Embracing the Kingdom: Jesus, Our True Reality

 

Summary

In today's message, we explored the profound connection between the Kingdom of God and the person of Jesus Christ. The central theme is that the Kingdom is not just a concept but is embodied in Jesus, the King. This understanding is crucial because it shifts our focus from mere behavior and legalism to a deeper spiritual ontology. Spirituality without a proper understanding of being, or ontology, leads to legalism, where actions are judged without understanding the underlying spiritual reality. This is why many religious people can become judgmental and mean, as they focus on external behaviors rather than the transformation of the inner being.

We delved into the idea that faith is not about having the right answers but about aligning our lives with the truth of Jesus' reality. Beliefs about Jesus, such as His virgin birth or divinity, are significant not because they are the "right answers" but because they shape how we relate to Him and the world. The Kingdom of God is about living in righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit, not about achieving perfection.

A key aspect of Jesus' teaching is the inversion of human rankings. The world often values wealth, social status, and power, but Jesus teaches that God's Kingdom operates on a different scale. The Beatitudes, for example, are not instructions but proclamations of the Kingdom's availability to those who are often marginalized by worldly standards. Jesus challenges the assumption that wealth and status equate to God's favor, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from being in the Kingdom of God.

This message calls us to reject the world's pecking order and embrace the Kingdom's values, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. It invites us to see beyond societal rankings and recognize the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus, regardless of their worldly status.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Kingdom and Jesus: The Kingdom of God is inseparable from Jesus, the King. Understanding this connection helps us move beyond legalism to a spirituality rooted in the reality of Jesus' presence and teachings. This shift allows us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. [32:39]

2. Spirituality and Ontology: True spirituality requires an understanding of ontology, the nature of being. Without this, we fall into legalism, focusing on external behaviors rather than the transformation of our inner being. This understanding helps us escape judgmental attitudes and embrace a life aligned with God's truth. [33:57]

3. Faith and Belief: Faith is not about having the right answers but about aligning our lives with the truth of Jesus' reality. Beliefs about Jesus shape how we relate to Him and the world, impacting our actions and interactions with others. [36:01]

4. Inversion of Human Rankings: Jesus' teachings invert human ideas about rank and status. The Kingdom of God values those often marginalized by worldly standards, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from being in the Kingdom, not from wealth or social status. [42:48]

5. The Beatitudes and Kingdom Availability: The Beatitudes are proclamations of the Kingdom's availability to all, challenging the assumption that wealth and status equate to God's favor. They invite us to see beyond societal rankings and recognize the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus. [53:59]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [32:05] - The Kingdom and Jesus
- [32:59] - Spirituality and Ontology
- [33:57] - Escaping Legalism
- [35:15] - Faith Beyond Right Answers
- [36:01] - Beliefs and Reality
- [37:44] - Living in the Kingdom
- [39:30] - Jesus' Teachings on the Kingdom
- [42:48] - Inversion of Human Rankings
- [45:18] - Paul's Perspective on Status
- [49:36] - The Beatitudes Explained
- [53:59] - Kingdom Availability
- [57:10] - Understanding Jesus' Teaching Style
- [59:26] - The Kingdom and Family Relations
- [01:05:26] - The Openness of the Kingdom

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Colossians 3:17 - "And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
2. Philippians 3:4-8 - Paul's reflection on his qualifications and how he counts them as loss for the sake of Christ.
3. Luke 6:20-26 - The Beatitudes and the inversion of worldly values.

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Colossians 3:17 suggest about the relationship between our actions and the name of Jesus? How does this relate to the concept of the Kingdom of God? [32:05]
2. In Philippians 3, what are the qualifications Paul lists, and how does he view them in light of his relationship with Christ? [45:18]
3. According to Luke 6, what are some of the blessings and woes Jesus mentions, and how do they challenge societal norms? [49:36]
4. How does the sermon describe the connection between Jesus and the Kingdom of God? [32:39]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the understanding of ontology, as discussed in the sermon, help believers move beyond legalism? [33:57]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the significance of beliefs about Jesus, such as His divinity and virgin birth, in shaping our relationship with Him? [36:01]
3. How does the inversion of human rankings, as taught by Jesus, challenge the way we view wealth and social status? [42:48]
4. In what ways do the Beatitudes proclaim the availability of the Kingdom to those marginalized by worldly standards? [53:59]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on Colossians 3:17. How can you ensure that your daily actions and words are done in the name of Jesus? What changes might you need to make? [32:05]
2. Consider Paul's perspective in Philippians 3. Are there any "qualifications" or achievements in your life that you need to reevaluate in light of your faith in Christ? [45:18]
3. How can you actively reject societal rankings and embrace the values of the Kingdom where the last shall be first? What practical steps can you take this week? [42:48]
4. Think about a time when you focused on external behaviors rather than inner transformation. How can you shift your focus to align more with God's truth? [33:57]
5. Identify a belief about Jesus that has significantly shaped your relationship with Him. How does this belief influence your interactions with others? [36:01]
6. How can you live out the righteousness, peace, and joy of the Kingdom in your current circumstances, even if they don't align with worldly standards of success? [38:23]
7. Reflect on the Beatitudes. How can you recognize and embrace the blessedness available to you in the Kingdom, regardless of your worldly status? [53:59]

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom Embodied in Jesus
The Kingdom of God is not merely a concept or a distant reality; it is embodied in the person of Jesus Christ. This understanding shifts our focus from external behaviors and legalistic practices to a deeper spiritual reality rooted in Jesus' presence and teachings. By recognizing Jesus as the King, we are invited to live in righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. This perspective helps us move beyond judgmental attitudes and embrace a life aligned with God's truth, where our actions are a reflection of our transformed inner being. [32:39]

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: How can you embody the presence of Jesus in your daily interactions, allowing His peace and joy to influence those around you?


