Embracing God's Sovereignty: The Humble King
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth of God's sovereignty and judgment, as well as the hope we have in King Jesus. As we celebrate Palm Sunday, we remember Jesus' entry into Jerusalem, not as the conquering king the people expected, but as a humble servant riding on a donkey. This image challenges our understanding of power and authority, reminding us that God's ways are not our ways. We explored the book of Haggai, where God speaks to Zerubbabel, promising to shake the heavens and the earth and to make him like a signet ring, symbolizing authority and chosen status. This promise extends beyond Zerubbabel to the ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who brings us back from exile into the presence of God.
We delved into the nature of God's judgment, a topic often met with discomfort. Yet, the Bible is clear that God is both loving and just. His judgment is not something to be feared for those in Christ, as Jesus has taken upon Himself the full punishment for our sins. This week, as we approach Good Friday and Easter, we are invited to reflect deeply on the sacrifice of Jesus, who bore the wrath of God so that we might be reconciled to Him. The resurrection of Jesus is the validation of His words and the assurance of our hope. It confirms the truth of Scripture and the promise of His return.
As believers, we are called to live in light of this truth, knowing that our lives matter and that we will be rewarded for our faithfulness. This week, let us intentionally engage in practices that draw us closer to the heart of God, whether through fasting, prayer, or meditation on His Word. Let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection with a renewed sense of awe and gratitude for the love and grace of our King.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Sovereignty and Judgment: God is sovereign over all nations and leaders, raising them up and bringing them down according to His will. His judgment is certain, and we are accountable to Him for our lives. This truth should lead us to live with a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. [08:07]
- The Nature of God's Judgment: While many are comfortable with the idea of a loving God, the concept of God as a judge is often met with resistance. However, the Bible consistently presents God as both loving and just. His judgment is not arbitrary but is based on His righteousness and holiness. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, who took our judgment upon Himself. [17:28]
- The Assurance of the Resurrection: The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, validating His words and the truth of Scripture. It assures us of the reality of judgment and the hope of eternal life. As we approach Easter, let us reflect on the significance of the resurrection and its implications for our lives. [28:42]
- Living in Light of Eternity: Our lives are not accidents but are purposefully placed by God in specific times and places. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions have consequences beyond this life. This week, let us engage in practices that draw us closer to God and prepare us for the celebration of Easter. [23:28]
- The Humble King: Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday challenges our understanding of power and authority. He came not as a conquering king but as a humble servant, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. This image invites us to reconsider our expectations of God and to embrace the humility and servanthood exemplified by Jesus. [35:01]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [03:34] - The Unstoppable Church
- [08:07] - God's Sovereignty and Judgment
- [17:28] - The Nature of God's Judgment
- [20:18] - The Seriousness of Judgment
- [23:28] - Living in Light of Eternity
- [28:42] - The Assurance of the Resurrection
- [35:01] - The Humble King
- [40:00] - Prophecies Fulfilled
- [45:00] - Preparing for Holy Week
- [50:00] - Communion and Reflection
- [55:00] - Closing Prayer and Worship
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Haggai 2:20-23
2. Acts 17:24-31
3. Matthew 21:1-9
---
Observation Questions:
1. In Haggai 2:20-23, what promise does God make to Zerubbabel, and how does it symbolize authority and chosen status? [08:07]
2. According to Acts 17:24-31, what does Paul say about God's sovereignty over nations and individuals? How does this passage describe God's relationship with humanity? [17:28]
3. In Matthew 21:1-9, how does Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey fulfill Old Testament prophecy, and what does this signify about His kingship? [35:01]
4. What are some of the key differences between the king the people of Jerusalem expected and the king Jesus revealed Himself to be during His entry into Jerusalem? [35:01]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the promise to Zerubbabel in Haggai 2:20-23 extend beyond him to find its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ? What does this tell us about God's long-term plans? [08:07]
2. In Acts 17:24-31, Paul speaks of a fixed day of judgment. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as proof of this coming judgment, and what implications does this have for believers? [28:42]
3. Reflecting on Matthew 21:1-9, how does Jesus' humble entry into Jerusalem challenge our understanding of power and authority? What does this teach us about the nature of God's kingdom? [35:01]
