Jesus Is Lord And Christ! pt 1

Introduction

Have you heard the expression “Knowledge is power”? It is attributed to Sir Francis Bacon in 1597 (S). I have definitely found this to be true in my own life. I would venture to say that we all have. I am reminded of this fact frequently because we tend to have frequent car problems . Every time something breaks on one of our vehicles it is a painful and costly reminder that the knowledge a mechanic has is greater than mine. At the same time, the few things I have been able to fix on my own have given me knowledge and increased my power to work on my own vehicles! Let me give you an example. A couple years ago an O2 sensor went out in our car. The shop wanted several hundred dollars to replace it. Instead, I took it out to Leo Sutton’s and we learned how to change it together (S)! The more you know, the greater your power and ability. This truth directly translates into the Christian life. In Paul states that everything he has ever gained, as far as worldly accomplishments go, is worthless compared to knowing Christ! Paul says that the highest honor and greatest gain is knowing Christ! It is as we pursue an intimate knowledge of Christ that we grown in the Christian life. Today, we are going to learn about Christ.

Acts 2:14–21 NKJV

But Peter, standing up with the eleven, raised his voice and said to them, “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and heed my words. For these are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. But this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel: ‘And it shall come to pass in the last days, says God, That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh; Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, Your young men shall see visions, Your old men shall dream dreams. And on My menservants and on My maidservants I will pour out My Spirit in those days; And they shall prophesy. I will show wonders in heaven above And signs in the earth beneath: Blood and fire and vapor of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, And the moon into blood, Before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord. And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved.’

Have you heard the expression “Knowledge is power”? It is first attributed to Sir Francis Bacon in 1597 (S). I have definitely found this to be true in my own life. I would venture to say that we all have. I am reminded of this fact frequently because we tend to have car problems pretty often. Every time something breaks on one of our vehicles it is a painful and costly reminder that the knowledge a mechanic has is greater than mine. At the same time, the few things I have been able to fix on my own have given me knowledge and increased my power to work on my own vehicles! Let me give you an example. A couple years ago an O2 sensor went out in our car. The shop wanted several hundred dollars to replace it. Instead, I took it out to Leo Sutton’s and we learned how to change it together (S)! The more you know, the greater your power and ability. This truth directly translates into the Christian life. In Paul states that everything he has ever gained, as far as wordly accomplishments go, is worthless compared to knowing Christ! Paul says that the highest honor and greatest gain is knowing Christ! It is as we pursue an intimate knowledge of Christ that we grown in the Christian life. Today, we are going to learn about Christ.

The first section of the book of Acts deals with 1. The Spread Of The Gospel In Jerusalem Chs. 1-8:3. As we have examined this section over the past few months we have learned first of a. The Preparation Of The Disciples To Preach Ch. 1. From there we have moved into a discussion of b. The Enabling Of The Disciples To Preach Ch. 2. There are three ways they are enabled. So far, we have looked at one. i. Enabled By The Holy Spirit 2:1-13. Today we begin to look at the second way the disciples are enabled to preach. They are...

1. The Spread Of The Gospel In Jerusalem Chs. 1-8:3

a. The Preparation Of The Disciples To Preach Ch. 1

b. The Enabling Of The Disciples To Preach Ch. 2

There are three ways they are enabled. So far, we have looked at one.

i. Enabled By The Holy Spirit 2:1-13

Today we begin to look at the second way the disciples are enabled to preach. They are...

ii. Enabled By The Word Of God 2:14-39

As Peter preaches this first message he has a definitive goal in mind. He is crafting everything to draw his listeners in and point them to his conclusion. His conclusion is the title of our message today. Jesus is Lord and Christ! To arrive at this conclusion Peter uses a series of quotations from Scripture accompanied by explanations. It is Peter’s knowledge of the Word of God that enables him to preach this message. For an Israelite, especially devout ones as many in his audience were, these prophecies were well known. For us today, not so much. I want to spend as much time as necessary for us to understand these quotations so that we fully grasp the significance of what Peter is preaching.

Our goal this morning is to arrive at the same conclusion as Peter, Jesus is Lord and Christ!

Knowing who Jesus is fuels life transformation and fruit production.

It is impossible to bring glory to Christ if we are unaware of Who He is.

