Works (Vol 4) - Newton - XXXVIII - Sermon XXXVIII (King of Kings, and Lord of Lords)

Required reading
The Works (Vol 4) of John Newton (Available from Amazon or free here) - Read Sermon XXXVIII (King of Kings, and Lord of Lords).

My summary
This week Newton preaches on: 'And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.' (Revelation 19:16)

Firstly Newton teaches us the significance of Jesus having his name and title on:
(i) his vesture;
(ii) his thigh.

Secondly Newton explains the significance of the title itself.  He says that although the kings of the earth rage:
(i) they cannot weaken this truth;
(ii) they are but servants of this great king;
(iii) they cannot harm the king's people.

Thirdly Newton infers from this verse that:
(i) it should inspire us with confidence;
(ii) it should affect us with an admiring and thankful sense of his condescension;
(iii) we should see how great is the dignity and privilege of true believers;
(iv) we should see the extreme folly and danger of those who persist in their rebellion.

What grabbed me
I liked the first inference: 'It should inspire us with confidence. If the Lord of hosts, the Lord of lords, be for us, what weapon or counsel can prosper against us ? However dark and threatening appearances may be, we need not tremble for the ark of God. The concernments of his church are in safe hands. The cause so dear to us, is still more dear to him. He has power to support it when it is opposed, and grace to revive it when it is drooping. It has often been brought low, but never has been, never shall be forsaken. When he will work, none can hinder. Nor need you fear for yourself, if you have committed yourself and your all to him. " The very hairs of your head are numbered." There is a hedge of protection around you, which none can break through without his permission ; nor will he permit you to be touched, except when he designs to make a temporary and seeming evil conducive to your real and permanent advantage. '

What a joy to know that you belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

Next week's reading
Read Sermon XXXIX (Job's faith and expectation).

Now it's your turn
Please post your own notes and thoughts in the comments section below.