Embodying the Kingdom: Power, Presence, and Purpose

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound nature of the Kingdom of God, contrasting it with human governments and institutions. Human governments, as we see throughout history and even in our own communities, are often flawed due to the self-interest and limitations of individuals. In contrast, the Kingdom of God is not a human institution but a divine reality that transcends earthly power structures. It is a kingdom that Jesus made available to everyone, characterized by diversity, love, and the presence of God among us.

Jesus' ministry was revolutionary, not because he sought political power, but because he embodied the Kingdom of God. He associated with those marginalized by society, challenging the religious and social norms of his time. His call to repentance was an invitation to recognize the Kingdom's presence in him. The Kingdom of God is not something to be observed from afar; it is already here, among us, and within us. Jesus did not seek validation from religious authorities; instead, he demonstrated the Kingdom through his actions, healing the sick, and preaching good news to the poor.

The Kingdom of God is about power without human position. Jesus promised his followers power through the Holy Spirit, not for personal gain, but to fulfill God's purposes on earth. This power is evident in the early church's mission, as they spread the gospel to all nations, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Kingdom is not about rituals or dietary laws but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

As we live in this Kingdom, we are called to embody its values and share its message with the world. The Lord's Prayer, as reimagined, reminds us of our dependence on God and our role in bringing his Kingdom to earth. It is a prayer for God's rule to be completed in us, for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This is the essence of living in the Kingdom: aligning our lives with God's purposes and experiencing his presence in our daily lives.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Kingdom of God vs. Human Governments: Human governments are often flawed due to self-interest, but the Kingdom of God transcends these limitations. It is a divine reality that Jesus made available to everyone, characterized by diversity and love. [11:31]

2. Jesus' Revolutionary Ministry: Jesus challenged societal norms by associating with marginalized individuals and demonstrating the Kingdom through his actions. His call to repentance was an invitation to recognize the Kingdom's presence in him. [15:25]

3. Power Without Position: The Kingdom of God offers power through the Holy Spirit, not for personal gain, but to fulfill God's purposes. This power transcends cultural and ethnic boundaries, as seen in the early church's mission. [23:44]

4. Living in the Kingdom: The Kingdom is not about rituals but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As we live in this Kingdom, we are called to embody its values and share its message with the world. [29:26]

5. The Lord's Prayer Reimagined: The Lord's Prayer reminds us of our dependence on God and our role in bringing his Kingdom to earth. It is a prayer for God's rule to be completed in us and for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. [31:53]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [11:11] - Human Kingdoms vs. God's Kingdom
- [12:11] - Flaws of Human Government
- [13:08] - Diversity in the Kingdom
- [14:18] - Jesus' New Teachings
- [15:13] - Pharisees and Grumbling
- [15:25] - Repentance and the Kingdom
- [16:17] - The Kingdom Among Us
- [17:00] - Prophets and Priests
- [18:14] - John the Baptist's Doubts
- [19:05] - Jesus' Miracles and Power
- [20:06] - Greater Than John the Baptist
- [21:13] - The Messiah's True Nature
- [23:06] - Power Without Position
- [26:39] - The Great Commission
- [28:54] - The Kingdom in Power
- [31:20] - The Lord's Prayer Reimagined

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Daniel 2:34-35 - The stone cut out without hands that destroys human kingdoms.
2. Matthew 11:11 - Jesus speaks about John the Baptist and the Kingdom of Heaven.
3. Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

#### Observation Questions
1. How does the sermon describe the difference between human governments and the Kingdom of God? [11:31]
2. What actions did Jesus take to demonstrate the presence of the Kingdom of God during his ministry? [15:25]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Jesus not seeking validation from religious authorities? [16:37]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of "power without position" in the Kingdom of God? [23:44]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the Kingdom of God compared to human governments, and how does this relate to Daniel 2:34-35? [11:48]
2. How does Jesus' interaction with marginalized individuals challenge societal norms, and what does this reveal about the Kingdom of God? [14:38]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the early church embodied the power of the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to the Great Commission? [26:39]
4. How does the reimagined Lord's Prayer reflect the values and mission of the Kingdom of God as described in the sermon? [31:53]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the flaws of human government. How does this contrast with the Kingdom of God as described in the sermon? [12:11]
2. Jesus associated with those marginalized by society. How can you follow his example in your community this week? [14:38]
3. The sermon emphasizes power through the Holy Spirit for God's purposes. How can you seek to use your gifts and abilities for God's Kingdom rather than personal gain? [23:44]
4. The Kingdom of God is about righteousness, peace, and joy. What specific steps can you take to embody these values in your daily life? [29:26]
5. The reimagined Lord's Prayer calls for God's rule to be completed in us. What areas of your life need to align more closely with God's will, and how can you work towards this? [31:53]
6. Consider the diversity within the Kingdom of God. How can you promote inclusivity and love in your church or community? [13:08]
7. How can you actively participate in spreading the message of the Kingdom of God in your everyday interactions? [26:39]