With the goal of gaining a greater understanding of Who Jesus is, join me in studying the Word of God this morning. In Peter’s sermon he points his listeners to two prophesies and a person. He begins with…

1. The Prophecy Of Joel vv. 14-21

Again, Peter’s audience would be familiar with this prophecy. As he connects it to Jesus and the events of Pentecost, everyone would have grasped what he was doing. It takes a little bit more work for us. Peter’s presentation is thought out very well. It is amazing how a common fisherman under the power of the Holy Spirit can put together such a powerful message. This highlights for us yet again that God can and does use anyone who is willing to yield completely to Him.

Many commentators point out that this is not a word for word transcript of Peter’s sermon. I struggle with this thought. Really we cannot be dogmatic either way. What we can know is that we have exactly what God wanted us to have! Peter presents Joel’s prophecy by first introducing it and then repeating it. Look with me at…

Peter presents Joel’s prophecy by first introducing it and then repeating it. Look with me at…

a. The prophecy introduced vv. 14-16

As Peter begins his sermon his first desire is for Focused attention in v. 14. Peter raises his voice to be sure he is heard above the commotion over what is taking place. This is how you introduce a sermon! You want to get people’s attention. This is also necessary because everyone seems to be talking at once. I love the setup here. The Spirit comes on a feast day that requires Jews to return to Jerusalem. The disciples were commanded by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit also in Jerusalem. When the Spirit comes He enables the disciples to speak in languages they have never studied. This miraculous occurrence attracts a crowd. As the crowd ponders what is taking place some mockers accuse the disciples of being drunk. This statement perfectly paves the way for Peter’s sermon! Our God is able to give us ample opportunity to talk of Him! It is our responsibility to be ready when the opportunity is given. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, is ready. After calling for their attention he follows up with a Flat denial in v. 15.

i. Focused attention v. 14

Peter raises his voice to be sure he is heard above the commotion over what is taking place. This is how you introduce a sermon! You want to get people’s attention. This is also necessary because everyone seems to be talking at once. I love the setup here. The Spirit comes on a feast day that requires Jews to return to Jerusalem. The disciples were commanded by Jesus to wait for the Holy Spirit in Jerusalem. When the Spirit comes He enables the disciples to speak in languages they have never studied. This miraculous occurence attracts a crowd. As the crowd ponders what is taking place some mockers accuse the disciples of being drunk. This statement perfectly paves the way for Peter’s sermon! Our God is able to give us ample opportunity to talk of Him! We must be ready when the opportunity arrives. Peter, being filled with the Holy Spirit and the Word of God, is ready. After calling for their attention he follows up with a…

ii. Flat denial v. 15

The mocking accusation made in v. 13 is flatly denied and declared to be false by Peter. He declares it to be false on the basis of simple logic. It is very unlikely for them to be drunk at 9:00 am. The assumption they had made was false. It is always dangerous to make assumptions without facts to back them up. Investigate before making statements. Also notice how Peter just mentions this is passing. He is not offering a defense against the accusation. He is using the accusation as a platform from which to preach Christ! This is a great example of taking an insult and making it an opportunity. Many of us would not see being accused of public drunkenness as an opportunity to preach Christ.

Opportunities are sometimes presented through opposition.

iii. Full explanation v. 16

This is why we must be humble and respond carefully to opposition. After getting their attention and denying the accusation, Peter begins to give a Full explanation in v. 16.

This is one of the shortest verses in Peter’s sermon, yet it has generated quite a bit of controversy. The controversy surrounds whether Peter is claiming a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy or simply making a comparison to what Joel prophesied. This is one of those passages where our hermeneutics, and the theological framework determined by those hermeneutics, play a major role. Because we hold to a normal (literal), grammatical, historical method of interpretation (or hermeneutic) we here at Grace Church are what is known as dispensationalists. One of the major ideas held by dispensationalists is that we see a clear Biblical distinction between Israel and the Church. This is one of those passages that are affected by this belief. If you believe that the church has replaced Israel, you are most likely going to see this as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. You then must spiritualize or explain away the other elements of his prophecy which are not fulfilled here. However, If you believe that the Church and Israel are distinct, you will most likely understand that Peter is making a comparison. This is not a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy because that prophecy is not for the church! It is for the nation of Israel and will be fulfilled at the end of the tribulation as the Millennial kingdom is being established. You’ll notice that with both positions I used the words “most likely”. That is because there are no set and established positions. Everything is on somewhat of a spectrum.

