Embracing the Kingdom Within: A Journey of Faith
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we are celebrating 25 years of full-time ministry. Reflecting on this journey, it's incredible to see how God has guided us from a small beach town in New Zealand to sharing the gospel across the globe. This morning, I want to encourage you with the reality of the kingdom of God within us. This concept has been a cornerstone of our ministry and personal walk with Jesus.
Let's turn to Luke 17:20-21, where Jesus tells the Pharisees that the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed externally but is within us. This kingdom is not made of bricks and mortar; it transcends time, space, and matter. It is a spiritual reality that sustains us and empowers us to live out God's will on earth.
I remember my first mission trip to China at age 17. It was a dark and gloomy boat trip, but the joy and peace I saw in the persecuted Chinese Christians were overwhelming. This was my first encounter with the concept of a kingdom within. Later, in India, I struggled with the cultural differences and felt frustrated and judgmental. But the Holy Spirit reminded me that I was not living sustained by His kingdom. This revelation changed everything for me. I began to experience joy and peace, even in challenging circumstances.
Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:19-21 not to lay up treasures on earth but to seek first the kingdom of God. This kingdom is within us, and everything we need flows from that space. I have lived my whole life following Jesus, and He has always been real to me. This kingdom within has its own atmosphere of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. It enables us to thrive even in a fallen world.
In Romans 14:16-17, we learn that the kingdom of God is not about eating and drinking but about righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This was a game-changer for me, especially during my time in India. As I surrendered to the Holy Spirit, I experienced a fountain of love and joy that transformed my ministry. This kingdom within us is a powerful force that enables us to fulfill our God-given assignments.
Jesus foretold of a time when the kingdom would live inside all who receive Him as Lord and Savior. This was fulfilled on the day of Pentecost when the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit. We are now carriers of this kingdom, and it is our responsibility to live sustained by it. This kingdom has its own ecosystem, providing everything we need to accomplish God's will.
As we celebrate 25 years of ministry, I want to encourage you to seek first the kingdom of God. There are many things we can seek in life, but only the kingdom will lead to true freedom and fulfillment. The Spirit of God is asking us today, will you seek first His kingdom? If you have been seeking other things, now is the time to make a stand and commit to seeking His kingdom above all else.
Let's pray together and ask God to help us live sustained by His kingdom. As we surrender our lives to Him, He will provide everything we need. Let's live in the kingdom, be sustained by the kingdom, and love Jesus with a passion.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom Within Us: Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is not an external entity but resides within us. This spiritual reality transcends physical boundaries and sustains us in our daily lives. By understanding and embracing this kingdom, we can experience God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives. [03:54]
2. Joy and Peace Amidst Challenges: The kingdom of God within us brings an atmosphere of righteousness, peace, and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances. This was evident during my time in India, where the cultural differences initially caused frustration. However, surrendering to the Holy Spirit brought a transformative joy and love for the people and culture. [25:14]
3. Seek First the Kingdom: Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all other needs will be met. This principle is crucial for living a life free from worry and fear. By prioritizing God's kingdom, we align ourselves with His will and experience His provision and peace. [30:23]
4. Empowered by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is the driving force of the kingdom within us. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Spirit, marking the fulfillment of Jesus' promise. As carriers of this kingdom, we are empowered to fulfill our God-given assignments and bring His light to the world. [23:38]
5. Living Sustained by the Kingdom: The kingdom of God provides an ecosystem that sustains us in a fallen world. This kingdom is not about material wealth but about spiritual richness. By living sustained by this kingdom, we can thrive and bear fruit that remains, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. [46:15]
### Youtube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:47] - Celebrating 25 Years of Ministry
[02:58] - The Kingdom Within
[03:54] - Understanding the Kingdom
[09:16] - First Mission Trip to China
[12:11] - Arrival in India
[14:36] - Struggles in India
[17:36] - Revelation of the Kingdom
[19:47] - Jesus' Teaching on the Kingdom
[23:01] - Fulfillment on Pentecost
[25:14] - Joy and Peace in the Kingdom
[27:00] - Treasures in Heaven
[28:03] - Overcoming Fear
[30:23] - Seek First the Kingdom
[31:23] - God's Provision in Ministry
[39:15] - Worship and Commitment
[41:24] - Call to Seek the Kingdom
[42:58] - Prayer and Commitment
[46:15] - Living Sustained by the Kingdom
[47:45] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Luke 17:20-21: "Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, "Here it is," or "There it is," because the kingdom of God is in your midst.'"
