Embracing the Inverted Kingdom: A Call to Vulnerability

Devotional

Day 1: The Need for Rescue

Description: Every one of us will face obstacles that are beyond our means to overcome, necessitating a rescue. This need for rescue is a central theme in the Bible, where God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate rescuer. Salvation, in its broadest sense, is about God rescuing His people from situations they cannot overcome on their own. The Bible is filled with stories of God stepping in to save His people, whether it be from physical danger, spiritual bondage, or emotional despair. This theme of rescue is not just historical but deeply personal and relevant to our lives today. We are reminded that in our moments of greatest need, God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. [25:39]

Psalm 18:16-19 (ESV): "He sent from on high, he took me; he drew me out of many waters. He rescued me from my strong enemy and from those who hated me, for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my calamity, but the Lord was my support. He brought me out into a broad place; he rescued me, because he delighted in me."

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed and in need of help. How did you see God’s hand in that situation, and how can you trust Him more in your current struggles?

Day 2: The Already and Not Yet Kingdom

Description: The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. While God is already King, His reign is not yet universally acknowledged. This tension is evident in the Bible, where the Kingdom is described as both a present reality and a future hope. The Day of the Lord will bring about miraculous transformations, including the healing of the blind, the deaf, and the lame, and the end of oppression. This duality of the Kingdom being "already" and "not yet" calls us to live in the present with the hope and assurance of the future. It challenges us to recognize God's reign in our lives now while eagerly anticipating the fullness of His Kingdom to come. [30:46]

Isaiah 35:5-6 (ESV): "Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped; then shall the lame man leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute sing for joy. For waters break forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert."

Reflection: In what ways do you see the Kingdom of God at work in your life today? How can you live with the hope and expectation of the future Kingdom in your daily actions and decisions?

Day 3: Jesus' Mission and the Kingdom

Description: Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost, and this mission is deeply connected to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is the most frequently discussed topic in Jesus' teachings, representing a comprehensive image of salvation. Jesus' ministry was marked by the proclamation, demonstration, and invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God. He extended this invitation to everyone, including the most vulnerable and marginalized. Jesus' mission was not just about individual salvation but about the restoration of all creation under God's reign. This mission continues today as we are called to participate in the work of the Kingdom, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to the world around us. [26:25]

Luke 19:10 (ESV): "For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost."

Reflection: Who in your life is in need of the hope and salvation that Jesus offers? How can you be a part of Jesus' mission to seek and save the lost in your community?

Day 4: Vulnerability and Status

Description: Jesus invites us to come to Him with childlike vulnerability, free from the trappings of status. Our status, wealth, and achievements can become barriers to experiencing the fullness of God's Kingdom. Vulnerability is the condition in which our invisible and fragile interior life becomes both visible and accessible to others. Jesus' invitation to the Kingdom is extended to everyone, but it requires us to let go of our pride and self-sufficiency. By embracing vulnerability, we open ourselves to the transformative power of God's love and grace, allowing Him to work in and through us in ways we could never achieve on our own. [44:26]

Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And he said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"

Reflection: What areas of your life are you holding onto out of pride or fear? How can you practice vulnerability and humility before God and others this week?

Day 5: The Inverted Kingdom

Description: The Kingdom of God is an inverted kingdom, where the last will be first, and the first will be last. Jesus' invitation to participate in the Kingdom is extended to everyone, including the most vulnerable and marginalized. Our longing for status and wealth can hinder us from experiencing the life God intends for us. The values of God's Kingdom often stand in stark contrast to the values of the world. In God's Kingdom, greatness is measured by service, and true wealth is found in giving rather than receiving. This inverted Kingdom challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and align our lives with the values of Jesus. [53:27]

Mark 10:31 (ESV): "But many who are first will be last, and the last first."

Reflection: How do your current priorities and values align with the values of God's Kingdom? What changes can you make to live more fully in the inverted Kingdom of God?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound concept of the Kingdom of God and its implications for our lives. We began by acknowledging that none of us have everything figured out; we are all works in progress aiming our lives at Jesus. The central theme of our discussion was the idea of rescue or salvation, which is a recurring motif throughout the Bible. We need rescue when we face obstacles that are beyond our means to overcome, and the Bible consistently portrays God as the ultimate rescuer.

Jesus' mission, as He stated, was to seek and save the lost, and this mission is deeply connected to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God is the most frequently discussed topic in Jesus' teachings, and it represents a comprehensive image of salvation. The Kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope, where God reigns as King, but not everyone acknowledges His kingship yet.

We delved into the paradox of God's Kingdom being both "already" and "not yet." While God is already King, His reign is not yet universally recognized. This tension is evident in the Bible, where the Kingdom is described as both a present reality and a future hope. The Day of the Lord, when God's Kingdom will be fully realized, is anticipated to bring about miraculous transformations, including the healing of the blind, the deaf, and the lame, and the end of oppression.

