Entering God's Kingdom: The Four Essential Steps
Summary
Today’s focus is on the most important question anyone can ask: “What must I do to enter the kingdom of God?” The answer is not found in fame, good deeds, or religious heritage, but in a four-step journey that Jesus and the early church laid out clearly: repent, believe, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. These steps are not mere rituals or boxes to tick, but a holistic transformation that brings us into a new way of living—citizenship in God’s kingdom, both now and forever.
Repentance is the first step, a decisive turning away from our old life and the patterns of sin that lead to death. It’s not just feeling sorry, but a real change of direction, a willingness to leave behind what is familiar but destructive. Faith in Jesus is the next step, trusting not in ourselves or in any other system, but in the finished work of Christ—his death and resurrection—as the only way to be saved. Baptism follows as a public declaration of this faith, symbolizing both cleansing from sin and participation in Jesus’ death and resurrection. It’s not just a tradition, but a powerful act that marks our new identity.
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the fourth step, the breath of new life that empowers us to live out this calling. Just as a newborn’s first breath signals the start of life, so the Spirit’s indwelling marks the beginning of our true spiritual journey. These four steps are not meant to be separated or selectively emphasized; together, they form the complete process of entering and living in the kingdom of God.
It’s possible to overemphasize one step at the expense of the others, but true transformation comes from embracing all four. God has already acted—he has opened the door, given the invitation, and made the way through Jesus. Our part is to respond fully, not half-heartedly, so that we can “fire on all four cylinders” and experience the fullness of life God intends. This is not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong partnership with God, empowered by the Spirit to fulfill our mission and witness to others.
Key Takeaways
- The Kingdom of God is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who follow Jesus. Entering it requires a conscious break from our old life—repentance is not optional, but foundational. Without turning from sin, there is no true salvation, only a continuation of the old path under a new label. [15:23]
- Faith in Jesus is the only way to move in the right direction after repentance. It’s not enough to simply change course; unless our trust is anchored in Christ’s death and resurrection, we are merely wandering. Faith is both a gift from God and a choice we must make, staking everything on Jesus alone. [16:38]
- Baptism is more than a symbolic act; it is a public, embodied declaration of our new allegiance. It unites us with Christ in his death and resurrection, marking a decisive break with the past and a commitment to walk in newness of life. Neglecting baptism is often a sign of other areas of reluctance to surrender fully to God. [20:08]
- Receiving the Holy Spirit is essential for living the Christian life. The Spirit is not an optional extra, but the very breath of our new existence, empowering us to grow, witness, and be transformed. Without the Spirit, we lack the power and conviction to live as true citizens of God’s kingdom. [23:12]
- The four steps—repentance, faith, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit—are meant to be held together, not separated or overemphasized individually. Each tradition may stress one aspect, but true spiritual life comes from embracing the whole process. God has already acted; our response is to step fully into what he has prepared, knowing that this is just the beginning of a lifelong journey with him. [31:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:22] - The Language of the Kingdom: Four Gospel Perspectives
[02:16] - What Changes When We Follow Jesus?
[02:56] - Jesus’ Kingdom: Not of This World
[03:49] - The World’s View of Eternal Life vs. Jesus’ Resurrection
[05:12] - The Uniqueness of Jesus’ Resurrection
[05:55] - What Does It Mean to Be a True Christian?
[06:30] - Life Change: The Difference Jesus Makes
[08:09] - Firing on All Four Cylinders: The Four Essentials
[09:05] - The Four Steps: Repent, Believe, Be Baptized, Receive the Spirit
[12:08] - Acts 2: The Pattern of the Early Church
[14:47] - Repentance: Turning from Sin
[16:38] - Faith in Jesus Alone
[17:45] - Baptism: Public Declaration and Symbolism
[21:16] - Receiving the Holy Spirit: New Birth
[24:52] - The Importance of Baptism and Surrender
[26:50] - Born of Water and the Spirit
[28:02] - The Order of the Four Steps in Acts 19
[29:43] - Dangers of Overemphasizing One Step
[31:58] - God’s Initiative and Our Response
[34:22] - New Birth: The Beginning, Not the End
[35:14] - Self-Examination: Are You Firing on All Four Cylinders?
[38:42] - Prayer for Fullness of the Spirit
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Entering the Kingdom of God – The Four Essential Steps
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### Bible Reading
Acts 2:37-39 (ESV)
> Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Romans 6:3-5 (ESV)
> Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
John 3:5 (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.”
