Worship the Lord with reverence

Topics: life, joy, worship, reverence

I. The voice of rebellion

1. Why are the nations in an uproar and the peoples devising a vain thing? The kings of the earth take their stand and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us tear their fetters apart and cast away their cords from us!" (Psalm 2:1-3; See Luke 4:13 and Luke 22:3-6).
2. "Who by the Holy Spirit, through the mouth of our father David Your servant, said, 'Why did the Gentiles rage, And the peoples devise futile things? The kings of the earth took their stand, And the rulers were gathered together Against the Lord and against His Christ.'

For truly in this city there were gathered together against Your holy servant Jesus, whom You anointed, both Herod and Pontius Pilate, along with the Gentiles and the peoples of Israel, to do whatever Your hand and Your purpose predestined to occur" (Acts 4:25-28).

II. The voice of rebuke

1. He who sits in the heavens laughs, the Lord scoffs at them. Then He will speak to them in His anger and terrify them in His fury, saying, "But as for Me, I have installed My King upon Zion, My holy mountain" (Psalm 2:4-6).
2. The Lord laughs at him [the wicked], for He sees his day is coming (Psalm 37:13).

III. The voice of resolve

1. "I will surely tell of the decree of the Lord: He said to Me, 'You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will surely give the nations as Your inheritance, and the very ends of the earth as Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron, You shall shatter them like earthenware'" (Psalm 2:7?9; see Acts 13:32, 33).
2. From His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron; and He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty. And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS" (Revelation 19:15, 16).

IV. The voice of reason

1. Now therefore, O kings, show discernment; take warning, O judges of the earth. Worship the Lord with reverence and rejoice with trembling. Do homage to the Son, that He not become angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath may soon be kindled. How blessed are all who take refuge in Him! (Psalm 2:10-12).
2. taste and see that the Lord is good; how blessed is the man who takes refuge in Him! (Psalm 34:8).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, October 2^nd, 202

Life group flow and discussion questions

"Worship the Lord with reverence"

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Worshipping the Lord is our ultimate priority in life! Your Life Group can enhance genuine worship as you pray, read and share about the Lord's attributes.

Getting Started:

1. What are some indicators that worship is superficial instead of humbly reverent?
2. How does the example of nations opportunistic rebellion at the coronation of a new king (Psalm 2:1-3), mirror Satan's scheme of looking for opportunities to attack and tempt followers of Christ (Luke 4:13; 22:3-6)?

Discussing Truths:

1. After Satan realized he was powerless against the Word of God (Luke 4:4, 8, 12, 13), he waged war against the Bible - How effective has his campaign against Scripture been?
2. Worship comes from two words: 'worth' (value) and 'ship' (a condition or state). When we worship God we ascribe worth, value or importance to Him. What are some attributes of God that inspire you to worship Him with reverence?
3. Why does God laugh and scoff at man's attempts to mutiny against Him (Psalm 2:4)? Why did Peter say rebellion was part of God's predetermined purpose (Acts 4:25-28)?
4. How is the coronation of Jesus as King prophesied in Psalm 2:6-9?
5. What will the reign of Jesus include when He sets up His Millennial Kingdom (Isaiah 11:1-10; 65:18-25)?
6. Why does the Holy Spirit through David warn the leaders of the earth to repent and worship the Son (Psalm 2:10-12)?
7. What will the righteous wrath of the Lord's judgment be like (Revelation 6:12-17)

Now What? Application:

1. When you are being tested, remember to take refuge in Jesus (Ps. 2:12; 5:11; 18:30)!
2. Take extended time this week to worship the Lord with reverence and behold His glory (2 Corinthians 3:18) so you will be transformed into His image!