Embracing Our Identity in God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound truth of seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, as outlined in Matthew 6:33. This pursuit is not merely about following rules but about embracing God's way of doing and being, which transforms our character to reflect His. The Kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, as described in Romans 14:17. This Kingdom is not a distant reality but is among us and within us, shaping our identity and purpose.
We delved into the story of the prodigal son, highlighting the importance of recognizing our true identity in Christ. The prodigal son, despite his wayward journey, was always a son, and his return was met with immediate restoration by the father. This narrative illustrates God's unwavering love and readiness to restore us to our rightful place in His Kingdom, regardless of how far we've strayed.
Our identity in Christ is not based on our past mistakes but on the righteousness imparted to us through Jesus. This righteousness brings peace and joy, enabling us to walk in faith and overcome life's challenges. We are called to live under God's covering, embracing His love and protection, and to reject the false identities offered by the world.
The message also emphasized the power of faith and the importance of aligning our actions with God's will. By doing so, we experience the fullness of life in His Kingdom, marked by peace and joy that surpasses understanding. We are encouraged to continually renew our minds, embrace our identity in Christ, and live out our divine destiny with confidence and hope.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek First the Kingdom: Prioritizing God's Kingdom and His righteousness transforms our character and aligns us with His will. This pursuit is about adopting God's way of doing and being, which leads to a life of peace and joy. [27:37]
- Identity in Christ: Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the world's standards. Like the prodigal son, we are always welcomed back by the Father, who restores us to our rightful place in His Kingdom. [31:55]
- Faith and Restoration: God's love is unwavering, and He is always ready to restore us. Our faith in His promises allows us to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of His Kingdom. [39:25]
- Living Under God's Covering: Embracing God's love and protection keeps us aligned with His will. We are called to reject the false identities of the world and live under His covering, experiencing true peace and joy. [52:04]
- The Power of Righteousness: Righteousness brings peace and joy, enabling us to walk in faith and overcome life's challenges. By aligning our actions with God's will, we experience the fullness of life in His Kingdom. [47:03]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [27:37] - Seek First the Kingdom
- [28:53] - God's Character and Righteousness
- [29:27] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [31:06] - The Kingdom Within Us
- [32:32] - Identity in Christ
- [34:17] - Righteousness and Transformation
- [35:39] - Building Faith Through Prayer
- [36:36] - Overcoming by Faith
- [37:25] - The Prodigal Son's Journey
- [39:25] - God's Unwavering Love
- [43:29] - The Power of the Kingdom
- [47:03] - The Effect of Righteousness
- [52:04] - Living Under God's Covering
- [57:40] - Restoration and Identity in Christ
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Romans 14:17 - "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
3. Luke 15:11-24 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son
---
Observation Questions:
1. What does Matthew 6:33 suggest about the priorities we should have in our lives? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on seeking God's Kingdom first? [27:37]
2. In Romans 14:17, what are the three characteristics of the Kingdom of God mentioned? How do these characteristics relate to the sermon’s message about the Kingdom being within us? [29:27]
3. How does the story of the prodigal son illustrate the concept of identity in Christ as discussed in the sermon? What was the father's reaction upon the son's return? [37:25]
4. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the ring, robe, and sandals given to the prodigal son upon his return? [43:10]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does seeking the Kingdom of God first transform a believer's character and align them with God's will, according to the sermon? [27:37]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between righteousness and experiencing peace and joy in life? How does this relate to Romans 14:17? [47:03]
3. In what ways does the sermon describe the prodigal son's journey as a reflection of our own spiritual journey and identity in Christ? [37:25]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of living under God's covering, and what are the implications for a believer's daily life? [52:04]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are you seeking God's Kingdom first in your daily life? What changes can you make to align more closely with Matthew 6:33? [27:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of recognizing our identity in Christ. How can you remind yourself of your true identity in Christ when faced with challenges or temptations? [31:55]
3. Consider a time when you felt far from God, like the prodigal son. What steps did you take to return to Him, and how did you experience His restoration? [39:25]
4. The sermon discusses the power of faith in overcoming life's challenges. How can you actively build your faith this week to face a specific challenge you are currently dealing with? [36:36]
5. How can you embrace God's love and protection in your life, rejecting the false identities offered by the world? What practical steps can you take to live under His covering? [52:04]
6. The sermon highlights the joy and peace that come from righteousness. Identify one area in your life where you can pursue righteousness more intentionally. What impact do you hope this will have on your peace and joy? [47:03]
7. How can you cultivate a mindset of continual renewal and transformation in your spiritual life, as encouraged in the sermon? What specific practices can you implement to support this growth? [52:04]
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritizing God's Kingdom Transforms Our Lives
Seeking first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness is not about adhering to a set of rules but about embracing a way of life that aligns with God's character. This pursuit transforms our character, leading us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy as described in Romans 14:17. The Kingdom of God is not a distant reality but is present among us and within us, shaping our identity and purpose. By prioritizing God's Kingdom, we align ourselves with His will, experiencing a life marked by peace and joy that surpasses understanding. [27:37]
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." - Jeremiah 29:7 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to prioritize God's Kingdom in your daily routine?
