Embracing Our Identity as Citizens of God's Kingdom
Summary
In the exploration of the concept of the Kingdom of God, a key emphasis is placed on the transformative nature of embracing a new identity as a citizen of this Kingdom. This new identity supersedes all other affiliations, whether they be cultural, political, or social. The Kingdom of God is not a physical location but rather the domain where God's authority and power are recognized and submitted to. It is both a present reality and a future hope, described as the "already but not yet" Kingdom, indicating that while God's reign is currently active, its full manifestation is still to come.
The teachings highlight that upon accepting faith in Jesus Christ, individuals are transferred from the domain of darkness into the Kingdom of God, becoming new creations with a new identity. This identity as citizens of God's Kingdom should inform and shape every aspect of one's life, from personal habits to financial decisions, and even to the way one interacts with others. The world may promote self-sovereignty, but within the Kingdom, there is a clear acknowledgment that Jesus is the King, and thus, life is lived in submission to His authority.
The role of an ambassador is introduced as a job title that comes with being a citizen of the Kingdom. An ambassador is an authorized representative of a sovereign power in a foreign land. The 'foreign land' in this context is the world that ambassadors are sent back into after being brought into the Kingdom. Their mission is to represent the King—Jesus—and to share the message of the Kingdom with others. This ambassadorship is not a part-time endeavor; it is a full-time commitment that requires knowledge, wisdom, and character.
Knowledge is essential for ambassadors, as they cannot represent what they do not know. Therefore, engaging with the Bible and other resources, taking notes, and using tools like Life University are encouraged to gain a deeper understanding of God's word. Wisdom is the application of knowledge, and it is acquired through asking God for it, learning from experiences, and seeking the counsel of those who have gone before.
Character is perhaps the most critical aspect, as ambassadors must reflect Jesus in their behavior. The world should see a difference in the way ambassadors of the Kingdom live. This includes maintaining integrity, avoiding sin, and being accountable to others. Walking closely with God, rejecting sin, and staying accountable are practical steps to developing character.
The teachings conclude with a call to action, urging individuals to take their role as ambassadors seriously. This involves engaging in prayer and fasting, seeking to draw closer to God, and being ready to represent Him in every situation. The focus is on being proactive in sharing the message of the Kingdom and living out the values of the Kingdom in daily life.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kingdom of God is a present reality and a future hope, where God's authority is recognized. It is not a physical location but the realm of God's reign. As citizens of this Kingdom, individuals are called to live in a way that reflects the values and priorities of this Kingdom, which is fundamentally different from the world's systems. [40:38 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
- Upon embracing faith in Jesus, one's primary identity becomes that of a citizen of God's Kingdom. This new identity should influence every aspect of life, leading to a transformation that aligns with the character and teachings of Jesus. The old ways of defining oneself are replaced by this new, all-encompassing identity in Christ. [46:38 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
- Being an ambassador for Christ means representing the King in a foreign territory—the world. This role is not limited to certain times or places; it is a continuous representation of Jesus' love, grace, and truth in every aspect of life. Ambassadors carry the message of the Kingdom wherever they go, making disciples and influencing the world for the Kingdom. [54:51 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
- Knowledge and wisdom are indispensable for ambassadors. Knowledge of God's word and His ways is foundational, while wisdom is the practical application of this knowledge in daily life. Ambassadors must continually seek both, through study, experience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to effectively communicate and live out the truths of the Kingdom. [01:02:30 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
- Character is the truest reflection of an ambassador's effectiveness. It is not enough to know the right things; one must also do the right things. This involves walking closely with God, avoiding sin, and being accountable to others. As ambassadors work on their character, they become more authentic and powerful representatives of the Kingdom. [01:05:09 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:14-15 (ESV)
> "Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, 'The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.'"
2. Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
> "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
3. 2 Corinthians 5:20 (ESV)
> "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 1:14-15, what was the central message Jesus proclaimed as He began His ministry?
