Embracing the True King's Sovereignty and Freedom

 

Summary

Psalm 2 presents a profound exploration of the human condition and our relationship with divine authority. It begins by questioning why nations and rulers conspire against the Lord and His anointed, highlighting the inherent rebellion in human hearts against divine sovereignty. This rebellion is not just a historical or political reality but a spiritual one, reflecting our innate desire to reject the yoke of God's authority and assert our independence. Yet, the psalm assures us that God has installed His King, a true King above all earthly rulers, who embodies wisdom, justice, and compassion.

This King, foreshadowed in the psalm, is ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The psalm invites us to see beyond the immediate historical context to the greater reality of Christ's kingship. It challenges us to recognize our resistance to His rule and the futility of seeking refuge from Him rather than in Him. The psalm concludes with a call to wisdom and submission, urging us to serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, for true blessedness is found in taking refuge in Him.

The message of Psalm 2 is particularly relevant during Advent, as we reflect on the coming of Christ. It reminds us that while we may resist His rule, we are ultimately created to find our fulfillment in submission to His kingship. The psalm calls us to embrace the yoke of Christ, which paradoxically leads to true freedom and fulfillment. In doing so, we discover that the yoke becomes a refuge, and service to the King becomes our perfect freedom.

Key Takeaways:

1. The True King: Psalm 2 reveals that God has installed a true King, Jesus Christ, who reigns with wisdom, justice, and compassion. This King is the fulfillment of the ancient longing for a ruler who brings a golden age of flourishing. Our hearts are designed to submit to this King, and in doing so, we find our true purpose and fulfillment. [06:11]

2. Human Rebellion: Despite the presence of a true King, the natural inclination of the human heart is to rebel against His authority. This rebellion stems from a desire to be our own masters, rejecting the yoke of divine ownership. Recognizing this rebellion is the first step toward genuine submission and transformation. [16:36]

3. The Need for a King: We are inherently driven by a need for a King, a need that is often misdirected toward false saviors. Only by acknowledging our need for the true King, Jesus, can we find the refuge and blessedness our souls long for. [28:49]

4. The Yoke as Refuge: The yoke of Christ, which may initially seem like bondage, ultimately becomes our refuge and freedom. By submitting to His authority, we discover our true potential and experience the spaciousness of life under His rule. [29:04]

5. Living Under the King's Rule: To truly live under the King's rule, we must obey, submit, rely, and expect. This involves embracing His commands, accepting His ordering of our lives, relying on His sufficiency, and expecting great things from His power. In doing so, we find that His service is our perfect freedom. [33:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:09] - Introduction to Psalm 2
- [01:35] - Advent and Messianic Psalms
- [02:48] - The Coronation Psalm
- [04:19] - The Context of Psalm 2
- [06:11] - The True King
- [07:04] - Human Longing for a King
- [09:31] - The Fascination with Kings
- [11:22] - Democracy as Medicine
- [12:04] - The Memory Trace of a King
- [13:21] - The Search for a Savior
- [16:36] - Human Rebellion Against the King
- [19:51] - The Biblical God and Human Resistance
- [25:07] - Avoiding Jesus Through Religion
- [28:49] - The Need for the King
- [29:04] - The Yoke as Refuge
- [33:53] - Living Under the King's Rule
- [41:02] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Psalm 2

Bible Reading:
- Psalm 2

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Observation Questions:

1. What is the initial reaction of the nations and rulers towards the Lord and His anointed in Psalm 2? How does this reflect the human condition? [00:31]

2. According to the sermon, what are the characteristics of the true King that God has installed? [06:11]

3. How does the psalmist describe the response of God to the rebellion of the nations? [00:46]

4. What does the psalmist urge the kings and rulers of the earth to do in response to God's authority? [01:16]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the human tendency to rebel against divine authority, and what does this reveal about our spiritual condition? [16:36]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the longing for a true King is evident in human culture and history? [07:33]

