Aligning with God's Kingdom: A Call to Discipleship
Summary
In our journey as Christians, the fundamental question we must consistently ask is, "What does God say about this?" This question is the cornerstone of living as a kingdom disciple, one who willingly submits to God's authority. Prayer, as we understand it, is not just a conversation with God; it is a relational dialogue with our Father. This relationship demands honor, respect, clarity, and honesty. However, if our prayers are merely transactional, seeking only what we desire without pursuing intimacy with God, they fall short of their true purpose.
God's kingdom is His house, and it encompasses all of creation. As visitors in His house, we must adhere to His rules, not the world's. The world, led by Satan, seeks to impose its rules within God's house, leading to a conflict of kingdoms. This conflict arises when we attempt to blend worldly rules with God's divine order, resulting in friction and discord. The Greek word for kingdom, "basilia," signifies rule or authority, emphasizing God's dominion over creation.
The Bible's central theme is the glory of God through the expansion of His kingdom. From Genesis to Revelation, the concept of the kingdom is woven throughout. Our relationship with God begins with acknowledging Him as our Father, but it must progress to submitting to His house rules. This submission is not just about attending church; it's about living under the lordship of Jesus Christ in every aspect of life.
To truly pray "Your kingdom come," we must align ourselves with God's standards and invite His rule into our lives. Jesus, though a king, declared that His kingdom is not of this world. Our task is to bring the principles of His heavenly kingdom into our earthly existence. This requires a deep understanding of the kingdom's rules and a commitment to live by them.
Entering the kingdom begins with accepting Jesus as Savior, but experiencing the kingdom requires discipleship. It's about bringing heaven into history, living under God's authority, and allowing His kingdom to manifest in our lives. This involves surrendering to His will, seeking His guidance, and prioritizing His kingdom above all else.
Key Takeaways:
- Relational Prayer: Prayer is not just a request for blessings but a relational dialogue with God, our Father. It requires intimacy, honesty, and a genuine desire to align with His will, rather than using Him for our own ends. [00:32]
- Kingdom Conflict: The world, led by Satan, seeks to impose its rules within God's house, leading to a conflict of kingdoms. We must adhere to God's rules, not the world's, to avoid friction and discord. [03:20]
- Comprehensive Rule: God's kingdom is His house, encompassing all creation. As visitors, we must submit to His authority, recognizing that His rule is comprehensive and extends to every aspect of life. [04:05]
- Discipleship and Authority: Entering the kingdom begins with accepting Jesus as Savior, but experiencing it requires discipleship. This involves living under God's authority and allowing His kingdom to manifest in our lives. [11:16]
- Surrender and Alignment: To truly pray "Your kingdom come," we must surrender to God's will, seek His guidance, and prioritize His kingdom above all else. This alignment invites His rule into our lives, bringing heaven into history. [18:39]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:10] - The First Question for Christians
- [00:32] - Defining Relational Prayer
- [01:05] - The Problem with Long-Distance Relationships
- [01:48] - Understanding God's Kingdom
- [03:01] - Conflict of Kingdoms
- [04:05] - The Meaning of Kingdom
- [05:02] - Relationship and Rule
- [06:00] - Conflict with God's House Rules
- [07:14] - The True Meaning of "Your Kingdom Come"
- [08:12] - Inviting God's Standards
- [09:12] - Bringing Heaven Down
- [10:03] - The Concept of Kingdom
- [11:16] - Discipleship and Kingdom Experience
- [12:02] - Theological Dialectic of the Kingdom
- [13:27] - Now and Not Yet Kingdom
- [14:07] - Spiritual Rule Through Prayer
- [15:02] - Discipleship and Lordship
- [16:30] - Seeking First the Kingdom
- [18:39] - Surrender and Covenant Alignment
- [20:25] - Expecting Kingdom Manifestation
- [22:19] - Authority and Kingdom Power
- [23:37] - Legitimate Authority and Submission
- [24:45] - Relationship and Authority in Prayer
- [25:49] - Representing the Kingdom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Psalm 103:19 - "The LORD has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all."