4. How does the concept of God as both loving and just, as discussed in the sermon, help us understand the depth of Jesus' sacrifice and the nature of God's judgment? [17:28]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea of living with an eternal perspective. What specific actions can you take this week to align your daily life with the understanding that your actions have eternal significance? [23:28]
2. As we approach Easter, how can you intentionally engage in practices such as fasting, prayer, or meditation to draw closer to God? What specific plan can you make to incorporate these practices into your week? [35:01]
3. Consider the humility and servanthood exemplified by Jesus during His entry into Jerusalem. How can you embody these qualities in your interactions with others this week? [35:01]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of being prepared for God's judgment. What steps can you take to ensure that you are living a life accountable to God, and how can you encourage others to do the same? [17:28]
5. How does the assurance of the resurrection impact your daily life and decisions? In what ways can you share this hope with those around you, especially during the Easter season? [28:42]
6. Reflect on the idea that God has placed you in your current time and place for a purpose. How can you seek to understand and fulfill that purpose in your community and relationships? [23:28]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of recognizing Jesus as our advocate. How does this understanding affect your relationship with God, and how can you deepen this relationship in the coming week? [17:28]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Sovereignty and Our Purpose
God's sovereignty is a profound truth that shapes our understanding of power and authority. He is sovereign over all nations and leaders, raising them up and bringing them down according to His will. This truth should lead us to live with a sense of purpose and responsibility, knowing that our actions have eternal significance. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our lives are not accidents but are purposefully placed by God in specific times and places. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions have consequences beyond this life. [08:07]
"For the kingdom is the Lord's, and he rules over the nations." (Psalm 22:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily actions with the understanding that God is sovereign over your life and circumstances?
Day 2: Embracing God's Just Judgment
While many are comfortable with the idea of a loving God, the concept of God as a judge is often met with resistance. However, the Bible consistently presents God as both loving and just. His judgment is not arbitrary but is based on His righteousness and holiness. Understanding this helps us appreciate the depth of Jesus' sacrifice, who took our judgment upon Himself. As we approach Good Friday and Easter, we are invited to reflect deeply on the sacrifice of Jesus, who bore the wrath of God so that we might be reconciled to Him. [17:28]
"For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ, so that each one may receive what is due for what he has done in the body, whether good or evil." (2 Corinthians 5:10, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding God's just nature change your perspective on your own actions and decisions today?
Day 3: The Resurrection as Our Cornerstone
The resurrection of Jesus is the cornerstone of our faith, validating His words and the truth of Scripture. It assures us of the reality of judgment and the hope of eternal life. As we approach Easter, let us reflect on the significance of the resurrection and its implications for our lives. The resurrection confirms the truth of Scripture and the promise of His return, giving us assurance and hope. [28:42]
"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead." (1 Peter 1:3, ESV)
Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence your hope and actions in your daily life?
Day 4: Living with Eternal Perspective
Our lives are not accidents but are purposefully placed by God in specific times and places. We are called to live with an eternal perspective, knowing that our actions have consequences beyond this life. This week, let us engage in practices that draw us closer to God and prepare us for the celebration of Easter. Whether through fasting, prayer, or meditation on His Word, let us prepare our hearts to celebrate the resurrection with a renewed sense of awe and gratitude for the love and grace of our King. [23:28]
"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practice you can incorporate this week to help you live with a more eternal perspective?
Day 5: The Humble King
Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday challenges our understanding of power and authority. He came not as a conquering king but as a humble servant, fulfilling the prophecies of the Old Testament. This image invites us to reconsider our expectations of God and to embrace the humility and servanthood exemplified by Jesus. As believers, we are called to live in light of this truth, knowing that our lives matter and that we will be rewarded for our faithfulness. [35:01]
"Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion! Shout aloud, O daughter of Jerusalem! Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." (Zechariah 9:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you embody the humility and servanthood of Jesus in your interactions with others today?
