Embracing Jesus: The True Nature of His Kingship

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound nature of Jesus' kingship and the kingdom of God. We began by acknowledging the blessings God has bestowed upon us and the importance of offering our lives as living sacrifices in worship. We prayed for those in need, lifting up individuals by name, and sought God's guidance for our church and nation. We also prayed for the Operation Christmas Child initiative, asking that it be a testament to God's grace and love.

Our focus then shifted to the Gospel of John, where Jesus stands trial before Pontius Pilate. Pilate's question, "Are you a king?" mirrors the comedic confusion of Abbott and Costello's "Who's on First?" skit, highlighting the disconnect between worldly expectations and divine reality. Jesus' response, that His kingdom is not of this world, challenges us to redefine kingship from God's perspective. Unlike earthly rulers, Jesus' reign is spiritual and eternal, transcending political and social boundaries.

We delved into the nature of God's kingdom, which began with creation and was disrupted by sin. Satan's oppressive rule has been challenged by Jesus, who inaugurated a new order through His ministry, death, and resurrection. The kingdom of God is at hand, offering freedom from the powers that oppress and victimize humanity. We live in an "already but not yet" time, where God's kingdom is present but not fully realized.

The sermon called us to examine who or what occupies the throne of our hearts. We must decide whether to rally to Jesus as King or rail against Him. Idolatry, part-time allegiance, and viewing Jesus merely as a teacher rather than Lord are pitfalls that can prevent us from fully embracing His kingship. We are reminded that Jesus demands our complete loyalty, and His kingdom resides in the hearts of those who receive and embrace it.

As we concluded, we were challenged to make a personal decision about who is "on first" in our lives. Jesus' kingship is not about worldly success but about a transformed life under His rule. We are called to enthrone Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, living in the fullness of life He offers.

Key Takeaways:

- The Nature of Jesus' Kingship: Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, challenging us to redefine kingship from God's perspective. Unlike earthly rulers, His reign is spiritual and eternal, transcending political and social boundaries. This calls us to embrace a different kind of kingship, one that is not about power or domination but about spiritual transformation and eternal life. [30:51]

- The Kingdom of God at Hand: We live in an "already but not yet" time, where God's kingdom is present but not fully realized. Jesus' ministry began the overthrow of oppressive powers, offering freedom and fullness of life. This kingdom is a present experience, breaking down the alien rule of evil and inviting us to participate in God's transformative work. [37:33]

- Deciding Who's on First: We must decide who or what occupies the throne of our hearts. Idolatry, part-time allegiance, and viewing Jesus merely as a teacher are pitfalls that prevent us from fully embracing His kingship. Jesus demands our complete loyalty, and His kingdom resides in the hearts of those who receive and embrace it. [42:21]

- The Challenge of Loyalty: Jesus' kingship is not about worldly success but about a transformed life under His rule. We are called to enthrone Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, living in the fullness of life He offers. This requires us to examine our priorities and ensure that Jesus is first in our lives. [48:11]

- The Invitation to Rally or Rail: Each day, we face the choice to rally to Jesus or rail against Him. This decision is not just a one-time event but a daily commitment to live under His rule. We are invited to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers and to participate in the coming of God's kingdom. [49:44]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [09:23] - Prayers for the Community
- [11:11] - Opening Prayers and Worship
- [27:46] - Introduction to the Gospel of John
- [29:56] - Jesus' Trial Before Pilate
- [30:51] - The Nature of Jesus' Kingship
- [34:20] - The Kingdom of God at Hand
- [36:00] - The Good News of God's Kingdom
- [37:33] - Living in the "Already but Not Yet"
- [40:14] - God's Rule Breaking In
- [41:11] - The Controversy Around Jesus
- [42:21] - Deciding Who's on First
- [43:42] - The Challenge of Loyalty
- [44:48] - The Invitation to Rally or Rail
- [49:44] - Embracing Jesus as King

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 18:33-37

#### Observation Questions
1. What question does Pilate ask Jesus during His trial, and how does Jesus respond? [29:56]
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of Jesus' kingdom compared to earthly kingdoms? [30:51]
3. What does the sermon say about the current state of God's kingdom in the world? [37:33]
4. According to the sermon, what are some pitfalls that prevent people from fully embracing Jesus' kingship? [42:21]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Jesus' response to Pilate challenge the traditional understanding of kingship? [30:51]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between Jesus' kingdom and worldly power? [34:20]
3. How does the concept of living in an "already but not yet" time affect the way believers experience God's kingdom? [37:33]
4. What does the sermon imply about the importance of personal decision in recognizing Jesus as King? [42:21]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own life: Who or what currently occupies the throne of your heart? How can you ensure that Jesus is first in your life? [42:21]
2. The sermon mentions idolatry as a pitfall. What are some modern-day idols that might be competing for your allegiance? How can you identify and address them? [48:11]
3. How can you live out the spiritual and eternal nature of Jesus' kingdom in your daily interactions and decisions? [30:51]
4. In what ways can you participate in the "already but not yet" reality of God's kingdom? What practical steps can you take to engage in God's transformative work? [37:33]
5. The sermon challenges us to rally to Jesus daily. What are some specific actions you can take to reaffirm your commitment to His kingship each day? [44:48]
6. Consider the areas of your life where you might be giving Jesus part-time allegiance. How can you move towards a full-time commitment to His reign? [48:11]
7. How can you encourage others in your community to recognize and embrace Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords? What role can you play in supporting their journey? [49:44]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Redefining Kingship from a Divine Perspective
The nature of Jesus' kingship challenges conventional views of power and authority. Unlike earthly rulers who often seek control and dominance, Jesus' reign is spiritual and eternal, transcending political and social boundaries. His kingdom is not of this world, inviting us to embrace a different kind of kingship that focuses on spiritual transformation and eternal life. This perspective calls us to shift our understanding of leadership and authority, recognizing that true power lies in humility, service, and love. [30:51]

John 18:36 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.'"

