Trusting God's Sovereignty and Embracing Christ's Victory

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are called to trust in the Lord's sovereignty and to witness His power and love in action. As we reflect on the victories of Israel and the testimonies within our own congregation, we see the hand of God moving mightily. We celebrate the mercies bestowed upon Greg and Kirsten, and we lift up those who are enduring trials, such as Rod, John, Jan, Jackie, Gary, and Eleanor. We intercede for Kirk of the Plains and Andover in their search for a new meeting space, trusting that God will provide. We also uphold our missionaries, including Tom Johnson, and the RUF ministry at K-State, asking for God's enablement and strength.

As we approach the Easter season, we are reminded of our mission to reach out to our neighbors, to invite them into the worship of our Savior, and to witness the transformative work of Christ in our lives. We delve into the Scriptures, turning to 2 Samuel chapter 7 and Acts chapter 2, where we explore the Davidic covenant and its fulfillment in Jesus Christ. We affirm that God's plan of salvation, centered on Jesus, was established from eternity past and is evidenced through prophecy and the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.

The sermon emphasizes the sovereignty of God in salvation, the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus, and the assurance of our salvation through Christ's victory over death. We are called to respond to the truth of who Jesus is—the Nazarene, attested by God through miracles, wonders, and signs, and the fulfillment of the Davidic covenant. We are assured that Jesus' death was part of God's predetermined plan, and His resurrection is a testament to God's power and promise.

Key Takeaways:

- God's sovereignty over our salvation is a profound truth that brings comfort and assurance to believers. As we see in the life of Jesus, every event, including His death and resurrection, was part of God's predetermined plan. This divine orchestration assures us that our salvation is secure in the hands of an omnipotent God. [01:02:43]

- The fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus Christ is a cornerstone of our faith. The prophecies of the Old Testament, which found their completion in Jesus, affirm that God's Word is true and reliable. As believers, we can trust that the same God who fulfilled His promises in the past will faithfully fulfill His promises to us today. [01:07:40]

- The resurrection of Jesus is not just a historical event; it is the pivotal moment that confirms His divinity and our hope of eternal life. The empty tomb stands as an undeniable testament to the power of God, challenging us to place our faith in the risen Christ and to live in the light of His victory over death. [01:13:37]

- Understanding Jesus as both Lord and Christ transforms our relationship with Him. Recognizing Jesus as Lord calls us to submit to His authority, while acknowledging Him as the Christ, the Messiah, invites us to embrace Him as our Savior. This dual recognition shapes our worship, our obedience, and our mission as His followers. [01:20:21]

- Our response to the identity of Jesus is a decision of eternal significance. Peter's sermon compels us to consider who Jesus is to us personally. As we confront this question, we must decide whether to reject Him, remain indifferent, or fully embrace Him as our Lord and Savior, committing our lives to His service. [01:22:05]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Samuel 7:8-16 - The Davidic Covenant
2. Acts 2:22-36 - Peter's Sermon on the Day of Pentecost

#### Observation Questions
1. What promises did God make to David in 2 Samuel 7:8-16 regarding his descendants and kingdom?
2. According to Acts 2:22-24, how does Peter describe Jesus' life, death, and resurrection?
3. In Acts 2:25-28, Peter quotes Psalm 16. What does he say about David's prophecy and its fulfillment in Jesus?
4. How does Peter conclude his sermon in Acts 2:36, and what does he declare about Jesus? [01:19:50]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the Davidic Covenant in 2 Samuel 7 point to Jesus as the fulfillment of God's promises? [51:28]
2. What is the significance of Peter emphasizing that Jesus' death was part of God's predetermined plan? [01:01:43]
3. How does the resurrection of Jesus serve as a testament to God's power and promise, according to Peter's sermon? [01:07:31]
4. Why is it important for believers to recognize Jesus as both Lord and Christ, as Peter states in Acts 2:36? [01:19:50]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you saw God's sovereignty at work in your life. How did it bring you comfort and assurance? [01:02:43]
2. The sermon emphasizes the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus. How does knowing that God keeps His promises impact your faith and trust in Him? [01:07:40]
3. The resurrection of Jesus is central to our hope of eternal life. How does this truth influence the way you live your daily life? [01:13:37]
4. Understanding Jesus as both Lord and Christ calls us to submit to His authority and embrace Him as our Savior. What areas of your life do you need to surrender to His lordship? [01:20:21]
5. Peter's sermon challenges us to consider who Jesus is to us personally. How have you responded to Jesus' identity as Lord and Savior, and what steps can you take to deepen your commitment to Him? [01:22:05]
6. As we approach the Easter season, how can you actively reach out to your neighbors and invite them to experience the transformative work of Christ? [46:16]
7. Reflect on the testimonies of God's mercies and victories shared in the sermon. How can you share your own experiences of God's faithfulness with others to encourage their faith? [44:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Divine Orchestration of Salvation
God's sovereignty in salvation offers profound comfort and assurance. The belief that every event in Jesus' life, especially His death and resurrection, was part of a divine plan, provides believers with a sense of security. This understanding is not merely for intellectual assent but for deep spiritual comfort. It means that the chaos and unpredictability of life are under God's control, and that includes the most crucial aspect of existence—salvation. The predetermined plan of God, which included the sacrifice of His Son, was not an afterthought but a deliberate act of love and redemption. This plan ensures that those who trust in Christ can be confident in their salvation, not because of their own merits, but because of the steadfast purpose of God. [01:02:43]

Ephesians 1:4-6, "Even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before him. In love he predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved."