2. In Colossians 1:13-14, what significant change happens to those who believe in Jesus?
3. What does 2 Corinthians 5:20 say about the role of believers in relation to Christ?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the concept of the "already but not yet" Kingdom help us understand the current and future aspects of God's reign? [40:38]
2. What does it mean to have a new identity as a citizen of God's Kingdom, and how should this identity influence our daily lives? [46:38]
3. How can believers effectively fulfill their role as ambassadors for Christ in a world that often promotes self-sovereignty? [54:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current life. Are there areas where you have not fully submitted to God's authority? What steps can you take to bring these areas under His reign? [49:35]
2. Think about your daily interactions. How can you better represent the values and priorities of God's Kingdom in your workplace or community? [55:17]
3. Identify one specific way you can grow in knowledge of God's word this week. Will you commit to a daily Bible reading plan, take notes during sermons, or join a study group? [57:56]
4. Wisdom is the practical application of knowledge. Can you recall a recent situation where you needed wisdom? How did you handle it, and what would you do differently now? [01:01:57]
5. Character is crucial for an ambassador. What practical steps can you take to walk more closely with God and avoid sin in your life? [01:07:21]
6. Ambassadors need accountability. Do you have someone in your life who can help you stay accountable in your walk with Christ? If not, who could you approach to fill this role? [01:09:57]
7. The sermon emphasized the importance of prayer and fasting. How can you incorporate these practices into your life to draw closer to God and better fulfill your role as an ambassador? [01:14:23]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Kingdom Citizenship
The Kingdom of God is a present reality and a future hope, where God's authority is recognized. It is not a physical location but the realm of God's reign. As citizens of this Kingdom, individuals are called to live in a way that reflects the values and priorities of this Kingdom, which is fundamentally different from the world's systems. [40:38 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
Colossians 1:13-14 - "For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: How does being a citizen of God's Kingdom influence your daily decisions and interactions with others?
Day 2: Identity Transformed by Faith
Upon embracing faith in Jesus, one's primary identity becomes that of a citizen of God's Kingdom. This new identity should influence every aspect of life, leading to a transformation that aligns with the character and teachings of Jesus. The old ways of defining oneself are replaced by this new, all-encompassing identity in Christ. [46:38 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
2 Corinthians 5:17 - "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!"
Reflection: In what ways has your identity in Christ challenged or changed the way you view yourself and your purpose?
Day 3: Continuous Kingdom Representation
Being an ambassador for Christ means representing the King in a foreign territory—the world. This role is not limited to certain times or places; it is a continuous representation of Jesus' love, grace, and truth in every aspect of life. Ambassadors carry the message of the Kingdom wherever they go, making disciples and influencing the world for the Kingdom. [54:51 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
2 Corinthians 5:20 - "We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can be an ambassador for Christ in your everyday life, both in actions and words?
Day 4: Pursuing Knowledge and Wisdom
Knowledge and wisdom are indispensable for ambassadors. Knowledge of God's word and His ways is foundational, while wisdom is the practical application of this knowledge in daily life. Ambassadors must continually seek both, through study, experience, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to effectively communicate and live out the truths of the Kingdom. [01:02:30 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
Proverbs 2:6-7 - "For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright, he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless."
Reflection: How can you actively seek God's wisdom in a specific situation you are facing right now?
Day 5: Character Reflecting the King
Character is the truest reflection of an ambassador's effectiveness. It is not enough to know the right things; one must also do the right things. This involves walking closely with God, avoiding sin, and being accountable to others. As ambassadors work on their character, they become more authentic and powerful representatives of the Kingdom. [01:05:09 <0XkEG9gg0qo>]
Titus 2:7-8 - "In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness and soundness of speech that cannot be condemned, so that those who oppose you may be ashamed because they have nothing bad to say about us."
Reflection: What is one area of your character that you feel God is calling you to develop, and what steps will you take to grow in that area?
Quotes
"We need relationships that will hold you accountable and help you grow in your character." [01:10:28 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"You are a citizen of a kingdom and while you aren't the king, you are his Ambassador and so our goal, our purpose in life is to represent the king well and we do that with knowledge, wisdom, and character." [01:11:02 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"You can't be an ambassador if all you ever do is go to church... you come here for training and then you go out there where the people are, where they need to see you reflecting Jesus." [01:11:33 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"If you want to know God, open up your Bible. If you want to hear God speak, open up your Bible. If you want to know what Christianity is all about, open up your Bible." [58:31 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"The closer I am to Jesus, the closer I am to God, the more it's like a magnifying glass on the little imperfections in my life... it illuminates the things in my life that I need to work on." [01:07:48 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"Stop entertaining sin... there is a huge difference between entertaining sin in your life, becoming comfortable with it, and having a mistake, having a weak moment, messing up and then repenting and trying to do better." [01:09:25 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"The most important thing that we need is character because as ambassadors you have to walk the walk if it is your job as an ambassador to represent Jesus to the world." [01:05:09 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"You represent Jesus on your best day and you represent Jesus on your worst day and every day in between you represent him as an ambassador." [01:06:17 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"Knowledge is great but it's not enough on its own; you need the wisdom to know how to apply the things that you know, not just know them. We're not puffing up our heads so we just have lots of information; we need the wisdom to know what to do with it." [01:02:30 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
"The moment you put your faith in Jesus Christ, you are given a brand new identity that is immeasurably more important than any other identity you may have once claimed." [46:38 <0XkEG9gg0qo>] (Download)
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