Sermon Tone Analysis

The Conflict between the Rebellious and the Righteous

In 311 AD the Roman Emperor Diocletian having persecuted Christians mercilessly for nearly a decade declared his victory over Christianity with a memorial coin with the inscription “The name of Christians being extinguished.”

Two monumental pillars were erected in Spain with the words of triumph written on them for having extinguished the name of Christians who brought the republic to ruin.

Before Diocletian even declared his victory, Constantine who united the Eastern and Western empires, was declaring his Christian commitment and in 311 AD the Edict of Milan gave civil recognition to Christianity.

By 325 AD, he called the Council of Nicaea which declared the truth about Jesus being fully God.

I. Why? –

A. The nations rage –

1. Meditate (plot) how to overthrow God’s authority.

Believers meditate on the law of God; unbelievers meditate on how to get rid of the Lord’s authority – ;

2. Indeed the schemes of those opposed to God frighten us as believers –

3. Kings and political rulers plot against the Lord –

B. The Sanhedrin forbid Peter and John to speak in the name of Jesus –

1. encouraged the believers in Jesus –

2. Considering overthrowing God’s reign is the ultimate foolishness –

II.

God’s Response: Laughter –

A. There is no more reassuring sound than the Lord’s laughter at the arrogance of those whose pride “rule” this world – ,

1. Caesar Augustus thought he reigned by taxing all the nations –

2.

He was only fulfilling God’s promise regarding the birth of the Messiah – ;

B. The Messiah has been inaugurated as King of Kings –

1.

There will be no end of Messiah’s government –

2. The Ancient of Days has given Christ His dominion and kingdom –

3. The resurrection of Jesus Christ assures us of His authority –

4. All nations belong to Him – .

Jesus rules with a rod of iron – ;

III.

Invitation to the Kings and Judges of the Earth –

A. Be wise

1. Be instructed

2. Serve the Lord with fear and joy – ;

B. Kiss the Son

Westminster Shorter Catechism

Q. 26.

How doth Christ execute the office of a king?

A. Christ executeth the office of a king, in subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies.

Blessings on those who put their trust in Him.

You will not stand when challenged unless you, by faith, see Jesus as ruling and reigning.