Embracing Our Identity as Sojourners in Christ
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared a personal journey that has shaped my life and ministry, beginning with my upbringing as a missionary kid in West Africa and leading to my current role in Iowa City. This journey has been marked by a deep sense of calling and a commitment to revitalizing communities of faith. I emphasized the unexpected ways in which the kingdom of God can erupt into our lives, often when we least expect it, and how this divine intervention can transform our circumstances and communities.
Reflecting on 1 Peter 2:11-12, I urged us to embrace our identity as sojourners and exiles in this world. This identity calls us to live differently, abstaining from the passions of the flesh and maintaining honorable conduct among those who do not share our faith. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the resurrection, demonstrating a living hope that defies the pessimism and defeatism prevalent in the world today.
I also addressed the importance of respecting human institutions and authorities, not as an endorsement of their actions, but as a reflection of our commitment to the gospel. This respect is not about blind allegiance but about living out our faith in a way that silences ignorance and showcases the love and grace of Christ. Our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, the one true Lord, and our conduct should reflect His lordship in every aspect of our lives.
Finally, I challenged us to honor everyone, regardless of their status or position, as a reflection of our understanding of the gospel. This includes treating those we might naturally overlook with the same respect we would offer to those in positions of power. By doing so, we embody the radical love and inclusivity of the kingdom of God, inviting others to experience the transformative power of Christ's resurrection.
Key Takeaways:
- The kingdom of God erupts unexpectedly, transforming our lives and communities in ways we might not anticipate. This divine intervention calls us to remain vigilant and open to the Spirit's movement. [07:30]
- As sojourners and exiles, our identity in Christ calls us to live differently, abstaining from the passions of the flesh and maintaining honorable conduct. This lifestyle is a testament to the resurrection's transformative power. [18:26]
- Respecting human institutions and authorities reflects our commitment to the gospel, not as an endorsement of their actions, but as a way to silence ignorance and showcase Christ's love and grace. [28:28]
- Honoring everyone, regardless of status, embodies the radical love and inclusivity of the kingdom of God. This practice invites others to experience the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. [39:32]
- Our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, the one true Lord. Our conduct should reflect His lordship, demonstrating a living hope that defies the world's pessimism and defeatism. [40:45]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:31] - Personal Journey and Background
[03:29] - Calling to Ministry
[05:27] - Church Revitalization
[07:30] - Unexpected Kingdom Eruptions
[09:37] - Living Hope Through Resurrection
[11:34] - Invitation to Baptism
[13:13] - Identity as Sojourners
[16:20] - Cosmic Sojourners
[18:26] - Living in the Land of the Dead
[21:15] - Abstaining from Fleshly Passions
[23:25] - Respecting Authorities
[28:28] - Radical Christian Message
[31:15] - Honor Everyone
[34:16] - Thought Experiment: Honoring Leaders
[40:45] - Weekly Challenge: Treat Others with Honor
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 2:11-12
Observation Questions:
1. What does the speaker mean by describing Christians as "sojourners and exiles" in this world? How does this identity influence our conduct? [13:13]
2. How does the speaker describe the unexpected eruptions of the kingdom of God in our lives and communities? What imagery is used to convey this idea? [07:30]
3. What is the significance of respecting human institutions and authorities according to the sermon? How is this related to our commitment to the gospel? [28:28]
4. How does the speaker suggest we should treat everyone, regardless of their status or position, and what is the underlying reason for this behavior? [39:32]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the identity of being "sojourners and exiles" challenge the way Christians live in the world today? How might this perspective affect daily decisions and interactions? [18:26]
2. How can the concept of the kingdom of God erupting unexpectedly be a source of hope and transformation in difficult circumstances? What might this look like in practical terms? [07:30]
3. What are the potential challenges and benefits of respecting human institutions while maintaining ultimate allegiance to Jesus? How can this balance be achieved in practice? [28:28]
4. How does honoring everyone, as discussed in the sermon, reflect the radical love and inclusivity of the kingdom of God? What are some practical ways to embody this principle in everyday life? [39:32]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to live as a "sojourner and exile"? How can you remind yourself of your identity in Christ in those moments? [13:13]
2. Can you recall a time when the kingdom of God erupted unexpectedly in your life or community? How did it change your perspective or actions? [07:30]
3. How do you currently view and interact with human institutions and authorities? What steps can you take to ensure your respect for them aligns with your commitment to the gospel? [28:28]
4. Think of someone in your life whom you might naturally overlook. How can you intentionally honor them this week as a reflection of the gospel's inclusivity? [39:32]
5. In what ways can you demonstrate a living hope that defies the world's pessimism and defeatism? Identify one specific action you can take this week to embody this hope. [40:45]
6. How can you practice treating everyone with the same respect, regardless of their status, in your daily interactions? What challenges might you face, and how can you overcome them? [39:32]
7. Consider the speaker's challenge to treat a few people like they're the president of the United States. Who in your life could you honor in this way, and what impact might it have on them and you? [40:45]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Unpredictable Eruptions of God's Kingdom
The kingdom of God often breaks into our lives in unexpected ways, transforming our circumstances and communities. This divine intervention calls us to remain vigilant and open to the Spirit's movement. We are reminded that God's plans and timing are beyond our understanding, and His presence can bring about change when we least anticipate it. By staying attuned to the Spirit, we can witness and participate in the transformative work of God's kingdom in our lives and the world around us. [07:30]
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: Can you recall a time when God intervened in your life unexpectedly? How can you remain open to His surprising work today?