Jesus' ministry was marked by the proclamation, demonstration, and invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God. He extended this invitation to everyone, including the most vulnerable and marginalized. We examined the story of Jesus welcoming little children and contrasting it with the rich young ruler who struggled to let go of his status and wealth to enter the Kingdom.

The key takeaway is that the Kingdom of God is an inverted kingdom, where the last will be first, and the first will be last. Our status, wealth, and achievements can become barriers to experiencing the fullness of God's Kingdom. Jesus invites us to come to Him with childlike vulnerability, free from the trappings of status, and to receive His Kingdom as a gift.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Need for Rescue: Every one of us will face obstacles that are beyond our means to overcome, necessitating a rescue. This need for rescue is a central theme in the Bible, where God is consistently portrayed as the ultimate rescuer. Salvation, in its broadest sense, is about God rescuing His people from situations they cannot overcome on their own. [25:39]
2. The Already and Not Yet Kingdom: The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. While God is already King, His reign is not yet universally acknowledged. This tension is evident in the Bible, where the Kingdom is described as both a present reality and a future hope. The Day of the Lord will bring about miraculous transformations, including the healing of the blind, the deaf, and the lame, and the end of oppression. [30:46]
3. Jesus' Mission and the Kingdom: Jesus' mission was to seek and save the lost, and this mission is deeply connected to the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom is the most frequently discussed topic in Jesus' teachings, representing a comprehensive image of salvation. Jesus' ministry was marked by the proclamation, demonstration, and invitation to participate in the Kingdom of God. [26:25]
4. Vulnerability and Status: Jesus invites us to come to Him with childlike vulnerability, free from the trappings of status. Our status, wealth, and achievements can become barriers to experiencing the fullness of God's Kingdom. Vulnerability is the condition in which our invisible and fragile interior life becomes both visible and accessible to others. [44:26]
5. The Inverted Kingdom: The Kingdom of God is an inverted kingdom, where the last will be first, and the first will be last. Jesus' invitation to participate in the Kingdom is extended to everyone, including the most vulnerable and marginalized. Our longing for status and wealth can hinder us from experiencing the life God intends for us. [53:27]
### [53:27]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[22:43] - Introduction and Acknowledgment
[23:23] - What We Talk About Most
[24:43] - The Human Condition and Need for Rescue
[25:39] - Biblical Theme of Rescue
[26:25] - Jesus' Mission and Salvation
[28:33] - The Kingdom of God
[30:23] - Already and Not Yet Kingdom
[31:18] - The Day of the Lord
[32:28] - Inheriting Eternal Life
[33:22] - Jesus' Proclamation of the Kingdom
[36:48] - Jesus' Ministry and Demonstration
[38:05] - Invitation to Participate
[39:14] - The Inverted Kingdom
[44:26] - Vulnerability and Status
[53:27] - Conclusion and Communion

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Mark 10:13-27 (NIV) — - Verses 13-16: "People were bringing little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them, but the disciples rebuked them. When Jesus saw this, he was indignant. He said to them, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it.' And he took the children in his arms, placed his hands on them and blessed them."
- Verses 17-27: "As Jesus started on his way, a man ran up to him and fell on his knees before him. 'Good teacher,' he asked, 'what must I do to inherit eternal life?' 'Why do you call me good?' Jesus answered. 'No one is good—except God alone. You know the commandments: "You shall not murder, you shall not commit adultery, you shall not steal, you shall not give false testimony, you shall not defraud, honor your father and mother."' 'Teacher,' he declared, 'all these I have kept since I was a boy.' Jesus looked at him and loved him. 'One thing you lack,' he said. 'Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me.' At this the man's face fell. He went away sad, because he had great wealth. Jesus looked around and said to his disciples, 'How hard it is for the rich to enter the kingdom of God!' The disciples were amazed at his words. But Jesus said again, 'Children, how hard it is to enter the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.' The disciples were even more amazed, and said to each other, 'Who then can be saved?' Jesus looked at them and said, 'With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God.'"

Observation Questions

What did Jesus say about the Kingdom of God and children in Mark 10:14-15?
How did the rich young ruler respond to Jesus' instruction to sell everything and follow Him? ([48:38])
What was Jesus' reaction to the disciples rebuking those who brought children to Him? ([42:17])
According to Jesus, what makes it difficult for the rich to enter the Kingdom of God? ([50:33])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus emphasized receiving the Kingdom of God like a little child? What qualities of children might He be highlighting? ([42:38])
How does the story of the rich young ruler illustrate the concept of the "inverted kingdom" where the last will be first and the first will be last? ([53:27])
What does Jesus' statement, "With man this is impossible, but not with God; all things are possible with God," reveal about the nature of salvation and the Kingdom of God? ([52:13])
How does Jesus' invitation to the rich young ruler to sell everything and follow Him challenge common perceptions of wealth and status?

