Embracing God's Kingdom Amidst Societal Turmoil
Summary
### Summary
In today's sermon, we reflected on the recent tragic events involving law enforcement and the broader societal reactions. We began by acknowledging the various perspectives people hold—personal, societal, legal, criminal, political, familial, and communal. However, the most crucial perspective often overlooked is God's view. As believers, our primary question should always be, "What does God have to say about this?"
We explored the different dimensions of how such incidents impact us: personally, familially, communally, criminally, biblically, theologically, spiritually, and eternally. We emphasized that God created humanity for both time and eternity, urging us to consider both temporal and eternal implications of our actions and societal issues.
The core of the problem, we discussed, is not merely racial or legal but fundamentally spiritual. Humanity's brokenness and depravity are at the root of such atrocities. We are all broken, and this brokenness manifests in various ways, including the actions of the five officers involved in the recent incident. The ultimate solution lies in submitting to the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of man.
We delved into the concept of the Kingdom of God, emphasizing that it is the complex, comprehensive rule of God over all creation. This Kingdom is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy—qualities starkly absent in our current societal climate. We need to view incidents like the one in Memphis through the lens of God's Kingdom to make sense of them and find true solutions.
We concluded by discussing practical steps for both believers and non-believers. For non-believers, the steps are to receive the Kingdom, repent of their sins, and retrain their minds. For believers, the steps are to repent, renew their minds, reinforce their spiritual walk, and resume their walk in Christ. The ultimate goal is to embrace the King, experience the Kingdom's benefits, encourage others in the Kingdom, and extend the Kingdom by inviting others to serve the King.
### Key Takeaways
1. God's Perspective is Paramount: In the midst of societal turmoil and various viewpoints, the most crucial perspective is often overlooked—God's view. As believers, our primary question should always be, "What does God have to say about this?" This perspective helps us navigate through personal, societal, and communal challenges with a focus on eternal truths. [05:33]
2. Humanity's Brokenness: The root cause of societal issues, including police brutality, is humanity's inherent brokenness and depravity. We are all broken, and this brokenness manifests in various ways. The ultimate solution lies in submitting to the Kingdom of God, which offers righteousness, peace, and joy. [21:43]
3. The Kingdom of God: The Kingdom of God is the complex, comprehensive rule of God over all creation. It is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy—qualities that are starkly absent in our current societal climate. Viewing incidents through the lens of God's Kingdom helps us make sense of them and find true solutions. [27:11]
4. Practical Steps for Believers and Non-Believers: For non-believers, the steps are to receive the Kingdom, repent of their sins, and retrain their minds. For believers, the steps are to repent, renew their minds, reinforce their spiritual walk, and resume their walk in Christ. These steps help align our lives with God's Kingdom. [45:48]
5. Embrace and Extend the Kingdom: Our goal should be to embrace the King, experience the Kingdom's benefits, encourage others in the Kingdom, and extend the Kingdom by inviting others to serve the King. This approach helps us address societal issues at their root and bring about lasting change. [47:32]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:42] - Introduction and Context
[03:08] - Personal and Societal Views
[04:15] - Legal and Criminal Perspectives
[05:33] - God's Perspective
[06:56] - Dimensions of Impact
[08:04] - Race and Spiritual Issues
[09:14] - Core of the Problem
[10:39] - Biblical Examples
[12:01] - Empathy and Sobriety
[14:38] - Matthew 24 and Tribulation
[15:36] - Kingdom Context
[17:09] - God's Authority
[19:15] - Kingdom of God Explained
[21:43] - Humanity's Brokenness
[23:47] - Righteous People and Broken Decisions
[25:24] - Ultimate Issues
[27:11] - Complex Rule of God
[29:28] - Voluntary Submission to God
[30:29] - Parental Analogy
[32:16] - Kingdom of God in the Bible
[33:17] - Kingdom Definitions
[35:17] - Manifestations of Broken Humanity
[35:58] - Romans 14:17
[37:42] - Absence of Kingdom Qualities
[38:37] - Maranatha and Repentance
[39:41] - Eternal Security
[41:04] - Spiritual Condition of the Officers
[43:02] - Practical Steps for Believers and Non-Believers
[45:48] - Renewing the Mind
[47:32] - Embrace and Extend the Kingdom
[48:56] - Final Thoughts and Encouragement
[50:52] - Revelation 21 and 22
[52:04] - Final Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 24:9-14: "Then they will deliver you up to tribulation and put you to death, and you will be hated by all nations for my name's sake. And then many will fall away and betray one another and hate one another. And many false prophets will arise and lead many astray. And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come."
