Embracing a Kingdom Mindset: Unity in Love
Summary
### Summary
Today, we continued our series on the Kingdom of God, but before diving into that, I felt compelled to address a recent event that grieved many of us—the mockery of the Lord's Supper at the Paris Olympics opening ceremony. This blatant display of disrespect towards our faith is a stark reminder of the spiritual battles we face. Our response as Christians should be one of righteous anger, but also of love and awareness of God's glory. We are called to be agents of God's presence on earth, not by condemning others, but by living out the truth of the Gospel in our actions and words.
We revisited the importance of having a kingdom mindset, which means allowing God's Word to influence our thoughts and actions rather than the world around us. This mindset calls for unity among believers, despite our differences. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy; it is ruled by a sovereign King whose Word is unchanging. Our unity is essential for effectively bringing God's glory to the world. We must focus on the essentials of our faith and not let non-essential differences divide us.
The Kingdom mindset also involves a selfless love that cares for the poor, the needy, and the brokenhearted. It is a love that puts others' needs before our own. This contrasts sharply with the selfish love displayed in the world, which often prioritizes personal desires and lusts. We are called to be different, to be unified in our diversity, and to let the Holy Spirit guide our interactions, especially in difficult conversations.
In closing, we are reminded that heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. Our earthly mindsets must be replaced with a kingdom mindset that elevates itself to the heavens. Jesus prayed for our unity, and it is through Him that we can achieve it. We must bend over backwards for each other, assume the best motives, and love one another deeply. This unity is crucial for fighting the evil in the world and bringing God's kingdom to earth.
### Key Takeaways
1. Righteous Anger and Love: Our response to blatant disrespect towards our faith should be one of righteous anger, but also of love and awareness of God's glory. We are called to be agents of God's presence on earth, not by condemning others, but by living out the truth of the Gospel in our actions and words. [04:51]
2. Kingdom Mindset: A kingdom mindset allows God's Word to influence our thoughts and actions rather than the world around us. This mindset calls for unity among believers, despite our differences. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy; it is ruled by a sovereign King whose Word is unchanging. [11:16]
3. Selfless Love: The Kingdom mindset involves a selfless love that cares for the poor, the needy, and the brokenhearted. It is a love that puts others' needs before our own, contrasting sharply with the selfish love displayed in the world. [12:49]
4. Unity in Diversity: We must focus on the essentials of our faith and not let non-essential differences divide us. Our unity is essential for effectively bringing God's glory to the world. We are diverse in culture, language, and styles, but unified by the body of Christ. [23:36]
5. Eternal Perspective: Heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. Our earthly mindsets must be replaced with a kingdom mindset that elevates itself to the heavens. Jesus prayed for our unity, and it is through Him that we can achieve it. [27:11]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:48] - Introduction and Recent Events
[03:22] - The Basketball Finals Analogy
[04:51] - Habakkuk 2:14 and Our Response
[06:22] - Recap of Last Week's Kingdom Series
[08:07] - Unity and Differences
[09:38] - God's Sovereignty and Kingdom
[11:16] - Kingdom Mindset
[12:49] - Selfless Love vs. Selfish Love
[14:18] - The Fish Love Story
[16:03] - Responding to the World's Challenges
[17:03] - Holy Spirit's Guidance in Conversations
[18:48] - Paradigm Shifting Scriptures
[20:27] - Salvation by Grace
[21:56] - Foursquare Church Essentials
[23:36] - Unity in Diversity
[25:12] - The Beauty of Diversity
[26:22] - Fighting Among Christians
[27:11] - Eternal Perspective
[28:15] - Jesus' Prayer for Unity
[30:15] - Kingdom Culture on Earth
[31:59] - Commitment to Unity
[32:47] - Closing Charge and Prayer
[35:07] - Prayer for Pastor Randy
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Habakkuk 2:14 - "For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord."
2. Psalms 103:19 - "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
3. John 17:17-20 - "Sanctify them by the truth; your word is truth. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. For them I sanctify myself, that they too may be truly sanctified. My prayer is not for them alone. I pray also for those who will believe in me through their message."
