Jun 12
11
Doctrinal Standard #26 (Week 3 of 3)
- Q. How is Christ a king?
- A. As a king, Christ brings us under His power, rules and defends us, and restrains and conquers all His and all our enemies.
Memory Verses
- “Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 25 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. 26 For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” (Matthew 16:24–26, ESV).
Scripture
- Study Passage: Matthew 16:13-28
- Support Passages: Discipline: Mark 8:27-33, Luke 9:18-22, John 6:68-69; II Thessalonians 3:6, 14-15; Officers: Acts 14:20-23, 20:28; I Timothy 3; Acts 6; Offices: Ephesians 4:1-16; 1 Corinthians 12; Judgment: John 5:19-29; Law: Matthew 5-7
- Bible Story: Matthew 17:1-8
Thoughts
- “After [Jesus’] resurrection, [he] was given by God the Father far greater authority over the church and over the universe. God raised him up and ‘made him sit at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come; and he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church’ (Eph. 1:20-22; Matt. 28:18; 1 Cor. 15:25). That authority over the church and over the universe will be more fully recognized by people when Jesus returns to earth in power and great glory to reign (Matt. 26:64; 2 Thes. 1:7-10; Rev 19:11-16). On that day he will be acknowledged as ‘King of kings and Lord of lords’ (Rev. 19:16) and every knee shall bow to him (Phil. 2:10).” [1]
- Every human being is a worshiper. We either worship the creation or the creator. As Christians we are called by Christ to deny our desires to worship self, material possessions, and the lust of the world. Christ has called us to die to ourselves and to live and worship the true and living King! When we submit our lives to the one and only King Jesus we begin to experience a life full of “love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control” (Galatians 5:22–23).
Discussion Questions
- What does it mean that Jesus is King over all?
- How does this make you feel?
- The memory verse tells us to deny ourselves and take up our cross. What does that mean?
- What does Jesus mean when he said, “for whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it”?
- Why is it wise that we follow King Jesus instead of all our desires?
[1] Grudem, Wayne (1994). Systematic Theology. Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA; Zondervan Publishing House.
