Active Participation in God's Kingdom Mission

Devotional

Day 1: Compassionate Action in Our Communities

Jesus' command to "give them something to eat" is a profound call to action for all believers. It challenges us to recognize the physical, emotional, and spiritual hunger around us and respond with compassion and action. This directive is not limited to the immediate context of feeding a crowd but extends to all areas of need in our communities. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His love and provision to those in need. This involves actively seeking out opportunities to serve and make a difference, whether it's through feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, or providing spiritual nourishment to those lost in a spiritual vacuum. By doing so, we embody the love and compassion of Christ, fulfilling His mission on earth. [02:49]

"Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?" (Isaiah 58:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific need in your community that you can address this week. How can you take a tangible step to meet this need and show the love of Christ?

Day 2: Embracing Divine Partnership

God invites us into a partnership to expand His Kingdom on earth, entrusting us with authority and responsibility despite our flaws and failures. This divine partnership is a testament to God's grace and His desire for relational collaboration with humanity. Throughout the Old Testament, we see God inviting individuals into His plans, giving them the authority to be a light to the nations. This partnership requires our cooperation and willingness to align with His purposes, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. As we embrace this partnership, we become active participants in God's mission, working alongside Him to bring about His Kingdom on earth. [12:00]

"For we are God's fellow workers. You are God's field, God's building." (1 Corinthians 3:9, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you feel God is calling you to partner with Him. What steps can you take to align yourself with His purposes and demonstrate His love to those around you?

Day 3: Reframing Emotions for God's Mission

As we engage in God's mission, we are encouraged to reframe our emotions from nervousness to excitement. This shift in perspective allows us to embrace the opportunities and challenges with anticipation of what God can accomplish through us. By transforming our approach to ministry and outreach, we fuel our passion and commitment to God's work. This reframing of emotions is crucial as it enables us to see the potential and possibilities of what God can do through us in our workplaces, communities, and families. By embracing excitement instead of fear, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's mission in our lives. [19:14]

"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." (Joshua 1:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel nervous about stepping out in faith. How can you reframe your emotions to embrace excitement and trust in God's presence and power?

Day 4: The Church as the Flagship of the Kingdom

The church is the primary agent of the Kingdom, tasked with promoting and expanding God's will on earth. It serves as a community where believers can unite, support one another, and work together to fulfill God's purposes. Being actively involved in the church is essential for personal growth and effective ministry. The church provides a platform for believers to engage in Kingdom initiatives, offering opportunities for leadership, service, and collaboration. As members of the church, we are called to actively participate in its mission, using our gifts and talents to further God's Kingdom and bring His love and grace to the world. [23:59]

"And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near." (Hebrews 10:24-25, ESV)

Reflection: How can you become more actively involved in your church community? What specific role or initiative can you take on to contribute to the church's mission and growth?

Day 5: Pursuing Kingdom Initiatives

We are encouraged to pursue Kingdom initiatives that bring God's love and power to specific groups or areas. These initiatives have the potential to transform lives, communities, and even entire cultures. By seeking God's guidance and stepping out in faith, we can make a significant impact and expand His Kingdom in tangible ways. Kingdom initiatives require us to be intentional and proactive, identifying areas where God's love and grace are needed and taking steps to address those needs. As we pursue these initiatives, we become agents of change, bringing the light of Christ to a world in need. [26:01]

"And he said to them, 'Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.'" (Mark 16:15, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific Kingdom initiative you feel called to pursue? How can you take the first step in bringing God's love and power to that area or group?

Sermon Summary

In this message, we explore the profound call to action that Jesus extends to His followers, urging us to be active participants in His mission to bring the Kingdom of God to earth. The narrative begins with the story from Mark 6, where Jesus, filled with compassion, instructs His disciples to feed the hungry crowd. This command, "You give them something to eat," is not just a directive for that moment but a timeless call for all believers to meet the needs of those around them. It challenges us to look at our communities and see where we can make a difference, whether it's feeding the hungry, clothing the needy, or providing spiritual nourishment to those lost in a spiritual vacuum.

The sermon delves into the grand narrative of creation, where God establishes a world of order and beauty, entrusting humanity with the responsibility to expand His kingdom. Despite humanity's repeated failures and rebellions, God remains committed to working through flawed individuals to fulfill His purposes. This divine risk-taking is a testament to God's grace and His desire for relational partnership with us. The Old Testament is filled with stories of God inviting people into His plans, giving them authority and responsibility to be a light to the nations.

The message emphasizes the importance of reframing our emotions from nervousness to excitement as we engage in God's work. It encourages us to see the potential and possibilities of what God can do through us in our workplaces, communities, and families. The church plays a crucial role as the flagship of the Kingdom, promoting and expanding God's will on earth. We are called to be active participants, finding ways to lead, help, and be involved in Kingdom initiatives that bring God's love, power, and grace to those around us.

