Bow Before the Risen King
Notes
Transcript
Good morning, everyone! Whether you're here with us in the room or joining online—listening live or later—I am truly glad you're here. Leaf River Baptist church exist to Know Christ, Grow in faith, and to Go make Him known.
Today is Easter, we’ve had a great time worshiping this morning and even joining together in fellowship with a great breakfast. We are going to continue our journey of reflection as we consider
Imagine walking into a courtroom where your entier life is on trial. Every thought…every motive...every action laid bare before everyone.
Then—before you can even speak a word in your defense…the judge has already given the verdict!
This is not a possibility—this is not a suggestion—this is a dinal, unchangeable decision.
Now, here’s the reality—whether you realize it or not…You are already living under a verdict.
This verdict is not from yourself…this is not from a human judge—but from God himself.
And this morning, on Easter Sunday, we’re going to see that God has already spoken—clearly,publically, and decisively—through the resurrection of Jesu Christ.
Listen, this idea that you have already judged yourself and you are living under a self imposed verdict is simply unbiblical…
This morning as we look at the resurrection and the effects of that, I want you to hear that the only verdict that matters is the one that God himself declares.
Now, before we zoom in on a couple of points, let’s take a look at what Peter shares with the crowd that morning.
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it. 25 For David says concerning him,
“ ‘I saw the Lord always before me,
for he is at my right hand that I may not be shaken;
26 therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced;
my flesh also will dwell in hope.
27 For you will not abandon my soul to Hades,
or let your Holy One see corruption.
28 You have made known to me the paths of life;
you will make me full of gladness with your presence.’
29 “Brothers, I may say to you with confidence about the patriarch David that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day. 30 Being therefore a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that he would set one of his descendants on his throne, 31 he foresaw and spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to Hades, nor did his flesh see corruption. 32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
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.”
Now this is really important for us to understand what happened here. I know frequently we will functionally downplay what Jesus endured because we can’t fully comprehend the torture that he endured for you and for me. However, I want us to take a look at the accusation that Peter just shared.
22 “Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him in your midst, as you yourselves know— 23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men. 24 God raised him up, loosing the pangs of death, because it was not possible for him to be held by it.
Now this is not merely some abstract history lesson here—this is God literally telling history to us.
There is something truly profound that is occuring here folks. When Jesus was crucified and killed by lawless men…you should count yourself as one of those lawless men. Let me share a little about what I learned this week. When Jesus was being handed over to lawless men, those same men flogged him, according to Scriptures. They flogged him, based on historical and archeological evidence, there are more than 372 lashes that Jesus endured. This alone would have killed over 60% of the people who were flogged. However, that wasn’t all. As a way to mock Jesus he was given a “crown” that was made of thorns. Now, it’s a little hard to understand that in our minds, but listen, this would have produced somewhere between 30-50 puncture wounds on his head. Now this doesn’t even bring into account the nails that are placed through his wrist and through his heel. Then, after all of that, a large spear was shoved through his side, and punctured his heart, revealing that he was in fact dead.
God delivered Jesus to death according to his divine predetermined plan, yet each and every one of those in Jerusalem and each one of us placed him on the cross with our willing actions of rebellion.
Folks…frequently we pass all of that by on Easter or leading up to Easter, but we cannot pass that by. These are important for us to remember and feel the weight of our own sin. You are one of the lawless men that placed Jesus on the cross…
But listen—this is not where Peter leaves us…because the cross is not the final verdict. God has spoken a greater verdict.”
Today let’s take a look at the fact that
God Vindicated the King (22-24)
God Vindicated the King (22-24)
Everyone was aware of who Jesus was. They have heard the stories, and maybe even seen the results of his works on Earth.
The mere fact that the tomb was found empty, proves that Jesus is who he claimed to be.
You see, Jesus was publically known to announce his own resurrection. Actually, let’s just read what he said.
21 From that time Jesus began to show his disciples that he must go to Jerusalem and suffer many things from the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.
and
31 And he began to teach them that the Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and the chief priests and the scribes and be killed, and after three days rise again.
How about
22 saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.”
Listen, here we see three separate testimonies of Jesus’ very words claiming that he will be killed and rise again.
Jesus declared what would happen, and then those things happened. That’s important for us becuase that proved to us that
The Cross was not a Failure
The Cross was not a Failure
Sure, for many that day, the cross felt like defeat. The man that they had followed for three years was just taken from them and beaten and crucified in the most humiliating way possible, being laughed at and made fun of the entire time.
However, what did we just read about what Peter said.
23 this Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.
Folks this was actually God’s design the whole time. This is what had to happen so that you and I have the opportunity to have a saving relationship with Jesus.
So what looked like chaos and failure at that moment was actually complete control. You see, Jesus had to die so that he could resurrect.
That’s because…
The Resurrection was God’s Declaration.
The Resurrection was God’s Declaration.
This is God affirming everything that Jesus has said and done over the last three years of ministry.
You see, death could not hold him! We read a minute ago about how the pangs of death were loosed from him. It was literally impossible for death to hold on to him.
This is a divine validation in the divinity of Jesus Christ the promised Messiah.
The grave could not hold Him—because He is not merely a man…He is the risen King whom death itself has to obey.
Of course...this leaves us with a question I think.
Now, if the resurrection is God’s verdict about Jesus…then where is Jesus now? Because that answer determines everything about your life.”
Let’s read in Acts again. I want you to listen to where Jesus is—and what that means for you.
32 This Jesus God raised up, and of that we all are witnesses. 33 Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing. 34 For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he himself says,
“ ‘The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit at my right hand,
35 until I make your enemies your footstool.” ’
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.”