Day 2: Embracing Our True Identity in Christ
Our true identity is found in Christ, not in the standards set by the world. The story of the prodigal son illustrates that, despite our wayward journeys, we are always welcomed back by the Father, who restores us to our rightful place in His Kingdom. This narrative highlights God's unwavering love and readiness to restore us, regardless of how far we've strayed. Our identity in Christ is based on the righteousness imparted to us through Jesus, not on our past mistakes. [31:55]
"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." - Colossians 3:3-4 (ESV)
Reflection: In what ways have you allowed the world's standards to define your identity, and how can you begin to embrace your true identity in Christ today?
Day 3: Faith in God's Promises Leads to Restoration
God's love is unwavering, and He is always ready to restore us. Our faith in His promises allows us to overcome challenges and live in the fullness of His Kingdom. The story of the prodigal son serves as a reminder of God's readiness to restore us to our rightful place, regardless of our past. By placing our faith in God's promises, we can experience the peace and joy that come from living under His covering. [39:25]
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful." - Hebrews 10:23 (ESV)
Reflection: What is one promise of God that you need to hold onto today, and how can it help you overcome a current challenge?
Day 4: Living Under God's Covering Brings Peace and Joy
Embracing God's love and protection keeps us aligned with His will. We are called to reject the false identities offered by the world and live under His covering, experiencing true peace and joy. By aligning our actions with God's will, we experience the fullness of life in His Kingdom. This alignment brings a sense of peace and joy that surpasses understanding, enabling us to walk in faith and overcome life's challenges. [52:04]
"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1 (ESV)
Reflection: What false identities or fears do you need to reject today to fully embrace living under God's covering?
Day 5: The Power of Righteousness in Our Lives
Righteousness brings peace and joy, enabling us to walk in faith and overcome life's challenges. By aligning our actions with God's will, we experience the fullness of life in His Kingdom. This righteousness is not based on our own efforts but is imparted to us through Jesus. As we embrace this righteousness, we are empowered to live out our divine destiny with confidence and hope. [47:03]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." - Romans 14:17 (ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively pursue righteousness in your daily life, and what impact do you expect it to have on your peace and joy?
Quotes
"But first and most importantly seek aim at strive after his kingdom and his righteousness his way of doing and being right the attitude and the character of God and all of these things will be given to you also his way of doing his way of being right he doesn't want to be right for the sake of being right the reason he wants to be right is see people's lives change for the better." [00:28:53]
"The kingdom of God is not a matter of what one likes but of the righteousness and the peace and the joy in the Holy Ghost then I know Matthew 6:33 which I just read but first and most importantly seek his kingdom and his righteousness and his way of doing things and then Luke 17:21 says nor will people say look here it is and there it is the kingdom of God is among you." [00:30:19]
"For us to have that I true identity in Christ we have to what crucify that flesh daily it says take up thy cross and follow me what daily now that's not a hard thing all it is is it comes easier and easier when the righteousness of God the kingdom of God is righteousness what is right rightousness right standing with God when I decide to shift when I decide to for that salvation to happen the old is gone." [00:32:32]
"God is always looking for you he's never stopped looking for you he he sees him in a he's not there yet but it says it very clear he sees him wow never stops looking he's always what believing that you're going to return why he is a god of faith if he's not a god of Faith guys why are we even here but how does his faith knowing that his son's going to work is going to come back because Faith worketh by what love." [00:39:25]
"Faith it works by love blessed are those who believe without seeing blessed it says are those who believe without saying man here's faith of this father that my son's coming back my son's coming back and I believe he already saw him coming back because that's what believing is believing is believing in the things unseen I believe that I know that I know that I know my mother and father believed I was coming back before I was coming back." [00:39:44]
"Righteousness peace and joy that's the that's what happens at Salvation that seed The Incorruptible seed is immediately planted inside of you and as soon as it's planted you know what happens there's growth that happens immediately sometimes we put oursel in a box and not just ourself we put God in a box and we think well it got wait this long to see the fruits because in natural senses you know an apple tree doesn't produce an Apple for how long." [00:47:03]