2. Matthew 6:19-21, 33: "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moths and vermin do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also... But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
3. Romans 14:16-17: "Therefore do not let what you know is good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus mean when He says the kingdom of God is "within you" in Luke 17:20-21? How does this differ from the Pharisees' expectations? ([19:47])
2. According to Matthew 6:19-21, what are we instructed to do with our treasures, and why? ([27:00])
3. In Romans 14:16-17, what three qualities are said to characterize the kingdom of God? ([24:31])
4. How did the pastor's experiences in China and India illustrate the concept of the kingdom of God within us? ([09:16] and [15:50])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How might the understanding that the kingdom of God is within us change the way we approach daily challenges and frustrations? ([17:36])
2. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and how does this promise of provision impact our priorities? ([30:23])
3. How does the Holy Spirit empower us to live out the kingdom of God within us, according to the pastor's experiences and Romans 14:16-17? ([23:38])
4. Reflecting on the pastor's story about his mission trips, how can the joy and peace of the kingdom within us transform our perspective in difficult circumstances? ([25:14])
### Application Questions
1. The pastor shared how he struggled with cultural differences in India until he surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Have you ever faced a situation where you felt frustrated or judgmental? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to transform your perspective in such situations? ([15:50])
2. Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God. What are some practical steps you can take this week to prioritize God's kingdom in your life? ([30:23])
3. The kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Which of these qualities do you find most challenging to experience in your daily life, and what can you do to cultivate it more? ([24:31])
4. The pastor mentioned that the kingdom of God provides an ecosystem that sustains us. How can you rely more on this spiritual ecosystem rather than material wealth or external circumstances? ([46:15])
5. Reflecting on the pastor's call to seek first the kingdom, is there an area in your life where you have been seeking other things above God's kingdom? How can you realign your focus to seek His kingdom first? ([41:24])
6. The pastor shared about the transformative joy and love he experienced when he surrendered to the Holy Spirit. Can you recall a time when you felt a similar transformation? How can you seek more of the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? ([25:14])
7. Considering the pastor's journey from a small beach town to global ministry, how can you trust God to guide you in your own unique calling and assignments? ([03:54])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom Within Us
The kingdom of God is not an external entity but resides within us. This spiritual reality transcends physical boundaries and sustains us in our daily lives. By understanding and embracing this kingdom, we can experience God's presence and provision in every aspect of our lives. Jesus teaches in Luke 17:20-21 that the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed externally but is within us. This kingdom is not made of bricks and mortar; it transcends time, space, and matter. It is a spiritual reality that sustains us and empowers us to live out God's will on earth.
This concept is crucial for our spiritual growth and daily walk with Jesus. When we recognize that the kingdom of God is within us, we begin to live with a greater awareness of His presence and power in our lives. This awareness transforms how we approach challenges, relationships, and our purpose. We are no longer striving to find God in external circumstances but are living from a place of His indwelling presence. This kingdom within us is a source of strength, peace, and joy that sustains us through all of life's ups and downs. [03:54]
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 cultivate a greater awareness of the kingdom of God within you today? What practical steps can you take to live from this place of spiritual reality?
Day 2: Joy and Peace Amidst Challenges
The kingdom of God within us brings an atmosphere of righteousness, peace, and joy, even in the most challenging circumstances. This was evident during a mission trip to India, where cultural differences initially caused frustration. However, surrendering to the Holy Spirit brought a transformative joy and love for the people and culture. This experience highlights the power of the kingdom within us to change our perspective and attitude, even in difficult situations.
When we face challenges, it is easy to become overwhelmed and lose our sense of peace and joy. However, the kingdom of God within us provides a different way of living. It offers a source of inner strength and stability that is not dependent on external circumstances. By surrendering to the Holy Spirit and allowing Him to work in us, we can experience a deep sense of joy and peace that transcends our challenges. This joy and peace are not based on our circumstances but on the reality of God's presence within us. [25:14]
Romans 14:16-17 (ESV): "So do not let what you regard as good be spoken of as evil. For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."
Reflection: Think of a current challenge you are facing. How can you surrender this situation to the Holy Spirit and allow His joy and peace to transform your perspective?
Day 3: Seek First the Kingdom
Jesus instructs us to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, promising that all other needs will be met. This principle is crucial for living a life free from worry and fear. By prioritizing God's kingdom, we align ourselves with His will and experience His provision and peace. This teaching is found in Matthew 6:19-21, where Jesus emphasizes the importance of seeking eternal treasures rather than earthly ones.
When we seek first the kingdom of God, we are making a conscious decision to prioritize our relationship with Him above all else. This means that our primary focus is on living according to His will and purposes. As we do this, we can trust that God will take care of our needs. This principle frees us from the anxiety and stress that often come from trying to control our circumstances. Instead, we can rest in the assurance that God is in control and will provide for us as we seek His kingdom. [30:23]
Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV): "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."
Reflection: What are some ways you can seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you prioritize your relationship with Him above other concerns?
