Embracing the Kingdom: Rest, Trust, and Freedom in Christ
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Trinity Dallas. Today, we celebrate Mother's Day and reflect on the profound impact of our mothers' words and sacrifices. As we navigate the busy month of May, many of us find ourselves running on empty, spiritually, emotionally, and physically. The world tells us to keep pushing through, but the kingdom of God offers a different path—one of rest, peace, and eternal provision through Jesus Christ.
The kingdom of God, also known as the kingdom of heaven, was inaugurated by the coming of Christ. It is a mystery revealed by Jesus, a now-and-not-yet reality that began with His birth and will be fulfilled upon His return. The kingdom is essentially God's way of doing things, His rule of grace, and His dominion. Jesus redeems and restores our broken relationship with God, giving us access to this kingdom.
Entering the kingdom of God requires being born again, repenting, and having childlike trust. Being born again signifies a new spiritual birth that leads to continued growth in faith. Repentance involves turning away from sin and self-rule, and childlike trust means having an open, teachable heart that fully relies on God.
Living in God's kingdom involves stepping down from the throne of our own lives and embracing a life of submission and dependency on God. This kingdom life is characterized by faith, prayer, worship, devotion to truth, love for God and neighbor, humility, and freedom. It is a life where we continually follow Christ, deny ourselves, and live in the freedom He offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom of God is a Mystery Revealed by Jesus: The kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It was set in motion by Jesus' birth and will be fully realized upon His return. This kingdom is essentially God's way of doing things, His rule of grace, and His dominion. Jesus redeems and restores our broken relationship with God, giving us access to this kingdom. [04:54]
2. Entering the Kingdom Requires Being Born Again, Repentance, and Childlike Trust: To enter the kingdom of God, one must experience a new spiritual birth, turn away from sin and self-rule, and have an open, teachable heart that fully relies on God. This process involves continual growth in faith and a deepening relationship with Jesus. [10:02]
3. Living in God's Kingdom Means Embracing Submission and Dependency on God: Kingdom life involves stepping down from the throne of our own lives and embracing a life of submission and dependency on God. This includes faith, prayer, worship, devotion to truth, love for God and neighbor, humility, and freedom. It is a life where we continually follow Christ and deny ourselves. [18:03]
4. The Importance of Humility and Community in Kingdom Life: Humility is essential in the kingdom of God. It requires us to respond to the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance, often through community and the Word of God. Being in community challenges us and helps us grow in humility and trust in God's guidance. [19:36]
5. Freedom in Christ: Jesus' sacrifice on the cross provides us with freedom from sin, death, and any form of bondage. Living in the kingdom of God means embracing this freedom and not being held back by past struggles or addictions. Jesus has made a way for us to live a life of freedom, hope, love, and community. [19:36]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:30] - Mother's Day Blessings
[03:02] - The Kingdom of God Never Runs Out
[04:54] - What is the Kingdom of God?
[06:38] - The Kingdom is a Now and Not Yet Reality
[08:17] - Repent and Believe the Good News
[10:02] - How to Enter the Kingdom
[11:35] - Personal Testimony of Being Born Again
[13:04] - The Power of God's Word
[14:54] - Childlike Trust
[16:28] - The Danger of Self-Sufficiency
[18:03] - Living in God's Kingdom
[19:36] - Freedom in Christ
[20:00] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 1:14-15 - "After John was put in prison, Jesus went into Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God. 'The time has come,' he said. 'The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!'"
2. John 3:3-5 - "Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.' 'How can someone be born when they are old?' Nicodemus asked. 'Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!' Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"
3. Matthew 6:27 - "Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Mark 1:14-15, what two actions does Jesus call people to take in response to the coming of the kingdom of God?
2. In John 3:3-5, what does Jesus say is necessary to see and enter the kingdom of God?
3. How does Matthew 6:27 address the issue of worry and its impact on our lives?
4. What are some characteristics of the kingdom of God as described in the sermon? ([04:54])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to "repent and believe the good news" as Jesus commands in Mark 1:14-15? How might this look in a believer's daily life?