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt vulnerable like a child. How did that experience shape your understanding of dependence on God? ([44:26])
In what ways do you find yourself holding onto status, wealth, or achievements? How might these be barriers to experiencing the fullness of God's Kingdom? ([48:38])
Jesus invited the rich young ruler to give up his wealth to follow Him. What is something in your life that you might need to let go of to follow Jesus more fully? ([48:11])
How can you cultivate a childlike faith in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to approach God with the same openness and trust as a child? ([42:38])
The sermon mentioned the "already and not yet" nature of God's Kingdom. How do you see this tension playing out in your own life and in the world around you? ([31:18])
Jesus' ministry was marked by inviting the marginalized and vulnerable. How can you extend this same invitation in your community? ([38:28])
Think about a specific area where you struggle with vulnerability. How can you bring this area to Jesus and allow Him to transform it? ([55:54])

Sermon Clips

1. "Whatever we talk about most is what we care about the most. Whatever we talk about most is what we care about most. Now, we might say or we might believe privately there's some other things we care most about. But more often than not, I would say with 99 percent accuracy, what you what it is that you talk about the most, what we talk about the most. More than likely, that's the thing we care about the most." [23:54] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Every one of us has a need to be rescued. And to say it kind of just make sure we're all on the same page about a rescue. We need a rescue when the obstacle that we face, whatever it is that we're facing, could be emotional. It could be an actual physical obstacle. It could be a relational. It could be all of these different things that we might financial, all of that kind of stuff. We need a rescue when the obstacle we face is bigger than our means of overcoming it." [25:39] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The overwhelming majority of Jesus' preaching, overwhelmingly, like, I mean, it's almost unmistakable. Every parable, all of the miracles he keeps using and pointing out to this one particular thing. He talks about a thing a lot. What Jesus talks about. A lot. Which necessarily and deeply ties into what we're talking about today. The thing he's most focused on, apparently, by what he talks about is something called the kingdom of God. Over and over and over again, Jesus is talking about the kingdom of God." [28:33] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The kingdom of God is one of the most comprehensive images of salvation in the New Testament. Matthew, Mark, and Luke have a great deal to say. These are the writers about Jesus' life and ministry. Have a great deal to say about what God is doing to restore his creation, expressed in their vision of the kingdom of God. The kingdom is to these writers what eternal life is in the book of John, another writer about Jesus' life and ministry, and salvation language is to the writing of Paul." [29:45] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The basic idea is simply this. God is already king everywhere, but God is not yet acknowledged everywhere by everyone as the king. So God's already the king, but not everybody's like he's the king. They're like he is the king, but not everybody acknowledges it. And someday the Bible will tell us. Someday, I'm giving you a lot of background here. Someday the Bible will tell us, that all people will agree that, OK, God is king. He is. We all can kind of agree now. This is what's happening." [31:18] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

6. "Repentance is a realization that what God wants from you and what you want from God are not going to be achieved by doing the same old things and thinking the same old thoughts. Repentance, then, is the decision to follow Jesus Christ and become his pilgrim in the path of peace. In other words, as you start thinking about this, then this gospel thing becomes bigger than just you and I, we need to say a prayer. So we go to heaven when we die. It appears to be something more about this." [36:04] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

7. "The surprising thing for people who are watching Jesus talk about his kingdom is how different it is than the rest of the world. It's a complete inversion of the way the world functions in terms of kingdoms and kingship. His whole idea of what it means to be king is completely inverted. All the people that follow Jesus are their whole idea of what it means to be a member of this particular kind of kingdom stuff. It's all upside down kind of stuff. And it is world shattering." [38:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

8. "The ancient world did not have a romantic notion of children. Children, children added nothing to the family's economy and did not count. Now, as terms of adding nothing, I have two kids in college. They're not adding a lot. I mean, it's just not adding a lot to the economy. That's OK, but you get the idea. Now, some of us, you know, we're talking about now added much to the family's economy and did not count. Brutal white statement. And it gets even harsher. Brace yourselves." [43:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

9. "The things you're determined to hold on to are keeping you from the life you've asked me how to find. What's so important to keep in mind is the person comes up to Jesus and goes, there's something missing. Jesus is like, yeah, something you're there, you're lacking something. And he goes, maybe it's the stuff Jesus will say, it's the stuff that you're holding on to that's keeping you from the life that you've asked me how to find." [48:11] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

10. "The kingdom of God is supernatural. It's established by God in God's time and on God's terms. Human beings cannot enter it and it's to say participate in it without without an act of God. And although the kingdom involves God's will, it cannot be earned, but can only be received. So the disciples panic and goes, Jesus goes, wait, it's really you. It's the thing that I do. It's the thing that God does that enables it to be possible. So you don't have to panic in that way." [52:39] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Ask a question about this sermon

Chatbot

Transcript

What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?

Were there any personal stories shared?