Embracing the Kingdom: Trust, Faith, and Submission
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Trinity Dallas. As we approach the end of the school year and gear up for summer, many of us find ourselves running on empty, feeling weary and anxious. However, the kingdom of God offers a different perspective. Unlike our limited resources, God's provision never runs out. The kingdom of God, also known as the kingdom of heaven, is a profound mystery inaugurated by the coming of Christ. It is both a present reality and a future hope, characterized by God's rule of grace, redemption, and restoration.
Understanding the kingdom of God requires us to adjust our lives to align with God's ways, much like adapting to a new culture. Trusting in Jesus reveals the kingdom's power and truth. Jesus used parables to describe the kingdom and demonstrated its power through miracles. He calls us to repent and believe the good news, urging us to relinquish control of our lives and place our trust in Him.
The story of Nicodemus illustrates the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth is essential for overcoming fears and anxieties, as exemplified by the transformative power of Scripture in my own life. Jesus and John the Baptist both emphasized the importance of repentance and childlike faith. Children, with their unhindered trust and readiness to believe, exemplify the attitude we must adopt to receive the kingdom of God.
Living in God's kingdom means stepping down from the throne of our own lives and embracing a life of submission and dependency on God. This involves humility, prayer, worship, and obedience to Jesus's commands. We must be teachable, like children, and trust that God is guiding us through life's challenges. In doing so, we experience the fullness of God's kingdom and His unending provision.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom of God is a Present and Future Reality: The kingdom of God is both "now" and "not yet." It was inaugurated by Christ's first coming and will be fully realized upon His return. This dual aspect calls us to live in the present with the hope of future fulfillment, trusting in God's ongoing work of redemption and restoration. [04:19]
2. Trusting in Jesus Reveals the Kingdom's Power: As we trust in Jesus, we begin to see the kingdom of God at work in our lives. Jesus used parables to reveal the hidden truths of the kingdom and demonstrated its power through miracles. This trust transforms our understanding and aligns our lives with God's purposes. [07:09]
3. Repentance and Childlike Faith are Essential: Jesus calls us to repent and believe the good news, urging us to relinquish control of our lives. Childlike faith, characterized by unhindered trust and readiness to believe, is essential for receiving the kingdom of God. This faith allows us to experience God's provision and guidance. [15:27]
4. Spiritual Rebirth is Necessary for Kingdom Entry: The story of Nicodemus highlights the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth, brought about by the Holy Spirit, transforms our fears and anxieties, enabling us to live in the freedom and peace of God's kingdom. [11:15]
5. Living in God's Kingdom Requires Humility and Submission: Embracing a kingdom life means stepping down from the throne of our own lives and living in submission to God. This involves humility, prayer, worship, and obedience to Jesus's commands. By being teachable and trusting in God's guidance, we experience the fullness of His kingdom. [19:09]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[04:19] - The Mystery of the Kingdom of God
[07:09] - Trusting Jesus and Kingdom Power
[09:02] - Repentance and Belief
[11:15] - Spiritual Rebirth and Nicodemus
[15:27] - Childlike Faith and Kingdom Entry
[19:09] - Living in God's Kingdom: Humility and Submission
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 18:3 - "And he said: 'Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus proclaim about the kingdom of God in Mark 1:14-15?
2. How does Jesus describe the necessity of being born again to Nicodemus in John 3:3-5? [11:15]
3. According to Matthew 18:3, what quality must one possess to enter the kingdom of heaven?
4. What examples did the sermon provide to illustrate the power of the kingdom of God? [07:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be both a present reality and a future hope? How does this dual aspect affect our daily lives? [04:19]
2. How does trusting in Jesus reveal the power of the kingdom of God in our lives? Can you think of a personal example where you experienced this? [07:09]
3. Why is childlike faith essential for receiving the kingdom of God? How does this faith differ from adult skepticism? [15:27]
4. What does spiritual rebirth entail, and why is it necessary for entering the kingdom of God? How does this rebirth transform our fears and anxieties? [11:15]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt weary and anxious. How can the understanding that God's provision never runs out change your perspective in similar situations? [04:19]
2. In what areas of your life do you find it challenging to relinquish control and trust in Jesus? What steps can you take to grow in this trust? [07:09]
3. How can you cultivate a childlike faith in your daily walk with God? Are there specific practices or attitudes you need to adopt or change? [15:27]
4. Have you experienced a spiritual rebirth? If so, how has it impacted your life? If not, what steps can you take to seek this transformation? [11:15]
5. What does stepping down from the throne of your own life look like for you? How can you practice humility, prayer, worship, and obedience more intentionally? [19:09]
6. Identify a specific area where you need to be more teachable and open to God's guidance. How can you practically work on this in the coming week? [19:09]
7. How can you support others in your small group or community to live in submission and dependency on God? What role can you play in encouraging and guiding them? [19:09]
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God is a Present and Future Reality
The kingdom of God is a profound mystery that was inaugurated by the coming of Christ. It is both a present reality and a future hope, characterized by God's rule of grace, redemption, and restoration. This dual aspect calls us to live in the present with the hope of future fulfillment, trusting in God's ongoing work of redemption and restoration. As believers, we are invited to experience the kingdom now through our relationship with Jesus, while also looking forward to its complete realization when Christ returns. This understanding should shape our daily lives, encouraging us to live with a sense of purpose and anticipation.
Living in the tension of the "now" and "not yet" of God's kingdom means recognizing that while we experience God's presence and power today, we also await the full manifestation of His reign. This perspective helps us navigate life's challenges with hope and resilience, knowing that God's ultimate plan is one of restoration and renewal. By aligning our lives with God's kingdom values, we participate in His redemptive work and become agents of His grace in the world. [04:19]
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 live today with the awareness that God's kingdom is both a present reality and a future hope? What practical steps can you take to align your life with the values of God's kingdom?