Now, why do we say this is not a fulfillment? What exegetical clues are there in this passage? One of the biggest clues here is that Peter does not use the word “fulfillment”. This is especially noteworthy as we understand that he does use it in Ch. 1. Look back at 1:16. Peter is very clear when speaking of Judas that it is a fulfillment of Scripture. In 2:16 Peter is very careful not to state that. In fact, he seems to go to great lengths to include in his quotation things that were definitely not fulfilled at Pentecost. That’s what we learn as we look at Peter’s quotation. After introducing the prophecy Peter proceeds to repeat it. Look with me now at…

Constable also has a great section in this point.

b. The prophecy stated vv. 17-21

There are two similarities between what happens on Pentecost and what was prophesied by Joel. The first is the pouring out of the Holy Spirit. The second is the calling on the Lord for salvation. This is a quotation from however, it is not a verbatim quote. There are some important changes that Peter makes in this section which we will note as we go. This prophecy emphasizes three miraculous works that will be done by God. The first is God’s Miraculous work in people in vv. 17-18.

i. Miraculous work in people vv. 17-18

states that these things will happen “afterwards” while Peter says they will take place “in the last days”. This is important because Peter is actually distancing himself from the fulfillment of this prophecy. “Come to pass” is in the future tense. Peter is not claiming fulfillment, he is making a comparison. What Peter is communicating to those present at Pentecost is that this is what the outpouring of the Holy Spirit looks like! The emphasis here in v. 17 is on God pouring out His Spirit on all people. This is similar to what happened at Pentecost though the disciples do not yet know that the Holy Spirit is given to the Gentiles as well. That will be discovered in Ch. 10. When the Spirit comes in the end times there will be more than just tongues. There will be prophecy, visions, and prophetic dreams. These things do not take place at Pentecost.

What Peter is communicating to those present at Pentecost is that this is what the outpouring of the Holy Spirit looks like!

1. God’s Spirit in all people v. 17

The emphasis here in v. 17 is on God pouring out His Spirit on all people. This is similar to what happened at Pentecost though the disciples do not yet know that the Holy Spirit is given to the Gentiles as well. That will be discovered in Ch. 10. When the Spirit comes in the end times there will be more than just tongues. There will be prophecy, visions, and prophetic dreams. These things do not take place at Pentecost.

V. 18 emphasizes that God will pour out His Spirit on the nation of Israel as well. The Holy Spirit will come to Israel specifically, as well as all people. The words used here literally refer to slaves. No one is excluded from God’s Holy Spirit! Again Peter puts this in the future tense. What is also of interest is that Peter makes another change here. He adds the words “And they shall prophesy.” Thomas Constable makes the following note on this verse.

Verse 18 emphasizes that God will pour out His Spirit on the nation of Israel as well. The Holy Spirit will come to all people collectively and Israel in particular. Again Peter puts this in the future tense. What is also of interest is that Peter makes another change here. He adds the words “And they shall prophesy.” Thomas Constable makes the following note on this verse.

Tom Constable’s Expository Notes on the Bible Peter’s defense 2:14–21

By repeating, “And they will prophesy” (v. 18), which is not in Joel’s text, Peter stressed prophecy as a most important similarity between what Joel predicted and what his hearers were witnessing. God was revealing something new through the apostles. Peter proceeded to explain what that was.

What God is doing on the Day of Pentecost is similar to what He will do in the Millennial Kingdom. He will pour out His Spirit and there will be prophetic revelations of Him and His will. However, the similarities are not as important as the differences. In addition to His miraculous work in people, Joel reveals God's Miraculous work in creation in vv. 19-20.

In addition to His miraculous work in people, Joel reveals God's…

ii. Miraculous work in creation vv. 19-20

Here is where Peter goes far beyond the similarities between the two events to demonstrate the differences. I believe he does this in an deliberate effort to ensure Pentecost is not understood as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy. There are three realms of God’s miraculous work in creation that Joel prophesies about. First is God’s miraculous work In heaven and on earth in v. 19.

