Embracing Our Identity in God's Kingdom
Summary
Summary:
Today, we explored the profound concept of the King and His Kingdom, focusing on the significance of recognizing Jesus as King and Lord in our lives. This understanding is foundational for our spiritual journey and impacts how we perceive our role in God's Kingdom. We began by discussing the importance of where our treasure lies, emphasizing that our hearts should be aligned with heavenly treasures rather than earthly ones. This alignment reflects our generosity and willingness to be led by God in all aspects, including our finances.
We delved into the idea that Jesus is not just a good man or prophet but the King of Kings. This acknowledgment brings the support of heaven and sets the stage for understanding the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is not just a future promise but a present reality that we are called to proclaim and live out. As believers, we are not merely subjects but are called to be kings and priests under Jesus, the ultimate King. This calling requires us to live differently, embodying the fruits of the Spirit and exercising our God-given authority to impact the world around us.
Understanding our identity as kings and priests transforms how we interact with others and how we view ourselves. It challenges us to live with the authority and responsibility that comes with being part of God's Kingdom. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered actions to kingdom-minded living, where love, generosity, and obedience to God's word are paramount. As we embrace this identity, we are empowered to bring about change in our communities and beyond, fulfilling the Great Commission with the authority and power given to us by Jesus.
Key Takeaways:
1. Heavenly Treasures and Generosity: Our hearts should be aligned with heavenly treasures, reflecting our generosity and willingness to be led by God. This alignment ensures that our lives are full of light and truth, as generosity is a key aspect of living in God's Kingdom. [38:44]
2. Jesus as King and Lord: Recognizing Jesus as King and Lord is crucial for experiencing the full support of heaven. This acknowledgment sets the foundation for understanding the Kingdom of God and our role within it. [47:34]
3. Identity as Kings and Priests: As believers, we are called to be kings and priests under Jesus, the ultimate King. This identity requires us to live differently, embodying the fruits of the Spirit and exercising our God-given authority. [01:06:51]
4. Impacting the World: Our authority as kings and priests empowers us to bring about change in our communities and beyond. This power is not about control but about transforming the environment through love and obedience to God's word. [01:25:25]
5. Living with Kingdom Authority: Embracing our identity as kings and priests challenges us to live with the authority and responsibility that comes with being part of God's Kingdom. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered actions to kingdom-minded living. [01:20:53]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [38:44] - Offering and Generosity
- [46:42] - The King and His Kingdom
- [47:34] - Jesus as King and Lord
- [50:33] - Understanding the Kingdom
- [51:28] - Jesus in Different Beliefs
- [52:34] - Testimony of a Former Jihadist
- [53:53] - The Message of John the Baptist
- [56:13] - Proclaiming the Kingdom
- [57:38] - The Authority of the King's Word
- [01:00:13] - The Great Commission
- [01:02:07] - Unexpected Blessings
- [01:06:51] - Kings and Priests in God's Kingdom
- [01:12:45] - Understanding Our Authority
- [01:20:53] - Living as Kings and Priests
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The King and His Kingdom
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:19-22
2. Isaiah 9:6-7
3. Revelation 1:4-6
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:19-22, what does Jesus say about where we should store our treasures, and how does this relate to the condition of our hearts? [38:44]
2. According to Isaiah 9:6-7, what titles are given to the Messiah, and what do they signify about His role and authority? [50:33]
3. Revelation 1:4-6 mentions believers being made into a kingdom and priests. How does this passage describe the transformation of believers' identities? [01:16:54]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of recognizing Jesus as King and Lord in our lives? [47:34]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of storing treasures in heaven challenge our everyday financial decisions and priorities? [38:44]
2. What implications does recognizing Jesus as King and Lord have on how we live our lives and interact with others? [47:34]
3. In what ways does understanding our identity as kings and priests under Jesus change our perspective on authority and responsibility? [01:06:51]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of believers in impacting the world through their God-given authority? [01:25:25]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are storing treasures on earth rather than in heaven? How can you realign these priorities to reflect heavenly values? [38:44]
2. Consider how you acknowledge Jesus as King and Lord in your daily life. What practical steps can you take to deepen this recognition and its impact on your actions? [47:34]
3. Think about your interactions with others. How can you embody the fruits of the Spirit more fully in your relationships, recognizing your identity as a king or priest under Jesus? [01:06:51]
4. Identify a specific area in your community where you feel called to make a difference. How can you use your authority as a believer to bring about positive change in that area? [01:25:25]
5. Reflect on a recent decision you made. Did it reflect a kingdom-minded perspective? If not, how can you approach similar decisions differently in the future? [01:20:53]
6. How can you cultivate a spirit of generosity in your life, ensuring that your actions are led by God and reflect His kingdom values? [38:44]
7. Consider the people in your life who may not recognize Jesus as King. How can you lovingly share the message of His kingdom with them? [53:53]
Devotional
Day 1: Aligning Our Hearts with Heavenly Treasures
Our hearts should be aligned with heavenly treasures, reflecting our generosity and willingness to be led by God. This alignment ensures that our lives are full of light and truth, as generosity is a key aspect of living in God's Kingdom. When we focus on heavenly treasures, we prioritize eternal values over temporary gains. This shift in focus encourages us to live with open hands, ready to give and receive according to God's will. Generosity becomes a natural expression of our faith, demonstrating our trust in God's provision and our commitment to His Kingdom. [38:44]
"Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:19-21, ESV)
Reflection: Consider your current financial priorities. How can you realign them to reflect a heart focused on heavenly treasures?
