Sharon Reformed Presbyterian Church · Sermon study sheet

Jesus the King of the Church

Bryan Schneider · August 13, 2024

1 Samuel 8:10-18; Romans 8:34-39

sharonrpc.org/sermons/jesus-the-king-of-the-church

Summary

Israel's demand for a human king brought Samuel's warning that such a ruler would repeatedly take their children, labor, land, produce, animals, and freedom for his own purposes.
An elder is not elected to reign as a tyrant, because the church has only one King and head: Jesus Christ.
Unlike a cowardly ruler who sends others into danger, Jesus personally faced temptation, persecution, sin, death, and the devil as his people's champion.
Jesus does not exploit his people but gives his own life as a ransom, welcomes the unworthy, grants an eternal inheritance, and dignifies those who serve him willingly.
Christ is the shepherd King who knows his sheep by name, laid down his life for them, and gives abundant life.
Although Christians call Jesus Master and Lord, he never rules through cruelty, injustice, or threats; he is compassionate, merciful, gentle, and lowly.
The risen King intercedes for his people, guards them in distress, and will allow nothing in creation to separate them from his love.
Christ will return as King of kings to judge, but for believers he is the blood-shedding Redeemer, protector, and only hope.

What does Samuel's repeated warning that a human king will take reveal about tyrannical rule?
Why may no elder or other church officer rule the congregation as though he were its king?
How does Jesus' willingness to enter the battle himself differ from the self-protection of unjust rulers?
What has Christ given his people in place of the inheritance that earthly kings may seize?
How does Jesus exercise real lordship without cruelty or exploitation?
Where in the Gospels do we see Christ's compassion toward weak, grieving, hungry, or despised people?
How should Christ's intercession and inseparable love strengthen believers in anxiety, suffering, and persecution?
Does Jesus Christ reign supreme in the congregation and in our individual hearts?

King of the church: Jesus Christ, the church's only sovereign head, who governs and protects his people for their good.
Tyranny: Rule that exploits people for the ruler's gain through coercion, cruelty, and the abuse of delegated authority.
Champion: A representative warrior who enters the conflict on behalf of his people; Christ personally defeated sin, death, and the devil.
Ransom: The price Jesus paid by giving his life to redeem sinners from bondage and judgment.
Shepherd King: The ruler who knows, feeds, guards, and lays down his life for the people entrusted to him.
Intercession: Christ's continuing advocacy and prayer for believers at the right hand of the Father.