Commitment to Christ: Choosing God's Kingdom Over the World

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, we are called to live a life fully committed to Christ, much like the Apostle Paul, whose unwavering dedication serves as a profound example. Paul’s life was a testament to his deep commitment to Christ, as he was unshaken by threats of death, life, or suffering. His perspective was that whether he lived or died, it was all for Christ. This total devotion is what God desires from us in our worship and daily lives. We must position ourselves in such a way that God owns all of us, and the world owns none of us.

The world, much like a potter with clay, tries to mold us into its image, defining success and purpose by its standards. However, true fulfillment and purpose come from understanding and living out our divine calling, which is our reason for being. The world’s definition of success may provide material gains, but it cannot fulfill the deeper need for purpose that only God can satisfy. We must resist the world’s attempts to shape us and instead allow God to define our calling and purpose.

The concept of the world, or "cosmos," is a system that excludes God, led by Satan. To be worldly, one does not need to engage in overtly sinful acts; it is enough to simply exclude God from our lives. We must be mindful of the gray areas in life and ensure that whatever we do, God is with us. The world’s system is in direct opposition to God’s kingdom, and we must choose which kingdom we will serve.

The story of Robert Hansen, an FBI agent who betrayed his country by serving another, serves as a cautionary tale for Christians. Many of us belong to God’s kingdom but serve the world, and we wonder why God does not rescue us from our troubles. We must be loyal to God’s kingdom and not allow our service to be used against Him. As we navigate life, we must be clear about which kingdom we are aligned with and ensure that our lives reflect our commitment to God.

Key Takeaways:

1. Unwavering Commitment to Christ: Like Paul, our lives should be wholly dedicated to Christ, unshaken by life’s circumstances. Whether in life, death, or suffering, our focus should remain on serving Christ, as this is the essence of true worship. [01:31]

2. Resisting the World’s Mold: The world attempts to shape us into its image, but true fulfillment comes from allowing God to define our purpose. We must resist conforming to worldly standards and instead seek God’s calling for our lives. [02:25]

3. Understanding Worldliness: Worldliness is not just about overt sin but about excluding God from our lives. We must ensure that in all we do, God is present and that our actions align with His will. [04:03]

4. Choosing the Right Kingdom: We must be clear about which kingdom we serve. Aligning with God’s kingdom means rejecting the world’s values and living out our divine calling with purpose and integrity. [05:26]

5. Loyalty to God’s Kingdom: Like Robert Hansen’s betrayal, serving the world while belonging to God’s kingdom is a form of spiritual treason. Our loyalty must be to God, ensuring that our lives reflect His values and purposes. [06:57]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:40] - Paul's Unwavering Commitment
[01:03] - Living for Christ
[01:31] - Total Devotion in Worship
[01:49] - God Must Own All of You
[02:10] - The Potter and the Clay
[02:25] - Resisting Worldly Conformity
[03:24] - Understanding the World
[04:03] - Defining Worldliness
[04:55] - The Kingdom of the World
[05:09] - Living in the World, Not of It
[05:26] - Choosing Your Kingdom
[06:19] - The Story of Robert Hansen
[06:57] - Spiritual Loyalty
[07:51] - Exchange of Kingdoms

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Philippians 1:21 - "For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."
2. Romans 12:2 - "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."
3. Romans 8:18 - "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

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Observation Questions:

1. How did Paul respond to the threats of death, life, and suffering, and what does this reveal about his commitment to Christ? [00:40]

2. What metaphor is used to describe the world's influence on us, and how does it relate to our spiritual lives? [02:10]

3. What does the term "cosmos" mean in the context of the sermon, and how does it relate to worldliness? [03:24]

4. How does the story of Robert Hansen illustrate the concept of spiritual loyalty and betrayal? [06:19]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. What does it mean for a believer to live a life where "to live is Christ and to die is gain," and how can this perspective influence daily decisions? [00:52]

2. In what ways might the world try to "squeeze" and "mold" believers, and how can one resist this pressure according to the sermon? [02:25]

3. How does excluding God from certain areas of life contribute to worldliness, and what are the potential consequences of this exclusion? [04:03]

4. What are the implications of serving two kingdoms, as illustrated by the story of Robert Hansen, for a believer's spiritual life and witness? [06:57]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your current life circumstances. Are there areas where you feel unshaken in your commitment to Christ, like Paul? How can you strengthen your resolve in areas where you feel less committed? [00:40]

2. Identify a specific way the world has tried to mold your values or actions. What steps can you take this week to resist this influence and align more closely with God's purpose for you? [02:25]

3. Consider the "gray areas" in your life where you might be excluding God. How can you invite God into these areas and ensure your actions align with His will? [04:20]

4. Reflect on your loyalty to God's kingdom. Are there ways in which you might be inadvertently serving the world? What changes can you make to ensure your loyalty is solely to God? [06:57]

5. Think about a recent decision or action. Did it reflect the values of God's kingdom or the world's? How can you ensure future decisions align with your divine calling? [05:26]

6. How can you practically live out the idea that "to live is Christ" in your daily routine, especially in your interactions with others? [00:52]

7. Identify one area of your life where you feel purposeless. What steps can you take to discover and pursue your divine calling in that area? [06:01]

Devotional

Day 1: Unwavering Devotion to Christ
In the journey of faith, believers are called to emulate the Apostle Paul's unwavering commitment to Christ. Paul’s life was marked by a steadfast dedication that remained unshaken by life’s circumstances, whether in life, death, or suffering. His perspective was that everything he did was for Christ, and this total devotion is what God desires from us in our worship and daily lives. To live a life fully committed to Christ means positioning ourselves in such a way that God owns all of us, and the world owns none of us. This is the essence of true worship, where our focus remains on serving Christ regardless of the challenges we face. [01:31]

"For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell." (Philippians 1:21-22, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?