Reflection: How does understanding God's sovereignty in your salvation change the way you view your daily struggles and successes?

Day 2: Prophecy Fulfilled in Christ
The fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy in Jesus Christ is a testament to the reliability of God's Word. The prophecies that pointed to the Messiah were not vague guesses but specific promises that were meticulously fulfilled in the life of Jesus. This fulfillment is not just a historical curiosity; it is the foundation of faith for believers. It demonstrates that God is faithful and His Word is trustworthy. When prophecies from centuries past find their completion in Christ, it provides a solid ground for faith in the promises yet to be fulfilled. Believers can have confidence that the God who orchestrated such a complex plan over millennia is the same God who works in their lives today. [01:07:40]

Isaiah 53:5, "But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed."

Reflection: In what ways does the fulfillment of prophecy in Jesus strengthen your trust in God's promises for your future?

Day 3: The Resurrection as Our Hope
The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the cornerstone of Christian hope. It is not merely a past event but a present reality that offers a future promise. The empty tomb is a powerful symbol of God's victory over death and a pledge of eternal life for those who believe. This pivotal moment in history confirms the divinity of Jesus and assures believers that death is not the end. The resurrection is a call to live in the victory and power of the risen Christ, allowing His life to transform our own. It challenges believers to place their faith not in the transient things of this world but in the eternal reality of God's kingdom. [01:13:37]

1 Corinthians 15:20-22, "But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive."

Reflection: How does the reality of the resurrection influence the way you approach your fears and hopes about the future?

Day 4: Jesus as Lord and Christ
Understanding Jesus as both Lord and Christ is transformative for the believer's life. Recognizing Jesus as Lord means submitting to His authority in every area of life. It is an acknowledgment that He has the right to command and we have the duty to obey. Acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, the Messiah, means embracing Him as the anointed one sent to save humanity. This dual recognition affects every aspect of a believer's life, from worship and obedience to the mission of spreading the gospel. It is a call to a deeper relationship with Jesus, one that is marked by reverence and love. [01:20:21]

Acts 2:36, "Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to acknowledge Jesus' authority more fully, and what practical step can you take to do so?

Day 5: Our Response to Jesus' Identity
The identity of Jesus as Lord and Savior demands a personal response. It is not enough to know about Jesus intellectually; one must decide how to respond to Him. This decision carries eternal significance. To reject Jesus, to remain indifferent, or to fully embrace Him as Lord and Savior has profound implications for one's life and afterlife. Embracing Jesus as Lord and Savior means committing to a life of service, love, and obedience to His teachings. It is a decision that should be made thoughtfully and with a full understanding of its implications. [01:22:05]

2 Peter 3:18, "But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen."

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with Jesus. What does it mean for you to embrace Him as your Lord and Savior in a deeper way today?

Quotes

- "Give us a front row seat to see your power in action. Show us your love for us and your creativity in meeting our needs." [44:11] (Download | )

- "We continue to ask for your care and enablement for the ministries of our missionaries. Continue to strengthen Tom Johnson's body so he can serve you well." [45:52] (Download | )

- "Peter shows us that how God's plan of salvation centers on Jesus, how God fulfills prophecy in Jesus and how God fulfilled the Davidic covenant in Jesus." [57:41] (Download | )

- "Peter claims that Jesus' ministry was empowered by God. Everything Jesus did was through God's power. Peter claims that Jesus' death was a part of God's predetermined plan." [01:06:28] (Download | )

- "But God raised him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it is impossible for him to be held in its power." [01:07:40] (Download | )

- "Therefore, let all the house of Israel know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ. This Jesus who you crucified." [01:20:21] (Download | )

- "Are you willing to submit to him? Are you willing to say, I need the Messiah, the one who forgives sins? I need the Lord, the one who watches over and keeps his people for eternity." [01:22:05] (Download | )

- "God the Father had a plan. He had planned Jesus' death from eternity past... Everything about the cross was done under the control and direction of God." [01:02:43] (Download | )

- "God was fulfilling his predetermined plan to save his people and to bring him glory." [01:03:59] (Download | )

- "Jesus is the only answer to this Psalm. Jesus was born in the line of David. This is why the genealogies of Matthew and Luke are so tremendously important." [01:19:01] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?