"Righteousness peace and joy in the Holy Ghost your feet are shod with the gospel of peace and why is it not significant that he said get some sandals on my son and give this some guy some new peace so many times we got righteousness we got his identity but we don't have a peace and what makes it so important Cody come up here hurry hurry Cody hurry he's hurrying he's hurrying he's hurrying and he grabbed him he grabbed him he said a son you're back you're back." [01:14:02]
"God doesn't allow God does just don't allow you to come back he runs to meet you with open arms this son thought that he would uh earn his way back you heard his statement but the father restored him instantly see man is the one that says well you just going to have to prove yourself you're just going to have to when there's true repentance as this son was coming back He restored him instantly no matter how far he was gone no far no matter how long he was gone God is always restoring them." [01:11:24]
"God is a god of restoration God is a god of righteousness God is a god of love love joy peace patience control man it's so fun and great to be able to walk in this world and not have the cares of this world because why I walk in faith whoever belongs in 47 whoever belongs to God hears what God says the reason you do not hear is that you do not belong to God so we can hear God when we belong to here's what's really crazy not crazy but it's funny even the prodical son even when he chose to get away he still had a small still voice a seed an Incorruptible seed that was planted inside of him from his father of who his identity was." [00:55:04]
"God wants to restore you back wholly he's going to pick up right where you left off that's the good news that's the gospel what happens when the gospel happens there's salvation that happens there's hope that happens there's peace that happens there's love that happens there's transformation that happens you see it in John 3:16 Romans 15:13 Romans 122 Romans 58 and 2 Corinthians 5:17 I'm speaking faster than you can write so you got to go back and listen come on or come on Wednesday or see connect corner and get part of our family band and the outline will be on there we do study questions every week over what we preach on Sunday why so we can get in the word study to show our self approved we can renew our mind it is assures us that this salvation happens we got to embrace that blessed life embrace it." [00:57:40]
"Trust who God says you are hold on to his love remember you're new in Christ Jesus anchor in your what identity in Jesus walk in his victory embrace the blessed life let's all say this say I am who God says I am I am loved I am saved I am chosen I am victorious I am blessed I am favored I am empowered I'm empowered to prosper I will Thrive I have the kingdom inside of me of Jesus Christ of righteousness peace and joy and the holy ghost in Jesus Christ's name amen praise God." [01:17:52]
"God says hey I'm here to cover you as Eagle's Wings he's not trying to put you in a box he's an umbrella that just wants to cover you so many times we want to get oursel in a box no he's not trying to put us in a box he just wants to be the umbrella many of us know our identity in Christ but we try to live outside of his covering sometimes we we have that umbrella mentality I I told told him I needed an umbrella and I forgot to go get it all right imagination you ready we all have imagination the umbrella is down and we're walking around with the umbrella down look at yeah yeah you getting one Dave in that yep he's got it yep he's already thinking in my mind thank you so here's the umbrella I'm holding it I'm walking it around but it's not what open we're still getting the elements but we're like oh it's okay it's okay I still got God I still got God but all we really have to do because we're still trying to do it in our thank you so much Dave we're still trying to to do it in our what Own Strength I still got God in my life I still know his power I still know his presence but God I'm just gonna I'm gonna let you just take this one off I'm it's okay I'm GNA show you I can get through it that's not his will his will is to cover us his Redemptive blood covers all not just some not not just a little it covers all and so we have to walk in life just like this but here it is it's our choice it's our choice choose this day who are we going to serve so we wake up in the morning hey good morning Lord oh even when I go to sleep I just keep it open I'm going to sleep Lord I'm gonna have sweet sleep good sleep right sleep so I have this umbrella we have to have an umbrella mentality to go where we need to go the truth is this knowing that you are enough you must stay under father's the father's covering stay under his covering his Banner Over You is what love and the Bible says love conquers all." [01:02:40]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?