Choosing the Path: Kingdom of God vs. World

Devotional

Day 1: Choosing Your Kingdom

In our daily lives, we are constantly faced with the choice between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. This dichotomy shapes our identity and actions, requiring us to be intentional and discerning in our walk with God. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once dead in our trespasses, following the course of this world. However, in Christ, we are called to walk a different path, one that aligns with the kingdom of God. This world is like a course, and we must ask ourselves if we are passing the test of faith. Walking in the light of God's kingdom means choosing His ways over the ways of the world, even when it is challenging. [03:08]

Ephesians 2:1-2 (ESV): "And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience."

Reflection: What specific area of your life is most influenced by the world's values, and how can you intentionally choose God's kingdom in that area today?

Day 2: Genesis as a Foundation

Genesis 1-11 is not just a collection of stories but a cohesive introduction to the Bible's narrative. It sets the stage for understanding the choice between God's way and the way of the world. These foundational chapters help us navigate the complexities of life with a biblical perspective. The stories are interconnected, illustrating the choice between God's way and the way of death. By understanding Genesis as a brand guide, we can better comprehend the narrative of two kingdoms and make informed decisions in our spiritual journey. [05:25]

Genesis 4:6-7 (ESV): "The Lord said to Cain, 'Why are you angry, and why has your face fallen? If you do well, will you not be accepted? And if you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you, but you must rule over it.'"

Reflection: How does understanding the early chapters of Genesis as a cohesive narrative change your perspective on the choices you face today?

Day 3: True Freedom in God

The Exodus story teaches us that true freedom is found in God, not in the independence offered by the world. While independence can lead to bondage, God's liberation brings true freedom. This freedom calls us to live sacrificially, serving others and aligning with God's purposes. The story of Exodus exemplifies how God dismantles empires built on oppression and invites us into a life of freedom, not independence. True freedom comes from God, not from the systems of this world. [19:49]

Exodus 14:13-14 (ESV): "And Moses said to the people, 'Fear not, stand firm, and see the salvation of the Lord, which he will work for you today. For the Egyptians whom you see today, you shall never see again. The Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be silent.'"

Reflection: In what ways are you seeking independence that might actually be leading to bondage, and how can you embrace true freedom in God today?

Day 4: The Power of Fasting

Fasting is not about deprivation but about creating space for God to fill. It is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's heart, breaks the bonds of wickedness, and brings healing and righteousness. Fasting invites us to lay down our lives for others and to experience God's transformative power. As we prepare for a season of fasting, it's crucial to understand that fasting is an opportunity to lay down our lives for others, to break the bonds of wickedness, and to let the oppressed go free. [29:41]

Isaiah 58:6-7 (ESV): "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?"

Reflection: How can you incorporate fasting into your life in a way that aligns with God's heart for justice and compassion?

Day 5: Living as a Sacrifice

The call to live sacrificially is central to the Christian life. Isaiah 58 challenges us to fast in a way that brings justice and compassion. By laying down our lives for others, we become a living sacrifice, allowing God to dwell among us and bringing light and healing to the world. This is a season to lay down our lives for others, to be a living sacrifice, and to allow God to dwell among us. [41:42]

Romans 12:1 (ESV): "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can lay down your life for others this week, embodying the call to be a living sacrifice?

Sermon Summary

Summary:

As we embark on a new year, it's a time to reflect on the spiritual journey we are on and the paths we choose to walk. The dichotomy between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world is a central theme in our lives. Ephesians 2 reminds us that we were once dead in our trespasses, walking according to the course of this world. But now, in Christ, we are called to walk a different path, one that is aligned with the kingdom of God. This world is like a course, and we must ask ourselves if we are passing the test of faith.

The Bible, particularly Genesis 1-11, serves as a brand guide, laying the foundation for understanding the narrative of two kingdoms. The stories are interconnected, illustrating the choice between God's way and the way of death. The Exodus story exemplifies this, showing how God dismantles empires built on oppression and invites us into a life of freedom, not independence. True freedom comes from God, not from the systems of this world.

Jesus provides us with three simple yet profound ways to ensure we are on the right path: giving to the poor, praying, and fasting. These practices are not just religious duties but are transformative acts that align us with God's kingdom. As we prepare for a season of fasting, it's crucial to understand that fasting is not about deprivation but about creating space for God to fill. It's an opportunity to lay down our lives for others, to break the bonds of wickedness, and to let the oppressed go free.

The call is to move beyond mere religious rituals and to embrace a life of sacrifice and service. Isaiah 58 challenges us to fast in a way that brings justice and compassion to the world. As we fast, we are invited to draw near to God, to let our light break forth, and to experience healing and righteousness. This is a season to lay down our lives for others, to be a living sacrifice, and to allow God to dwell among us.

