Sunday, October 19, 2003 pm
THE TRIUMPH OF GOD
Psalm 2
Introduction
In the second psalm we find the psalmist (probably David) asking a question
that most will ask at one time or another, “Why do the nations (heathen) rage?”
He then proceeds to answer the question ultimately looking forward to the coming
of the Messiah. Tonight we want to examine this psalm. It is the first of
several psalms throughout the book we have described as “messianic” meaning it
makes reference to Christ. In fact, vs. 7, is quoted in reference to Christ at
least 3 times. We will notice this as the lesson proceeds. Messianic psalms
are prophecy and thus as we study them they can increase our faith. Think about
it, words penned nearly 1000 years before they actually occur. To deny such as
the work of God is truly foolish (Psalm 14:1). [Read Psalm 2]
I. “Nations” Plot Vain Things: Psalm 2:1-3
A. Why do the nations rage?
1. The KJV uses the word “heathen”. The word has reference to foreign nations (compared to Israel). (BDB, Strong’s) It is used much the same as Gentiles in the New Testament (compared to Jews)
2. The question here is why do nations and people set themselves against God as they do?
a. (vs. 1) Sometimes governments and nations do it – Many of the oppressors of God were nations. Israel and Judah were continually raided and charged by their neighbors who considered them a threat. This is probably the reason Moab hired Balaam to curse Israel (but it didn’t work)[Numbers 22-25] and Bashan and the Ammorites refused to let Israel pass on their way to Canaan [Numbers 21]. Both Assyria and Babylon boasted against God as they defeated Israel and Judah.
b. (vs. 2) Sometimes leaders devise plans. In the nations mentioned above, the leaders led the scheming against God’s people. Continually, we read of other leaders, who influence their nation to reject God.
Consider Herod: Matt. 2:1-7, 12, 16 as he tried to kill Jesus.
Pontius Pilate, a regional governor, who refused to stand up for Christ and gave the execution order.
c. Sometimes the people themselves hate God and refuse to submit to Him – Romans 1:20-25
d. Is today any different? There are many nations and leaders that hate God. They hate Christianity and what it stands for.
1) Efforts are made to remove every semblance of God and Jesus from our society. They use state and national legislative and judicial bodies to have their way against what is godly.
2) Diversity and tolerance is preached, unless you take a moral stand and are zealous for God (and then you are intolerant).
3) Individuals also rage against God by refusing to obey His will. They say the Bible is outdated and they set out to modify it to suit their own desires. Many are turning to other gods and idols or they altogether reject God – Romans 1:20-25
3. As David said, kings and rulers, “take counsel together against the Lord and His Anointed” (vs. 2-3)
The “anointed” in this text has reference to
#1 – David as God’s anointed. If he wrote this psalm he certainly had reason to express concern as to why he was treated as he was.
#2 - Specifically Jesus – the one God anointed, who came to take away our sins.
Consider in this the fact that many passages have dual implications. They have an immediate physical application, but a more important futuristic (prophetic) spiritual implication.
b. Sometimes people do it - they hate Christianity (and what it stands for) so much that they set out to destroy it. We see this today just as much if not more.4. This often leads us to ask, “Why?”
a. It becomes frustrating to see the wicked prosper and those striving to do right suffer. We want to know “why” God puts up with it. It just doesn’t seem right.
b. (2:3) actually gives the reasons – the restraints of bondage (chains and ropes)
#1 – Physically, nations in bondage sought to break their chains from their oppressors
#2 – Against God, the “nations” don’t want the bondage of righteousness around their necks. They don’t want to be “bound” by God’s standard.
The homosexual has to change. The adulterer has to repent. You can’t cheat the government and lie to others. You can’t lust and be given over to sensuous, lascivious pleasures. Etc.
B. They Plot a Vain Thing
1. At the very beginning of this Psalm, David knows the answer. Their plottings are vain (breath, emptiness). They will fail to be successful unless God has a hand in it.
a. As you study the Old Testament you find that nations that were successful against God’s people were so only when God had a hand in it. Some leaders learned this through the prophets, others refused to learn and were too destroyed.
b. In the first century, under the guidance of Satan, the enemies of Christ were many and powerful and they sought to destroy Him. From his birth on, they sought to eliminate him
Kings and governors, lawyers, judges, priests, teachers: all plotted to eclipse His influence
All their plots were vain, utter failures.c. Even today, the message still holds true. God’s enemies plot a vain thing.
2000 years of preaching and discipleship will attest to the power of the gospel
Like Peter and the apostles who refused to stop speaking the name of Christ, the saints of today will not stop publishing and broadcasting the good news
Bibles will find their way into China and other parts of the world where God is outlawed.Even America will never be rid of God – no matter how hard His enemies try - Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 1:24-25.