Day 2: Ontology and Spiritual Transformation
True spirituality requires an understanding of ontology, the nature of being. Without this, we risk falling into legalism, where we focus on external behaviors rather than the transformation of our inner being. This understanding helps us escape judgmental attitudes and embrace a life aligned with God's truth. By recognizing the importance of being over doing, we can cultivate a spirituality that is authentic and transformative, allowing us to live in harmony with God's will and purpose for our lives. [33:57]

Colossians 3:9-10 (ESV): "Do not lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old self with its practices and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its creator."

Reflection: In what ways can you focus on transforming your inner being rather than merely modifying your external behaviors today?


Day 3: Faith Beyond Right Answers
Faith is not about having the right answers but about aligning our lives with the truth of Jesus' reality. Beliefs about Jesus, such as His divinity and teachings, shape how we relate to Him and the world. This understanding impacts our actions and interactions with others, inviting us to live a life that reflects the reality of Jesus' presence. By focusing on aligning our lives with Jesus' truth, we can experience a deeper, more meaningful faith that transcends mere intellectual assent. [36:01]

James 2:18-19 (ESV): "But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!"

Reflection: How can you align your daily actions with the truth of Jesus' reality, demonstrating your faith through your works?


Day 4: Inversion of Human Rankings
Jesus' teachings invert human ideas about rank and status. The Kingdom of God values those often marginalized by worldly standards, emphasizing that true blessedness comes from being in the Kingdom, not from wealth or social status. This perspective challenges us to reject the world's pecking order and embrace the Kingdom's values, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. By recognizing the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus, we can live a life that reflects the values of God's Kingdom. [42:48]

1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."

Reflection: How can you challenge societal norms and embrace the values of God's Kingdom in your interactions with others today?


Day 5: The Beatitudes and Kingdom Availability
The Beatitudes are proclamations of the Kingdom's availability to all, challenging the assumption that wealth and status equate to God's favor. They invite us to see beyond societal rankings and recognize the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus. By embracing the values of the Kingdom, we can experience the true blessedness that comes from being in relationship with God, regardless of our worldly status. This understanding invites us to live a life that reflects the inclusivity and grace of God's Kingdom. [53:59]

Matthew 5:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth."

Reflection: How can you embody the spirit of the Beatitudes in your life, recognizing the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus?

Quotes

The Kingdom of God is inseparable from Jesus, the King. Understanding this connection helps us move beyond legalism to a spirituality rooted in the reality of Jesus' presence and teachings. This shift allows us to live in righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. [00:32:39]

Spirituality without ontology produces legalism. Ontology is the theory of being; it's the understanding of reality. That's why we have to go there, and it applies not just to God but also to us as human beings. What really matters in us is the hidden aspect, the sources of our behavior. [00:33:57]

Faith is not about having the right answers; the significance of faith is being imaged in reality in the way that accords with truth. When you do that, then your life is different. Take something that in past generations has been huge battles over—a virgin birth of Christ. [00:36:01]

We come to seek the kingdom in Jesus. We live out the righteousness, the peace, and the joy that is of the Holy Spirit, and we live in uncompromising obedience. We're learning to do that now. Do we have to be perfect? Well, no. Why? We're not accepted on the basis of perfection. [00:37:44]

Central to Jesus's proclamation of the kingdom is the inversion of human ideas about rank and the insistence that God has a different ranking. He ranks people in different ways. So now that is why you have the statement of Jesus that shows up over and over: the first shall be last. [00:42:48]

The Beatitudes are proclamations of the Kingdom's availability to all, challenging the assumption that wealth and status equate to God's favor. They invite us to see beyond societal rankings and recognize the blessedness available to all who trust in Jesus. [00:53:59]

The Beatitudes don't tell you to do anything; they're announcements about the reality of the kingdom of God in relationship to the kingdom of men. In order to understand them, you have to understand how Jesus teaches and looking at these passages can help us with that. [00:57:10]

Jesus does not teach generally by laying out general truths but by contradicting prevailing assumptions and allowing, causing you to think about that. You had to remember that they didn't have computers, they didn't have ballpoint pens and pads to write on, they didn't have recorders. [00:59:26]

The meaning of the Beatitudes is the openness of the kingdom to all who trust in Jesus. That's the story the Gospels now have this, and I go through, read the story. What do you see? Person after person coming to Jesus. You see the remarkable generosity of Jesus in the kingdom of God. [01:05:26]

The prophecy of Daniel, why does this upset people so much? Why do we constantly try to go back and civilize the Beatitudes? Why do you have people invest such efforts into how mourning will save you and how being poor in spirit is really a matter of thinking that you're poor? [01:08:31]

This is actually the announcement of the kingdom that is cut out without hands, that were the stone that is cut out without hands in Daniel, that comes and crushes human order and fills the whole earth. And that's the eventual outcome of the kingdom of God. [01:11:26]

The kingdoms of the world have become that of our Lord and of his Christ, and that's what puts the hallelujah in the hallelujah course, isn't it? Well, now I know I've raised a lot of questions, and we're going to have time later on to talk about those. [01:14:48]

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Transcript
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