3. How does the concept of the "yoke" in the sermon illustrate the paradox of finding freedom in submission to Christ? [29:04]

4. What does the sermon suggest is the ultimate fulfillment of the kingship described in Psalm 2, and how does this relate to the Advent season? [01:35]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you resisted authority in your life. How does this resistance compare to the rebellion against divine authority described in the sermon? [16:36]

2. The sermon mentions a "memory trace" of a great king in human culture. Can you identify any modern examples of this longing for a true leader? How do these examples influence your understanding of Christ's kingship? [12:04]

3. Consider the areas of your life where you might be seeking refuge from God rather than in Him. What steps can you take to shift your perspective and find refuge in Christ's kingship? [28:31]

4. The sermon describes the yoke of Christ as a path to true freedom. What practical steps can you take to embrace this yoke in your daily life, and how might this change your experience of freedom? [29:04]

5. How can you actively live under the King's rule by obeying, submitting, relying, and expecting, as outlined in the sermon? Identify one area where you can start implementing these principles. [33:53]

6. During this Advent season, how can you intentionally reflect on and celebrate the kingship of Christ in your personal and communal worship practices? [01:35]

7. The sermon challenges us to recognize our need for the true King. What false saviors might you be tempted to rely on, and how can you redirect your trust towards Jesus? [28:49]

Devotional

Day 1: The Reign of the True King
The psalm reveals that God has established a true King, Jesus Christ, who reigns with wisdom, justice, and compassion. This King is the fulfillment of the ancient longing for a ruler who brings a golden age of flourishing. Our hearts are designed to submit to this King, and in doing so, we find our true purpose and fulfillment. The psalm challenges us to recognize the futility of seeking refuge from Him rather than in Him. By embracing His kingship, we align ourselves with the divine order and experience the peace and joy that come from living under His rule. [06:11]

Psalm 72:11-14 (ESV): "May all kings fall down before him, all nations serve him! For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy, and saves the lives of the needy. From oppression and violence he redeems their life, and precious is their blood in his sight."

Reflection: In what areas of your life are you resisting the reign of Jesus as King? How can you begin to submit to His authority today?


Day 2: Recognizing Human Rebellion
Despite the presence of a true King, the natural inclination of the human heart is to rebel against His authority. This rebellion stems from a desire to be our own masters, rejecting the yoke of divine ownership. Recognizing this rebellion is the first step toward genuine submission and transformation. The psalm invites us to confront our resistance and understand that true freedom is found not in independence from God, but in submission to His loving rule. By acknowledging our rebellion, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His grace. [16:36]

Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV): "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? 'I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds.'"

Reflection: What specific desires or habits reveal your rebellion against God's authority? How can you invite God to transform these areas of your life?


Day 3: The Need for a True King
We are inherently driven by a need for a King, a need that is often misdirected toward false saviors. Only by acknowledging our need for the true King, Jesus, can we find the refuge and blessedness our souls long for. The psalm calls us to redirect our longing toward Christ, who alone can satisfy the deepest desires of our hearts. By seeking refuge in Him, we discover the peace and security that come from being under the care of a compassionate and just ruler. [28:49]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Reflection: What false saviors have you been turning to for security and fulfillment? How can you begin to seek refuge in Jesus, the true King, today?


Day 4: The Yoke as Refuge
The yoke of Christ, which may initially seem like bondage, ultimately becomes our refuge and freedom. By submitting to His authority, we discover our true potential and experience the spaciousness of life under His rule. The psalm assures us that the yoke of Christ is not burdensome but is a source of rest and peace. In embracing His yoke, we find that His service is our perfect freedom, and His commands are not restrictive but life-giving. [29:04]

Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV): "Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."

Reflection: How have you perceived the yoke of Christ in your life? What steps can you take to embrace His yoke as a source of refuge and freedom?