Devotional

Day 1: The Divine Kingdom Transcends Human Flaws
The Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to human governments, which are often marred by self-interest and limitations. Unlike earthly institutions, the Kingdom of God is a divine reality that transcends these flaws. It is characterized by diversity, love, and the presence of God among us. Jesus made this Kingdom accessible to everyone, inviting all to experience its transformative power. This Kingdom is not bound by human constraints but is a manifestation of God's perfect will and love. [11:31]

Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the Kingdom of God today, demonstrating its values of diversity and love in your community?


Day 2: Jesus' Ministry of Inclusion and Transformation
Jesus' ministry was revolutionary because he embodied the Kingdom of God, not by seeking political power, but by associating with those marginalized by society. He challenged the religious and social norms of his time, inviting people to recognize the Kingdom's presence in him. His call to repentance was an invitation to see the Kingdom not as a distant reality but as something already here, among us, and within us. Jesus demonstrated the Kingdom through his actions, healing the sick and preaching good news to the poor, showing that the Kingdom is about inclusion and transformation. [15:25]

Luke 4:18-19 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor."

Reflection: Who in your life might feel marginalized or overlooked? How can you extend the love and inclusion of Jesus to them today?


Day 3: Empowered by the Spirit for God's Purposes
The Kingdom of God offers power through the Holy Spirit, not for personal gain, but to fulfill God's purposes on earth. This power is not about human position or authority but is evident in the mission of the early church, which spread the gospel to all nations, transcending cultural and ethnic boundaries. The Kingdom is about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, empowering believers to live out God's purposes in their daily lives. [23:44]

Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Reflection: What is one way you can rely on the Holy Spirit's power to fulfill God's purposes in your life this week?


Day 4: Living the Kingdom's Values
Living in the Kingdom of God means embodying its values and sharing its message with the world. The Kingdom is not about rituals or dietary laws but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are called to align our lives with God's purposes, experiencing his presence in our daily lives and reflecting his love and peace to those around us. [29:26]

Romans 14:17 (ESV): "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

Reflection: How can you intentionally embody the values of righteousness, peace, and joy in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: The Lord's Prayer as a Kingdom Manifesto
The Lord's Prayer is a powerful reminder of our dependence on God and our role in bringing his Kingdom to earth. It is a prayer for God's rule to be completed in us and for his will to be done on earth as it is in heaven. This prayer calls us to align our lives with God's purposes, seeking his guidance and strength to live out the values of the Kingdom in our daily lives. [31:53]

Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV): "Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.'"

Reflection: As you pray the Lord's Prayer today, what specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God's will, allowing his Kingdom to be manifested through you?

Quotes


"there and you know we're still troubled by this there are many people today who think the kingdom of God is the Millennium they think it's a literal human government it's a government all right but it's not human it's the one that destroys human governments go back and look at Daniel 2 and you see" [00:11:17]

"Jesus comes into the world to make the kingdom of God available to everyone that's I mean if you think about diversity you haven't seen diversity until you get with Jesus then you learn what diversity really is that was understood in the early church Augustine even points it out and takes Pride that that in the church there is everyone is welcome and everyone is loved in the church" [00:13:00]

"Jesus comes among people and when he says repent for the kingdom of the Heaven is at hand what is he talking about he's talking about him where was the Kingdom at hand in him see to be at hand meant it's right there it didn't mean it's about to come it's already here Luke 17 people say well where's the kingdom of God where's the kingdom oh there's a big racket going on over maybe that's the kingdom of God and Jesus said oh forget it fellas the kingdom of God does not come with observation the kingdom of God is among you already it's right here right here God is here" [00:15:25]