Key Takeaways

1. Compassionate Action: Jesus' command to "give them something to eat" is a call for us to actively meet the needs of our communities. This involves recognizing the physical, emotional, and spiritual hunger around us and responding with compassion and action. We are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus, bringing His love and provision to those in need. [02:49]
2. Divine Partnership: God invites us into a partnership to expand His Kingdom on earth. Despite our flaws and failures, He entrusts us with authority and responsibility to be His representatives. This partnership requires our cooperation and willingness to align with His purposes, demonstrating His love and grace to the world. [12:00]
3. Reframing Emotions: As we engage in God's mission, we are encouraged to reframe our emotions from nervousness to excitement. This shift in perspective allows us to embrace the opportunities and challenges with anticipation of what God can accomplish through us. It transforms our approach to ministry and outreach, fueling our passion and commitment. [19:14]
4. Role of the Church: The church is the primary agent of the Kingdom, tasked with promoting and expanding God's will on earth. It serves as a community where believers can unite, support one another, and work together to fulfill God's purposes. Being actively involved in the church is essential for personal growth and effective ministry. [23:59]
5. Kingdom Initiatives: We are encouraged to pursue Kingdom initiatives that bring God's love and power to specific groups or areas. These initiatives can transform lives, communities, and even entire cultures. By seeking God's guidance and stepping out in faith, we can make a significant impact and expand His Kingdom in tangible ways. [26:01]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:49] - Compassionate Action
[05:08] - Divine Partnership
[07:10] - Creation and Chaos
[08:51] - Human Responsibility
[12:00] - Old Testament Lessons
[13:10] - God's Risk and Grace
[15:22] - Kingdom of God
[16:07] - Holy Spirit Empowerment
[19:14] - Reframing Emotions
[19:51] - Excitement in Ministry
[22:45] - Teamwork and Church
[23:59] - Role of the Church
[26:01] - Kingdom Initiatives

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Mark 6, what was Jesus' initial reaction to the crowd, and what command did He give to His disciples? [02:49]
How does the sermon describe the role of humanity in God's creation according to Genesis? [08:51]
What is the significance of Jesus' command to "give them something to eat" in the context of the sermon? [05:08]
How does the sermon illustrate the concept of divine partnership through Old Testament examples? [12:00]

Interpretation Questions

What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between compassion and action in the life of a believer? [02:49]
How does the sermon interpret the role of the church as the "flagship" of the Kingdom of God? [23:59]
In what ways does the sermon encourage believers to reframe their emotions from nervousness to excitement when engaging in God's work? [19:14]
How does the sermon describe the risk God takes in partnering with flawed individuals to fulfill His purposes? [12:00]

Application Questions

Reflect on your community. What are some specific needs you see, and how can you actively participate in meeting those needs? [02:49]
Consider your current involvement in church activities. How can you become more engaged in Kingdom initiatives that align with your passions and skills? [26:01]
Think about a time when you felt nervous about a task God called you to. How can you reframe those emotions to embrace the excitement of what God can accomplish through you? [19:14]
Identify a person or group in your life who might be living in a "spiritual vacuum." What steps can you take to provide spiritual nourishment to them? [05:08]
How can you foster a sense of divine partnership in your daily life, recognizing God's authority and responsibility entrusted to you? [12:00]
What practical steps can you take to ensure that your actions reflect the compassionate heart of Jesus in your workplace or community? [02:49]
How can you encourage others in your church to join you in expanding God's Kingdom through collaborative efforts and teamwork? [22:45]

Sermon Clips

"Just interesting, Mark, chapter six. Jesus, I might talk about this next week, but it says that Jesus pulled the twelve to him and then sent them out. And that's what discipleship is, isn't it? That's what we are. We're people who are called to be with Jesus and be sent out. And Jesus does that for the twelve at the beginning of Mark, chapter six. And they go out on mission and they go and tell the villages what Jesus is doing. They heal people. They do all that stuff. And then they come back. And as they come back, hundreds of people come with them." [00:35:34] (37 seconds)

"love that comes from the heart of jesus and he says you give them something to eat and as we look around our city as we look around our community i think jesus would give us a gut -wrenching compassion and say to us you give them something to eat because there's people in our community who don't know whether to eat or eat you give them something to eat there's kids in our community are feeding on all sorts of stuff that just to try and build up their identity and sense of self -worth and in all the wrong places looking for luck you give them something to eat there's older people in our community who who are just purposeless you give them something to there's successful people in our community who just reach the top and just feel so empty you give them something to eat and i believe that's a a word for us i i think it's not just a word for us i think that's what jesus has always been saying to his church to his people to his disciples to his followers you" [00:177:75] (88 seconds)

"You can make a difference here. You can meet those needs. You can change this situation. You can change this environment, this culture. You can make it happen. These people need clothes. There's people living in tents in our public space. You give them something to eat. These people feel worthless. There are people living in a spiritual vacuum, hungry for truth, feeding on spiritual rubbish. You give them something good to eat." [00:272:67] (31 seconds)