Key Takeaways

1. 11 is not a collection of disconnected stories but a cohesive introduction to the Bible's narrative. It sets the stage for understanding the choice between God's way and the way of the world. This foundational understanding helps us navigate the complexities of life with a biblical perspective. [05:25]
3. True Freedom vs. Independence: The Exodus story teaches us that true freedom is found in God, not in the independence offered by the world. While independence can lead to bondage, God's liberation brings true freedom. This freedom calls us to live sacrificially, serving others and aligning with God's purposes.

4. The Transformative Power of Fasting: Fasting is not about deprivation but about creating space for God to fill. It is a spiritual discipline that aligns us with God's heart, breaks the bonds of wickedness, and brings healing and righteousness. Fasting invites us to lay down our lives for others and to experience God's transformative power.

5. Living as a Sacrifice: The call to live sacrificially is central to the Christian life. Isaiah 58 challenges us to fast in a way that brings justice and compassion. By laying down our lives for others, we become a living sacrifice, allowing God to dwell among us and bringing light and healing to the world.

** [05:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:52] - New Year Reflections
[03:08] - The Course of This World
[05:25] - Genesis as a Brand Guide
[11:02] - The Dichotomy of Two Kingdoms
[14:26] - Understanding the Exodus
[18:12] - Independence vs. Freedom
[19:49] - The Call to Sacrifice
[23:27] - The American Dream and Bondage
[24:39] - The Empire vs. The Garden
[29:41] - The Power of Fasting
[31:35] - Living as a Sacrifice
[33:38] - God's Presence Among Us
[35:27] - Isaiah 53 and the Suffering Servant
[37:04] - Moving in with God
[41:42] - The True Fast
[43:40] - Filling the Space with God

Sermon Clips

And you, he made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience, among whom also we all once conducted ourselves according to the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind. [00:03:08] (26 seconds)

What you believe about the kingdom of god is one of the most important things about who you are what you'd believe to be true about the kingdom of god and then by that the kingdom of this you guys are aware of the fact there's only two kingdoms we're aware of that fact right there's the kingdom of of god and there's the kingdom of this world. [00:05:25] (24 seconds)

God with people God creates with everything else God plants and lets process bring it up y 'all following y 'all following you man when we are outside of that garden we will build on top of the backs of others and we will create systems of of oppression and sin right so like if you follow the brand guide and you kind of read through the story Cain murders Abel and the first thing he does he goes out west of the mountain and he builds a city of bloodshed. [00:09:41] (37 seconds)

The exodus story the plagues particularly are not god punishing the egyptians that's important to understand it's not god punishing the egyptians it's two things number one he was waging war with the gods of egypt the little g gods number two he was decreating an empire here's what i mean if you pay really close attention to the plagues they are creation in reverse. [00:15:16] (33 seconds)

The thing that actually gets empire out of who you are is death to self, is offering whatever you have up. And Jesus would call the three things prayer, of praise. And you know what's interesting? I wrote down another is. It really, really is. And it just takes like one Thanksgiving to remember that. Like it just takes one. And you're like, oh yeah, death to self. [00:29:41] (86 seconds)

And I'm not perfect in any ways, but if there's one thing that I do is I try, my life is available for anyone who asks for it. In any task, in anything, I will go. I will do, I will try as hard as I can. And when I do something, I will do it as hard and as far as I can. [00:31:35] (21 seconds)

And the story continues the way to get egypt out of us is the relentless laying down of one's own life isaiah 53 which is one of my favorite chapters of the bible i've said that like eight times already tonight you and that's the um by his stripes we were healed you know that that's the whole chapter it's called it's called the suffering servant. [00:35:27] (25 seconds)

And, okay, so then Moses builds a new tent. He brings the tent down, and he builds a new tent. And Exodus ends with God moving into this new house, this tent, in fire. Okay? And then Leviticus chapter 1. I've shared this before, but it's good, so I'm going to tell you again. Leviticus chapter 1, verse 1. Now the Lord called to Moses and spoke to him from... Say from. From the tent. [00:37:04] (32 seconds)

That's another bar there are more offerings to say thank you then i'm sorry and what you're going to find throughout leviticus is that it's actually like another brand guide for if you want to be successful in walking the narrow path if you want to be successful in living with god you need to learn how to lay down your life for god and for others. [00:41:42] (31 seconds)

Then when you do the real fast, when you do that, when you recognize that everything that I give is to God and to others, it's not, we're not going on a diet for 10 days. I recognize that. No, we're calling into a season of drawing near to the tent. of laying down our lives for any who ask for it. This is what happens. Then your light breaks forth like the morning. [00:43:40] (22 seconds)

Look for opportunities to lay down your life to any who would ask for it. Amen? Awesome, let me pray for you guys. Father, we thank you for your sacrifice and that you have laid down your life to completely clear out empire and fill us up with shalom, with peace. God, I pray over every person in this room that you would speak to them clearly in this next season. [00:49:33] (24 seconds)

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