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the recent event at the Paris Olympics that grieved many Christians, and how did the pastor suggest we respond to such events? [01:48]
2. According to Habakkuk 2:14, what will the earth be filled with, and how does this relate to our role as Christians? [04:51]
3. What does the pastor mean by a "kingdom mindset," and how does it differ from a worldly mindset? [11:16]
4. How does the pastor describe the concept of "selfless love" in contrast to the "selfish love" seen in the world? [12:49]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How can Christians balance righteous anger with love when responding to disrespect towards their faith? [04:51]
2. What are some practical ways to cultivate a kingdom mindset in our daily lives, according to the sermon? [11:16]
3. In what ways can selfless love be demonstrated in our interactions with the poor, needy, and brokenhearted? [12:49]
4. How does the concept of unity in diversity play a crucial role in bringing God's glory to the world? [23:36]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent event that made you feel righteous anger. How did you respond, and how could you have incorporated more love and awareness of God's glory in your response? [04:51]
2. Identify one area in your life where you struggle to maintain a kingdom mindset. What specific steps can you take this week to let God's Word influence your thoughts and actions more than the world around you? [11:16]
3. Think of a person or group in your community who is in need. What is one tangible way you can show selfless love to them this week? [12:49]
4. Consider a recent disagreement you had with a fellow believer. How can you approach future disagreements with a focus on unity and understanding rather than division? [23:36]
5. Jesus prayed for our unity in John 17:17-20. How can you actively work towards unity within your church or small group, especially when faced with differences in opinions or practices? [28:15]
6. Reflect on the idea that heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. How does this eternal perspective change the way you prioritize your daily activities and decisions? [27:11]
7. Think of a specific situation where you need to bend over backwards for someone in your life. What practical steps can you take to show them love and assume the best motives in their actions? [30:59]
Devotional
Day 1: Righteous Anger and Love
Our response to blatant disrespect towards our faith should be one of righteous anger, but also of love and awareness of God's glory. We are called to be agents of God's presence on earth, not by condemning others, but by living out the truth of the Gospel in our actions and words. This means that while we may feel hurt and angered by actions that mock our faith, our response should reflect the love and grace of Christ. We must remember that our ultimate goal is to bring glory to God and to be a light in a dark world.
In moments of disrespect or mockery, it is easy to react with condemnation and hostility. However, the Kingdom of God calls us to a higher standard. We are to respond with a love that seeks to understand and to show the glory of God through our actions. This does not mean we ignore the wrongs, but rather that we address them in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. Our actions and words should always point back to the truth of the Gospel and the love of God.
Habakkuk 2:14: "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea."
Reflection: Think of a recent event that made you feel righteous anger. How can you respond in a way that reflects both the truth of the Gospel and the love of Christ? [04:51]
Day 2: Kingdom Mindset
A kingdom mindset allows God's Word to influence our thoughts and actions rather than the world around us. This mindset calls for unity among believers, despite our differences. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy; it is ruled by a sovereign King whose Word is unchanging. Our unity is essential for effectively bringing God's glory to the world. We must focus on the essentials of our faith and not let non-essential differences divide us.
Having a kingdom mindset means that we prioritize God's Word above all else. It means that our decisions, actions, and thoughts are guided by the principles of the Kingdom of God rather than the shifting values of the world. This mindset fosters unity among believers, as we are all under the same sovereign King. Despite our differences in culture, language, and personal preferences, we are united by our commitment to God's unchanging Word.
Colossians 3:2: "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to maintain a kingdom mindset? How can you allow God's Word to influence your thoughts and actions more deeply? [11:16]
Day 3: Selfless Love
The Kingdom mindset involves a selfless love that cares for the poor, the needy, and the brokenhearted. It is a love that puts others' needs before our own, contrasting sharply with the selfish love displayed in the world. This selfless love is a hallmark of the Kingdom of God and is essential for living out our faith in a way that honors God.
Selfless love means that we prioritize the needs of others above our own desires. It means that we are willing to sacrifice our comfort, time, and resources to care for those who are hurting and in need. This kind of love is counter-cultural and stands in stark contrast to the self-centered love that is often promoted by the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this selfless love in all our interactions.
1 John 3:17-18: "But if anyone has the world's goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God's love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth."
Reflection: Identify someone in your life who is in need. How can you show them selfless love today, putting their needs before your own? [12:49]
Day 4: Unity in Diversity
We must focus on the essentials of our faith and not let non-essential differences divide us. Our unity is essential for effectively bringing God's glory to the world. We are diverse in culture, language, and styles, but unified by the body of Christ. This unity in diversity is a powerful testimony to the world of the transformative power of the Gospel.
