What a Blessing to Have Christ Reign over Us!

<Php 2:8-11; Heb 1:1-3, 8-9; Ro 8:31, 33-34; Rev 17:14; Ps 97:1; 99:1; 2 Co 5:15; Mt 28:18-20>

1. Whether we like it or not, we are all under the lordship and reign of Christ.

· Even non-believers are under the reign of God.

· The question is whether you surrender to God’s lordship humbly and cheerfully, or you will be compelled to surrender to Him with terror on the final judgment day?

· When we accept Jesus as our Savior, we at the same time also acknowledge Him as our Lord, so we call Him “Lord and Savior”.

· Salvation is not merely a ticket to heaven; you cannot only want Jesus to save you, but not want Him as Lord and King of your life.

· Read <Php 2:8-11>.

2. Why is it good for Christ to be our King?

· God rules with righteousness, justice and love.

o Read <Heb 1:1-3, 8-9>.

· If it is the King who saved and forgave us, then our salvation is secured.

o Read <Ro 8:31, 33-34>.

· In the cosmic battle between God and Satan, Christ has victory, and so will His people.

o Read <Rev 17:14>.

· No truth is more comforting and encouraging than “God reigns”.

· Because God is reigning as King, we need not fear.

· But there are two responses we should have toward the truth of “God reigns”:

· 1）<Ps 97:1> The Lord reigns, let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice.

· 2）<Ps 99:1> The Lord reigns, let the nations tremble; he sits enthroned between the cherubim, let the earth shake.

3. How should one live under the reign of Christ the King?

1）Do not let sin reign, but live for Christ.

· <Judg 21:25> In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit.

· Since Jesus redeemed us and we have a new King, we should live in new way.

· From rebelling against God’s laws to cheerfully obeying God’s commands.

· Read <2 Co 5:15>.

· After Jesus ascended to heaven and was seated at the right hand of God’s throne, He did not leave us lonely and helpless on earth, but we have the help of the Holy Spirit.

2）Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

3）Christ the King also expands His kingdom through His people (church).

· Must preach the gospel of the kingdom.

· Read <Mt 28:18-20>.

4）Because Christ reigns, all our labors are not in vain, so don’t be discouraged.

· Christ’s reign is “real” but “restrained”.

· “Already-but-not-yet”: Although Christ finished His redemption work and is already King, the full effects of His lordship are not manifested yet.