Sunday Sermon Starter 2-13-12

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Christians are citizens of the greatest kingdom ever established – the kingdom of Christ. One of the greatest reasons it is such a blessing to be a citizen of this kingdom is because Jesus serves as its King. As powerful and popular kings have been in the history of this world Jesus stands above them all as King of kings. It is that very concept that is the basis of our sermon starter today:

Title: Jesus: King of Kings

Text: Hebrews 1:8-9

Main Point: Man often has very conflicting and confusing concepts of what it means to be king: some view it as a self-serving position, some view it as an honorary position, some view it as an immediate launch to affluence and a life of ease – this has lead many to use and abuse the power entrusted to them. Solomon had the right idea of what a king is supposed to be when he asked God for wisdom and an understanding heart that he might judge the people righteously (1 Kings 3:6-9). It is that Biblical understanding that gives us comfort when we read passages like Hebrews 1:8-9 and see Jesus depicted as our King of kings. What marks specifically identify the nature of His Kingship?

Discussion Points:

  • The Traits of His Kingship (vs. 9a) – One trait generally exists among many leaders in this world and that is corruption. Such is not a fear when considering Jesus as our heavenly King – He loves righteousness and hates iniquity. Righteousness is the administration His will because His ways are holy and right (Proverbs 30:5-6; Psalm 19:7). Wickedness is in contrast to His will, inconsistent with His very nature (Proverbs 8:!3; 6:16-19; Zechariah 8:17). The traits of Jesus’ Kingship are far different than those that characterize most leaders in this world – He loves righteousness and hates evil.
  • The Tokens of His Kingship – Two kingly tokens are mentioned in vs. 8, His throne and His scepter. First, the throne is the symbol of a king’s power represented by its exalted placement and its ornate features. (Ezekiel 1 – special emphasis on vs. 26-29; Revelation 4:1-11). Second, the scepter is the symbol of royalty, justice, and authority (twice by prophecy the Bible makes reference to the scepter of power being wielded by Jesus (Genesis 49:10; Numbers 24:17). Important, though, to notice is the duration and characteristics of these tokens – “throne is forever” and “scepter is of righteousness” (vs. 8).
  • The Tenure of His Kingship – It has been standard procedure throughout history that a king’s tenure was until their demise. This is an incredibly appropriate understanding, too, of the tenure of Jesus as King – He will reign until His demise. However, the demise of Jesus shall never come – He shall live and reign eternally at the right hand of the Father (Daniel 7:13-14 and Revelation 4:10-11)! We serve an everlasting King in His everlasting kingdom – no fear exists because His steady hand of guidance will lead us eternally.

What greater King could we possibly serve than King Jesus? He is a King above all other kings and Lord above all other lords. When we examine the defining traits of His kingship we should be motivated to not only serve Him ourselves but we should be motivated to encourage others to do the same.

-Andy Brewer

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