There is a tendency in our world today to view the commands of God as restrictive and oppressive. Our culture sees adherence to Biblical values as backward, regressive, and intolerant.
Despite the world’s best attempts to scorn, ignore, and legislate against God’s will, never-the-less the rulership of Jesus will one day be revealed in judgment. He, with a might like an iron scepter, will deliver to each person according to their works. Some might therefore conclude God is harsh, however the truth is He is eternally more than fair, for God has Himself provided a way to avoid the eternal punishment of sin – He has given us a refuge in Jesus Christ.
Observations:
1-3 – Attitude of the nations
4-6 – Attitude of the Father
7-9 – Instructions to the Son
10-12 – Instructions to the nations
Conclusions:
1. To oppose God’s will is ultimately futile
2. God has appointed Jesus as the ruler
3. Take refuge in Him with service, repentance, and allegiance
Application:
Ask yourself these questions, “Do I have an accurate picture of Jesus?” – “Where might I still be playing with fire?”
Isaiah 5:20
“Woe to those who call evil good
and good evil,
who put darkness for light
and light for darkness,
who put bitter for sweet
and sweet for bitter.”
John 15:18-24
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.”
Romans 2:4-8
“Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, tolerance and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance? But because of your stubbornness and your unrepentant heart, you are storing up wrath against yourself for the day of God’s wrath, when his righteous judgment will be revealed. God “will repay each person according to what they have done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger.”