Embracing the Kingdom: Jesus as Our King
Summary
Today, we started a new series called "Thy Kingdom Come." Over the next five weeks, we will talk about what God's kingdom is, where it is, and when it will end. It's going to be interesting, so make sure to join us!
The main point today is about a king. In the Bible, Jesus said that God's kingdom is near. This was a big deal back then, like if we woke up to news that America had a king. People would wonder what that means for their lives.
Jesus is not just any king; He is perfect and loving. Unlike other rulers who make mistakes, Jesus brings true peace and hope. His kingdom is different because it invites everyone to be part of it.
When people heard about Jesus being the king, it was shocking. They were used to thinking of kings in a certain way, often as rulers who take over and change everything. But Jesus was saying that His kingdom is here now, and it’s not just about rules; it’s about a new way of living.
Jesus is called "Christ," which means "the king." This title is important because it shows that He is the one chosen by God. When Peter called Jesus the Christ, he was saying that Jesus is the king everyone had been waiting for. This was a bold statement and made some people very upset.
Today, we need to think about what it means to have Jesus as our king. It’s not just about believing in Him for the future; it’s about how we live our lives now. Following Jesus means we have to listen to Him and let Him guide us in everything we do.
So, the big question is: Are we living like Jesus is our king? Are we following His way of living? It’s important to remember that calling Jesus our king means we should try to live by His teachings every day.
Let’s pray and ask for help to understand what it means to have Jesus as our king and to live in His kingdom starting today.
Key Takeaways:
- The announcement of God's kingdom by Jesus was a revolutionary declaration, challenging the existing political and religious structures of the time. It was not just a spiritual message but a call to a new way of living under the authority of a perfect King, unlike any earthly ruler. [35:15]
- Jesus as the Christ is not merely a name but a title that signifies His role as the anointed King. This understanding calls us to recognize His authority and live in alignment with His teachings, experiencing the kingdom of God as a present reality. [38:43]
- The kingdom of God is both already present and still unfolding. It is not just a future promise but a current reality that invites us to live under the authority of Jesus, experiencing His peace, justice, and hope in our daily lives. [47:11]
- To truly follow Jesus, we must receive Him not just as our Savior but also as our King. This means allowing Him to redefine our lives, making His way our way, and living under His authority in every aspect of our lives. [52:14]
- Eternity starts now, and our journey with Jesus is not just about reaching heaven but experiencing His kingdom on earth. This requires us to submit to His authority and live in alignment with His teachings, experiencing the fullness of life He promises. [57:43]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Introduction to Thy Kingdom Come Series
- [02:30] - The Announcement of a New Kingdom
- [05:15] - Understanding the Role of a King
- [08:00] - Jesus as the Christ: More Than a Name
- [12:30] - The Anointed One: Messiah and Christ
- [16:00] - The Political and Religious Implications
- [20:00] - The Kingdom of God: Present and Unfolding
- [24:00] - Living Under the Authority of Jesus
- [28:00] - The Challenge of Authority in Our Lives
- [32:00] - Embracing Jesus as King and Savior
- [36:00] - Experiencing the Kingdom Today
- [40:00] - Eternity Starts Now
- [44:00] - Conclusion and Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 1:15: "The time has come," he said. "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news."
- John 1:41: "The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, 'We have found the Messiah' (that is, the Christ)."
- Matthew 16:16: "Simon Peter answered, 'You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.'"
Observation Questions:
1. What was the significance of Jesus' announcement in Mark 1:15 about the kingdom of God? How did it challenge the existing political and religious structures of the time? [35:15]
2. How does the title "Christ" differ from being just a name for Jesus, according to the sermon? What implications does this title have? [38:43]
3. In what ways is the kingdom of God described as both present and unfolding? How does this dual nature affect our understanding of Jesus' message? [47:11]
4. What does it mean to receive Jesus not just as a Savior but also as a King, according to the sermon? [52:14]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How might the announcement of a new kingdom by Jesus have been perceived as a threat to both religious and political leaders of the time? [41:05]
2. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be a present reality rather than just a future promise? How does this understanding impact the way believers live today? [49:21]
3. How does the concept of Jesus as both Savior and King challenge the way individuals typically view authority and governance in their lives? [52:14]
4. What are the implications of living under the authority of Jesus as King in every aspect of life, as discussed in the sermon? [54:35]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current understanding of Jesus as King. How does this perspective influence your daily decisions and priorities? [52:14]
2. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to submit to Jesus' authority? How can you begin to address these challenges this week? [54:35]
3. How can you actively participate in experiencing the kingdom of God as a present reality in your community or workplace? [49:21]
4. Consider a decision you need to make soon. How can you ensure that this decision aligns with Jesus' teachings and authority? [54:35]
5. Identify one way you can demonstrate the love, justice, and peace of Jesus' kingdom in your interactions with others this week. [35:15]
6. How can you cultivate a mindset that views eternity as starting now, rather than just a future promise? What practical steps can you take to live with this perspective? [57:43]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you have been treating Jesus as an advisor rather than your ultimate authority. What changes can you make to align more closely with His teachings? [54:35]
Devotional
Day 1: The Revolutionary Kingdom of God
The announcement of God's kingdom by Jesus was a revolutionary declaration that challenged the existing political and religious structures of the time. This was not merely a spiritual message but a call to a new way of living under the authority of a perfect King, unlike any earthly ruler. Jesus introduced a kingdom that is eternal, just, and inclusive, inviting all into its fold. This kingdom is characterized by love, justice, and peace, and it stands in stark contrast to the temporal and often unjust systems of the world. The kingdom of God calls us to a radical reorientation of our lives, where we live not for ourselves but under the authority of Jesus, the anointed King. [35:15]
Isaiah 9:6-7 (ESV): "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Reflection: In what ways do the values of God's kingdom challenge the values of the world around you? How can you begin to align your life more closely with the principles of God's kingdom today?
