Zion, the Throne of God
Christ is the King of the earth, ruling and reigning with full power and authority, and preparing His brethren for a place of authority and power in His throne.
George Warnock preaches about the Messianic prophecy in Psalms 110:1, emphasizing how Christ currently reigns over the earth from the throne of God, subduing His enemies under His feet. Despite the presence of many enemies of God in the world, Christ's authority and power are complete and eternal, as He rules amidst opposition according to God's divine plan. Warnock highlights that believers are also being prepared for positions of authority, but only in union with Christ's throne, as even Christ's throne is inseparable from the Father's throne.
Text
"The LORD said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool" (Ps. 110:1).
This passage is referred to by the writers of the New Testament possibly more than any other Old Testament Messianic prophecy. It is quoted or referred to at least 17 times as relating to the throne of the Messiah, from which He now rules and reigns over the earth. And it is stated that He will remain there until all His enemies are subdued under His feet. We find it difficult to realize that Christ is truly King over all the earth now, with the fullness of power and authority, because we look about and see so many "enemies" of God at loose in the earth.
But the mandate He has from the heavenly Father is to rule and reign "in the midst" of them, restraining or subduing them as the Father sees fit and according to God's own time schedule. Christ will never have any more kingly authority and power than He has right now; because He has it all "now" (Matt. 28:18). And while He reigns in the midst of His enemies, He is preparing His many brethren for a place of authority and power also; but it must be in His throne. They must not think that they will ever be able to rule and govern apart from Him. For even Christ Himself does not have, and never will have, a throne that is independent of the Father's throne.
He tells us that He overcame and sat down "with my Father in his throne"... and the same throne is reserved for the overcomers who come into union with Him (Rev. 3:21).
Sermon Outline
- I. The Throne of God
- A. The Messiah's authority and power
- B. The mandate to rule and reign
- C. The preparation of brethren for authority and power
- II. The Reality of Christ's Kingship
- A. Christ's fullness of power and authority
- B. The restraint of enemies according to God's time schedule
- III. The Throne of the Father
- A. Christ's dependence on the Father's throne
- B. The throne reserved for overcomers in union with Christ
Key Quotes
“Christ will never have any more kingly authority and power than He has right now; because He has it all 'now' (Matt. 28:18).” — George Warnock
“He tells us that He overcame and sat down 'with my Father in his throne'... and the same throne is reserved for the overcomers who come into union with Him (Rev. 3:21).” — George Warnock
Application Points
- We must recognize and submit to Christ's authority and power over the earth.
- Believers must not seek to rule and govern apart from Christ, but in union with Him.
- We must be prepared to overcome and sit with Christ in His throne, reserved for those who come into union with Him.