2. How does the concept of being "born again" in John 3:3-5 challenge our understanding of spiritual transformation? What does this new birth entail?
3. Reflect on Matthew 6:27. How does this verse encourage us to trust in God's provision rather than succumbing to worry?
4. The sermon mentions that living in God's kingdom involves stepping down from the throne of our own lives. What practical steps can one take to embrace a life of submission and dependency on God? ([18:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Jesus calls us to repent and believe the good news. Is there an area in your life where you need to turn away from sin and self-rule? How can you take a step towards repentance this week? ([08:17])
2. Being born again signifies a new spiritual birth. Have you experienced this transformation? If so, how are you continuing to grow in your faith? If not, what steps can you take to seek this new birth? ([10:02])
3. Reflect on a time when you were running on empty, spiritually, emotionally, or physically. How did you find rest and peace in God's kingdom? What practices can you implement to avoid burnout in the future? ([03:02])
4. The sermon emphasizes childlike trust. Think of a situation where you struggled to trust God fully. How can you cultivate a more open and teachable heart in that area? ([14:54])
5. Living in God's kingdom involves humility and community. How can you actively seek out and engage in a community that challenges you to grow in humility and trust in God's guidance? ([19:36])
6. Jesus offers freedom from sin, death, and bondage. Is there a past struggle or addiction that still holds you back? How can you embrace the freedom that Jesus provides and move forward in hope and love? ([19:36])
7. The kingdom life is characterized by faith, prayer, worship, and devotion to truth. Choose one of these aspects to focus on this week. What specific action will you take to deepen your practice in this area? ([18:03])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God is a Present and Future Reality
The kingdom of God is a profound mystery revealed by Jesus Christ. It is both a present reality and a future hope, inaugurated by Jesus' birth and to be fully realized upon His return. This kingdom represents God's way of doing things, His rule of grace, and His dominion over all creation. Through Jesus, our broken relationship with God is redeemed and restored, granting us access to this divine kingdom. Living in this kingdom means experiencing God's grace, love, and provision in our daily lives while looking forward to the ultimate fulfillment of His promises. [04:54]
Matthew 13:31-32 (ESV): "He put another parable before them, saying, 'The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.'"
Reflection: How can you recognize and embrace the presence of God's kingdom in your daily life today?
Day 2: Entering the Kingdom Requires Spiritual Rebirth and Trust
To enter the kingdom of God, one must experience a new spiritual birth, turn away from sin and self-rule, and have an open, teachable heart that fully relies on God. This process involves being born again, which signifies a new spiritual birth leading to continued growth in faith. Repentance is essential, as it involves turning away from sin and self-centeredness. Additionally, having childlike trust means approaching God with an open heart, ready to learn and fully depend on Him. This journey of faith is marked by continual growth and a deepening relationship with Jesus. [10:02]
John 3:5-6 (ESV): "Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to repent and trust God more fully today?
Day 3: Embracing Submission and Dependency on God
Living in God's kingdom involves stepping down from the throne of our own lives and embracing a life of submission and dependency on God. This kingdom life is characterized by faith, prayer, worship, devotion to truth, love for God and neighbor, humility, and freedom. It requires us to continually follow Christ, deny ourselves, and live in the freedom He offers. By submitting to God's will and depending on His guidance, we experience the fullness of life that He promises. This life of submission is not one of weakness but of strength found in God's grace and provision. [18:03]
James 4:7-8 (ESV): "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step down from the throne and submit to God's will?
Day 4: The Importance of Humility and Community
Humility is essential in the kingdom of God. It requires us to respond to the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance, often through community and the Word of God. Being in community challenges us and helps us grow in humility and trust in God's guidance. In a community of believers, we are encouraged, corrected, and supported in our spiritual journey. This communal aspect of faith helps us to remain humble and open to God's leading, fostering a deeper relationship with Him and with others. [19:36]
1 Peter 5:5-6 (ESV): "Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.' Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
Reflection: How can you actively seek humility and community in your life today?