Day 2: Trusting in Jesus Reveals the Kingdom's Power
As we trust in Jesus, we begin to see the kingdom of God at work in our lives. Jesus used parables to reveal the hidden truths of the kingdom and demonstrated its power through miracles. This trust transforms our understanding and aligns our lives with God's purposes. When we place our faith in Jesus, we open ourselves to the transformative power of the kingdom, which brings healing, restoration, and hope.
Trusting in Jesus means surrendering our own understanding and control, and allowing Him to guide us. It involves believing in His promises and relying on His strength rather than our own. As we do this, we experience the reality of God's kingdom breaking into our lives, bringing about change and growth. This trust is not passive but active, requiring us to step out in faith and obedience, even when we don't fully understand God's plans. [07:09]
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: In what areas of your life do you need to trust Jesus more fully? How can you actively demonstrate your trust in Him this week?
Day 3: Repentance and Childlike Faith are Essential
Jesus calls us to repent and believe the good news, urging us to relinquish control of our lives. Childlike faith, characterized by unhindered trust and readiness to believe, is essential for receiving the kingdom of God. This faith allows us to experience God's provision and guidance. Repentance involves a change of mind and heart, turning away from sin and towards God. It is a necessary step in aligning our lives with God's kingdom.
Childlike faith is not naive or simplistic but is marked by a deep trust in God's goodness and faithfulness. Children naturally depend on their parents for everything, and in the same way, we are called to depend on God. This kind of faith opens us up to the fullness of God's kingdom, where we can experience His love, provision, and guidance in our lives. [15:27]
Matthew 18:3-4 (ESV): "And he said, 'Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven.'"
Reflection: What does childlike faith look like in your life? Are there areas where you need to repent and turn back to God with a childlike trust?
Day 4: Spiritual Rebirth is Necessary for Kingdom Entry
The story of Nicodemus highlights the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God. This spiritual rebirth, brought about by the Holy Spirit, transforms our fears and anxieties, enabling us to live in the freedom and peace of God's kingdom. Being born again means experiencing a radical transformation of our inner being, where we become new creations in Christ.
This rebirth is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a work of the Holy Spirit. It involves a complete renewal of our hearts and minds, allowing us to see and enter the kingdom of God. This transformation brings about a new way of living, where we are no longer bound by our past fears and anxieties but are free to live in the fullness of God's love and grace. [11:15]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: Have you experienced the spiritual rebirth that Jesus spoke of? How has this transformation impacted your life, and how can you continue to grow in your new identity in Christ?
Day 5: Living in God's Kingdom Requires Humility and Submission
Embracing a kingdom life means stepping down from the throne of our own lives and living in submission to God. This involves humility, prayer, worship, and obedience to Jesus's commands. By being teachable and trusting in God's guidance, we experience the fullness of His kingdom. Living in God's kingdom requires us to let go of our pride and self-sufficiency, recognizing our need for God's grace and direction.
Humility is the foundation of a life submitted to God. It means acknowledging that we are not in control and that we need God's wisdom and strength. This attitude of humility leads us to a life of prayer, where we seek God's guidance and align our will with His. Worship becomes a natural response to God's goodness, and obedience to His commands becomes a joyful expression of our love for Him. [19:09]
James 4:10 (ESV): "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you."
Reflection: In what ways do you need to step down from the throne of your own life and submit to God's rule? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and obedience in your daily walk with God?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The kingdom of 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. The New Testament scholars explain that God's now and not yet is Jesus coming to earth. But we're still waiting for the fulfillment of it when Christ returns." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of God has come near, repent and believe the good news. When he is calling us to repent, what is he saying? Having yourself on the seat and the throne of your own life." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Just like babies, don't stay babies forever, it's the same as a Christian believer. When you come to faith in Christ, you're a baby Christian. The Bible would say, you're not meant to just drink milk forever." (39 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "God wants us to be God dependent, not self-sufficient. You know, it would be really messy to see a little child try to be self-sufficient, right? We've all seen that. It's not pretty. And so just like children are dependent upon their parents, we must be dependent upon God." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "How do we live in God's kingdom? So we've talked about what is God's kingdom? We talked about how we live in it. So the best thing I can describe it as is stepping down from the throne of your own life and self-sufficiency into a life of submission and dependency on God." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The kingdom of God is inaugurated by the coming of Christ. The kingdom of 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. The New Testament scholars explain that God's now and not yet is Jesus coming to earth. But we're still waiting for the fulfillment of it when Christ returns." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Christ is the key to understanding the kingdom of God. The king is present, so the kingdom is near. Jesus describes the kingdom in parables and demonstrates it in power. In Matthew 13, the disciples asked Jesus why he spoke in parables, to receive the words he was saying. He tells us to repent and believe the good news." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The story of Nicodemus is one of my absolute favorite passages of scripture. He is a religious leader who was a Pharisee, and Jesus tells him, I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again. And Nicodemus doesn't understand, he does not understand this. And 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." (51 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "We must repent in Matthew 3, 1, Matthew 4, 17. Jesus and John the Baptist both tell us and call us to repent. Mark chapter 10, 15 says, let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these. Truly, I tell you, anyone who will not receive the kingdom of God like a little child will never enter it." (27 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "A kingdom life is a life of prayer and worship. We must be devoted to prayer and worship. The kingdom life is one of humility. We have to humble ourselves and respond to God's guidance. 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. We have to be in submission. And that requires being obedient to Jesus's commands. And we have to be teachable just like a child." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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