II. Laughter In Heaven: Psalm 2:4-9
These verses give some reasons why the efforts of the heathen are vain.
A. Omnipotence – God is in control. The idea of God laughing at them attests to His total control of all that happens.
1) The many references to the “Lord God Almighty” demonstrate His unlimited power (Genesis 17:1).
2) Job knew it, Job 42:2, "I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.”
3) Matthew 19:26 – with God all things are possible.
4) Men may laugh now and they may laugh at God, but as the saying goes God will have “the last laugh”
B. We will be judged by God (2:4-5)
1) He will hold His enemies in derision (mocking them) – Matthew 25:31-32 – all “nations shall be gathered to Him and be judged.
An example that comes to my mind is Elijah as he challenged the prophets of Baal in 1 Kings 18.
2) They will witness His wrath – in the Old Testament we see many examples of God’s wrath against the nations. Even Judah and Israel when they set their face against God were punished.
Many passages warn of the coming wrath of God in judgment –
Romans 2:5 – treasuring up for yourselves wrath in the day of wrath and revelation
2 Thessalonians 1:6-9 – God will in flaming fire take vengeance…
C. His anointed will reign (2:6-9).
1) The king that God is with will be set up. David was set up, along with his throne forever. As a king, David prospered and he subdued his enemies. The power of his throne lasted physically for 400 years and spiritually it still rules in heaven.
2) Concerning Jesus, here is the prophecy.
a. On my Holy hill of Zion – a reference to Jerusalem, Zion. Often used with spiritual overtones looking toward Jesus –
Ps 48:1-3, “Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised In the city of our God, In His holy mountain. Beautiful in elevation, The joy of the whole earth, Is Mount Zion on the sides of the north, The city of the great King. God is in her palaces; He is known as her refuge.”
Hebrews 12:22- you have come to Mount Zion….
b. “The Lord has said to me, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you.” This verse is referred to at least 3 times in the New Testament – Acts 13:33, Paul attributes this Psalm to Jesus. The Hebrew writer says of Jesus that this saying applied to Him and not angels (1:5). Hebrews 5:5, God glorified Jesus as High Priest saying, “You are My Son…”
c. Everything said in Psalm 2:6-9 can be applied spiritually to the reign of Jesus for us. Jesus is king of kings and Lord of Lords, and thus given the nations of His inheritance (1 Timothy 6:15).
He has dashed His enemies, crushing even Satan at the cross
Genesis 3:15 – the prophecy
Revelation 2:27 quotes this Psalm to the church at Thyatira, concerning him who overcomes (following after the Lord)
1 John 3:8 – Christ was manifested that He might destroy the works of the Devil
III. “Therefore” 2:10-12
The remainder of the chapter is a warning to these kings and rulers who are plotting against God. ANYONE who is set against God, TAKE HEED!
A. Be wise O kings, be instructed – take heed as you rule, etc. Most leaders rise to power because of good wisdom though it may be worldly wisdom. Most leaders who act evil and do things immoral KNOW BETTER! But, Fools despise wisdom – Proverbs 1:7 – The fear of the Lord is where knowledge begins, but fools despise this wisdom and instruction.
More than once I have said, how much better would this world be if only leaders would follow the moral dictates of the Bible?
B. Serve God with fear and rejoice with trembling – Those who are rebelling against God have much to be afraid of. If they want salvation leaders, just like every other person, need to reverence God and submit to His will. Heed the warning of Hebrews 12:28-29, “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear. For our God is a consuming fire.”
C. “Kiss the Son” (2:12) - Perhaps you have seen in the movies or on television where one prostrates before royalty and kisses the hand of a king. This is done to show reverence and respect for the king. It is an embrace of sorts showing love for one.
This verse calls for submission to the Son (Our Lord, the Son of God) in this way, lest He be angry with you.
Consider this in the context of leaders in this psalm – David warns these leaders who are raging against God to reconsider and humbly bow before Him, lest His wrath burn against them. And by the way, they WILL bow – Philippians 2:10
D. Trust in Him – This is where salvation is found. It is one thing to acknowledge and bow before the Lord, but to put your trust in Him is to truly submit.
Proverbs 3:5, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;”
1 Timothy 6:17 – rather than trusting in riches, trust in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy.
2 Corinthians 1:9 – we should not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead.
Thus we can see the folly of those who rage against God and righteousness. Let us not be like them nor put our trust in them, but rather in the living God who can give us true reward. Are you a Christian? If not, submit to Him and put your soul and trust in Him today.