Day 5: Freedom in Christ
Jesus' sacrifice on the cross provides us with freedom from sin, death, and any form of bondage. Living in the kingdom of God means embracing this freedom and not being held back by past struggles or addictions. Jesus has made a way for us to live a life of freedom, hope, love, and community. This freedom is not just a future promise but a present reality that we can experience daily. By accepting and living in this freedom, we can overcome the chains that once bound us and walk in the newness of life that Christ offers. [19:36]
Galatians 5:1 (ESV): "For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery."
Reflection: What past struggles or addictions do you need to release to fully embrace the freedom Christ offers today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The kingdom of God never runs out. God's peace never runs out. His provision never runs out. His freedom, His love, what He gives us through Jesus Christ is everlasting and eternal, and it's good news, and it's available to all of us. The kingdom of God is a free gift and open to all humanity." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus invites us into God's way of doing things. So how do we enter this way of life? How do we enter? Well, there's three things that you must do or that must happen. You must be born again, you must repent, and it requires childlike trust." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Children's hearts and minds are open. They're teachable. They're moldable. Children have an awe and wonder in their eyes that we can lose as adults. Children take their parents at their word and they don't worry about their daily needs, daily cares. They just know that mom and dad have it, that it's taken care of." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We cannot be self-sufficient. We cannot be at a place in our lives where we have no need of God. He wants us to need him." (10 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus makes a way. When he died on that cross, he made a way for us to be free from sin, from death, from addictions, from anything that is holding you back. Jesus has made a way for us to be free." (17 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We are coming to the end of the school year, gearing up for summer, but many of us are really just out of gas. We are running on empty, and due to this time of year, it's really hard to pause and see, where am I at spiritually? Where am I at emotionally, physically, mentally? You see, we begin to get depleted in one or maybe all of these areas, and as we just keep going, but not refilling, weariness, begins to grow, and as weariness grows, anxiety sets in, and the world will tell us to just keep pushing through, keep going, but the kingdom of God tells us something different." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of God is inaugurated by the coming of Christ. So, when Christ was born, the kingdom of God was set in motion. God, it's a mystery. It's a mystery, because the way God's kingdom works, it's hidden, but Jesus reveals it. The prophets were looking for the kingdom. Israel's leaders expected a military messiah to overthrow oppressive rulers. John the Baptist was preparing the way for the kingdom through the baptism of repentance, and he proclaimed it was at hand." (41 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The kingdom life consists of these things. Faith. We must have faith. We cannot be in the kingdom and be in doubt and unbelief. Those are opposite. They don't belong. A kingdom life is a life of prayer and worship. We must be devoted to these two things. It is what transforms us. It molds us into the image of Christ. We have to be devoted to truth, and if we want to know truth, we have to know his word. People want to know what God is saying and what he's doing, but they don't want to know his word. This is where it's at. We have to know his word so that we can walk in truth." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The story of Nicodemus is one of my absolute favorite passages. He is a religious leader who was a Pharisee, and he came to Jesus in the night because he had some burning questions. He asked, he wanted to know, how does one become born again? Jesus tells him, I tell you the truth. Unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. We cannot see the kingdom of God with our own fleshly eyes. Nicodemus doesn't understand. He does not understand this. Jesus answered, very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the spirit gives birth to spirit." (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to humble ourselves and respond to the Holy Spirit's correction and guidance. And that happens through community, and that happens through the word of God. You see, you don't really have to humble yourself when you're all alone. But when you get in community and you begin to get around people that may challenge you or rub you the wrong way or whatever it may be, we have to humble ourselves. We have to trust that God is guiding us. We have to hear, his voice to guide and direct us through different things in life. And that requires humility." (43 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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