Embracing a Kingdom First Mindset for Transformation
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved into the concept of having a "Kingdom First" mindset, emphasizing the importance of allowing God to transform our minds and renew our perspectives. We began by reflecting on Romans 12:2, which calls us to not conform to the patterns of this world but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This transformation is akin to the metamorphosis of a caterpillar into a butterfly, signifying a profound change in our thinking and being.
We discussed how our upbringing, culture, and experiences shape our mindsets, often leading to dysfunction that we mistakenly accept as normal. However, a Kingdom mindset challenges us to recognize and break free from these dysfunctional patterns. We must understand that our differences, whether cultural, political, or social, can either divide us or develop us, depending on our approach. A growth mindset, rooted in Kingdom principles, seeks to understand and learn from these differences rather than allowing them to create barriers.
We also touched on the divisive nature of social media and the media at large, which often feed us partial information, leading to disinformation and further division. As Kingdom citizens, we must strive for awareness, make informed choices, and seek change that aligns with God's will. Jesus exemplified this by breaking down barriers and uniting people across different walks of life.
The story of the Good Samaritan was highlighted to illustrate the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who are different from us. Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a call to action for us to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and compassion.
In conclusion, we are called to have a Kingdom First mentality, prioritizing our faith and unity in Christ over political and social differences. This mindset will not only transform us but also serve as a powerful testimony to the world of God's love and grace.
### Key Takeaways
1. Transformation Through Renewal: Romans 12:2 emphasizes the need for transformation through the renewal of our minds. This transformation is not a superficial change but a deep, metamorphic process that aligns our thoughts and actions with God's will. By allowing God to renew our minds, we can break free from the dysfunctional patterns of this world and embrace a Kingdom mindset. [03:29]
2. Understanding and Overcoming Dysfunction: Many of us have been shaped by dysfunctional environments, which we often accept as normal. Recognizing and addressing these dysfunctional patterns is crucial for spiritual growth. A Kingdom mindset helps us identify these issues and seek God's transformation to overcome them. [09:34]
3. Differences as Opportunities for Growth: Our differences, whether cultural, political, or social, can either divide us or develop us. A Kingdom mindset encourages us to see these differences as opportunities for growth and understanding rather than barriers. By embracing a growth mindset, we can learn from each other and strengthen our unity in Christ. [15:59]
4. The Danger of Disinformation: Social media and the media often feed us partial information, leading to disinformation and division. As Kingdom citizens, we must strive for awareness and make informed choices that align with God's truth. Awareness precedes choice, and choice precedes change, leading to a more unified and effective body of Christ. [24:22]
5. Loving Beyond Differences: Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a call to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and compassion. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who are different from us. This love is our testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of a Kingdom mindset. [33:52]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:53] - Introduction to Kingdom Mindset
[01:47] - Upside-Down Nature of God's Kingdom
[02:40] - Prayer and Romans 12:2
[03:29] - Transformation and Metamorphosis
[05:38] - Influence of Upbringing and Culture
[06:55] - Marriage Seminar Insights
[08:42] - Functioning in Dysfunction
[09:34] - Breaking Free from Dysfunction
[14:17] - Enemy's Tactics to Divide
[15:59] - Differences Can Develop Us
[17:46] - Social Media's Divisive Nature
[24:22] - Disinformation and Conformity
[33:52] - Love as Our Testimony
[43:08] - The Good Samaritan
[54:14] - Closing Prayer and Call to Unity
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Romans 12:2 (NLT): "Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Romans 12:2 say about how we should approach the behavior and customs of this world?
2. How does the sermon describe the process of transformation mentioned in Romans 12:2? ([03:29])
3. According to the sermon, what are some factors that shape our mindsets and realities? ([05:38])
4. What example from the sermon illustrates the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who are different from us? ([43:08])
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to be transformed by the renewing of our minds according to Romans 12:2, and how is this different from conforming to the world? ([03:29])
2. How can recognizing and addressing dysfunctional patterns in our lives lead to spiritual growth? ([09:34])
3. In what ways can our differences, whether cultural, political, or social, serve as opportunities for growth rather than barriers? ([15:59])
4. How does the story of the Good Samaritan challenge us to love beyond our differences? ([43:08])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there any dysfunctional patterns you have accepted as normal? How can you allow God to transform these areas? ([09:34])
2. Think about a recent disagreement you had with someone. How could you have approached it with a Kingdom mindset, seeking to understand and grow from the differences rather than allowing them to create barriers? ([15:59])
3. Social media and the media often feed us partial information. How can you strive for awareness and make informed choices that align with God's truth in your daily life? ([24:22])
4. Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a call to action. Identify one person in your life who is different from you. What specific steps can you take this week to show them love and compassion? ([33:52])
5. Reflect on your political and social views. Do they ever influence the way you love others? How can you prioritize your faith and unity in Christ over these differences? ([32:11])
6. The sermon mentioned the importance of having a growth mindset. What is one area in your life where you can intentionally seek growth and understanding from someone with a different perspective? ([15:59])
7. How can you actively work to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and compassion in your community, following the example of Jesus? ([33:52])
Devotional
### Day 1: Transformation Through Renewal
Description: Romans 12:2 calls believers to a profound transformation through the renewal of their minds. This transformation is not merely a superficial change but a deep, metamorphic process that aligns our thoughts and actions with God's will. Just as a caterpillar undergoes a metamorphosis to become a butterfly, we too are called to undergo a significant change in our thinking and being. This renewal allows us to break free from the dysfunctional patterns of this world and embrace a Kingdom mindset that reflects God's truth and love. [03:29]
Bible Passage: "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What are some specific thought patterns or behaviors in your life that you recognize as dysfunctional? How can you invite God to begin the process of renewing your mind in these areas today?
