Embracing Our Roles in God's Kingdom
Summary
Today, I began by warmly welcoming everyone, reflecting on the surprising number of attendees and sharing personal anecdotes from my recent trip to Costa Rica with my wife. This trip not only offered relaxation but also spiritual insights, particularly about the dangers of living to eat rather than eating to live, which segued into a broader discussion on spiritual and physical nourishment.
I then transitioned into the core theme of today's sermon: understanding and embracing our roles within God's kingdom. I emphasized that each of us, regardless of our day-to-day jobs or societal roles, plays a crucial part in the grand design of God's plan. This includes roles that may seem minor or mundane, from the factory worker to the sanitation worker, each has a significant part to play.
A substantial portion of the sermon was dedicated to the concept of forgiveness and reconciliation, as outlined in Matthew 6:14-15. I stressed the importance of these actions not just as religious duties but as fundamental aspects of our roles as Christians. This led to a broader discussion on the nature of service and humility, highlighting how Jesus himself served others, even when it meant touching the unclean or associating with the marginalized.
I also touched on the theological underpinnings of our roles, referencing Colossians 1:16 to remind us that everything was created through and for Christ. This segues into the importance of stewardship and dominion, not in a tyrannical sense, but in a manner that reflects God's love and purpose for creation.
The sermon concluded with a call to action, urging everyone to reflect on their personal roles within both the church and the broader community. I invited the congregation to consider how they might better serve and embody the principles of Christ in their daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. Understanding Our Roles in God's Plan
Every individual, regardless of their job or social status, has a specific role ordained by God within the larger context of His kingdom. This role is not defined by societal standards but by how we serve and represent Christ in our daily interactions. Embracing our role requires humility and a willingness to serve beyond our comfort zones. [41:44]
2. The Imperative of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not optional but a command that reflects our own redemption in Christ. Matthew 6:14-15 makes it clear that our forgiveness from God is contingent on how we forgive others. This challenges us to live in constant grace, extending forgiveness as freely as we have received it, regardless of the circumstances. [49:54]
3. Service as a Reflection of Christ
Our call to service is not just about performing acts of charity but embodying the humility and sacrificial love of Jesus. Service is a practical demonstration of our faith, showing the world the heart of the gospel through our actions. This is how we make tangible the abstract concepts of faith and love. [44:12]
4. The Role of Stewardship and Dominion
As stewards of God's creation, we are called to manage not just the physical but also the spiritual resources He has entrusted to us. This stewardship is a reflection of our understanding of dominion, as we are to govern and influence our surroundings in a way that honors God and promotes the flourishing of all His creation. [37:56]
5. The Fruit of Our Lives as a Testimony
The fruits of our lives serve as a testament to our alignment with God's will. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our actions and their outcomes reveal the true nature of our faith and commitment to God's kingdom. This calls for a deep introspection about the kind of fruit we are bearing and the impact it has on those around us. [53:55]
### Chapters
0:00 - Welcome
0:30:55 - Reflections from Costa Rica
0:33:12 - Discussing Roles in God's Kingdom
0:39:05 - Stewardship and Dominion
0:41:44 - Faith and Understanding in Church Roles
0:44:12 - Service and Humility
0:46:30 - Forgiveness and Reconciliation
0:49:54 - Seeking God's Kingdom
0:53:55 - Bearing Good Fruit
0:58:19 - Closing Thoughts and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
2. Colossians 1:16: "For by him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him."
3. Genesis 1:26-28: "Then God said, 'Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.' So God created man in his own image, in the image of God he created him; male and female he created them. And God blessed them. And God said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.'"