Day 2: Resisting Worldly Conformity
The world often attempts to mold individuals into its image, defining success and purpose by its standards. However, true fulfillment and purpose come from understanding and living out one's divine calling, which is the reason for being. The world’s definition of success may provide material gains, but it cannot fulfill the deeper need for purpose that only God can satisfy. Believers are called to resist the world’s attempts to shape them and instead allow God to define their calling and purpose. This involves seeking God’s guidance and resisting the temptation to conform to worldly standards. [02:25]

"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you felt pressured to conform to worldly standards, and how can you actively seek God's purpose for your life today?


Day 3: Understanding Worldliness
Worldliness is not merely about engaging in overtly sinful acts but about excluding God from one's life. The concept of the world, or "cosmos," is a system that excludes God, led by Satan. To be worldly, one does not need to engage in overtly sinful acts; it is enough to simply exclude God from our lives. Believers must be mindful of the gray areas in life and ensure that whatever they do, God is with them. The world’s system is in direct opposition to God’s kingdom, and individuals must choose which kingdom they will serve. [04:03]

"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." (James 4:4, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a "gray area" in your life where you might be excluding God. How can you invite Him into that area today?


Day 4: Choosing the Right Kingdom
Believers must be clear about which kingdom they serve. Aligning with God’s kingdom means rejecting the world’s values and living out one's divine calling with purpose and integrity. The story of Robert Hansen, an FBI agent who betrayed his country by serving another, serves as a cautionary tale for Christians. Many belong to God’s kingdom but serve the world, and they wonder why God does not rescue them from their troubles. It is crucial to be loyal to God’s kingdom and not allow one's service to be used against Him. [05:26]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your daily choices and actions. Are they aligned with God's kingdom, or are there areas where you are inadvertently serving the world?


Day 5: Loyalty to God’s Kingdom
Like Robert Hansen’s betrayal, serving the world while belonging to God’s kingdom is a form of spiritual treason. Believers must ensure that their loyalty is to God, ensuring that their lives reflect His values and purposes. As individuals navigate life, they must be clear about which kingdom they are aligned with and ensure that their lives reflect their commitment to God. This involves making conscious choices that honor God and rejecting the values of the world that are in opposition to His kingdom. [06:57]

"Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain." (1 Corinthians 15:58, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made. Did it reflect loyalty to God's kingdom? How can you ensure your future decisions align with His values?

Quotes


I love Paul because his commitment was so deep and we're all growing in this but his commitment was so deep you could never intimidate him. They came in one time and said we're gonna kill you. He said that's cool to die is gain I'm going be better off let's get over with. [00:00:28]

Well since you that nonon about it we not going to kill you we're gonna let you live he said that's cool to live as Christ you see if you kill me I'm going to go live with Christ if you let me live I'm going to stay here and serve Christ. [00:00:47]

So I said well well and no you're too cool for that so so let me come up with another we're not going to kill you or let you live we're going to make you suffer he said that's cool cuz I reckon that the suffering of this present time is not worthy to be compared with the glory that shall be revealed unto me. [00:00:60]

You kill me I'mma go to be with Christ you let me live I'm G stay here and serve Christ you make me suffer I'mma get more reward from Christ so it don't matter to me it's all Christ anyway it was a total consuming life for Christ and that is your worship God wants you to to deliver to him you and me. [00:01:78]

God must own all of you verse two the world must own none of you be not conformed to this world the word Greek word for conform was what a Potter did with Clay a Potter takes clay and he squeezes it here shapes it here molds it here so that the Clay comes out looking like what the Potter intends. [00:01:106]

So if the Potter wants a cup he squeezes it so it shaped like a cup or a bowl or a salsa or a plate he says don't let the world squeeze you here mold you there so that you wind up looking like what it says you ought to be you know one of the reasons many of us haven't found out our calling because we've been letting the world teach us what success is. [00:02:134]

And since we've been F following what the world's definition is we've been climbing to the top of the ladder discovering it's leaning against the wrong wall we've discovered it's not answered our reason for being it may give you money it may give you a house it may give you cars it may give you clothes but it doesn't give you a reason for being and your calling is your Divine reason for being. [00:02:161]

You have a reason to get up in the morning because you have a calling to fulfill and a charge to keep so don't let the world be a Potter over your life what what do we mean by world the Greek word for the word world is Cosmos we get our English word cosmetic from that word the Greek word Cosmos meant to arrange or to put in order. [00:02:180]

The cosmos can be more formally defined as that system headed by Satan that leads God out to be worldly you don't have to be a drunker or a drug addict to be worldly you don't have to be gay or or some other kind of uh uh perversion that you would make a big deal about all you have to do to be worldly is excuse God. [00:03:234]

You know you often get that college students often ask this question but not limited to them about the gray areas of life can we do this can we do that well the easiest way to answer that is to remember whatever you do God is doing with you is he having as much fun as you are or must you leave him outside. [00:04:263]

The cosmos is a kingdom headed by Satan that opposes the program of God you know it's worldly because it doesn't want God in it that that means it's the world now you have to live in the world you cannot operate as a Hermit somewhere you must live in this world but God does not want this world squeezing you and molding you so that it's value system becomes your value system. [00:04:291]

Many of us belong to heaven but we regularly service hell and we wonder why God won't bail us out of our circumstances why he won't bail us out of our situations why should he let you go free when he knows the secrets of his kingdom are going to be made available to the kingdom of another. [00:07:428]

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Transcript
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