God’s Plan for the Future

Scripture Text Psalm 2

Intro: There are many religions in the world. How do people know which one is right? Do they all lead to the true God? Who will rule the world? Thousands of years ago God prophesied through King David about the end of time and His plan for the world and its affairs. His plan for the future will come to pass no matter what anyone says or does!

I. God poses a question. Psalms 2:1 (NKJV) Why do the nations rage, And the people plot a vain thing?

 a. Why are the nations plotting a vain (useless) thing today?

 b. The useless plot. Psalms 2:2-3 (NKJV) ² The kings of the earth set themselves, And the rulers take counsel together, Against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, ³ "Let us break Their bonds in pieces And cast away Their cords from us."

  The rulers set (place themselves in a particular position) above God. They resolved to be free of the political and spiritual control of God and His king Jesus. Their expression describes their bondage to God and His Son as if they were tied down. This they could not tolerate. They would break asunder the bands of morality, the cords of God's commandments, and the rule of His Son Jesus Christ. Is quoted in Acts 4:25-26 as partially fulfilled in Herod, Pilate and the Jewish leaders for killing Jesus.

II. God’s response to their useless plot. Psalms 2:4-5 (NKJV) ⁴ He who sits in the heavens shall laugh; The Lord shall hold them in derision. ⁵ Then He shall speak to them in His wrath, And distress them in His deep displeasure:

 a. He shall laugh at them. (v:4)

 b. He shall speak to them in His wrath. (v:5) John 3:36

III. God’s plan for the world. Psalms 2:6 (NKJV)  "Yet I have set My King On My holy hill of Zion."

 a. He will establish His Son as King. When God establishes His king, He also subjugates those who oppose His king. It was true with David; it will also be true at the end of the age with David’s greater Descendant, Jesus Christ.

 b. He affirms Jesus’ right to be King over all. Psalms 2:7 (NKJV) "I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, 'You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.

    By His resurrection from the dead.

    1. According to His decree of the Davidic covenant. (2 Sam. 7:16)

    2 Samuel 7:16 (NKJV) And your house and your kingdom shall be established forever before you. Your throne shall be established forever." (Luke 3:22) Jesus was the only  begotten (born) Son of God!  All other sons and daughters of God must be born again.

IV. God speaks of Jesus’ inheritance and rule. Psalms 2:8-9 (NKJV)
⁸ Ask of Me, and I will give You The nations for Your inheritance, And the ends of the earth for Your possession.  ⁹ You shall break them with a rod of iron; You shall dash them to pieces like a potter's vessel.' "

  a. The scope of Jesus’ inheritance. (V:8) As a son inherits from his father, so the king inherits the kingdom from his “Father” which will cover the entire earth.

  b. The authority and power of His rule. (V:9)

     He will smash (dash... to pieces) all rebellious people as he establishes his reign.

 V. God exhortation to the foolish nations. (V:10-12) Psalms 2:10-12 (NKJV)
¹⁰ Now therefore, be wise, O kings; Be instructed, you judges of the earth. ¹¹ Serve the Lord with fear, And rejoice with trembling. ¹² Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way, When His wrath is kindled but a little. Blessed are all those who put their trust in Him.

 a. Be wise and instructed. The Lord Jesus Christ is going to be Ruler over the world. (v:10)

 b. Serve the Lord Jesus. (v:11) Offer assistance, do duty for.

   1. People are to lead lives of submission, not rebellion;  characterized by fear (respect, reverence, and admiration) with trembling or humility, not arrogance; lives filled with the joy of serving, not the gloom of oppression.

  c. God’s exhortation to Kiss the Son. (V:12) It is clear that the psalmist is telling the earth’s kings to submit to the Lord and to His anointed son Jesus, Israel’s king if they are wise.

  d. If they don’t submit to Jesus as King they will perish in His wrath. Complete sovereignty.

Invitation: God has said Jesus will rule over this world and its kingdoms. We are advised to kiss or submit to Him. Have you submitted to Jesus and asked His forgiveness of your sins against God and have you invited Him to take charge of your life? If you have not, now is the right time. Don’t put it off! If Jesus is your Savior and King, you are to serve Him with respect, reverence and humility!