Reflection: In what ways can you redefine your understanding of leadership and authority to align more closely with Jesus' example of spiritual kingship?

Day 2: Living in the "Already but Not Yet"
The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Jesus' ministry marked the beginning of the overthrow of oppressive powers, offering freedom and fullness of life. We live in an "already but not yet" time, where God's kingdom is present but not fully realized. This duality invites us to participate in God's transformative work, breaking down the alien rule of evil and embracing the freedom that comes with living under God's reign. It is a call to action, urging us to live as citizens of God's kingdom here and now, while anticipating its full realization. [37:33]

Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"

Reflection: How can you actively participate in God's kingdom today, even as you await its full realization?

Day 3: Examining the Throne of Your Heart
Deciding who or what occupies the throne of our hearts is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. Idolatry, part-time allegiance, and viewing Jesus merely as a teacher are pitfalls that prevent us from fully embracing His kingship. Jesus demands our complete loyalty, and His kingdom resides in the hearts of those who receive and embrace it. This requires a conscious decision to prioritize Jesus above all else, ensuring that He is the central focus of our lives and the ultimate authority in our hearts. [42:21]

Matthew 6:24 (ESV): "No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself divided in loyalty? How can you make Jesus the central focus in that area today?

Day 4: The Call to Transformative Loyalty
Jesus' kingship is not about worldly success but about a transformed life under His rule. We are called to enthrone Jesus as King of kings and Lord of lords, living in the fullness of life He offers. This requires us to examine our priorities and ensure that Jesus is first in our lives. It is a call to transformative loyalty, where our lives reflect the values and principles of God's kingdom, leading to a deeper relationship with Him and a more meaningful existence. [48:11]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV): "If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth."

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure that Jesus is first in your life, and how might this transform your daily living?

Day 5: The Daily Choice to Rally or Rail
Each day, we face the choice to rally to Jesus or rail against Him. This decision is not just a one-time event but a daily commitment to live under His rule. We are invited to embrace the abundant life Jesus offers and to participate in the coming of God's kingdom. This involves a conscious decision to align our actions, thoughts, and desires with God's will, choosing to follow Jesus wholeheartedly and allowing His love and grace to guide our lives. [49:44]

Joshua 24:15 (ESV): "And if it is evil in your eyes to serve the Lord, choose this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your fathers served in the region beyond the River, or the gods of the Amorites in whose land you dwell. But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can choose to rally to Jesus today, and how can this choice impact your relationship with Him and others around you?

Quotes

"Father, you have poured out your blessing in our lives, and we've come here this morning to say thank you, to worship you, to give you all that you're worth. And we pray, Father, as we do that, as we lift our voices and lift our hands in worship, that, Father, you would send your Holy Spirit to fill us with the blessings that you've given us. And we pray, Father, that you would free us so that we can worship you, not just with raised voices and raised hands, but by offering to you, Holy Father, our lives afresh as living sacrifices." [00:08:21] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Are you commanding an army? Are you a political rival? Are you planning on overthrowing the existing Roman government? Are you trying to overpower those who are corrupting the Roman government? Are you deliberately in control? And Jesus replied to Pilate, the political brown noser, Jesus replied that his kingdom was not of this world. His identity must be understood and has to be embraced and believed on an otherworldly level. Yes, Jesus is a king. And yet Jesus' kingdom is not of this world." [00:31:22] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The good news is that a new kind of ordering for human life is at hand, and we call that the kingdom of God. Christ's kingdom, or Jesus Christ, began his ministry on the cross by confronting the powerful forces that oppress and victimize human lives. That's why he healed. That's why he forgave. That's why he set people free." [00:36:31] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Guys, we live in an already but not quite yet time. We live in a time where the kingdom of God is at hand, but it's not fully manifested yet. The kingdom of God, whose name is Jesus, has already begun to usher in something new." [00:37:15] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"The kingdom of God is breaking in with the result that the other kingdom—the alien rule of the evil one and those who side with him—is even now breaking down and breaking apart under the pressure of God's invading presence. The war has begun, and this world is the battlefield." [00:40:41] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"We all must make a decision individually, personally, about who's on first. We must all decide who's first in our life's journey. At some point, we all have to make a decision about who or what is in the driver's seat in our life. Is it family loyalty? Is it professional success? Is it money?" [00:42:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Do we enthrone Jesus as king of a kingdom that is already but not yet or do we enthrone a host of other kings in our life we have to choose we have to rally to him or join those who rail against him come with me as we leave the gates of Jerusalem and we go to Skull Hill there a man in the middle of two thieves is dying on a cross under the sign installed by Pilate himself and some have called this sign the first Christian sermon it read this way Jesus king of the Jews." [00:45:05] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"Jesus demands to be king of all or he will refuse to be king at all. He demands everything." [00:48:34] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

"For 11 of the disciples, Jesus had become lord. And for one, for Judas, he had never made that declaration as Jesus, as king of kings and lord of lords. Have you?" [00:49:44] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?