Embracing the Kingdom of God Within Us

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Within Us

The Kingdom of God is not an external observation but an internal reality. Jesus teaches in Luke 17 that the Kingdom of God is within us, meaning that as believers, we carry the Kingdom within us. This profound truth calls us to live in a way that reflects God's presence in our lives. It is not about looking for signs or wonders outside but recognizing that God's reign is established in our hearts. This internal Kingdom transforms our thoughts, actions, and interactions, making us ambassadors of God's love and grace in the world.

As carriers of the Kingdom, we are called to embody the values and principles of God's reign. This means living out love, justice, mercy, and humility in our daily lives. It is a call to be mindful of how we treat others, how we make decisions, and how we represent Christ in every aspect of our lives. The Kingdom within us is a source of strength and guidance, helping us navigate the challenges and opportunities we face each day. [09:41]

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 consciously reflect the Kingdom of God in your interactions today? Think of one specific way you can demonstrate God's love and grace to someone you encounter.

Day 2: Gratitude for God's Sacrifice

Our ability to bear the Kingdom of God is not due to our own efforts but is a gift made possible through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This calls for a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to live in a way that honors this incredible gift. Jesus' sacrifice was the ultimate act of love, bridging the gap between humanity and God, and enabling us to become carriers of His Kingdom. This profound truth should fill our hearts with thankfulness and inspire us to live lives that reflect the magnitude of His sacrifice.

Gratitude for God's sacrifice is not just a feeling but a way of life. It involves recognizing the depth of God's love for us and responding with a life of worship, obedience, and service. It means acknowledging that we are not our own but have been bought with a price, and therefore, we should glorify God in all that we do. This gratitude should permeate our thoughts, words, and actions, influencing how we live each day. [11:12]

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 (ESV): "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body."

Reflection: In what ways can you express your gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice today? Consider one specific action you can take to honor His gift of salvation.

Day 3: Living as Kingdom Bearers

Being carriers of God's Kingdom means our lives should visibly demonstrate God's love, grace, and truth. This is a daily challenge and a call to action, urging us to reflect God's Kingdom in our interactions and decisions. As Kingdom bearers, we are called to be the light of the world, shining God's love and truth in a world that often seems dark and broken. This involves living out the values of the Kingdom in practical ways, such as showing kindness, seeking justice, and extending grace to others.

Living as Kingdom bearers requires intentionality and commitment. It means being mindful of how our actions and words reflect the character of Christ. It involves seeking opportunities to serve others, standing up for what is right, and being a source of encouragement and hope. As we strive to live out the Kingdom, we become living testimonies of God's transformative power and love. [12:08]

Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."

Reflection: How can you be a visible demonstration of God's Kingdom today? Identify one specific way you can show God's love and truth in your interactions.

Day 4: Assurance of Salvation

We are reminded of the eternal consequences of our choices. While the physical heat outside is temporary, there is a greater spiritual heat awaiting those who do not seek God. However, those who follow Christ are assured of salvation and eternal life with God. This assurance is a source of hope and comfort, reminding us that our faith in Christ secures our place in God's eternal Kingdom. It is a promise that transcends the challenges and trials of this life, offering us a future filled with God's presence and glory.

The assurance of salvation is not based on our own merits but on the finished work of Christ. It is a gift of grace, received through faith, and it gives us confidence to face the future without fear. This assurance should motivate us to live faithfully, knowing that our ultimate destiny is secure in Christ. It also compels us to share the good news of salvation with others, so they too can experience the hope and joy of eternal life with God. [12:50]

1 Peter 1:3-5 (ESV): "Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time."

Reflection: How does the assurance of your salvation influence your daily life? Think of one way you can live out this assurance in your actions and decisions today.

Day 5: Faithfulness of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit, sent by God at Jesus' request, dwells within us, guiding and sustaining us even when we falter. This constant presence is a source of strength and encouragement, helping us to live out God's Word every day. The Holy Spirit is our helper, comforter, and advocate, empowering us to live in alignment with God's will. Even in moments of weakness and doubt, the Holy Spirit remains faithful, providing the guidance and support we need to persevere.

The faithfulness of the Holy Spirit is a reminder that we are never alone in our journey of faith. The Spirit intercedes for us, teaches us, and convicts us, helping us to grow in our relationship with God. This divine presence within us is a source of comfort and assurance, enabling us to face the challenges of life with confidence and hope. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are empowered to live out our faith in meaningful and impactful ways. [13:23]

Romans 8:26-27 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words. And he who searches hearts knows what is the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God."

Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's guidance today? Identify one specific area of your life where you need the Holy Spirit's help and ask for His guidance and strength.

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the profound truth that the Kingdom of God is within us. We began by welcoming our guests, Brother Alan and Sister Liviana, and then united in the Lord's Prayer, acknowledging God's sovereignty and seeking His will in our lives. Our focus was on Luke 17, where Jesus teaches that the Kingdom of God is not something to be observed externally but is within us. This powerful message reminds us that we are bearers of God's Kingdom, a reality made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross.