2. Romans 14:17: "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
3. Psalm 103:19: "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the characteristics of the Kingdom of God as described in Romans 14:17?
2. According to Matthew 24:9-14, what are some of the signs of the end times?
3. How does Psalm 103:19 describe God's authority and rule?
4. In the sermon, what are the different perspectives people hold about societal issues, and which perspective is often overlooked? ([05:33])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How do the characteristics of the Kingdom of God in Romans 14:17 contrast with the current societal climate described in the sermon? ([36:59])
2. What does Matthew 24:9-14 suggest about the challenges believers will face, and how should they respond according to the sermon? ([14:38])
3. How does the concept of God's comprehensive rule in Psalm 103:19 help us understand the sermon’s message about the Kingdom of God? ([17:09])
4. Why does the sermon emphasize the importance of viewing societal issues through the lens of God's Kingdom? ([27:11])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent societal issue that has troubled you. How can you seek God's perspective on this issue? ([05:33])
2. The sermon mentions the brokenness of humanity as the root cause of societal issues. How can you address your own areas of brokenness in light of this message? ([21:43])
3. What practical steps can you take to align your life more closely with the Kingdom of God, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy? ([36:59])
4. How can you encourage others in your community to embrace and extend the Kingdom of God? ([47:32])
5. Think of a non-believer in your life. How can you share the message of the Kingdom of God with them in a way that is inviting and compassionate? ([44:22])
6. The sermon calls for believers to renew their minds and reinforce their spiritual walk. What specific actions can you take this week to strengthen your spiritual disciplines? ([45:48])
7. How can you practically support and pray for law enforcement officers in your community, considering the sermon’s call to view them through a spiritual lens? ([41:04])
Devotional
Day 1: God's Perspective is Paramount
Description:
In the midst of societal turmoil and various viewpoints, the most crucial perspective is often overlooked—God's view. As believers, our primary question should always be, "What does God have to say about this?" This perspective helps us navigate through personal, societal, and communal challenges with a focus on eternal truths. By seeking God's perspective, we align our thoughts and actions with His will, allowing us to respond to crises with wisdom and compassion. This approach not only brings clarity but also fosters a sense of peace and purpose amidst chaos. [05:33]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV)
"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection:
Think of a current event or personal challenge you are facing. How can you seek God's perspective on this issue today? What steps can you take to align your thoughts and actions with His will?
Day 2: Humanity's Brokenness
Description:
The root cause of societal issues, including police brutality, is humanity's inherent brokenness and depravity. We are all broken, and this brokenness manifests in various ways. The ultimate solution lies in submitting to the Kingdom of God, which offers righteousness, peace, and joy. Recognizing our brokenness is the first step towards healing and transformation. It allows us to approach God with humility, seeking His guidance and strength to overcome our flaws and contribute positively to society. [21:43]
Jeremiah 17:9-10 (ESV)
"The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it? I the Lord search the heart and test the mind, to give every man according to his ways, according to the fruit of his deeds."
Reflection:
Identify an area in your life where you see evidence of brokenness. How can you submit this area to God's Kingdom today? What practical steps can you take to seek His righteousness, peace, and joy in this aspect of your life?
Day 3: The Kingdom of God
Description:
The Kingdom of God is the complex, comprehensive rule of God over all creation. It is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy—qualities that are starkly absent in our current societal climate. Viewing incidents through the lens of God's Kingdom helps us make sense of them and find true solutions. This perspective shifts our focus from temporary, earthly solutions to eternal, divine principles that bring lasting change. By embracing the Kingdom of God, we become agents of His righteousness, peace, and joy in a world desperately in need of these qualities. [27:11]
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:
Consider a recent event that has caused you distress. How can viewing this event through the lens of God's Kingdom change your perspective? What actions can you take to bring righteousness, peace, and joy into this situation?
Day 4: Practical Steps for Believers and Non-Believers
Description:
For non-believers, the steps are to receive the Kingdom, repent of their sins, and retrain their minds. For believers, the steps are to repent, renew their minds, reinforce their spiritual walk, and resume their walk in Christ. These steps help align our lives with God's Kingdom. By following these practical steps, we can experience personal transformation and become effective witnesses of God's love and truth. This process involves continuous growth and commitment to living out our faith in every aspect of our lives. [45:48]
Ephesians 4:22-24 (ESV)
"To put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Reflection:
Reflect on your current spiritual walk. What steps do you need to take to align your life more closely with God's Kingdom? How can you practically implement these steps in your daily routine?