Quotes
"Lord Jesus, I continue just to stand amazed that you are still building your church. 2,000 years after the resurrection, dictators have tried to kill the church. Unbelievers have tried to stop the church. Laws have been put against the church, and yet she just keeps going and growing because you are building your church. And you said not even the gates of hell can stop me from building my church." [00:03:22] (26 seconds)
"So that's why we're here at North Valley. Lord, we're your church, and our hope is your promise. You said if two or more gather, you're there in the midst. So we're counting on you to be here, to minister to us. Give us ears to hear what you have. Eyes to see the truth that you have for each of us. You know our needs, Lord. Minister, we pray in your great name, Lord Jesus Christ. Amen. Amen." [00:03:48] (26 seconds)
"Now when I've talked to people about God, if I talk about God's love, that God is loving God, people usually agree, yeah, we believe there's loving God and He's good. But if I tell them that God is also a judge and that they're accountable to Him, that's when I get the frowns and people kind of shaking their head. And you'll even hear people say, well, you know, maybe in the Old Testament there's a God of judge, but in the New Testament it's all a God of love. And that's usually from someone who's never actually read the New Testament." [00:08:29] (32 seconds)
"Because if you read it, you see there's lots of descriptions of judgment and warning of judgment, no less than from Jesus Himself. And He's got many parables about the judgment that is to come. Why does the Bible talk so much about judgment? Because it's true and He wants you to be prepared. The Bible's clear. You are here by God's design and purpose. He owns you and you are going to give an account for the life that He's given you someday." [00:09:45] (31 seconds)
"Look at with me, Acts 17, beginning in verse 24. This is good stuff. The God who made the, oh, by the way, the context is the Apostle Paul. He's in Greece. He's on Marsh Hill. Maybe you've heard of the sermon on Marsh Hill. It's a tough audience. He's got arrogant Greek philosophers there. He's got some seeking Jews and Gentiles that really want to know the truth. He's got some people that are just looking, some Jewish leaders are looking for a reason to get him arrested. So he's got this wide variety of people listening, and he says some things that even in our day are controversial, beginning with the first statement, God made the world and all things in it." [00:10:14] (39 seconds)
"God is not up there. He's all around us. He's right here. He's as close as your breath. Jump to verse 30. Therefore, having overlooked the times of ignorance before Christ, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent because, verse 31, he has fixed a day in which he will judge the world in righteousness through a man, capital M, Jesus, whom he has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising him from the dead." [00:13:42] (36 seconds)
"The resurrection is so key because it just puts the stamp of authenticity on everything Jesus said. Because Jesus said, in three days, they're going to kill me, but I'm going to rise from the grave and be alive. And nobody understood what he meant until now. He's alive. They tried to find his body. There's no body there. Jesus is alive. So his resurrection makes his words true. It validates the whole Bible because Jesus said not one period or comma will go away from the law until it's all fulfilled." [00:14:53] (30 seconds)
"None of your sins will ever be brought up in that throne room. None of them. As far as the east is from the west, the psalmist says, God has separated your sins. Why? Because Jesus said, I'll take his full punishment. I'll take it all. And he did. To the last bloody, gory drop, he gave it all so that all your sins and my sins are completely paid for. It's astonishing. And it's true." [00:18:50] (30 seconds)
"There's exactness to the judgment of God. It may seem slow to you, and you may wonder, why is God waiting? Why does he do something? But he's going to. And the hope for you is that that will never come on you, that wrath of God, that holy, righteous wrath. See, God doesn't take pleasure in judgment." [00:20:49] (24 seconds)
"Jesus is the one that God has given his authority to. This is my beloved son he said on Jesus' baptism and he's the chosen one to bring the exiles back. Just as Zerubbabel brought the exiles back from the four corners of the known world, now Jesus is bringing us as exiles by our sin back home to God the Father." [00:28:39] (25 seconds)
"See, there's all these prophetic dominoes that have to fall. This is Passover. Passover was a celebration of what God did in Egypt. Remember when the Israelites were finally released by Pharaoh, the final judgment was the killing of every firstborn and the only way you could be saved was to put the blood of an unblemished lamb on your doorway and that then the angel of death passed over. That's what Passover celebrated. When John, when Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist said, behold what? The lamb of God." [00:33:07] (33 seconds)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?