Unity in diversity means that we celebrate our differences while remaining united in our core beliefs. It means that we do not allow minor disagreements or cultural differences to create division among us. Instead, we focus on what unites us—the love of Christ and our commitment to His Kingdom. This unity is crucial for our witness to the world and for effectively bringing God's glory to earth.
Ephesians 4:3-6: "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you allowed non-essential differences to create division. How can you focus on the essentials of your faith to foster unity in your relationships? [23:36]
Day 5: Eternal Perspective
Heaven and earth will pass away, but God's Word will never pass away. Our earthly mindsets must be replaced with a kingdom mindset that elevates itself to the heavens. Jesus prayed for our unity, and it is through Him that we can achieve it. We must bend over backwards for each other, assume the best motives, and love one another deeply. This unity is crucial for fighting the evil in the world and bringing God's kingdom to earth.
An eternal perspective means that we view our lives and our world through the lens of eternity. It means that we recognize the temporary nature of earthly things and prioritize what is eternal—God's Word and His Kingdom. This perspective helps us to remain focused on what truly matters and to live in a way that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God. It also fosters unity among believers, as we are all working towards the same eternal goal.
2 Corinthians 4:18: "As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal."
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary, earthly concerns to eternal, heavenly priorities? What practical steps can you take to cultivate an eternal perspective in your daily life? [27:11]
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We know that we need to bring a bigger awareness of the Holy Spirit and God's presence to this earth so that people can be seen. People can be saved. I'm going to open the scripture that Randy shared with me this morning and it's out of Habakkuk 2.14. Can we get it on the screen? It says, for as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord." [04:51] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "It doesn't say that we are to go out and bash them and to hate them because we know that hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that. So what is our response? It's right here. For as the waters fill the sea, the earth will be filled with an awareness of the glory of the Lord. So it is our jobs to be agents of that." [05:10] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Someone with a kingdom mindset will also recklessly abandon anything for the sake of the gospel. For the sake of the gospel, not for the sake of my opinion, not for the sake of me being right, not for the sake of what I want in my, um, preference to be. No, it's for the sake of the gospel and the truth and the essentials that are in the word of God." [12:49] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We need to be able to live our lives to enact the kingdom culture in this earth by bringing the kingdom of heaven to earth. And it looks differently for each and every one of us. But our prayer is, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Your kingdom mindset come, Lord, so that your will can be done, not mine." [30:15] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I am compelled to bend over backwards for you. I am compelled to assume the best of all possible motives in your heart for me. That is what we need to do. To come together to fight this evil in the world. That when we disagree, we disagree in love. But we never forego what Christ commanded us to do, which is to love each other and to be one." [31:59] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "What is a kingdom mindset? That's the title of my message today. Kingdom mindset. Mindset. What is a kingdom mindset? It allows the word of God to influence our thoughts and our actions rather than the world around us. And he touched a little bit on this last week, but it starts with allowing the word of God to influence us versus what we are being taught or influenced by in the world." [11:16] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Someone with a kingdom mindset, when we are engaging in conversations, allows for the Holy Spirit to lead and direct, is not self-seeking. Let me say that again. Someone with a kingdom mindset, when we are engaging in conversations, and I'm not just, hello, how are you? How was your week? Conversations. I'm talking about some heated things that are important, that matter to us." [17:03] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We don't have to look beyond our own churches to see Christians fighting amongst themselves over all kinds of issues. But what is the problem? We don't have the proper way to respond to Christian brothers and sisters when we are in disagreement with them. So there's two things here. Because we obviously have to come together to be unified to fight in this war that we're seeing play out." [26:22] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We all want to be right. We all want to be heard, to be seen. There's nothing wrong with wanting to be heard or to be seen. But we have to trust each other's commitment to this unity. Trust each other's commitment to the Lord and to his word. And that he calls us into fellowship with him." [32:47] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "I am compelled to bend over backwards. I am compelled to lay down my weapons. I am compelled to allow the earth to be seen, to be filled with his glory through my life and through my speech and through my conversation and through my response, which is not one of hatred, but of love." [33:58] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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