Before doing this study, read the one-minute introduction Why Chains Are Sometimes Promoted as Freedom. It discusses the wisdom in Psalm 2:1-3:
"Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 'Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles'"
Ever since the fall of man, there has been a struggle between the true and living God and man-made philosophies and religions. We cannot abandon God's laws without also abandoning His goodness.
Blessed are those who recognize true "chains."
Why do the nations conspire and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth rise up and the rulers band together against the Lord and against his anointed, saying, 3 “Let us break their chains and throw off their shackles.”
4 The One enthroned in heaven laughs; the Lord scoffs at them. 5 He rebukes them in his anger and terrifies them in his wrath, saying, 6 “I have installed my king on Zion, my holy mountain.” 7 I will proclaim the Lord’s decree: He said to me, “You are my son; today I have become your father. 8 Ask me, and I will make the nations your inheritance, the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You will break them with a rod of iron; you will dash them to pieces like pottery.”
10 Therefore, you kings, be wise; be warned, you rulers of the earth. 11 Serve the Lord with fear and celebrate his rule with trembling. 12 Kiss his son, or he will be angry and your way will lead to your destruction, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.
Insights:
Sometimes listening to the news is discouraging, but Psalm 2 puts all things in perspective. Even when it looks like men and nations are getting away with evil, God is in control. When men think they can throw off God's rules, God "laughs." Keep in mind that this is a poetic use of the word laugh. It reflects God's superiority and His unchanging plans for the future of His redeemed children. Nothing wicked men do will thwart God's plan.
In this psalm, "anointed" (v. 2), "king" (v. 6), and "son" (vv. 7, 11) refer to Christ. See Acts 4:25-27 & Acts 13:32-33.
2. Which of God's commands and values are considered "chains" by our culture?
In this psalm, "anointed" (v. 2), "king" (v. 6), and "son" (vv. 7, 11) refer to Christ. See Acts 4:25-27 & Acts 13:32-33.
Think about biblical beliefs that are disputed, mocked, and derided by our culture. Then put them in perspective of God's truth below:
John 8:31-32: "Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
1 Corinthians 1:20-21: "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."
John 8:31-32: "Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. 32 Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
1 Corinthians 1:20-21: "Where is the wise person? Where is the teacher of the law? Where is the philosopher of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 21 For since in the wisdom of God the world through its wisdom did not know him, God was pleased through the foolishness of what was preached to save those who believe."
2 Corinthians 3:17: "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
I encourage you to read the devotions below which address some of the areas where God's laws are in conflict with our culture.
Homosexuality
Insights: These passages proclaim the unchanging truth that God's ways are the ways of true freedom. The permissive philosophies of the world may appear to give freedom, but their true result is "chains."
I encourage you to read the devotions below which address some of the areas where God's laws are in conflict with our culture.
Homosexuality
Transgenderism
Abortion
Premarital Sex
Yoga
Recreational Marijuana
What Does the Bible Say?
Sometimes we can even worship good things such as family:
copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2023
What Does the Bible Say?
Sometimes we can even worship good things such as family:
copyright 2014, Gail Burton Purath, BiteSizeBibleStudy.com, edited and updated 2023
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