Embracing the Invisible: God's Kingdom in Action
Summary
In 2 Kings 6:16-17, we find a profound story that illustrates the dual landscapes of our existence: the visible and the invisible. Elijah's servant, upon seeing the surrounding army, was filled with fear, asking, "What shall we do?" Elijah's response, "Don't be afraid," points to a deeper reality beyond the visible threats. This narrative invites us to recognize the invisible landscape of God's kingdom, which is always at work around us, even when we cannot see it.
As followers of Christ, we are called to live with an awareness of these two landscapes. The visible world often presents challenges and fears, but the invisible kingdom of God offers a different perspective, one of grace and divine action. Moses, as mentioned, endured by seeing the invisible, and this consciousness of God's kingdom allows us to walk in faith and experience deliverance through grace.
The kingdom of God is essentially God in action. It is not merely a theological concept but a present reality where God reigns and acts in various ways. This kingdom is evident in the natural world, as seen in the beauty of creation, which serves as a witness to God's presence. Psalm 19 and Romans 10 echo this truth, highlighting how creation itself declares the glory of God.
To seek the kingdom of God, we must understand it as God's active presence in our lives. It is not about following a set of rules but about experiencing God through His law and creation. The Ten Commandments, for instance, are not just rules to follow but a means to encounter God in action. By striving to live according to God's law, we realize our dependence on Him and witness His kingdom at work.
Key Takeaways:
1. Dual Landscapes of Existence: Our lives are shaped by both visible and invisible realities. While the visible world can be daunting, the invisible kingdom of God offers peace and assurance. Recognizing this duality helps us navigate life's challenges with faith. [00:26]
2. God's Kingdom in Action: The kingdom of God is not a distant concept but a present reality where God is actively working. Understanding this helps us see God's hand in our daily lives and trust in His divine plan. [02:00]
3. Creation as a Witness: The natural world is a testament to God's kingdom. The beauty of creation reflects God's presence and serves as a reminder of His ongoing work in the world. [03:47]
4. Experiencing God Through His Law: God's law is an expression of His kingdom. By striving to live according to His commandments, we encounter God in action and realize our dependence on His grace. [04:40]
5. Living with Kingdom Consciousness: Like Moses, we are called to endure by seeing the invisible. Cultivating an awareness of God's kingdom allows us to walk in faith and experience His deliverance and grace. [02:30]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:26] - Elijah's Servant and the Invisible Army
[00:57] - Fear and Faith
[01:26] - Visible vs. Invisible Landscapes
[02:00] - Consciousness of God's Kingdom
[02:30] - Grace and Deliverance
[02:59] - Understanding God's Reign
[03:26] - Seeking the Kingdom
[03:47] - Creation as Kingdom Manifestation
[03:59] - Witnesses of the Kingdom
[04:22] - The Gospel and God's Law
[04:40] - Experiencing God in Action
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 2 Kings 6:16-17
2. Psalm 19
3. Romans 10
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#### Observation Questions
1. What was the initial reaction of Elijah's servant when he saw the surrounding army, and how did Elijah respond? [00:57]
2. How does the sermon describe the "dual landscapes" of existence? [01:26]
3. According to the sermon, what is the kingdom of God, and how is it manifested in the natural world? [03:47]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of God's law in experiencing His kingdom? [04:40]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to live with an awareness of both the visible and invisible landscapes, as described in the sermon? [02:00]
2. How does the concept of God's kingdom as "God in action" change the way one might perceive daily life? [02:59]
3. In what ways does the beauty of creation serve as a witness to God's kingdom, according to the sermon? [03:59]
4. How does striving to live according to God's commandments help believers experience God in action? [04:40]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a recent situation where you felt surrounded by challenges. How might recognizing the invisible kingdom of God have changed your perspective? [00:57]
2. How can you cultivate a consciousness of God's kingdom in your daily life, similar to how Moses endured by seeing the invisible? [02:30]
3. Identify a moment this week when you can pause and appreciate the beauty of creation. How can this practice help you recognize God's presence? [03:47]
4. Consider the Ten Commandments not just as rules but as a way to encounter God. Which commandment do you feel called to focus on, and how can it deepen your relationship with God? [04:40]
5. Think of a time when you experienced God's grace in a challenging situation. How can this memory encourage you to trust in God's kingdom during future difficulties? [02:30]
6. How can you actively seek God's kingdom in your community or workplace this week? What specific actions can you take to demonstrate God's love and grace? [03:26]
7. Reflect on a personal fear or challenge. How can the assurance of God's active presence help you face it with faith and confidence? [01:26]
Devotional
Day 1: The Duality of Existence
In 2 Kings 6:16-17, we are reminded of the dual landscapes of our existence: the visible and the invisible. Elijah's servant was overwhelmed by fear when he saw the surrounding army, but Elijah's calm assurance, "Don't be afraid," pointed to a deeper reality. This narrative invites us to recognize the invisible landscape of God's kingdom, which is always at work around us, even when we cannot see it. As followers of Christ, we are called to live with an awareness of these two landscapes. The visible world often presents challenges and fears, but the invisible kingdom of God offers a different perspective, one of grace and divine action. By acknowledging this duality, we can navigate life's challenges with faith and assurance. [00:26]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What visible challenges are you facing today, and how can you remind yourself of the invisible reality of God's presence and power in your life?