1. In heaven and on earth v. 19

Here Peter deliberately goes beyond the scope of what took place at Pentecost to demonstrate that while there are similarities between what took place and Joel’s prophecy, this is not a fulfillment. There were no wonders in heaven and on earth when the Spirit came. While tongues of fire did appear, that was it. There was no blood or smoke. Again, I believe Peter quotes this to demonstrate the differences between the events. Revelation clearly reveals that these things will take place in the tribulation. God’s miraculous work will also be seen In the sun and moon in v. 20a.

2. In the sun and moon v. 20a

Here is where Joel’s prophecy and Peter’s quotation get very specific. “Turned” is the Greek word μεταστρέφω (metastrepho) meaning change; alter; distort. To turn or become, to undergo a change or development. The sun is going to be changed into, turned into darkness. The moon will become blood. Both of these things appear in during the tribulation.

Turned – μεταστρέφω metastrepho change; alter; distort. To turn (become) – to undergo a change or development, such as the change from one time of day to another. Finite verb, future, passive, indicative, third person. Where we get metamorphosis from.

Revelation 6:12 NKJV

I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood.

These things did not happen on the Day of Pentecost when the Holy Spirit indwelt and then filled the disciples. If we merge Israel and the church and see Pentecost as a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy, we must spiritualize these events! They clearly didn’t happen at Pentecost. Just as clearly, they are meant as literal events. Understanding Peter’s reference here as a comparison of similar events best deals with these issues. To be fair, there is a third option advanced by some. That is understanding Joel’s prophecy as having a double fulfillment. The problem with double fulfillment is that we then have a prophecy given that has two meanings. Because of that difficulty I am not a fan of viewing any prophecy as having two fulfillments. The third miraculous work done by God in creation is seen In Christ’s return in v. 20b.

3. In Christ’s return v. 20b

Both Joel’s prophecy and the book of Revelation present Christ’s second coming taking place after these events. In Joel’s prophecy as quoted by Peter we see Christ’s second coming referred to as the day of the Lord. This is a specific event. Having miraculously intervened in heaven, and on earth, and with the sun and moon, Christ returns to the earth. His return is referred to as “the great and awesome day of the Lord”. I love that description. This is what we are looking forward to! “Great” is the idea of being remarkable or out of the ordinary. Christ’s return will be anything but ordinary, Amen? AMEN! His return will also be “awesome”. This is the Greek word ἐπιφανής (epiphanēs) meaning splendid; glorious. It can also have the idea of being manifest or clearly revealed. Christ’s return will be awesome! It will be splendid and glorious! That moment when Christ is manifest, when our Lord is clearly revealed, that is a moment we long for! It is a moment that is still future. A moment we believe will take place by faith. Until that moment arrives, we have a job to do. The responsibility of believers is the same one given to the Apostles. Go make disciples! Be witness of Jesus Christ to the world beginning right here at home! This responsibility ties into the final part of Joel’s prophecy. Not only will God work miraculously in people and creation. Peter finally presents God’s Miraculous work in salvation in v. 21.

Not only will God work miraculously in people and creation. Peter finally presents God’s…

iii. Miraculous work in salvation v. 21

This verse marks the second similarity between Joel’s prophecy and the day of Pentecost. When Joel’s prophecy is fulfilled it will mark a change with how God interacts with man. This was true of Pentecost as well. Just as salvation will come in the millennium through calling on the name of the Lord, salvation comes now to all who believe in Christ! There are two parts to this verse. First, Call on the name of the Lord in v. 21a.

1. Call on the name of the Lord v. 21a

What does this mean? This word “call” carries with it the idea of a call with submission and deference. It is a recognition of need. We must look at ourselves and recognize that we are insufficient. No matter how good I am I will never be good enough! No matter how hard I work I can never do enough! Most people believe that after they die their works are loaded up in a big cosmic balance and if they have done enough good deeds to outweigh their bad, they will get into heaven (S). The problem with this picture is that it assumes that we are capable of good works! Apart from Christ the best I can do is nothing better than a filthy rag! If you were to take my works before I knew Christ and put them into the balance the side labeled “good” would be empty (S)! When I call on the name of the Lord I am submitting myself to Him in recognition that I have no righteousness and therefore I need the righteousness of Christ! But what does it mean to call on the name of the Lord? “Name” is the Greek word ὄνομα (onoma) meaning name. A person’s attributes, nature, and very self understood as summarily comprehended in the person’s name. This word refers to the entirety of someone’s being. To call upon the name of the Lord is to believe He is who has revealed Himself to be. It involves submitting ourselves to all that God is. You cannot submit to someone you don’t believe in. Calling on the name of the Lord is an acceptance of our own unrighteousness and a recognition of and belief in all that God is. The one who does this is saved. We call on the name of the Lord and Be saved in v. 21b.