Day 5: Embrace and Extend the Kingdom
Description:
Our goal should be to embrace the King, experience the Kingdom's benefits, encourage others in the Kingdom, and extend the Kingdom by inviting others to serve the King. This approach helps us address societal issues at their root and bring about lasting change. By living out the principles of God's Kingdom, we become beacons of hope and transformation in our communities. This mission involves not only personal growth but also actively reaching out to others, sharing the love and truth of Christ, and inviting them to experience the fullness of life in His Kingdom. [47:32]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection:
Think of someone in your life who needs to experience the benefits of God's Kingdom. How can you encourage and invite them to serve the King? What practical steps can you take to extend the Kingdom of God in your community today?
Quotes
1. "What I'm not hearing is God's view. And it doesn't seem that people feel like God's view is that important. People seem to be overtaken by the personal view, the societal view, the legal view, the criminal view, the political view, the familial view, the communal view. But nobody wants to hear from God. And as believers in Jesus Christ, our question ought to always be, what does God have to say about this? As kingdom citizens, as kingdom adherents, as people who serve the kingdom of God, we ought to always ask, what does God have to say about this?" [05:33] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So my question on the floor today. Is what would Jesus do? Scripture say he came to seek and to save the lost. Scripture says he was friends with sinners. When he was hanging on the cross, they talked about when I see you in paradise on today. When you read his genealogy, you read the name of a prostitute. When you read the book really well in the Old Testament, you see that he was a prostitute. You see that he used Moses greatly and Moses was a murderer in the New Testament." [09:14] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The challenge that we are facing right now in our country is what to do when government, more specifically, when law enforcement has seemed to fail us. And what is the solution to such atrocities? And so, what's happening is that man is looking around and searching for answers for how to resolve such a matter. I shared with you guys on Wednesday, in our Bible study on Wednesday, about speech about the kingdom of God. What happens with the kingdom of God, what happens with the kingdom, and we share with you all that the kingdom is the rule of God, it's the rules of God, and it's the royal authority of God." [19:15] (65 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The ultimate origin of this problem is not racial breakdown. It's not police corruption. It's not a reform in the police department. It's not a training issue. The ultimate issue is the brokenness of mankind. Psalm 51 says, we were born in sin and shaped in iniquity. Romans says, all have sin, past tense, and come short, present tense, of the glory of God. The scholars call it depravity. Humanity is depraved. Make it simple, pastor. Everybody broken. Everybody is broken." [21:43] (58 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The problem is we educate the brokenness. We put lipstick on the brokenness. We put cologne on the brokenness. We put Gucci on the brokenness. And we think because we put nice clothes on it, we put perfume on it, because we educate it, that it resolves the brokenness. No, it just camouflages the brokenness. It makes the brokenness smell better. But the reality is we should not be shocked when we see brokenness because every person is broken. We're all broken. So why are you shocked when you see brokenness? He told us we're broken." [23:47] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The kingdom is the complex, complex, comprehensive rule of God over all creation. It's the complex, put complex there, complex, comprehensive rule of God over all of creation. There is nothing that God is not in authority over. But what God does is, God allows, small k, kingdoms of men, kingdom of Satan, to exist at the same time under the rule and the authority of the kingdom of God. That's complex." [27:11] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So, pastor, what's the practice of the kingdom? What should we do? I shared these on Wednesday. Number one, you ought to embrace the king. Number two, experience the kingdom's benefits, righteousness, joy, and peace. Experience the kingdom. Number three, is encourage others in the kingdom. I wonder what would happen if those five guys would have been in a regular life group and regularly going to church and regularly serving God and, boy, regularly going through the here method of doing their Bible study and talking to people about the scriptures and God's word and confessing their sins and dealing with their anger and dealing with their frustration and doing it. I wonder if they'd have kid that kid the same way." [47:32] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Why don't we stop trying to help non-kingdom people experience kingdom benefits without coming to the kingdom? And why don't we start helping non-kingdom people become kingdom people so they can experience righteousness? and joy. There's a lot of pastors in the churches that trying to make earth their final home. But I bet that it's going to burn. It's going to burn. Because it's not compatible with what God has in store." [53:03] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The kingdom is the complex, comprehensive rule of God over all creation. Lord, you sing a song. God of wonders beyond this galaxy, you are holy. are holy. So it was good. So it was good for us to be here today. I want to pray, God, we recognize the problem is that we are serving the kingdom of men. The solution is to accept and serve the kingdom of God. The practice is to first of all make sure that we have embraced the king ourselves." [54:25] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?