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 2:38, what four steps does Peter lay out for those who want to respond to the gospel message? ([12:08])
2. According to Romans 6:3-5, what does baptism symbolize about our relationship with Jesus? ([20:08])
3. In John 3:5, what two things does Jesus say are necessary to enter the kingdom of God?
4. The sermon described repentance as more than just feeling sorry. What does true repentance involve, according to the message? ([14:47])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Peter includes all four steps—repentance, faith, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit—in his answer to the crowd in Acts 2? What might be missing if one of these is left out? ([12:08])
2. The sermon compared baptism to a public declaration and a break with the past. Why is it important for this step to be public and not just private? ([20:08])
3. The message said that receiving the Holy Spirit is like a newborn’s first breath. What does this analogy suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life? ([21:16])
4. The pastor warned about overemphasizing one step over the others. What are some possible dangers of focusing only on repentance, or only on faith, or only on baptism, or only on the Holy Spirit? ([29:43])
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine ourselves: Have you truly repented and turned away from your old life, or are there areas where you’re still holding on? What is one specific habit or pattern you feel called to leave behind? ([35:14])
2. After repentance, the next step is faith in Jesus alone. Are there things or people you sometimes trust more than Jesus for your sense of security or hope? How can you shift your trust more fully to him this week? ([36:20])
3. Baptism is described as a public declaration of faith and a sign of new identity. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you live out your baptismal identity more boldly in your daily life? ([24:52])
4. The Holy Spirit is described as the “breath” of our new life. In what ways do you sense the Holy Spirit’s presence or absence in your life right now? What would it look like to invite the Spirit to fill you afresh? ([23:12])
5. The sermon said that the four steps are not just a checklist, but a holistic transformation. Are there any of the four steps that you tend to neglect or downplay? How can you “fire on all four cylinders” in your walk with God? ([09:05])
6. The message reminded us that entering the kingdom is just the beginning of a lifelong journey. What is one way you can partner with God this week to fulfill your mission or witness to others? ([34:22])
7. The pastor encouraged self-examination. What is one practical step you can take this week to respond more fully to God’s invitation—whether it’s repentance, faith, baptism, or seeking the Holy Spirit? ([35:14])
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Close in prayer, asking God to help each person respond fully to his invitation and to experience the fullness of life in his kingdom.
Devotional
Day 1: Entering the Kingdom of God: The Four Essential Steps
To truly live as a Christian and enter the kingdom of God, one must embrace a complete transformation that involves four essential steps: repentance, faith in Jesus, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit. These steps are not merely religious rituals or boxes to tick, but a holistic journey that changes the direction of your life, aligns your heart and mind with Christ, and opens you to the power and presence of God. Each step is interconnected, and missing one leaves your spiritual life incomplete, like an engine not firing on all cylinders. God has already made the way through Jesus, but it is up to each person to respond fully, stepping into the new life He offers. [12:08]
Acts 2:38 (ESV)
And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”
Reflection: Which of the four steps—repentance, faith, baptism, or receiving the Holy Spirit—do you sense God inviting you to take or revisit today, and what would it look like to respond wholeheartedly?
Day 2: Repentance: Turning from the Old Life
Repentance is more than feeling sorry for past mistakes; it is a decisive turning away from sin and the old patterns that lead to death, and a conscious choice to walk in a new direction toward God. This change is not always easy, as the old way can feel familiar and comfortable, but the reward of new life in Christ is far greater. True repentance means leaving behind what once defined you and embracing the transformation that comes from following Jesus, trusting that by His strength, you can choose differently each day. [14:47]
Reflection: What is one specific habit, attitude, or area of your life that you need to turn away from today in order to walk more fully in the direction God is calling you?
Day 3: Faith in Jesus Alone
Placing your faith in Jesus is the foundation of salvation; it is not enough to simply change direction or try new philosophies. Faith means trusting in Jesus alone for your salvation, not hedging your bets with other beliefs or practices. This trust is a daily commitment to rely on Him as Lord and Savior, believing that He alone has the power to save and transform. When you put your faith in Jesus, you are choosing to let Him lead your life, confident that He is the only way to true and eternal life. [16:38]
Reflection: Are there any ways you have been relying on something or someone other than Jesus for your sense of security or hope, and how can you intentionally place your trust in Him alone today?
Day 4: Baptism: Dying and Rising with Christ
Baptism is a public declaration of your faith and a powerful symbol of dying to your old self and being raised to new life in Christ. It is not just a ritual, but a spiritual act that connects you with Jesus’ death and resurrection, marking your commitment to leave the past behind and walk in newness of life. Whether by full immersion or another method, baptism is a step of obedience that demonstrates your willingness to be identified with Christ and His people, and to live out your faith openly. [20:08]
Romans 6:3-5 (ESV)
Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
Reflection: If you have been baptized, how does remembering your baptism inspire you to live differently today? If you have not, what is holding you back from taking this step?
Day 5: Receiving the Holy Spirit: Living the New Life
Receiving the Holy Spirit is the breath of new life that empowers you to live as God intends, transforming your heart, mind, and actions from the inside out. The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal force but a person who desires a relationship with you, guiding, convicting, and equipping you for the journey ahead. This step is not the end, but the beginning of a lifelong partnership with God, where you are continually filled, renewed, and sent out to fulfill your purpose in His kingdom. [23:12]
John 3:5 (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.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit’s presence and power today, and how can you open yourself more fully to His work?
Quotes
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