Arise, O God: When Christ Takes the Throne of the gods

Excellent — here is the full 25-minute, 4-point sermon that naturally follows your first message (“Heaven’s Supreme Court: Jesus, Judge of All Powers”) and completes the two-part teaching on John 10 and Psalm 82.

Sermon 2

Title: Arise, O God: When Christ Takes the Throne of the gods

Text: Psalm 82 (ESV)

Abstract

Psalm 82 pictures a startling courtroom in heaven: God stands among the elohim—divine beings assigned to oversee the nations—and pronounces judgment for their corruption and injustice. Michael Heiser’s divine-council worldview reveals how this psalm anticipates the arrival of Jesus Christ, who fulfills the plea of verse 8: “Arise, O God, judge the earth.” In Christ, the sentence is carried out, the rebellious powers are dethroned, and the kingdom of God is re-established over all creation. This sermon shows how Jesus now rules as the risen King who replaces the failed “gods,” restoring justice, truth, and covenant faithfulness across heaven and earth.

Opening Prayer

Sovereign Lord, You stand in the midst of heaven’s council, ruling with perfect justice. Open our hearts to see Your Son, who rose to judge the earth and redeem its people. Let Your Word draw us into joyful submission to His reign. Through Jesus Christ, King of kings, Amen.

Sermon Outline (25 minutes)

Point 1 – The Divine Council Exposed (Psalm 82:1–2)

Explanation: God takes His place in the divine assembly and rebukes the elohim—spiritual rulers who judged unjustly and favored the wicked. This scene unveils the spiritual dimension behind human injustice: heavenly powers have abused their trust.

Application: What happens on earth mirrors what happens in heaven. Corruption, oppression, and deceit flow from rebellion in the unseen realm. When believers pray for justice, we join God’s declaration that evil—both earthly and spiritual—will be confronted.

Point 2 – The Failure of the gods (Psalm 82:3–7)

Explanation: These elohim were supposed to defend the weak and uphold the cause of the poor, yet they ruled selfishly. God condemns them: “You are gods, sons of the Most High, but you shall die like men.” Their immortality and authority are revoked.

Application: Any power that abuses its position—whether demonic, political, or personal—will face God’s judgment. This reminds us that status never guarantees security; only obedience does. We, too, must steward authority with humility and compassion.

Point 3 – The Cry for Justice (Psalm 82:8)

Explanation: The psalm closes with a cosmic plea: “Arise, O God, judge the earth; for You shall inherit all nations.” The old rulers have fallen, and the world cries for a new, righteous King. This prayer finds its answer in the incarnation and resurrection of Jesus Christ—the true Son who inherits the nations (Psalm 2:8).

Application: When the world seems ruled by chaos, believers can echo this same cry: “Arise, O God!” Every prayer for justice, every act of mercy, participates in the fulfillment of this psalm as Christ extends His righteous rule through His people.

Point 4 – Christ Takes the Throne (Ephesians 1:20–23; Colossians 2:15)

Explanation: Heiser notes that Jesus’ resurrection and ascension mark the moment when He takes over the divine council. He disarms the powers and authorities and sits at the right hand of God, “far above every rule and authority.” The heavenly courtroom now belongs to Him.

Application: We live under that new administration. Christ’s victory ensures that no power—seen or unseen—has the final say. The church gathers as His earthly council (ekklesia), representing heaven’s government through worship, prayer, and faithful witness.

Conclusion

Psalm 82’s cry has been answered: Christ has arisen. The corrupt “gods” have been judged, and the true Son now reigns. When we confess Jesus as Lord, we align ourselves with heaven’s throne room. Our mission is to reflect His justice, mercy, and steadfast love until His glory fills the nations He inherited.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You have arisen to judge the earth and to reclaim the nations for Your Father. Thank You for dethroning darkness and enthroning grace. Empower Your church to live as Your council on earth—speaking truth, showing mercy, and reflecting Your rule. In Your victorious name we pray, Amen.

20 Keywords & Tags

Psalm 82; divine council; elohim; Michael Heiser; John 10; Arise O God; judgment; justice; heavenly court; spiritual powers; authority of Christ; Son of God; cosmic rule; resurrection; ascension; kingdom of God; unseen realm; dethroned powers; inheritance of nations; divine authority.

3 Topics

The Fall and Judgment of the Divine Council

Christ’s Resurrection as Heaven’s New Enthronement

The Church as Christ’s Earthly Representation of Heaven’s Rule

Would you like me to create a third sermon in this series showing how the church (the ekklesia) functions as Christ’s earthly council—the continuation of His rule on earth? It would complete a “Divine Council Trilogy” moving from John 10 → Psalm 82 → Ephesians 1 & Hebrews 12.