"And so God, by his spirit, brings order into that chaos. It breathes life, separating oceans from the land. Separating. And seas from the sky. Bringing order and form into the soil as trees and bushes and plants and flowers burst forth. As the sky is filled with stars and planets. And I think actually that's that they can see it. I think if you were on the earth at that point, you could see it. I think it had been created before then. But God fills the skies with these celestial." [00:491:41] (40 seconds)

"planets and stars and then animals to fill the oceans and the land and in the middle of this world of order into chaos god plants a garden and in the garden he puts the pinnacle of his creation human beings and he gives them two commands he says what i want you to do is to fill the earth and i want you to work the land and care for it now that's what i want you to do because this this tiny bit of garden this place of peace and tranquility this place of great relationship between man and woman this wonderful place of intimacy with god where i can walk with you in the cool of the day this wonderful place of intimacy with god where i can walk with you in the cool of the day this ecological paradise this working at one with nature this whole this place where you are whole i want this to spread out to fill the whole earth i'm giving that as your responsibility and i want you to work the land and take care for it so that it might rightly produce an abundance of fruit and harvest for you" [00:531:68] (80 seconds)

"God has delegated his authority. He's risked the future of the creation project on the obedience or lack of obedience of people like us. If God's going to expand his rule into all the earth, then it would be through his people, through people like us, through people like Noah." [00:735:09] (24 seconds)

"for them to wander around the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience and you get the picture to get his will done on the earth to expand his kingdom God invites people into his plans and purposes he gives them real opportunities he gives us real authority he gives us genuine say so he doesn't override our will or or our failures but he graciously works with us to the extent that we're willing to cooperate with the holy spirit God is consistently risking his reputation and his purposes constantly giving away his power and authority to human beings to get his will done in all the earth and the story of the old testament is God calling people back you to his purposes for them his purpose is for them to live as the people of god with his authority with his love being a light to the nations showing something of the grace and the love and the glory and power of god as being established as an outpost of the kingdom of god and and yet they choose a human king rather than be ruled by god and for every step forward into the purposes of god to be a light to the nations it feels like they take a step back into idolatry or ignoring the temple or dealing unjustly with their neighbors so we have this picture" [00:797:57] (88 seconds)

"the kingdom of God established is the Holy Spirit is poured out into an upper room and people are filled with the Holy Spirit and at last are able to take this good news to all the nations God's will is that that kingdom should go throughout the earth as the yeast goes through the whole dough as the light as the lamp lights the whole house as the the the mustard seed grows into the hugest of trees and the mountain that the prophet spoke of fills the whole earth and that happens as Jesus followers push into relationship with God and hear his call to live in his kingdom and are sent out to expand it so that it might fill the whole earth you give them something to eat and so Jesus puts the onus of pursuing relationship with him and expanding his kingdom on us he's delegated it to us he's risking it on us you" [00:973:76] (70 seconds)

"Excited about what God can do in our community and in our family and in our networks. Excited about what God can do as we reach out to pray for someone's healing. Excited about what God can do as we invite someone to church." [00:1191:08] (15 seconds)

"them out two by two paul always operated in a team god has a as a premium on prayers of agreement if you agree on earth he has a premium on meeting together when two or three get together i'm there in the middle of it all because god's into team of course he is he is a team father son spirit together in this this is this is one of the reasons church is so important so so important and it helps when we recognize that we're doing this together and and of course of course of course it helps so much when we realize that god has given us all the resources we need to get the job done you the god has given us all we need" [00:1279:00] (55 seconds)

"seek to give people something to eat is is to pray we pray your kingdom come your will be done on earth as it is in heaven it's really the first thing jesus asked us to pray i mean it's the second thing the first was hallowed be your name wasn't it he wants it's all for the glory of god it's all for him it's all his glory we want his name to be honored we want his name to be glorified but but really the the primary prayer is your kingdom come your will be done we want your will to be expanded when your will to be expanded in my heart want your will to be expanded in my i want that your will to be done so your kingdom can come in this little group of people that i'm involved in i want that to happen in my kids school i want that to happen in the the local university i want that to be happening in my in my company and in the company next door i want your kingdom to come your will to be done amongst my friendship groups my social group i need your kingdom to come in my gym i need your kingdom to come so we can pray and church is so important in this isn't it because church the church isn't the kingdom and the kingdom isn't the church but" [00:1439:00] (72 seconds)

"a kingdom initiative that that that brings something of the glory and the love and the power and the grace and the mercy of god and expands it a little and pushes it out a little so it makes a difference in our workplace or makes a difference in our community or or changes someone's life or online or on in person that that there's a kingdom initiative that god puts something on your heart as you pray for the kingdom to expand as you see yourself pushing out from the garden filling the whole earth as god says to you you give them something to eat there's some lights going on in your head yeah i can do that i can do that i can do that god can equip you in the areas that you haven't yet got god can pull you alongside of others where you need to be in fellowship with them to make this thing happen but maybe there's some kingdom initiatives even in this room this morning you" [00:1689:08] (56 seconds)

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