### Day 2: Understanding and Overcoming Dysfunction
Description: Many of us have been shaped by dysfunctional environments, which we often accept as normal. Recognizing and addressing these dysfunctional patterns is crucial for spiritual growth. A Kingdom mindset helps us identify these issues and seek God's transformation to overcome them. By allowing God to renew our minds, we can break free from the dysfunctional patterns of this world and embrace a Kingdom mindset that reflects God's truth and love. [09:34]
Bible Passage: "For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ." (2 Corinthians 10:3-5, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have accepted dysfunction as normal. How can you take steps to address this and seek God's transformation in this area?
### Day 3: Differences as Opportunities for Growth
Description: Our differences, whether cultural, political, or social, can either divide us or develop us. A Kingdom mindset encourages us to see these differences as opportunities for growth and understanding rather than barriers. By embracing a growth mindset, we can learn from each other and strengthen our unity in Christ. This perspective allows us to appreciate the diversity within the body of Christ and work together towards a common goal of glorifying God. [15:59]
Bible Passage: "For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." (1 Corinthians 12:12-13, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who has a different background or perspective than you. How can you take a step towards understanding and learning from them this week?
### Day 4: The Danger of Disinformation
Description: Social media and the media often feed us partial information, leading to disinformation and division. As Kingdom citizens, we must strive for awareness and make informed choices that align with God's truth. Awareness precedes choice, and choice precedes change, leading to a more unified and effective body of Christ. By seeking God's wisdom and discernment, we can navigate the complexities of the information we receive and make choices that reflect His will. [24:22]
Bible Passage: "The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps. One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but a fool is reckless and careless." (Proverbs 14:15-16, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on the sources of information you consume daily. How can you be more discerning and seek God's wisdom in evaluating the information you receive?
### Day 5: Loving Beyond Differences
Description: Jesus' command to love one another as He has loved us is a call to break down barriers and build bridges of understanding and compassion. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates the importance of loving our neighbors, even those who are different from us. This love is our testimony to the world, demonstrating the transformative power of a Kingdom mindset. By loving others as Jesus loves us, we can show the world the depth of God's love and grace. [33:52]
Bible Passage: "By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another." (John 13:35, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is different from you in some way. How can you show them love and compassion this week, reflecting the love of Christ?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you'll learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. I believe that this... This verse is foundational for us to have a kingdom mindset. The word transform there." [03:29] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A lot of us grew up in a very dysfunctional home. A very dysfunctional upbringing. Some of us still experience dysfunction. Maybe on the job. Maybe even in church. A lot of us have experienced dysfunction. And what happens because we have this survival type of mentality as humans. Is that we begin to learn how to function in dysfunction." [08:42] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "One of the main things about having a kingdom mindset. Is understanding that dysfunction shouldn't be normal. It's not normal. Maybe it has been your normality. But we need to break free from that. That's part of what allowing God to renew our mind. To change our mind is all about." [09:34] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be moving away from political idolatry to a kingdom first mindset. I'm calling it for what it is today. I'm not saying that all of us are partaking in that. But that's what we're seeing. It is straight up political idolatry. And let me just say this. And I hope this doesn't offend anybody. But this is the truth. If you allow the way someone votes to influence the way that you love them. Your mindset is of the world." [32:11] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus says this. So now I'm giving you a new commandment. He's talking to his disciples. He's talking to us. Somebody say, he's talking to me. Love each other. Just as I have loved you. You should love each other. Now listen to this. Your love for one another. Will prove to the world. That you are my disciples." [33:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "For us to truly walk in a kingdom mindset, we have to understand that a change needs to happen. A change in our mindset. A change in the way we view things and see things. Why? Because all of us have been formed by some things in this world. You haven't been sheltered from that. None of us have. None of us have. We've all been formed." [05:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The enemy, Satan, will try to use the things that we grew up in. The things that have formed us to divide us. Okay? This is very important for us to understand as the body of Christ. As the church. The enemy will try to use the things that have shaped us. The things that have formed us to divide us. To create barriers between us." [14:17] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Differences divide. Differences create barriers. Or if we have a growth mindset. A kingdom mindset. We can actually use the differences that we have. To develop us. Growth mindset. We don't have to see things the same way. Do you know that? You don't have to see things the same way as. I don't have to see everything the same way that brother David does. I don't have to. And I'm not going to all the time." [15:59] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Healthy communication begins by preparing yourself. For a growth experience. A growth experience. Where you say something like this. In your mind. And to the person that you are talking with. If I were in your shoes. Maybe I could see how you see this differently than I do. If I were in your shoes. And then let's take it even deeper. Then you can say this. But I'm not. So tell me. Tell me. Why do you see this the way that you do?" [27:53] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A kingdom mindset, a growth mindset brings peace. I talked about this a couple Wednesdays ago. That we are called to be peacemakers. Jesus says, blessed are the peacemakers for they will be called children of God. Kingdom mindset brings peace. It looks to bring reconciliation. It looks to bring restoration. It looks for healing. It looks to bring unity." [38:45] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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