We expressed our gratitude to God for His immense love and for making us carriers of His Kingdom. This divine presence within us calls for a life that reflects God's Kingdom to the world. We prayed for the strength to live in a manner that visibly demonstrates God's Kingdom in our daily actions and interactions. We also acknowledged the challenges we face, including the physical heat outside, and drew a parallel to the spiritual heat that awaits those who do not seek God's name. However, we rejoiced in the assurance that those who follow Christ will be spared from this eternal separation from God.

We concluded by thanking the Holy Spirit for His constant presence and guidance, even when we falter. The Holy Spirit remains faithful, dwelling within us and helping us to live out God's Word every day. We ended our time together with a heartfelt prayer, asking for God's continued blessings and for our lives to be a testament to His glory.

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Key Takeaways

1. pF4&t=581s'>[09:41]
2. Gratitude for God's Sacrifice: Our ability to bear the Kingdom of God is not due to our own efforts but is a gift made possible through Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. This calls for a deep sense of gratitude and a commitment to live in a way that honors this incredible gift.

3. Living as Kingdom Bearers: Being carriers of God's Kingdom means our lives should visibly demonstrate God's love, grace, and truth. This is a daily challenge and a call to action, urging us to reflect God's Kingdom in our interactions and decisions.

4. Assurance of Salvation: We are reminded of the eternal consequences of our choices. While the physical heat outside is temporary, there is a greater spiritual heat awaiting those who do not seek God. However, those who follow Christ are assured of salvation and eternal life with God.

5. Faithfulness of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, sent by God at Jesus' request, dwells within us, guiding and sustaining us even when we falter. This constant presence is a source of strength and encouragement, helping us to live out God's Word every day.

### [09:41]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[09:41] - The Kingdom of God is Within You
[11:12] - Gratitude for God's Sacrifice
[12:08] - Living as Kingdom Bearers
[12:50] - Assurance of Salvation
[13:23] - Faithfulness of the Holy Spirit
[13:23] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

According to Luke 17:20-21, where does Jesus say the Kingdom of God is located?
What does the sermon suggest is the significance of the Kingdom of God being within us? [09:41]
How does the sermon describe our role as bearers of God's Kingdom? [11:12]
What parallel does the sermon draw between the physical heat outside and the spiritual heat awaiting those who do not seek God? [12:08]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean for the Kingdom of God to be within us, and how does this internal reality affect our daily lives? [09:41]
How does the sermon explain the connection between Jesus' sacrifice and our ability to bear the Kingdom of God? [11:12]
In what ways are we called to visibly demonstrate God's Kingdom in our interactions and decisions, according to the sermon? [12:08]
How does the assurance of salvation influence the way we live our lives, especially in the face of challenges and temptations? [12:50]

Application Questions

Reflect on your daily actions and interactions. How can you better demonstrate that the Kingdom of God is within you? [09:41]
In what specific ways can you express gratitude for Jesus' sacrifice in your everyday life? [11:12]
Identify one area in your life where you struggle to reflect God's Kingdom. What steps can you take to improve in this area? [12:08]
How do you handle the "spiritual heat" or challenges in your life? What practices can help you stay focused on God's promise of salvation? [12:50]
Think of a recent situation where you felt the guidance of the Holy Spirit. How did it impact your actions, and how can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's presence in the future? [13:23]
How can you support others in your community to recognize and live out the reality that the Kingdom of God is within them?
What specific prayer or spiritual practice can you incorporate into your routine to remind yourself of the Holy Spirit's constant presence and guidance? [13:23]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for outreach

1.
"We are bearers of the kingdom of God. I do not say it, the Holy Scripture says it. And everything that the Holy Scripture says is real and true. So if the word, if the kingdom of God is within you and within me, it is worth it for this thing that is not won by our power, but is won by the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. Let us thank God." [09:41] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2.
"We are also present in this house today, of prayer due to the love that our Father has given us. And we thank you for this. But we thank you more and more especially for your kingdom, Lord, which is within us, for the fact that we are bearers of your kingdom, Lord. And if we are bearers of your kingdom, help us to behave in such a way that, indeed, your kingdom, Lord, may be seen by all the world in us." [11:12] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3.
"Lord, we know that there will be a place, at the end of times, where the heat will be even greater. But we thank you that those of us who are in this place and all those who seek your name will not be in that place where there will be a greater heat than the one outside. We thank you for after this meal. We thank you that you open our hearts to receive your word and especially help us to live in your word every day." [12:08] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for members

1.
"And bless us, because we were able to come to this place, even if it is a great heat outside. Lord, we know that there will be a place, at the end of times, where the heat will be even greater. But we thank you that those of us who are in this place and all those who seek your name will not be in that place where there will be a greater heat than the one outside." [12:08] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2.
"Bless this meal, Lord. Bless the praise and the bowing after this meal. Bless the word that will be spoken after this meal. And bless us, because we were able to come to this place, even if it is a great heat outside." [12:08] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3.
"Father God, together with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and with the Holy Spirit that you, God, sent him at the insistence of your Son, Jesus Christ, to be with us and in us until the end of times. We thank you, Holy Spirit, because you chose to be in us, even when we hate you, even when the Bible says that you resist the unbelievers. You remain faithful, new, to God, who sent you to be with us and in us." [12:50] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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