Messiahship: Embracing God's Kingdom Through Relationship
Summary
The sermon explores the concept of messiahship as it relates to the believer's relationship with God and the broader narrative of God's Kingdom. The speaker begins by emphasizing that the invitation to a close relationship with God through Jesus is not solely for personal benefit but is part of a larger story involving the church, community, and God's Kingdom. The speaker contrasts this with the current state of the world, where nations often do not recognize God or live according to His desires, leading to conflict, violence, and despair.
The psalmist's perspective is then introduced, citing Psalm 2, which describes the opposition of nations to God and His anointed one, the Messiah. The psalmist portrays God's response to this opposition as one of derision, emphasizing His ultimate power and authority to establish His chosen King in Jerusalem. The psalmist, identifying as God's representative and son, speaks of the empowerment and authority bestowed upon him by God and calls on nations to revere God and His son, warning of God's quickly kindled wrath.
The speaker further discusses the dual nature of David's messiahship, which is both personal, through his intimate relationship with God, and public, as a King addressing nations and opposing forces. This duality is presented as a model for believers, who are invited to participate in God's larger purpose through Jesus, a descendant of David, and to extend their relationship with God to all nations.
The historical context of the term "Messiah" is explored, with its primary association with King David in the Old Testament. The speaker highlights Psalm 2's importance as an introduction to the book of Psalms, sharing a literary structure with Psalm 1 and framing the central theme of the Messiah. The Psalms, particularly associated with David, served as a source of hope for the ancient Israelites in their search for the Messiah.
The significance of anointing with oil in the ancient world is also discussed, noting its medicinal, cleansing, and symbolic properties. Anointing marked individuals as blessed, consecrated, and set apart for divine tasks, with kings representing God's authority. The term "mashiach," meaning the anointed one, became increasingly associated with the kings, pointing to one king in particular.
Key Takeaways:
- The believer's relationship with God through Jesus is an invitation to participate in a grand narrative that transcends personal spirituality and encompasses the church, community, and the unfolding of God's Kingdom. This perspective challenges believers to look beyond their individual experiences and consider their role in the broader mission of God's work in the world. [25:58]
- Psalm 2 provides a vivid depiction of the tension between earthly powers and divine authority, illustrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human opposition. The psalmist's assurance of God's sovereignty serves as a reminder that believers can trust in God's ultimate control over history and the establishment of His purposes, despite apparent chaos and resistance. [15:34]
- The dual aspects of David's messiahship—his personal communion with God and his public role as King—mirror the Christian's call to nurture a deep, individual relationship with God while also engaging in the collective mission of the church. This dual calling invites believers to live out their faith in both private devotion and public witness. [22:10]
- The Psalms, particularly those attributed to King David, have historically been a training ground for prayer and intimacy with God. They offer a template for believers to express their deepest emotions, confess their sins, and seek a closer relationship with God, demonstrating the timeless relevance of these ancient prayers. [19:21]
- The practice of anointing in the Old Testament symbolizes consecration and divine appointment. The anointed kings, as mediators between God and the people, were marked for a special purpose, foreshadowing the ultimate Anointed One, Jesus Christ. This tradition underscores the sacred responsibility of those called to lead and serve in God's name. [09:06]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Psalm 2:1-12 - This Psalm provides a vivid depiction of the tension between earthly powers and divine authority, illustrating that God's plan cannot be thwarted by human opposition.
2. Psalm 23:5 - "You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows." This verse highlights the abundance and blessing associated with anointing.
3. Psalm 51:4 - "Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight." This verse reflects the intimate and personal relationship between David and God.