Day 2: Recognizing Jesus as King and Lord
Recognizing Jesus as King and Lord is crucial for experiencing the full support of heaven. This acknowledgment sets the foundation for understanding the Kingdom of God and our role within it. When we see Jesus as more than a historical figure or moral teacher, we open ourselves to the transformative power of His reign in our lives. This recognition invites us to submit to His authority, trusting in His wisdom and guidance. As we embrace Jesus as King, we find ourselves supported by the resources of heaven, equipped to live out our calling with confidence and purpose. [47:34]
"And Jesus came and said to them, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.'" (Matthew 28:18-20, ESV)
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to recognize Jesus as King? How can you begin to submit those areas to His authority today?
Day 3: Embracing Our Identity as Kings and Priests
As believers, we are called to be kings and priests under Jesus, the ultimate King. This identity requires us to live differently, embodying the fruits of the Spirit and exercising our God-given authority. Understanding our identity as kings and priests transforms how we interact with others and how we view ourselves. It challenges us to live with the authority and responsibility that comes with being part of God's Kingdom. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered actions to kingdom-minded living, where love, generosity, and obedience to God's word are paramount. [01:06:51]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How does understanding your identity as a king and priest under Jesus change the way you approach your daily interactions and responsibilities?
Day 4: Transforming the World Through Kingdom Authority
Our authority as kings and priests empowers us to bring about change in our communities and beyond. This power is not about control but about transforming the environment through love and obedience to God's word. As we embrace our identity, we are empowered to bring about change in our communities and beyond, fulfilling the Great Commission with the authority and power given to us by Jesus. This transformation is rooted in love, as we seek to reflect God's character in all we do. By living out our kingdom authority, we become agents of change, impacting the world for God's glory. [01:25:25]
"And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us." (Acts 17:26-27, ESV)
Reflection: What specific steps can you take this week to exercise your kingdom authority in a way that brings positive change to your community?
Day 5: Living with Kingdom Authority
Embracing our identity as kings and priests challenges us to live with the authority and responsibility that comes with being part of God's Kingdom. This perspective shifts our focus from self-centered actions to kingdom-minded living. As we live with kingdom authority, we are called to embody the values of God's Kingdom in every aspect of our lives. This means prioritizing love, justice, and mercy, and seeking to serve others with humility and grace. By living with this authority, we become ambassadors of God's Kingdom, demonstrating His love and truth to a world in need. [01:20:53]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Whoever thus serves Christ is acceptable to God and approved by men." (Romans 14:17-18, ESV)
Reflection: How can you intentionally shift your focus from self-centered actions to kingdom-minded living in your daily routine?
Quotes
"If your heart is all about money well then you're in trouble because because the root of all evil is the love of money money is not the root of all evil but the love of money if you if money has you well it'll control you you'll make choices based on that but if God has your heart then he he if your treasure is in him then finances are not it's just a tool." [00:40:55] (27 seconds)
"But once you call Jesus, you can call Jesus anything you want. And nobody cares. Once you call him King and Lord, the whole world will come against you. But when you call him King and Lord, all of heaven is behind you. That is a powerful thought to meditate on during this Christmas time, during this Christmas season." [00:47:34] (24 seconds)
"Repenting is you think differently and you act differently. You turn around and you live differently. You think differently. Repent for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. It's near. It's at hand. It's close. He says, I'm not the Messiah. The Messiah is coming. But repent. Start thinking different because the kingdom of heaven, he, you know, and his message was the kingdom is at hand." [00:54:56] (33 seconds)
"When a king speaks, when Jesus said, go into all the world, preach the gospel, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them, training them, I'm adding in training, but teaching them to obey him. When he said that, he expected us to go into all the world and preach the gospel." [00:59:47] (26 seconds)
"When we agree that he is our king, you qualify to be a king under him. Hear that again. This is really important. This is one of those things we have to understand fully. The more you understand this, the more, oh, look out. I'm going to say it again. When we agree that he is our king, you qualify to be a king under him." [01:05:59] (30 seconds)
"He has made us, kings and priests to his God and Father. To him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Verse 7, Behold, he is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, and even those who pierce him, and all the tribes of earth will wail on account of him, even so. Amen." [01:17:54] (23 seconds)
"If you're truly a king and a priest, what part of your life has to change? How would you treat others in your life if you truly had the revelation that they are kings and priests? How we live our lives. And that is really the story of Jesus. Jesus came here as the king. He was born. He was born as the king. He lived as the king. He ministered as the king. He died as the king." [01:22:47] (34 seconds)
"When you walk in the fruit of the spirit, you'll help people. You won't do things out of selfishness. You won't do things because you can. You do things because he's king. And his word is true. And his word is power. And as you walk this out, as we walk this out, learn how to walk this out, I pray that it changes everything. It changes our impact. Our impact will grow." [01:24:05] (28 seconds)
"Power is the ability to change the environment around you. And we'll talk about that. I can define it for you. And I will define it. But when you do it from a kingdom aspect, we can start going into areas and change the whole atmosphere. Of wherever God sends you to have impact. That's true power." [01:25:25] (25 seconds)
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