Topical Sermons - Executable Outlines

1. Implied in Pro 14:34
a. A righteous nation is exalted, but a sinful nation is disgraced
b. This distinction based upon righteousness supported in Jer 18:7-10
2. Some illustrations of this principle
a. Babylon, to be punished for its evil treatment of its subjects - Isa 10:1-4
b. Other pagan nations, as listed by Amos - Amo 1:3-2:3
c. Likewise Judah and Israel - Amo 2:4-8
Mark A. Copeland
[God’s sovereignty over the nations in Old Testament times was clearly manifested. But what about
today...?]
II. THE SOVEREIGNTY OF CHRIST IN THE NEW TESTAMENT
A. PROCLAIMED IN MESSIANIC PROPHECY...
1. Pertaining to the Messiah’s reign - Isa 9:6-7
a. The government will be on His shoulder
b. There will no end to increase of His government
2. Regarding God’s everlasting kingdom - Dan 2:44
a. Established in the days of the fourth kingdom, the Roman empire
b. A kingdom which will never be destroyed - cf. Lk 1:31-33
c. A kingdom which will break in pieces and consume all kingdoms
-- Such prophecies indicate that the sovereignty of God would continue in the person
of His Son, Jesus Christ!
B. PROFESSED BY JESUS AND HIS APOSTLES...
1. After His resurrection, Jesus claimed all authority - Mt 28:18
2. His apostles taught that Jesus had all authority
a. He is head over all things - Ep 1:20-22
b. All have been made subject to Him - 1 Pe 1:22
c. He is the ruler of the kings of the kings of the earth - Re 1:5
d. He will reign until He comes again - 1 Co 15:24-26
1) A reign “in the midst of His enemies” - cf. Psa 110:1-2
2) Destroying with His coming the last enemy, death! - 1 Co 15:26
-- The sovereignty once exercised by the Father is now being exercised by the Son!
C. WHAT THIS MEANS FOR THE CHRISTIAN...
1. Jesus is truly Lord of lords and King of kings! - cf. 1 Ti 6:15; Re 17:14; 19:16
2. No government exists without His approval - cf. Ro 13:1-2
3. What happens in governmental affairs is a matter of His concern
a. He rules the nations with a rod of iron - cf. Re 3:26-27
b. He brings nations into judgment, especially those that oppose Him (the theme of
Revelation, Re 17:14)
c. As did His Father, the Son has various means at His disposal to judge the nations (war,
famine, pestilence) - cf. Re 6:1-8
d. Don’t forget, such judgment may involve using one wicked nation against another!
4. The best thing a Christian can do for the welfare of his country:
a. Spread the gospel
1) It has the power to save men - Ro 1:16
2) And to make them righteous - Ro 1:17; cf. Pro 14:34
Topical Sermons 333