Day 2: God's Kingdom in Action
The kingdom of God is not a distant concept but a present reality where God is actively working. Understanding this helps us see God's hand in our daily lives and trust in His divine plan. The kingdom of God is essentially God in action, evident in the natural world and in the beauty of creation, which serves as a witness to God's presence. By seeking the kingdom of God, we must understand it as God's active presence in our lives. It is not about following a set of rules but about experiencing God through His law and creation. This awareness allows us to trust in His divine plan and see His hand in our daily lives. [02:00]
"And he said, 'The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground. He sleeps and rises night and day, and the seed sprouts and grows; he knows not how.'" (Mark 4:26-27, ESV)
Reflection: How can you become more aware of God's active presence in your life today, and what steps can you take to align yourself with His kingdom work?
Day 3: Creation as a Witness
The natural world is a testament to God's kingdom. The beauty of creation reflects God's presence and serves as a reminder of His ongoing work in the world. Psalm 19 and Romans 10 echo this truth, highlighting how creation itself declares the glory of God. By observing the natural world, we can see the evidence of God's kingdom and His active presence. This awareness can deepen our faith and remind us of God's ongoing work in the world. As we appreciate the beauty of creation, we are reminded of God's presence and His kingdom at work. [03:47]
"For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in the things that have been made. So they are without excuse." (Romans 1:20, ESV)
Reflection: Take a moment to observe the natural world around you. How does the beauty of creation remind you of God's presence and His kingdom at work?
Day 4: Experiencing God Through His Law
God's law is an expression of His kingdom. By striving to live according to His commandments, we encounter God in action and realize our dependence on His grace. The Ten Commandments, for instance, are not just rules to follow but a means to encounter God in action. By living according to God's law, we realize our dependence on Him and witness His kingdom at work. This understanding allows us to experience God through His law and creation, deepening our relationship with Him. [04:40]
"Oh how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me." (Psalm 119:97-98, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you strive to live according to God's commandments today, and how might this help you experience His presence and grace more fully?
Day 5: Living with Kingdom Consciousness
Like Moses, we are called to endure by seeing the invisible. Cultivating an awareness of God's kingdom allows us to walk in faith and experience His deliverance and grace. This consciousness of God's kingdom enables us to endure life's challenges and walk in faith. By seeing the invisible, we can experience God's deliverance and grace, just as Moses did. This awareness allows us to live with a kingdom consciousness, trusting in God's plan and experiencing His presence in our lives. [02:30]
"By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible." (Hebrews 11:27, ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a greater awareness of God's kingdom in your daily life, and what steps can you take to walk in faith and experience His deliverance and grace?
Quotes
"Now when we approach our lives, especially if we are followers of Christ, we have to always remember those two landscapes. Now this is of course just biblical stuff right, Moses endured as seeing him who was invisible and it is the consciousness of this the landscape of the kingdom of God that allows us to walk in that Kingdom with Christ and see the deliverance that comes by grace in that kingdom." [00:01:48]
"Remember, grace is simply God acting and the kingdom of God is what God is doing now. You and your theological classes you will hear words like rain, it's the rain of God but the rain is just what is God doing. Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness. What is that you're going to tell someone how to do that?" [00:02:42]
"What is the kingdom of God? You need to know what it is in order to seek it, don't you? What is it? It's God acting, very simple. Now of course that includes raining because God acts in many ways and the kingdom of God is present in many forms. We're experiencing a dimension of the kingdom of God when we come out here into the hills and look at the critters." [00:03:21]
"That's one of the manifestations of the kingdom of God, that's why it's such a blessing to people who don't even know anything about the kingdom of God. They come out and look at a tree or a mountain and go ha something about that. What is it? It's just dirt rock. It's because that's one of the witnesses of the kingdom." [00:03:47]
"And you know in Psalm 19 it says that doesn't mean and then Paul picks up that same theme in Romans 10 where he's talking about the gospel that's real. How does the kingdom of God comes in his law? I can't tell anyone how to find the kingdom of God, just take the 10 commandments and do them." [00:04:21]
"You will soon find that only God can support you and you will experience God in action when you do that. God's law is an expression of his kingdom." [00:04:39]
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