Day 4: Empowered by the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the driving force of the kingdom within us. On the day of Pentecost, the disciples were filled with the Spirit, marking the fulfillment of Jesus' promise. As carriers of this kingdom, we are empowered to fulfill our God-given assignments and bring His light to the world. This empowerment is not just for special occasions but is available to us every day as we walk in the Spirit.
The Holy Spirit equips us with the power and gifts needed to carry out God's work on earth. This includes the ability to love others, share the gospel, and serve in various capacities. When we rely on the Holy Spirit, we are not operating in our own strength but in the power of God. This enables us to accomplish things that would be impossible on our own. The Holy Spirit also provides guidance and wisdom, helping us to navigate the complexities of life and ministry. [23:38]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the empowerment of the Holy Spirit? How can you invite Him to fill and guide you in these areas today?
Day 5: Living Sustained by the Kingdom
The kingdom of God provides an ecosystem that sustains us in a fallen world. This kingdom is not about material wealth but about spiritual richness. By living sustained by this kingdom, we can thrive and bear fruit that remains, fulfilling God's purpose for our lives. This concept is illustrated in Romans 14:16-17, where the kingdom is described as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Living sustained by the kingdom means that our source of life and strength comes from our relationship with God. We are not dependent on external circumstances or material possessions for our sense of well-being. Instead, we draw from the spiritual resources that God provides. This includes His peace, joy, and righteousness, which enable us to live victoriously in a fallen world. As we live sustained by the kingdom, we become a testimony of God's goodness and power to those around us. [46:15]
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: How can you live more fully sustained by the kingdom of God? What changes can you make to ensure that your life is rooted in His spiritual resources rather than external circumstances?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Therefore, listen, don't worry about a thing because every little thing, yeah, don't worry, come on, about a thing because every little thing is going to be all right, be all right, be all right, be all right, be all right. Look at the birds of the air. This is serious stuff because we as believers can be bad, down by so much fear of how am I going to exist if I obey God? How am I going to live?" [28:03]
2. "There is a kingdom within us that sustains us and keeps us. Look at the birds of the air. They neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns yet your Heavenly Father feeds them. Do you think you're more valuable than them? Most of us have this inferiority complex in our lives. For whatever reason, we've been rejected by stuff, people, who knows. And so we can spend our whole lives trying to achieve stuff in our own strength and get further and further and further and further into the pain we are trying to get out of." [29:28]
3. "I didn't have to manipulate, I didn't have to maneuver, over. I didn't have to play my cards right. I didn't have to talk like this because everyone's gay in the industry and I just want them to feel that I'm loved, you know what I'm saying? You know, I'm kind of a hidden Christian, but I just want you to feel my music because, you know, I'm a special person. I didn't have to do that. I didn't have to change me in order to receive what God wanted me to do. He made a way." [32:53]
4. "It is such an honor to be here again, and this year my family and I, the ministry, are celebrating 25 years full-time in the ministry. And when I say that, it's kind of like, you know, I gave my life to Jesus when I was six, and I've been serving in some capacity actually since I was six years of age. My dad used to go on the streets and preach the gospel. I would follow him downtown into the town squares and share the good news." [01:47]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The kingdom of God does not come with observation. Neither shall they say, Lo here or lo there. For behold, the kingdom of God is within you. The kingdom of God is within you. Say, the kingdom of God is in me. Say, it's in me. It's within me. Wow, I thought that's incredible. These words were spoken by Jesus at a time in history when the reach of the Roman Empire covered most of the known planet." [19:47]
2. "Jesus, listen, Jesus was actually foretelling. Say foretelling. He was foretelling of the time when he would physically leave this earth, then the kingdom would live inside all those who would receive him as Lord. Lord and Savior. While he was here, Jesus physically, the kingdom was working through him, around him, everywhere he went. He leaves this earth, and now the kingdom of God lives in all of us. It lives in you. It lives in me." [23:01]
3. "Hearing this was a huge help for me because in my struggle, I needed some solace. I needed peace. I discovered that the kingdom, the kingdom within me had its own atmosphere. Say, the kingdom of God is within me. And say, the kingdom of God has its own atmosphere. This atmosphere would enable me to have joy and peace in the middle of cultures and climates I was foreign to. Something I was struggling with in India. This was a game changer." [24:31]
4. "The Spirit of God is asking us, will you seek? Maybe you're here today and you've been seeking other stuff and you know in your heart, I haven't really been seeking first that kingdom. There's been a lot of other things I've been seeking. But today, I want to declare to God, I want to seek your kingdom. In a minute, I'm going to pray for you. In a moment, I'm going to ask you, in just a minute, I'm going to ask you to raise your hand if you want to make a stand for God that in your heart from this moment on, you're going to make, you're going to make an effort to seek first His kingdom before everything else." [41:24]
5. "Let's live in the kingdom, be sustained by the kingdom no matter what happens around us. Let's love Jesus with a passion." [47:45]
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?