### Observation Questions
1. What does Matthew 6:14-15 say about the relationship between forgiving others and receiving forgiveness from God?
2. According to Colossians 1:16, for whom and through whom were all things created?
3. In Genesis 1:26-28, what responsibilities did God give to mankind over creation?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the command to forgive others in Matthew 6:14-15 challenge our natural inclinations, and what does it reveal about the nature of God's forgiveness? [47:39]
2. What implications does Colossians 1:16 have for understanding our roles and purposes within God's creation? [39:05]
3. How does the concept of dominion and stewardship in Genesis 1:26-28 shape our understanding of our responsibilities towards the environment and other living beings? [36:18]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you found it difficult to forgive someone. How did that experience affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to practice forgiveness more readily in your daily life? [47:39]
2. Considering Colossians 1:16, how can you align your daily activities and responsibilities with the understanding that everything was created through and for Christ? What changes might you need to make to better reflect this truth? [39:05]
3. In what ways can you exercise stewardship and dominion in your current environment, whether at home, work, or in your community? How can you ensure that your actions honor God and promote the flourishing of His creation? [36:18]
4. Think about your current role within the church and the broader community. How can you better serve and embody the principles of Christ in these roles? Are there specific areas where you feel called to step out of your comfort zone to serve others? [33:12]
5. How do you currently demonstrate humility and service in your interactions with others? What practical steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of serving even the marginalized and unclean? [44:12]
6. Reflect on the fruits of your life. What kind of fruit are you bearing, and how does it testify to your alignment with God's will? Identify one specific area where you can improve and take actionable steps to bear good fruit. [53:55]
7. How can you actively seek God's kingdom in your daily life, as instructed in Matthew 6:33? What specific actions can you take to prioritize God's righteousness and trust in His provision? [49:54]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Divinely Ordained Roles
Every individual, regardless of their job or social status, has a specific role ordained by God within the larger context of His kingdom. This role is not defined by societal standards but by how we serve and represent Christ in our daily interactions. Embracing our role requires humility and a willingness to serve beyond our comfort zones. Understanding and accepting the role God has designed for each person is crucial for the functioning of His kingdom on earth. It's about recognizing that every task, no matter how small it may seem, contributes to the greater purpose of God's plan. This understanding should inspire a sense of purpose and dedication in every action and interaction. [41:44]
1 Corinthians 12:18-20, "But as it is, God arranged the members in the body, each one of them, as he chose. If all were a single member, where would the body be? As it is, there are many parts, yet one body."
Reflection: Consider your current role in your community or workplace. How can you more fully embrace this position as God's assignment for you at this moment?
Day 2: The Imperative of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not optional but a command that reflects our own redemption in Christ. Matthew 6:14-15 makes it clear that our forgiveness from God is contingent on how we forgive others. This challenges us to live in constant grace, extending forgiveness as freely as we have received it, regardless of the circumstances. Living out this command requires a heart that is continually open to God's transformative work, allowing us to release bitterness and embrace peace and reconciliation. This practice not only aligns us with God's will but also frees us to live more fully in His grace. [49:54]
Colossians 3:12-13, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 3: Service as a Reflection of Christ
Our call to service is not just about performing acts of charity but embodying the humility and sacrificial love of Jesus. Service is a practical demonstration of our faith, showing the world the heart of the gospel through our actions. This is how we make tangible the abstract concepts of faith and love. By serving others, we reflect Christ's love and humility, reaching out to those in need and showing the same compassion that Jesus did. This approach to service not only impacts those we help but also transforms our own hearts and minds. [44:12]
Philippians 2:3-4, "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: What is one act of service you can perform this week that goes beyond your normal routine or comfort zone?
Day 4: The Role of Stewardship and Dominion
As stewards of God's creation, we are called to manage not just the physical but also the spiritual resources He has entrusted to us. This stewardship is a reflection of our understanding of dominion, as we are to govern and influence our surroundings in a way that honors God and promotes the flourishing of all His creation. Embracing this role involves recognizing our responsibility to care for and cultivate the world around us, reflecting God's love and purpose in every decision and action. [37:56]
Genesis 2:15, "The Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to work it and keep it."
Reflection: How can you better exercise stewardship over the resources God has given you, both material and spiritual?
Day 5: The Fruit of Our Lives as a Testimony
The fruits of our lives serve as a testament to our alignment with God's will. Just as a tree is known by its fruit, our actions and their outcomes reveal the true nature of our faith and commitment to God's kingdom. This calls for a deep introspection about the kind of fruit we are bearing and the impact it has on those around us. By living lives that reflect God's love and commandments, we provide a powerful witness to His presence and power in the world. [53:55]
Matthew 7:17-20, "So, every healthy tree bears good fruit, but the diseased tree bears bad fruit. A healthy tree cannot bear bad fruit, nor can a diseased tree bear good fruit. Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. Thus you will recognize them by their fruits."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can cultivate better fruit that glorifies God and serves others?
Quotes
"Our role in the kingdom of God is to bear fruit. You, my friend, you, my sister, you, my brother, you, sinner online maybe, or you, unbaptized person, I mean, you name it, whoever the individual is, fruit is gonna come from you, whether you like it or not. There's gonna be an outcome of your lifestyle, your actions, your decisions, whether you like it or not." [53:16]
"We are all supposed to have a certain level of working our role out in this grand scheme of things. And when it comes down to forgiveness and reconciliation, men and women in the United States of America struggle with this because who are you to treat me the way you did and who am I to forgive you at such little cost of repayment?" [46:30]
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. How does this play into the role that I'm supposed to live in, walk in, commit to in the kingdom of God? You have been bought with a price, and that price was what it cost to forgive you." [47:39]
"Service and humility are right up there at the top. And as we come down near to the close, I want you to see a few things. I need you to take your Bibles out forward. We're going to Matthew 6, verse 14 and 15. Forgiveness and reconciliation is one of the biggest focuses of today's lesson because many of us may not have a role in the church." [45:37]
"By him all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions, rulers or authorities, all things were created through him and for him. So let's think. If we're all rolled into one, when we're all rolled into one, when we come into the church building, we can think to ourselves that man, I have a really great preacher." [39:42]
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