#### Observation Questions
1. What are the different uses of anointing oil mentioned in the sermon, and what do they symbolize? ([09:06])
2. How does Psalm 2 describe the reaction of nations towards God and His anointed one? ([15:34])
3. What dual aspects of David's messiahship are highlighted in the sermon? ([22:10])
4. How does the psalmist in Psalm 2 portray God's response to the opposition from nations? ([16:15])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the psalmist mean when he says, "You are my son; today I have begotten you" in Psalm 2:7, and how does this relate to the concept of messiahship? ([17:02])
2. How does the historical context of King David's anointing help us understand the role of Jesus as the Messiah? ([19:21])
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that believers are invited to participate in God's larger narrative through Jesus? ([25:14])
4. How does the practice of anointing in the Old Testament foreshadow the role of Jesus Christ as the ultimate Anointed One? ([09:48])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your personal relationship with God. How can you deepen this relationship in a way that mirrors the intimacy described between David and God? ([20:40])
2. The sermon emphasizes that our relationship with God is part of a larger narrative involving the church and God's Kingdom. How can you actively participate in this broader mission within your community? ([25:58])
3. Psalm 2 speaks of God's sovereignty and ultimate control over history. How can this assurance help you navigate the current state of the world, which is often filled with conflict and despair? ([15:34])
4. The dual aspects of David's messiahship—personal communion with God and public role as King—invite believers to live out their faith both privately and publicly. How can you balance these two aspects in your daily life? ([22:10])
5. The Psalms have historically been a training ground for prayer and intimacy with God. How can you incorporate the Psalms into your prayer life to enhance your spiritual growth? ([19:21])
6. The practice of anointing symbolizes consecration and divine appointment. In what ways do you feel called to lead and serve in God's name, and how can you prepare yourself for this sacred responsibility? ([09:06])
7. Considering the broader mission of God's work in the world, what specific actions can you take to contribute to the unfolding of God's Kingdom in your local context? ([25:58])
Devotional
Day 1: Engaging in God's Grand Narrative
God invites believers to join a story that extends beyond personal faith, encompassing the church and the unfolding of His Kingdom. This invitation is not just for personal edification but to contribute to a collective mission that impacts the community and the world at large. Believers are called to look beyond their individual experiences and consider their role in God's broader plan. [25:58]
Micah 6:8 - "He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the narrative of God's Kingdom in your daily life and community?
Day 2: Trusting in Divine Sovereignty Amidst Chaos
The tension between earthly powers and God's authority is evident, yet the assurance of God's sovereignty is a steadfast anchor. Despite the chaos and resistance in the world, believers can trust in God's ultimate control and the fulfillment of His purposes. Psalm 2 serves as a reminder that no opposition can thwart God's plan. [15:34]
Daniel 2:21 - "He changes times and seasons; he deposes kings and raises up others. He gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to the discerning."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty in your life, especially when facing situations that seem chaotic or out of control?
Day 3: Embracing Our Dual Calling
As followers of Christ, we are called to a dual mission: nurturing a personal relationship with God and engaging in the collective mission of the church. This mirrors the messiahship of David, who balanced intimate communion with God and his public role as King. Believers are invited to live out their faith in both private devotion and public witness. [22:10]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can strengthen your personal relationship with God while also contributing to the mission of the church?
Day 4: Praying with the Psalms as Our Guide
The Psalms, especially those attributed to David, provide a rich template for prayer and intimacy with God. They teach us to express our emotions, confess our sins, and seek a closer relationship with God. These ancient prayers remain relevant and powerful for training believers in personal devotion. [19:21]
Psalm 51:10-12 - "Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me."
Reflection: How can the Psalms guide your prayer life, and what specific Psalm can you use as a model for your prayers today?
Day 5: Honoring the Sacred Task of Anointed Leadership
Anointing in the Old Testament was a symbol of consecration and divine appointment. Kings were anointed to represent God's authority and were marked for a special purpose. This tradition points to Jesus Christ, the ultimate Anointed One, and underscores the sacred responsibility of those called to lead in God's name. [09:06]
1 Samuel 16:12-13 - "So he sent for him and had him brought in. He was glowing with health and had a fine appearance and handsome features. Then the LORD said, 'Rise and anoint him; this is the one.' So Samuel took the horn of oil and anointed him in the presence of his brothers, and from that day on the Spirit of the LORD came powerfully upon David."
Reflection: In what ways are you called to lead or serve in your community, and how can you embody the principles of anointed leadership in your own life?
Quotes
"Believers are invited into this story... we're invited into something much, much larger that has something to do with the church, has something to do with community, something to do with each other and God's Kingdom in this world." [26:43] (Download)
"God's got a bigger picture in mind; he's writing a bigger story than just our little chapter, our little page that we are writing." [26:43] (Download)
"It's easy for us to lose hope... but as believers, we are called to see beyond the immediate turmoil and trust in God's ultimate plan for His creation." [27:25] (Download)
"As the Old Testament progresses, the anointed one, the Messiah, really is this deep association with King David. So our primary text that I want to talk about, Psalm 2, is an important Psalm because along with Psalm 1, they form this kind of introduction to the book of the Psalms." [12:39] (Download)
"Jesus is the son of God and also has this very deep intimate relationship with him and through Jesus all the nations are invited in to have this relationship with him as well." [25:14] (Download)
"There's this tradition of using the Psalms to learn how to pray, to learn how to develop this close, intimate relationship with God." [21:26] (Download)
"Anointing signifies being consecrated, set apart for a divine task or commission, imbuing one with a form of divine authority." [10:36] (Download)
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