"now among those born of women none is greater than John the Baptist Matthew 11:11 but he that is least in the Kingdom of the heavens is greater than John the Baptist now let me ask you a question to see how you're doing with this is there anyone in the room here that is great than John the Baptist why are they greater because of the kingom because of the kingdom and they are working with the kingdom in the way that John the Baptist himself didn't know how to do" [00:19:23]

"now please understand about the kingdom of God it is power without human position you will receive power see human beings only think of power in terms of position give me the position and I'll get the power the power you get will be human power and it always is misguided more or less when you act in the power of God it's right because he's in charge so Paul acted in the power of God" [00:23:44]

"the kingdom of God is not in eating and drinking but in righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Spirit that's Church see well I've run out of time to talk about this but I hope you get the message that the kingdom of the heavens is at hand it's right there where you are when Paul said to the Greeks in Athens in him we live and move and have our being he was doing nothing but taking the message of Jesus and putting it in the world for everyone see and that's what we do today is we bring that and we bring it in ourselves" [00:29:26]

"Jesus sent his disciples out to preach the gospel and told them if people listen to you good if they don't tell them um that wipe off the dust on their feet and it's going to constitute a recording that will be played on the day of judgment and uh uh tell them nevertheless the kingdom of God came close to you right how did it do in those people you're a person of the Kingdom God is acting with you the kingdom of God is moving with you" [00:30:39]

"and the old uh version we're all familiar with and seeing is wonderful but sometimes the words don't say much and so I've reformulated it here and this is printed in the great in the Divine conspiracy and so on but once you get the idea of the Kingdom then this is how you pray dear father always near us Our Father who art in heaven heaven is near not far away not much later dear father always near us may your name be treasured and loved may your rule be completed in us may your will be done here on Earth and just the way it's done in heaven" [00:31:20]

"give us today the things we need for today and forgive our sins and impositions on you as we are forgiving all who in any way offend us please don't put us through trials but Deliver Us from everything bad because you're the one in charge and you have all the power and the glory too is all yours forever and now how do you say Amen well I suggest which is just the way we want it now if you get into the spirit of it you can also substitute for amen Whoopi you try it you try it now be sure and do that you want to do it in the Solitude of your cell at first but you might even be able to do it in public after a while" [00:31:53]

"Jesus comes now in a lowly form he does not go to Seminary he doesn't study with a rabbi very interesting he breaks the mold and in many respects they say oh you don't doing the right thing I said well you know you can't put new cloth on Old britches if you do when you climb over the barbwire fence it'll catch on that new piece of cloth and it'll tear the old britches away and the hole will be bigger than it was to start with don't you just love Jesus and the way he teaches you put new wine in old wine bottles the bottles can't expand and they'll burst right you see he's doing something new" [00:13:08]

"and this was a battle that Jesus fought out in his teachings he asked the question once in a confrontation what think you of Christ who son is he and then Jesus who really knew the scripture quoted Psalm 110 to them where David calls the Messiah Lord and no Jewish man is going to do that to his son and Jesus is pushing the old wine bags the old cloth away so you see the Messiah is not going to be a Jewish King you understand what that's about he's not going to be a Jewish King he's not going to have a political Reign now you got folks today that are still expecting him to come back with an atomic cattle prod and straighten everybody out you know because they still think it's a political deal well it has implications for that but it's not political in its nature it's political in its effect" [00:21:13]

"and then they hear something and and they remember Jesus said he was going to send the promise of the father what's happening here they heard a sound from uh where who said Heaven heard a sound from heaven now where where did they last see Jesus going heaven he's so careful to make the connections because he knows we're all a bunch of boobies and we need to have the connection made so that you you might ask yourself why didn't he just disappear he could have done that but he wanted them to know where he went where did he go into heaven what's the next move a sound from heaven and power begins to manifest itself and it turns out there are Jews from all over the known world right there to observe this phenomena and the explosion begins and the promise of God to Abraham that he would be a blessing to all the families and nations of the Earth takes off like a rocket" [00:28:54]

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Transcript
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