Scripture Reading: Acts 13:32-35

The Rule of God's Anointed

(Psalm 2)

Intro.

1. Trusting our leaders is being tried to the breaking point. We are to honor the king but not at the expense of God’s will (1 Pet. 2:17; Acts 5:29).

2. So, flashpoints of conflict arise when the unrighteous rule as the righteous are pressed and choose to please God before men.

3. Regard for God and His Providence is sorely lacking in our nation and among our rulers. When this happens in any nation, inevitable reproof and punishment comes from the Almighty.

4. cf. Lincoln’s Thanksgiving Proclamation (1863). It recognized God’s Providence as the source of blessings and source of anger for the nation’s sins. He invited citizens to set apart last Thursday of November “as a day of Thanksgiving and Praise to our beneficent Father who dwelleth in the Heavens.” (Acts 14:15-17)

5. Psalm 2: A prophetic call to the nations that God’s Anointed King (His Son) would be crowned. Ruling as king, He demands allegiance and blesses those who trust in Him, while executing wrath on His enemies.

6. Psalm 2 is fulfilled in Jesus (Acts 4:25-28; 13:32-33; Heb. 1:5; 5:5).

I. THE TEXT.

A. Man’s Rebellion Against God, Psa. 2:1-3.

1. Gentiles and Jews; kings and rulers, cf. Jer. 5:5.

2. Rejection of Jesus Christ, Acts 4:24-27.

B. God’s Reply, Psa. 2:4-6.

1. Man’s rebellion used to accomplish God’s will, cf. Acts 4:28.

2. God’s King installed on Zion (God’s dwelling place, Psa. 132:13-14). Psa. 110:1-2; Acts 2:33-35

C. The Divine Plan is Executed, Psa. 2:7-9.

1. God declared the rule of His Son by raising Him from the dead, 2:7. Rom. 1:4; Acts 13:32-33

2. God gave His Son rule over the nations and possession of the entire earth, 2:8. Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:20-21; Rev. 1:5

3. God gave His Son ruling authority to bless righteousness and judge evil, 2:9. Rev. 12:5; 19:11-15

D. Admonition Given, Psa. 2:10-12.

1. Wisdom provokes reverent, joyful service of the King (10-11).

2. Worship the Son (blessed) or face His wrath (12).

II. LESSONS FOR US.

1. People will not overthrow God’s purposes, so the faithful trust in the Lord, Psa. 94:16-19.

a. The gospel v. wisdom of men, 1 Cor. 1:18-25.

b. False doctrine v. truth (Jno. 8:31-32).

2. Man’s corrupt laws hasten God’s day of wrath, Psa. 94:20-23. (Calls to repent and return to God…prepare to meet God!)

a. cf. Jerusalem, Isa. 1:21-26; Matt. 23:38.

b. cf. Rome, Rev. 19:15-21.

c. cf. America, Rom. 2:1-3 (1:20-32).

3. Jesus Christ rules as King over friend and foe, Psa. 2:6; 110:1-3.

a. His complete authority demands our allegiance, Lk. 6:46.

b. Bible authority is Christ’s authority, Col. 3:17.

4. Let us serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling, Psa. 2:10-11; Heb. 12:28-29.

a. Devoted service from hearts of reverent faith, 2 Cor. 5:7.

b. Humble worship in spirit and truth, Jno. 4:24.

5. Behold the goodness and the severity of God, Psa. 2:9-11.

-Salvation and judgment, life and condemnation, Jno. 5:26-27, 30.

6. Our trust in the Lord’s rule is greater than our trust in man’s rule, Psa. 2:10-11; Jer. 17:5; Prov. 3:5-6.

-Remember which King has our first allegiance! (Matt. 6:33)

Conclusion

1. Righteousness exalts, sin destroys, Prov. 14:34. (Nations and church)

2. Judgment begins in the house of God; Ungodly are under wrath, 1 Pet. 4:16-19. (Therefore, commit our souls to God in doing good.)

3. God’s Son reigns, blessing the faithful and punishing evil.

By: Joe R. Price

Posted November 28, 2020