Day 5: Living Under the King's Rule
To truly live under the King's rule, we must obey, submit, rely, and expect. This involves embracing His commands, accepting His ordering of our lives, relying on His sufficiency, and expecting great things from His power. In doing so, we find that His service is our perfect freedom. The psalm calls us to a life of joyful obedience and trust, where we experience the fullness of life that comes from living in alignment with His will. [33:53]

Colossians 3:16-17 (ESV): "Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take to live more fully under the rule of Christ? How can you cultivate a heart of joyful obedience and trust in His sufficiency?

Quotes

The psalmist says be warned, God is with him, God is going to take care of him. He will give God will give us Aid and that's how you can read the psalm at one level but if you read it carefully you will see that it no earthly King can completely justify the fury of the threats and no earthly King can completely justify the glory of the promises. [00:04:19]

The language you might say of Psalm 2 spills out over its banks you know uh if Psalm 2 is a river the language comes up over top of it and the things that are said about this King this anointed one are far too great to really be confined to any Earthly King as a matter of fact in verse two where it says the kings of the Earth take their stand against the Lord and his anointed one. [00:04:49]

We have a true king a king above all the kings a king behind all the kings we have a true king installed by God my king he says then verses 1 to 3 tell us however also that human beings hate the king we have a true king but we hate that true king and then verses 10 11 and 12 are extremely practical uh they are a summons to us to see that though we have a king and we hate the king we need the king. [00:06:11]

The reason we were built for a king the reason for the the uh the old myth the reason for the new myths all the superhero myths are new myths about Kings the reason we adore Kings and create them is because there's a memory Trace in the human race there's a memory Trace in you and me of a great king an ancient King one who did rule with such power and wisdom and compassion and Justice and Glory. [00:11:22]

The Bible says if you reject the true king you will find a king because you have to even if you reject the idea that there's a true king intellectually you can't reject it ontologically you can't reject it in your being you can't reject it psychologically you will find someone to adore you will find saviors you will find Kings you will adore. [00:12:04]

You need a king and if you don't find the real King you're going to create a false King and it's going to poison your life my dear friends your physical nature will be served If you deny your physical nature food it will gobble poison eventually it'll eat anything and if you deny your spiritual nature the king that it needs it will gobble something it'll gobble poison but it will gobble. [00:14:36]

The Bible says we hate the idea of a king we hate the idea of someone who has rights over us who we hate the idea of a king who has a yoke on us who says you belong to me you are not your own you must do as I say and that's the reason why the Bible says that human beings don't just disbelieve in God we hate him. [00:19:51]

The Bible says that in every human being there are potential there's potential there are things you know you have got block you you will Blossom if you come in under the king in places you didn't know you had buds you've got potential that only will come if you come in under the Yoke under the Yoke of the king to believe and Obey and love a king means you can find yourself. [00:29:04]

The Yoke eventually becomes a refuge that confinement eventually becomes spaciousness that service eventually becomes Freedom that if you pull the Yoke off of your back because you think it's bondage and slavery you will find that you will perish you need that yoke in fact the yoke is the only way to get you into Freedom. [00:29:04]

To believe and Obey and love a king means you can find yourself it means you no longer in charge of your life but the same you're yoked that's the way it is that's what it means to come in under a king and the Bible says because you need a king you can't understand yourself psychologically you can't understand yourself culturally you can't understand yourself unless you see that you're driven by this need for a king. [00:31:53]

The Bible gives us right here in verse 10 11 and 12 what it really means to submit to the king let me just give you three actually let me give you four and uh afterwards I'm going to be real brief about it and if people want me to draw them out you can draw them out afterwards in the question and answer time how do you treat Jesus as a king. [00:33:53]

Obey submit rely and expect obey submit rely and expect look obey maybe that's too easy maybe I shouldn't spend much time on it but wait to obey some of you think you're obeying and you're not if you say okay uh here's the rules look at all the things the king says always forgive always always tell the truth always always return never return evil for evil but always return evil for good. [00:33:53]

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Transcript
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