2. John 18:36-37 - "Jesus said, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.'"
3. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Psalm 103:19, what is the scope of God's kingdom, and how does this relate to the idea of God's house rules? [02:08]
2. In John 18:36-37, how does Jesus describe His kingdom, and what implications does this have for how we live as His followers? [08:53]
3. What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the priorities of a kingdom disciple, and how does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on seeking God's kingdom first? [16:30]
4. How does the sermon describe the conflict between God's kingdom and the world's kingdom, and what are the consequences of this conflict? [03:20]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to have a relational dialogue with God in prayer, and how does this differ from a transactional approach to prayer? [00:32]
2. How does the concept of God's kingdom being comprehensive over all creation challenge or affirm your current understanding of God's authority? [04:05]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that discipleship is necessary for experiencing the kingdom, and how does this relate to the idea of bringing heaven into history? [11:16]
4. How does the sermon explain the tension between the "now" and "not yet" aspects of God's kingdom, and what does this mean for believers today? [13:27]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current prayer life. Are your prayers more relational or transactional? What steps can you take to deepen your intimacy with God in prayer? [00:32]
2. Consider a specific area of your life where you might be following the world's rules instead of God's house rules. What changes can you make to align more closely with God's kingdom? [03:20]
3. How can you prioritize seeking God's kingdom in your daily life, as suggested in Matthew 6:33? Identify one practical way to put this into action this week. [16:30]
4. Think about a recent decision or situation where you asked, "What does God say about this?" How did this question influence your actions, and how can you make it a regular part of your decision-making process? [17:05]
5. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to surrender to God's will. What steps can you take to align yourself with His authority and invite His kingdom into that area? [18:39]
6. Reflect on a time when you experienced conflict due to differing rules or values. How can understanding God's comprehensive rule help you navigate similar situations in the future? [06:54]
7. How can you actively participate in bringing heaven into history in your community or workplace? Identify one action you can take this week to demonstrate God's kingdom principles. [11:16]
Devotional
Day 1: Relational Prayer as Intimacy with God
Prayer is more than a mere transaction; it is a profound dialogue with God, our Father. This relationship demands honesty, respect, and a genuine desire to align with His will. When prayer becomes transactional, seeking only personal desires, it loses its true purpose. Instead, prayer should be a space where we cultivate intimacy with God, seeking to understand His heart and align our lives with His divine plan. This relational aspect of prayer invites us to be vulnerable and open, allowing God to transform us from the inside out. [00:32]
Matthew 6:6 (ESV): "But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you."
Reflection: Consider your current prayer life. How can you move from a transactional approach to a more intimate, relational dialogue with God today?
Day 2: Navigating the Conflict of Kingdoms
The world, under Satan's influence, often tries to impose its rules within God's creation, leading to a conflict of kingdoms. As Christians, we are called to adhere to God's rules, not the world's, to avoid friction and discord. This conflict arises when we attempt to blend worldly principles with God's divine order, resulting in tension. Understanding this conflict helps us recognize the importance of living by God's standards, ensuring that our lives reflect His kingdom values rather than the world's. [03:20]
James 4:4 (ESV): "You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where worldly values conflict with God's standards. How can you realign this area to reflect God's kingdom principles?
Day 3: Embracing God's Comprehensive Rule
God's kingdom is His house, encompassing all of creation. As visitors in His house, we must submit to His authority, recognizing that His rule is comprehensive and extends to every aspect of life. This submission is not just about attending church; it's about living under the lordship of Jesus Christ in every facet of our existence. By acknowledging God's dominion, we allow His kingdom to manifest in our lives, bringing order and purpose to our daily walk. [04:05]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: Reflect on how you can submit more fully to God's authority in your daily life. What practical steps can you take to live under His comprehensive rule?
Day 4: Discipleship as a Path to Kingdom Experience
Entering the kingdom begins with accepting Jesus as Savior, but experiencing it requires discipleship. This involves living under God's authority and allowing His kingdom to manifest in our lives. Discipleship is about bringing heaven into history, surrendering to God's will, and prioritizing His kingdom above all else. It calls for a commitment to follow Jesus closely, learning from Him, and applying His teachings in every aspect of life. [11:16]
Luke 9:23 (ESV): "And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'"
Reflection: What does discipleship look like for you personally? How can you deepen your commitment to following Jesus in your everyday life?
