A Royal Reverie
A Royal Reverie - Silver City Church
Sermon Overview
“A Royal Reverie,” from Matthew 2:1-12, continues Silver City’s Advent series on divine dreams, unveiling Jesus as the true King of kings. Humanity longs for a liberating ruler, yet Herod embodies fear and deception while pagan Magi follow a miraculous star to worship the child with gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Their homage fulfills prophecies (Micah 5:2, Isaiah 60:6, Psalm 72:10), contrasting Jerusalem’s apathy. The sermon highlights God’s delight in using the unlikely, calling believers to know Christ personally, serve with joyful faith, and advance His kingdom, living as subjects of the humble King who reigns through service and sacrifice.
Key Takeaways
Humanity’s innate desire for a liberating ruler finds fulfillment in Jesus, the unexpected King born humbly to serve and save, not conquer with force. The sermon exposes political idols as false hopes, pointing to Christ as the supreme leader.
Herod’s fear contrasts with the Magi’s faith. The sermon shows Herod, an Edomite usurper, embodying the wicked seed’s opposition to Christ, the true King, fulfilling the ancient war of brothers from Cain and Abel.
The Magi’s star-guided journey fulfills prophecies like Numbers 24:17. Their gifts—gold, frankincense, myrrh—honor the King and provide for His family, symbolizing Christ’s royal, priestly, and sacrificial roles.
The sermon contrasts Herod’s fear with the Magi’s exceeding joy, urging believers to serve Christ as conduit, not consumer, offering all for His glory and advancing His kingdom.
Weekly Devotional
Day 1: Longing for a King
Scripture: Matthew 2:1-2
Devotional Idea: Recognize humanity’s longing for a true King in Jesus.
The Magi seek the “king of the Jews,” fulfilling a universal desire for liberation. The sermon exposes political idols as false hopes. Reflect on where you seek ultimate authority—government, self, or Christ? The sermon calls for worship of the true King. How can you surrender to Jesus’ reign today? Ask God to align your heart with His kingdom.
Day 2: Clash of Kingdoms
Scripture: Matthew 2:3
Devotional Idea: Choose Christ’s kingdom over worldly power.
Herod’s fear contrasts with the Magi’s faith. The sermon shows this as a clash between God’s kingdom and Satan’s. Reflect on areas where fear or pride resists Christ’s rule. The sermon warns against building personal empires. How can you submit to Jesus’ reign? Ask God to expose and dethrone any rival kingdom in your life.
Day 3: The Star’s Guidance
Scripture: Matthew 2:9-10
Devotional Idea: Follow God’s guidance with exceeding joy.
The star leads the Magi, who rejoice exceedingly (2:10). The sermon highlights God’s sovereign signs drawing the unlikely. Reflect on how God has guided you through His Word or providence. The sermon calls for joyful obedience. How can you follow His leading today? Ask God to illuminate your path with His light.
Day 4: Gifts of Worship
Scripture: Matthew 2:11
Devotional Idea: Offer your treasures to the King.
The Magi worship and present gold, frankincense, myrrh. The sermon sees these as honoring Christ’s royalty, priesthood, and sacrifice. Reflect on what you offer God—time, talents, resources. The sermon urges giving as worship. How can you honor Jesus with your “gifts” this week? Ask God to make your life an offering.
Day 5: Joyful Service
Scripture: Matthew 2:10
Devotional Idea: Serve Christ with exceeding joy.
The Magi rejoice exceedingly with great joy (2:10). The sermon contrasts their faith with Herod’s fear, urging joyful service. Reflect on your attitude in serving God. The sermon calls for living as conduit, not consumer. How can you serve with joy this week? Ask God to fill you with His Spirit’s joy.
Reflection and Application Questions
- Reflection: How does humanity’s longing for a king, seen in politics and culture, find fulfillment in Jesus’ humble birth?
- Reflection: Why does Herod’s fear contrast with the Magi’s joy, and what does this reveal about responses to Christ’s kingship?
- Reflection: How do the Magi’s gifts and worship fulfill Old Testament prophecies, pointing to Christ’s identity?
- Application: Identify one area where you seek control like Herod; surrender it to Christ’s reign this week.
- Application: Offer a “gift” of service or generosity to someone, reflecting the Magi’s worship of the King.
Scripture References and Cross-References
- Main Scripture: Matthew 2:1-12
- Cross-References: Micah 5:2 (Bethlehem prophecy), Numbers 24:17 (star from Jacob), Isaiah 60:6 (gold and frankincense), Psalm 72:10-11 (kings bringing tribute), Genesis 3:15 (serpent crushed), Matthew 28:18-20 (Great Commission)
Westminster Confession Connection
Matthew 2:1-12’s portrayal of the Magi’s worship aligns with the Westminster Confession of Faith, Chapter 21, Section 1, which teaches that religious worship is to be given to God alone, in the way He has appointed. The sermon’s emphasis on the Magi’s joyful homage contrasts with Herod’s fear, reflecting true worship as delight in Christ’s kingship. The call to serve with joy echoes the Confession’s view of worship as a duty and privilege, urging believers to honor Christ as King with all they have.
Westminster Confession Citation
Chapter 21, Section 1: The light of nature shows that there is a God, who hath lordship and sovereignty over all, is good, and doth good unto all, and is therefore to be feared, loved, praised, called upon, trusted in, and served, with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the might. But the acceptable way of worshipping the true God is instituted by Himself, and so limited by His own revealed will… [Scripture proofs: Romans 1:20; Acts 17:24; Psalm 119:68; Jeremiah 10:7; Psalm 31:23; Psalm 18:3; Romans 10:12; Psalm 62:8; Joshua 24:14; Mark 12:33]
Catechism Connections
Shorter Catechism, Q. 1: What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. [Scripture proofs: 1 Corinthians 10:31; Romans 11:36; Psalm 73:25-28]
Larger Catechism, Q. 1: What is the chief and highest end of man? Man’s chief and highest end is to glorify God, and fully to enjoy Him forever. [Scripture proofs: Romans 11:36; 1 Corinthians 10:31; Psalm 73:24-28; John 17:21-23]
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