This right here is the climax of Peter’s entire sermon…this is the what drives faith for every listener in that first century, and today. Listen carefully…
God Enthroned the King(32-36)
God Enthroned the King(32-36)
Jesus did not rise from the grave to continue an earthly ministry. He rose to take His rightful place on the throne.
The resurrection didn’t just bring Jesus out of the grave—it brought Him to the throne.
Jesus is Seated in Authority
Jesus is Seated in Authority
Listen, David way back when he was alive wrote what the Lord showed him, and that vision is quoted right here.
1 The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at my right hand,
until I make your enemies your footstool.”
David wrote these words hundreds of years earlier.
And Peter is showing the Jewish audience that Jesus is in fact THE KING that King David wrote about. Jesus has fulfilled Psalm 110.
This means that Jesus is not waiting to be King…he is reigning as King now!
Folks—this right here is the most important part of Peter’s sermon.
Jesus is Declared Lord and Christ
Jesus is Declared Lord and Christ
Look at this again
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.”
Do you hear what was just said? Peter is sharing what they can know for certain.
Not…think about it
Not…consider this
Know for certain—this is God’s final verdict.
God has made Jesus both Lord, that means he rules with all authority over your life—and Christ, that means he is the one and only Savior for your sin…Jesus is the land awaited Messiah.
This is not Peter giving advice to those listening…this is not seeker sensitive, or “love them where they are” preaching…
This is Peter declaring the verdict has been given for all of our lives, and the only way forward—is with Jesus who is in fact, the King of all kings, and the Lord of all lords as seen throughout Scriptures.
This is a declaration of truth!
When they heard these words they didn’t applaud…they weren’t entertained…they were cut to the heart—they were convicted!
Now the question is no longer, “Who is Jesus…” The question is, “What will you do with him?”
This Verdict Demands a Response
This Verdict Demands a Response
37 Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?”
Folks, conviction demands a response. Those who were there can’t sit there and listen to Peter and say, “Wow…that was powerful, that’s great…you stepped on my toes Peter” and then continue to live their life the way they always lived their lives. This is a verdict that demands a change.
Those who were there who were convicted—they knew that something had to change in their lives. They had to change.
Peter is very clear with their next steps now that they have been convicted and see the truth.
38 And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
Repent and be baptized…every one of you.
Listen, this is pretty clear…Peter did not say, “feel sorry for a moment and then move on”. He didn’t say, “feel bad about what you did and apologize but then go to lunch and forget all about what Jesus did.”
Peter is very clear in what he is calling those in the first century to do…and what he is calling us to do as well.
First is to Repent.
First is to Repent.
Repentance in this sense is a more full acceptance of the truth that Peter has just shared. This means that you acknowledge your sin and believe that Jesus paid the price of your sins.
You repent…which means to turn around…turn from the way you have been doing things on your own—and don’t do them that way anymore. Repentance necessitates a change in behavior.
Second is to be Baptized
Second is to be Baptized
When you believe what Scripture tells you very clearly, and you repent, meaning you have made a change in your life, then the next step is to be baptized.
Baptism is the outward picture of what God has done for you Spiritually. Baptism shows the reality of a Spiritual change that has taken place in your life. Baptism doesn’t save you—but it shows that you have been saved.
You cannot hear this and remain neutral.
The risen King has been vindicated, enthroned—and now he calls for your response.
— — — —
Christians…those of you who have been following Jesus and have claimed him as your saviour—you are called to bow daily to your King…not just once.
Christ’s Lordship touches every part of your life. Your time as you read, serve, and share. Your money as you give generously to God’s work both here and round the globe. And your desires, as your desires come into line with what pleases God.
5 We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ,
Christian…are there areas in your life where you profess Christ as Savior—but you resist him as Lord, and you need to take those thoughts captive with the Gospel?
— — — —
New Christians…those of you who have recently prayed to receive God’s gift of forgiveness provided through Jesus your Lord.
The resurrection is the guarantee for your salvation. There is no other work that needs done in order to secure your relationship with God.
Your salvation is secure—not because your faith is strong, or you feel some kind of special way…but because your King is alive!
4 When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.
You bow to a living King who brings you into the presence of God.
— — — —
NonChristians…I want to be very clear here. You are not a Christian just because you attend church or because you give, or because someone in your family is a Christian. You are not a Christian until you make that choice to turn from your sin and receive the forgiveness that is offered to you today.
You are not being invited to consider Jesus—you are being commanded to bow, and it’s your choice whether you bow today—or later.
For those that choose not to bow today, there will come a day when you will will bow—but on that day it will not be in salvation…it will be for judgement, and there will no longer be salvation offered.
30 The times of ignorance God overlooked, but now he commands all people everywhere to repent, 31 because he has fixed a day on which he will judge the world in righteousness by a man whom he has appointed; and of this he has given assurance to all by raising him from the dead.”
The risen Jesus is not only savior…He is also judge. There will be a day of judgement, and you do not want to be left out that day.
Now I want to encourage you with something this morning.
There are some folks much smarter than me who have researched and using the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory and various other historical data points to determine the day that Jesus was crucified was April 3, 33 AD. This means that the first Easter was April 5th, 33AD folks.
Today is literally the anniversary of the greatest day of all time. Today more than any other day in your life, is the day for you to reflect on what God has done—and is doing in your life.
Listen to this, no matter where you are today—the call is the same,
Turn from your sin—Trust in Christ—Bow before the Risen King
The verdict has already be given...Jesus is Lord!
Let’s pray
