26/12/2025
*đđťđšđ2025: INCREASE đđťđš đ (Psalm 115: 14)*
>>>>>>>>>> Introducing the Lesson
The Resurrection is the centrepiece of Christianity. Itâs the foundation that our faith in Jesus is built on. In fact, Paul said, âIf Christ has not been raised, then all our preaching is useless, and your faith is uselessâ (1 Corinthians 15:14). Like His birth, ministry, and death, Jesusâ resurrection fulfilled numerous prophecies. By rising from the dead, Jesus proved that He is exactly who He said He is.
______________
*The Holy Scriptures*
Psalm 16: 9. ```Therefore my heart is glad, and my glory rejoiceth: my flesh also shall rest in hope.
10. For thou wilt not leave my soul in hell; neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
11. Thou wilt show me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore.
Acts 2: 22. Ye men of Israel, hear these words; Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved of God among you by miracles and wonders and signs, which God did by him in the midst of you, as ye yourselves also know.
25. For David speaketh concerning him, I foresaw the Lord always before my face, for he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved:
26. Therefore did my heart rejoice, and my tongue was glad; moreover also my flesh shall rest in hope:
27. Because thou wilt not leave my soul in hell, neither wilt thou suffer thine Holy One to see corruption.
Psalm 110:1. The Lord said unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, until I make thine enemies thy footstool.
Mark 16:19. So then after the Lord had spoken unto them, he was received up into heaven, and sat on the right hand of God.
Daniel 2:44. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.
Psalm 45:6. Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom is a right sceptre.```
______________
*Commentary and Application*
______________
1. Resurrected from the Dead
A. Rescued from the Grave
Psalm 16:8â11
Psalm 16 has been called a psalm of confidence. In it, David confesses his dependence on God and his firm belief that God will bless him abundantly. He rejoices in communing with God and declares his assurance that instead of being abandoned to the grave, he will dwell with the Lord forever.
Comparing Psalm 22 (which we studied in the last two weekâs lesson) with Psalm 16, we see the full range of human emotions on display. In one, David says, âMy God, my God, why have you abandoned me?â (22:1). In the other, he says, âI know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside meâ (16:8). While human emotions come and go based on circumstances, the character and faithfulness of God are rock-solid (Deuteronomy 31:6, 8; Lamentations 3:22â23; Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). The result of Godâs presence and protection is overwhelming joy. As David says, âNo wonder my heart is gladâ (Psalm 16:9)!
The messianic prophecy (confirmed by Peter in Acts 2) begins at the end of Psalm 16:9 and continues through verse 11. David reflected on how he had faced imminent death, barely escaping danger and then experiencing the marvellous presence of the Lord. Without Godâs rescue, he surely would have ended up in the ârealm of the dead.â But David realised there was hope that one day God would offer mortal people the joy of being in His presence for eternity.
______________
Questions for Application
Why is it important to recognise that Godâs plans for us extend beyond this physical world?
How can the words of Psalm 16:8â11 guide your prayers in a time of crisis?
______________
B. Davidâs Prophecy
Acts 2:22â32
It is interesting to note that Peterâs sermon on the Day of Pentecost focused on Jesus rather than the Holy Spirit. The outpouring that dayâand every day sinceâwas intended to empower Jesusâ followers to serve Him boldly, taking up their crosses daily and telling the world what He had done. Peter explained how Jesusâ ministry, betrayal, and death were all part of Godâs âprearranged planâ (Acts 2:23). The Jewish and Roman leaders didnât realise they were fulfilling prophecy when they crucified Jesus, and they didnât realise that the next part of Godâs plan was raising Him from the dead. âBut God released him from the horrors of death and raised him back to life, for death could not keep him in its gripâ (verse 24).
It has been suggested that death was powerless to hold Jesus because He was sinless and exempt from the punishment of death (Romans 5:18; 6:23; 1 Peter 1:19; 2:22â24). But Peter added that Jesusâ resurrection was necessary to fulfil prophecy, specifically Davidâs prophecy in Psalm 16.
Under the Holy Spiritâs inspiration, Peter implored his listeners to think the issue through. For David, dying was an endpoint from which he was mercifully, repeatedly spared. For Jesus, dying was the way to defeat death once and for all. Eventually, David died and was buried, but Jesus had not been abandoned in the grave.
