00:16:17]
The psalmist tells us that this is true of all kinds: the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together. It's not only Tom, Dick, and Harry in the docks in Cardiff who are living this terrible life. The kings and the princes, the philosophers, the scientists, the growth bin, they're in it. [00:31:21]
The resurrection is the final proof of the illimitable power of God. This is the God that the world is defying, that not only his power, his rough God Rafa's upon sin. He shall speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure. As certain as we are here tonight, we are under the judgment of God. [00:46:43]
The psalmist is asking us to face. He says here, be wise now, therefore, the instructed hisses. This is the whole object of the message of the Bible, to make us think. You know, the people outside, the people who never go to a place of worship, they think that those of us who are Christians, they think we're just an attack of intelligent people. [00:15:25]
The psalmist tells us that this is true of all kinds: the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together. It's not only Tom, Dick, and Harry in the docks in Cardiff who are living this terrible life. The kings and the princes, the philosophers, the scientists, the growth bin, they're in it. [00:31:21]
The resurrection is the final proof of the illimitable power of God. This is the God that the world is defying, that not only his power, his rough God Rafa's upon sin. He shall speak unto them in his wrath and vex them in his sore displeasure. As certain as we are here tonight, we are under the judgment of God. [00:46:43]
The psalmist is asking us to face. He says here, be wise now, therefore, the instructed hisses. This is the whole object of the message of the Bible, to make us think. You know, the people outside, the people who never go to a place of worship, they think that those of us who are Christians, they think we're just an attack of intelligent people. [00:15:25]
The psalmist tells us that this is true of all kinds: the kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together. It's not only Tom, Dick, and Harry in the docks in Cardiff who are living this terrible life. The kings and the princes, the philosophers, the scientists, the growth bin, they're in it. [00:31:21]
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