Day 2: Jesus as the Anointed King
Jesus as the Christ is not merely a name but a title that signifies His role as the anointed King. This understanding calls us to recognize His authority and live in alignment with His teachings, experiencing the kingdom of God as a present reality. Jesus came not just to teach or prophesy but to establish God's kingdom on earth. This kingdom is not a distant future promise but a present reality that unfolds in our lives today. By acknowledging Jesus as the Christ, we are invited to live under His authority, allowing His teachings to guide our decisions and actions. [38:43]
Psalm 2:6-8 (ESV): "As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill. I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, 'You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.'"
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as the anointed King change the way you view His teachings? What is one specific teaching of Jesus that you can focus on applying in your life this week?
Day 3: The Present and Unfolding Kingdom
The kingdom of God is both already present and still unfolding. It is not just a future promise but a current reality that invites us to live under the authority of Jesus, experiencing His peace, justice, and hope in our daily lives. This understanding challenges us to see eternity as starting now, with our journey with Jesus being about experiencing His kingdom on earth. As we live under His authority, we are called to embody the values of His kingdom, bringing His peace and justice into our interactions and decisions. [47:11]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: In what ways do you see the kingdom of God unfolding in your life and community? How can you actively participate in bringing about God's kingdom in your daily interactions?
Day 4: Embracing Jesus as King and Savior
To truly follow Jesus, we must receive Him not just as our Savior but also as our King. This means allowing Him to redefine our lives, making His way our way, and living under His authority in every aspect of our lives. Embracing Jesus as King requires a shift in how we live, making decisions that align with His teachings and commands. It is a call to experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises, a life marked by peace, hope, and purpose. [52:14]
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 5: Experiencing Eternity Now
Eternity starts now, and our journey with Jesus is not just about reaching heaven but experiencing His kingdom on earth. This requires us to submit to His authority and live in alignment with His teachings, experiencing the fullness of life He promises. By living under the authority of Jesus, we are invited to experience His peace, justice, and hope in our daily lives. This understanding calls us to see our journey with Jesus as an opportunity to bring His kingdom values into every aspect of our lives, transforming the world around us. [57:43]
2 Corinthians 5:17-19 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation."
Reflection: How can you begin to experience the reality of eternity in your life today? What practical steps can you take to align your daily actions with the values of God's kingdom?
Quotes
"Now, while some of us would be excited, some of us would not. No matter how strong or wise or flawed, every ruler is flawed. Right? Every ruler in history has made mistakes. Every kingdom and country has had problems and most have fallen away. But the king that we're talking about today, this isn't the case. It's not just another politician. He's not someone who won an election or seized power. Right? This king is perfect. He is loving. He is just." [00:35:41] (31 seconds)
"This is why the kingdom of God is different than any other kingdom that we've ever experienced or learned about. Right? While governments come and go, this kingdom is eternal. And while human rulers divide people, this king invites all people into his love. It's different. But I wanted to address this right up front because as we talk about authority and a king and a kingdom, our emotions can take over. Right?" [00:36:33] (27 seconds)
"Christ isn't a last name. It's not a name. It's a title. And it has massive implications. So in the scriptures, when they talk about the Christ, it's saying something. And it doesn't really mean the same thing to us because of where we live and how we were brought up. Right? But it meant something back then. There were massive implications. Right? This is a very well-known title in the first century." [00:38:38] (22 seconds)
"It is declaring that his kingdom isn't coming. It is already here. It's already here. Now the religious leaders hated him. The political leaders hated him. Because it was threatening, right? This, religious leaders didn't like it because it was blasphemy. This guy is calling himself the Messiah, the king, king of kings, lord of lords. And the political leaders didn't like him. Because if Jesus is king, this meant that Caesar is not." [00:41:45] (33 seconds)
"Jesus wasn't announcing a new religious movement. He was introducing them to a new way of living. Now, this language of the new kingdom was very alarming. Like I said. And these people would be very familiar with what happens when there's a new kingdom. Right? This nation is conquered. Another one takes over. This king now brings this new kingdom. And the conquered people, they don't just get new suggestions about this is how we're going to." [00:45:35] (34 seconds)
"When Jesus said the kingdom of God has come near, he wasn't offering a religious upgrade or suggestions. Right? He was declaring a complete shift in authority. He was declaring a complete shift in authority. Following Jesus isn't about adding him to your life. It's about living under the authority of the new king today. It's not just about adding some suggestions and some good ideas. Maybe learning a new language even. I can learn some churchy words. It's not about that." [00:46:33] (41 seconds)
"To truly follow Jesus, we must receive him not just as our Savior, but also as our King. Let me say that again. To truly follow Jesus, we must receive him not just as our Savior, but also as our King. It's incomplete if we simply add Jesus to our lives. If we just use him as a consultant until we get to heaven. Then I'll submit. Right? Then I'm, I'm good." [00:53:07] (34 seconds)
"Jesus said in Luke 6:46, Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say? Why do you call me Lord? Why are you using my name, my title, Christ, but not living how I've said to live? Why is this happening? Right? And here's where it gets a little personal. It's not enough to call Jesus Christ. Right? The real question is, are we living like he is the king?" [00:54:12] (29 seconds)
"Jesus didn't just come to get us into heaven. Right? He came so that we can begin to experience his kingdom on earth. He came so that we can begin to experience his kingdom on earth. This is the Lord's prayer. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Listen to those words. It's not just a great prayer to pray or to quote at the beginning or the end of a traditional church service. Right?" [00:57:02] (25 seconds)