Saved is always the idea of deliverance. Context determines what it is that we are to be delivered from. In both Joel’s prophecy and our lives today we are delivered from the wrath of God. Though God is loving and merciful He is also just and holy. His justice and holiness demand that sin be punished. His love and His mercy demanded an escape from that punishment. When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, calling out to the Lord in submission to Him, we are delivered from the wrath of God! Those who trust in Christ will never face God’s wrath! Deliverance from the wrath of God is easy.

2. Be saved v. 21b

Simply believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.

Conclusion

What does all this have to do with Jesus being Lord and Christ? This is a set up. Peter is reminding his audience of prophecy. He is getting them to associate what the prophets had written hundreds of years in the past with what was taking place in the present. This is something that we are in even more need of today. The Jesus that we serve is the Messiah of prophecy! He has crushed the serpent’s head as Genesis foretold. He was wounded for our transgressions and bruised for our iniquities as Isaiah prophesied. Jesus is the Messiah! Joel said that when the Holy Spirit is given “whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved”. While Joel’s specific prophecy has not yet come to pass, Peter says that we live in a similar time. The Holy Spirit came to indwell believers on the day of Pentecost. Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved!

If you have not trusted in Christ, you need to understand that He paid the penalty for your sin! All you must do is believe in what Jesus Christ has done for you.

Peter’s format in presenting the prophecy of Joel and David is similar with one vital difference. While Peter introduces and states both Joel and David’s prophecies, he only interprets David’s. This is another indication that David’s prophecy was fulfilled and could be interpreted from its fulfillment, Joel’s was not.

a. The prophecy introduced vv. 22-24

i. Jesus’ identity v. 22

ii. Jesus’ intention v. 23

This is purpose for which Christ came!

Sovereignty and choice (accountability) in 1 verse. God delivered Christ up, but they crucified Him.

iii. Jesus’ resurrection v. 24

b. The prophecy stated vv. 25-28

i. God’s present care vv. 25-26

1. God our help v. 25

2. God our hope v. 26

ii. God’s future victory vv. 27-28

1. Victory over death v. 27

2. Victory over dullness v. 28

c. The prophecy interpreted vv. 29-36

The fact that the prophecy of David is interpreted while Joel’s is not gives further evidence that this is not a fulfillment of Joel’s prophecy.

i. The resurrection of Christ vv. 29-32

1. The resurrection unreceived v. 29

2. The resurrection unfolded vv. 30-31

a. In light of the promise v. 30

David was a prophet.

b. In light of the prophecy v. 31

3. The resurrection unveiled v. 32

ii. The exaltation of Christ vv. 33-36

1. Evidence for exaltation v. 33 (spirit poured out)

2. Explanation of exaltation vv. 34-35

3. Expression of exaltation v. 36

3. The Person Of Jesus Christ vv. 36-39

a. The revelation of His person vv. 36

i. Jesus the crucified v. 36a

ii. The Lord of glory v. 36b

iii. The Christ, the Son of God v. 36c

b. The response to His person vv. 37-39

i. A vital question v. 37

ii. A vivid response v. 38

Repent and be baptized, Holy Spirit comes.

Deal with Baptismal regeneration at this point?

esp. v. 17. Baptism is not part of the gospel.

the gospel is the power of God for salvation.

If baptism is not part of the gospel and belief in the gospel is what saves, then baptism is not necessary for salvation.

What must I do to be saved? Believe!

iii. A valuable understanding v. 39

Conclusion

If you are here and you are a believer, you have two responsibilities. Grow and Go. Grow in your walk with Jesus Christ, and go make disciples.

May Grace Church be known as a place where believers are growing, producing fruit, and making disciples.

May we be people who exalt Jesus Christ and are unashamed of the gospel.

#510 “Jesus Is All The World To Me”