Day 5: Surrender and Alignment with God's Will
To truly pray "Your kingdom come," we must surrender to God's will, seek His guidance, and prioritize His kingdom above all else. This alignment invites His rule into our lives, bringing heaven into history. It requires a conscious decision to let go of our own desires and embrace God's plan, trusting that His ways are higher and better. By aligning ourselves with God's will, we open the door for His kingdom to be realized in and through us. [18:39]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to God? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
The first question every serious Christian should ask is what does God say about this and until that is first, that means you're not yet serious about being a kingdom disciple, about being underneath the rule of God. I am willing to come underneath your Authority. It's a relationship that leads to trusting him to be Lord over your life. [00:00:00]
We have defined prayer as relational communication with God. You're not merely talking to God; you're talking to your father. That's a relationship as a child would approach his father—honor, respect, but clarity and honesty. God invites us to approach him, so when we have a long-distance relationship with God, because we're not pursuing intimacy, we're just coming to him for stuff. [00:00:32]
God has a house. God has a kingdom. Psalm 103 verse 19 says that God's kingdom rules over all. Psalm 145 verse 13 says God's kingdom has Dominion forever. 1 Chronicles 29 verse 11 and 12 says that God's kingdom rules over all. God has a house. The word is kingdom, and it involves all of creation. God calls all of his creation his house, and you and I are visitors in his house. [00:01:48]
There is an opposing house out there called the world, that system headed by Satan that leaves God out. And what Satan seeks to do is to get us to bring his rules into God's house. That is to have a conflict of Kingdoms because whenever there are opposing rules in the same house, there's going to be conflict. [00:03:01]
The whole point is to pursue a relationship, and as you pursue the relationship, to come under the rule. So it is a relationship that leads you underneath the rule. Some want relationship but don't understand they got to come under the rule. Some want to talk about the rule who don't want to pursue a relationship. [00:05:02]
You get into the kingdom by accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior. St John 3:3 Jesus told Nicodemus, accept you be born again, you will not see the kingdom of God. Okay, you will not see the kingdom of God. So you enter the kingdom through conversion, being born again, becoming a Christian, but you only experience the kingdom when you become a disciple within the kingdom. [00:10:03]
Accepting Christ gets you to heaven, but only by Becoming a Kingdom person do you get Heaven into history. If you are a Christian, you're going to heaven, but if you are not a full-time follower of Christ, you won't see Heaven here. The whole point of the prayer is to get Heaven here. [00:11:16]
The Bible is clear, God is clear that we must come under the lordship of Jesus Christ. He says you are to come underneath my authority, and if you will trust my rules and operate by my standard, then you will see me at work. In other words, if you're going to be able to pray your kingdom come and you really be under the kingdom, you're going to have to do something that's hard for me, it's hard for you. [00:18:39]
The decision if you really want to pray that prayer and have a relationship and come under his authority, that is the recognition that you are now in covenantal alignment underneath God. Ephesians chapter 1:10 verse 22 and 23 says God's philosophy of history is that all things come under the lordship of Jesus Christ and that he is in charge of your life. [00:19:59]
God is trying to make Kingdom disciples, not just accumulate church members. He's trying to get people who will live all of their lives consistently, progressively, growingly under the lordship kingdom, under the rule of God and the lordship of Jesus Christ. And that is what he is after. He calls for surrender, and he calls for surrender for everybody. [00:20:25]
You cannot exercise legitimate authority over what you should be over unless you're willing to be under what God has put over you. Let me say that again, you cannot exercise legitimate authority of what you should be over unless you are willing to properly be under what God has put over you. [00:23:37]
Your prayer is not my kingdom come, it's thy kingdom come. And when God sees that you want his kingdom, then the king who happens to be your daddy would love to show you that Divine Authority in history. [00:25:49]
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