______________
*Questions for Application*
In what sense is death our enemy, although we have hope beyond this life?
How has Jesus rescued us from this enemy?
Why do you think Peterâs message was so compelling to his listeners?
______________
2. Seated at Godâs Right Hand
A. In the Place of Honour
Psalm 110:1â2; Mark 16:19
Psalm 110 has been called a royal psalm, which means it describes experiences of David or Solomon that also operate as prophecies. This psalm is particularly rich in messianic importance. (Compare verse 4 to Hebrew 7:15-17.) David's reign signified the pinnacle of Israel's identity as God's people. So it is easy for us today to make the connection between Davidâs reign as king of Israel and the Messiahâs ultimate reign as King of kings.
From the first phrase of Psalm 110, David sets the scene of a divine conversation. âThe LORDâ refers to the one true God, Yahweh, while âmy Lordâ refers to the Messiah as Davidâs king. (We will see in the next section how Jesus clarified Davidâs meaning.) Mark 16:19 describes the moment when Psalm 110:1 was fulfilled and Jesus ascended to heaven, occupying the place of favour that had been reserved for Him from the beginning. With the work of redemption finished, He sat down at Godâs right hand, where He now rules along with the Father, sharing in victory as His enemies are defeated (Acts 2:33; Hebrews 1:3, 13; 10:12).
Despite its messianic focus, we must not neglect the lessons of Psalm 110 in its original context. Davidâs political success and spiritual blessing came only from God. None of Davidâs enemies had power that could compare with the Lordâs. Likewise, the spiritual freedom and blessings we enjoy today come only from Him. They are a direct result of Jesusâ death, resurrection, and exaltation.
Questions for Application
Jesus is at Godâs right hand this very moment, interceding and advocating for us (Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25). How could this knowledge affect your prayer life? Your sense of hope and peace? Your commitment to Jesus?
______________
B. Enemies Beneath His Feet
Matthew 22:41â46
When Jesus asked the Pharisees, âWhat do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?â (Matthew 22:42), they gave their usual correct but incomplete answer: He would be Davidâs son (Isaiah 11:1). They were trying to highlight the political, nationalistic significance of the Messiah. Jesus silenced them by quoting Psalm 110 and using the rabbinic technique of counter questioning (Matthew 22:43â45). He did not deny that the Messiah was a son of David, but if that was the only interpretation, why would David call Him âmy Lordâ? Under the Spiritâs inspiration, David had clearly recognised he was inferior to the One he was describing.
The conversation had quickly shifted from an academic debate to something far different. Jesus was showing the Pharisees through their own Scriptures that the Messiah would be divineâthe Lord. While the Messiah descended from David, that is not where His authority came from. Not knowing how to respond and realising Jesus could maneuver them into denying Godâs authority or admitting even more about the Messiah, âno one dared to ask him any more questionsâ (verse 46). Jesusâ questions are timeless. We still must ask ourselves: What do we think about the Messiah? Who is He? Our answers will determine the course of our lives and our eternal destiny.
______________
Questions for Application
What are some questions people might ask when choosing whether to believe in and serve Jesus?
How is the Father humbling Jesusâ enemies beneath His feet?
______________
3. Heir to the Eternal Throne
A. Everlasting Kingdom
Daniel 2:44; Psalm 45:6â7
Daniel 2 tells the story of King Nebuchadnezzarâs dream of a giant statue symbolising certain eras in human history. Verse 44 is the culmination of Daniel's God-given interpretation of the dreamâone of the most remarkable prophecies in Scripture. Because of its detail, it is virtually indisputable, even to sceptics. After Nebuchadnezzar and his Babylonian Empire, three kingdoms would arise: the Medo-Persian Empire, the Greco-Macedonian Empire under Alexander the Great, and the Roman Empire, which reached its zenith around AD 100. Each kingdom would be weaker than the previous one, and the fourth empire would ultimately crumble.
Daniel's words were fulfilled to the letter. He prophesied that God would set up His everlasting Kingdom "during the reigns of those kings" (verse 44), and sure enough, Jesus was born during the Roman Empire. That empire, like all other human empires before and after it, did not lastâbut the eternal kingdom of God will never be overthrown. It will endure in power and majesty. As Jesus put it, "I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven" (Matthew 16:18â19).