Day 2: Living as Sojourners with a Transformative Hope
As followers of Christ, we are called to embrace our identity as sojourners and exiles in this world. This identity challenges us to live differently, abstaining from the passions of the flesh and maintaining honorable conduct among those who do not share our faith. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the resurrection, offering a living hope that stands in contrast to the pessimism and defeatism prevalent in the world today. By living out this hope, we become a testament to the life-changing impact of Christ's resurrection. [18:26]
1 Peter 1:3-4 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the living hope of the resurrection in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 3: Respecting Authorities as a Reflection of the Gospel
Respecting human institutions and authorities is an expression of our commitment to the gospel, not as an endorsement of their actions, but as a way to silence ignorance and showcase Christ's love and grace. This respect is not about blind allegiance but about living out our faith in a manner that reflects the teachings of Jesus. Our ultimate allegiance is to Christ, and our conduct should reflect His lordship in every aspect of our lives, demonstrating a commitment to the values of the kingdom of God. [28:28]
Romans 13:1-2 (ESV): "Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God. Therefore whoever resists the authorities resists what God has appointed, and those who resist will incur judgment."
Reflection: How can you show respect to authorities in your life while maintaining your ultimate allegiance to Jesus?
Day 4: Honoring Everyone as a Reflection of God's Kingdom
Honoring everyone, regardless of their status or position, embodies the radical love and inclusivity of the kingdom of God. This practice invites others to experience the transformative power of Christ's resurrection. By treating those we might naturally overlook with the same respect we offer to those in positions of power, we reflect our understanding of the gospel and the value God places on every individual. This radical love challenges us to see others through the eyes of Christ and to extend His grace to all. [39:32]
James 2:1-4 (ESV): "My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, 'You sit here in a good place,' while you say to the poor man, 'You stand over there,' or, 'Sit down at my feet,' have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?"
Reflection: Who in your life might you be overlooking? How can you honor them today in a way that reflects God's love?
Day 5: Demonstrating Allegiance to Jesus Through Our Conduct
Our ultimate allegiance is to Jesus, the one true Lord. Our conduct should reflect His lordship, demonstrating a living hope that defies the world's pessimism and defeatism. By aligning our actions and decisions with the teachings of Christ, we bear witness to His transformative power in our lives. This allegiance calls us to live with integrity, compassion, and a commitment to the values of the kingdom of God, offering a powerful testimony to the world of the hope we have in Christ. [40:45]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take today to ensure your conduct reflects your allegiance to Jesus?
Quotes
1) "I want to be careful to remind you that the only reason we're all here today is because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. If Christ has not been raised, we are of all people most to be pitied because we're fooling ourselves. The grave was empty. Jesus was raised. Incorruptible. Unkillable. And permanently so. The final thing I want to say up front is yet another reminder. We have been born anew to a living hope." [10:50] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The kingdom of God erupts unexpectedly and I believe that God wants you to watch out. Watch out because it's going to erupt unexpectedly in some of your lives and it's going to erupt unexpectedly in this room. And during worship I actually felt like the kingdom of God erupted unexpectedly in this room. I had this picture of the floor behind me kind of like bubbling up and the kingdom of God erupting like a volcano in the middle of the church. Praise be to God." [07:30] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Christians are the living in the land of the dead. That's right. Christians have laid hold of eternal life in Jesus. We've been filled with the Holy Spirit who is the Lord, the giver of life. So we're sojourners here. You know, it's almost Halloween. And so, you know, we see the specters of zombies all over the place. Iowa City really likes to live into this Halloween stuff because everyone likes to think of themselves as pagan, even though they don't really want to fully accept all that that means. Well, some of them are. You know, we have tarot card readers down at the farmer's market now. Reminds you of the Greco -Roman world sometimes." [21:15] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "Peter begins by reminding the church of their identity, their sojourners. Peter's already been doing a lot of identity work in his letter to the churches, telling people in all these churches he's writing to that they are living stones of the end times temple, which is the body of Christ. He's told them that what once applied only to Israel, who had been circumcised according to the flesh, now applies to all men and women alike who have their hearts circumcised by the Holy Spirits. And like with all of us, formerly said of Israel according to the flesh, Christians are now a chosen race, he says. A royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." [16:20] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The Christian message is so radical. So capable of turning the world upside down. That Christians can easily start thinking that they can show disrespected governing authorities. I mean, for goodness sakes. Don't you want to kind of laugh at this guy, Herod? Like, dude. You could have given glory to God. But you made yourself a god instead. And that's exactly what Caesar is doing, by the way. And if you know that all these bozos in charge are being self -aggrandizing. Asking the nations to worship them instead of the one true Lord. You kind of don't want to show respect to that. Like I've been saying." [31:57] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "So here's the challenge for this week. Here's the one one particular thing I'm going to ask of you. It's not overly particular, so you can figure out how to do it all on your own, okay? As a spirit leads. This week, I would like to invite you to treat a few people like they're the president of the United States. Even if, or especially if, you would never want them to be in charge of the country. Perhaps the place to start is with a child. No one wants a kid running the country, right? I would have mandated nerds for dessert at every school lunch." [41:43] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
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