2011-04-24: He Must Reign

Sermon: He Must Reign
Speaker: Pastor Val Watkins
Duration: 24:46
Size: 11.3 MB

He Must Reign
I Corinthians 15:20-28

“Closed”

One of the most heart-wrenching words in human language is the word “closed.”

OPEN

I want us to ponder together four things about this reign, all of them under the heading of OPEN—the opposite of closed—OPEN.

Therefore, I urge you this morning to write in capital letters over every closed door in your life OPEN.

1. “O” – The OPENING of the Reign of Christ

The Resurrection Introduces Three New Elements

  1. He has taken humanity onto himself which he never had before
  2. As the God-man he has now been openly declared to be the Messiah, the Christ.
  3. His reign now is based on his finished work of redemption for the forgiveness of sins on the cross.

The OPENING of the reign of Christ was his resurrection from the dead.

2. “P” – the PRESENCE of the Reign of Christ

So when Paul says Jesus must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet, you know two things: he is reigning now, and he is reigning to win.

Christ is reigning now. Not just in the past. Not just in the future.

3. “E” – the EXTENT of the Reign of Christ

The encouragement in that is that when you set yourself to do battle with the enemies of your faith and your holiness, you will not fight alone.

4. “N” – The NECESSITY of the Reign of Christ

  1. That the Son uses his authority to redeem a people for himself, from every tribe and tongue and nation.
  2. That he defeat the enemies of God.
  3. That he draws all attention—all glory—back to the Father.

Write Christ’s Reign Over Every Closed Door

  • Opened at the resurrection.
  • Present in power here and now.
  • Extending over every enemy of his glory and of our joy.
  • And as Necessary as the all permeating deity of God.