Psalm 45, a royal wedding psalm written by the family of Korah, describes how this everlasting Kingdom would be established through the Messiah. (As we will see in the next section, Hebrews 1:8â9 classifies Psalm 45:6â7 as messianic prophecy.) The king's beauty as described in this psalm refers to royal attributes given as blessings from God (verse 2) as well as the kingâs commitment to "defending truth, humility, and justice" (verse 4). The king is called "glorious" and "majestic" (verse 3), terms usually reserved for divinity throughout Scripture. Beginning in verse 10, the king's bride is also described as royal and glorious. Scholars have suggested this is an early example of Scripture using the example of human love to portray Jesus' love for the Church.
Within this context, verses 6â7 make a profound statement about the Messiah. Addressed to the Son (Hebrews 1:8), the words convey Jesusâ divinity, the everlasting glory of His rule, and the heart of His missionâloving justice and hating evil. Anointed by God to complete His redemptive work on the Earth, Jesus wasâand isâfilled with immeasurable joy. As we follow Him, completing the mission He has given us, we are partakers in His joy (John 15:11).
______________
Questions for Application
How do we reconcile the picture of Jesus as a Suffering Servant (Isaiah 53) with the picture of Him as a majestic, triumphant King (Psalm 45)?
Knowing that Godâs kingdom is everlasting and worldly systems of government are temporary, how should we align our allegiances? What does this look like from a practical standpoint?
______________
B. Anointed to Reign Forever
*Hebrews 1:8â14*
Hebrews 1:8 builds on the powerful truth found in verse 3: Jesus is God incarnate. He willingly cleansed His people from their sins before sitting down "in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven." Psalm 45:6â7 is quoted to point to His role as the anointed King whose throne endures forever (Hebrews 1:8â9). A quote from Psalm 102:25â27 confirms Jesus is infinitely greater than the temporal world He has made (Hebrews 1:10â12). Unlike things in creation that will have an end, His strength and glory will never fade, emphasising Jesusâ eternality. In verse 13, the writer of Hebrews cited Psalm 110:1 to highlight Jesusâ exalted position as King in contrast to angels, who are servants to those who follow Him. Jesus is supremely worthy to be worshipped and served as the eternal King.
Only JesusâSon of God and Son of Manâcould fulfil the prophecy of a descendant of David who was also the eternal Lord. He proved His identity in life and death, establishing it beyond any doubt when He triumphed over the grave. There is no one like Him. And it is our joy to call Him Lord and God.
______________
Questions for Application
How does Jesus bring joy into your life?
Read Revelation 19:11â16. How does this knowledge of Jesusâ ultimate victory change your perspective here and now?
______________
Call to Discipleship
C. S. Lewis wrote in A Grief Observed, âMy idea of God is not a divine idea. It has to be shattered time after time. He shatters it himselfâŚ. Could we not almost say that this shattering is one of the marks of his presence? The Incarnation is the supreme example; it leaves all previous ideas of the Messiah in ruins.â Jesus fulfilled hundreds of messianic prophecies, but His presence still left people scratching their heads. He wasnât the kind of Messiah they were expecting. As we follow Jesus, growing closer to Him every day, may He continue to shatter our preconceived ideas of who He is and destroy the boxes we would put Him in. May He give us His own mindset (see Philippians 2:6-11).
______________
Ministry in Action
Pray together as a class that God would unify you and cause you to shine brightly for Him in this dark world.
Ask your pastor for a list of missionaries supported by your church. Commit to praying for them together, that they would be blessed and empowered by the Holy Spirit to share the gospel of Jesus on their mission field.
______________
_Please share to those you really love just as we love you._
*Study Your Manual on the Move...*
POWERED By Mobile Manual
*Scam Alert:* PLEASE THIS GROUP WILL NOT CALL FOR PRAYERS OR REQUEST FOR ANY PIN. PLEASE IGNORE ANY OF SUCH MESSAGE. It is not from us
_______________
Always update your two steps verification to ensure your account's SAFETY
_You can contact us: @ 08066479989; Pastor Elusia Joshua West; AGC Owa Alero, Anioma District._
_______________
_Copied@Assemblies of God Publication_