Entering the Kingdom: Transformation Through Christ
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound question of how one can enter the Kingdom of God and Heaven. This inquiry is not just about escaping the impending doom of the world but about finding a place in a kingdom that is eternal and untouched by earthly or hellish forces. The Kingdom of God is a realm of safety and divine governance, and the path to it is clearly outlined in the scriptures.
The nature of this Kingdom is unique, and it requires a transformation of character and spirit. It is not a kingdom that one can enter on their own terms; rather, it demands adherence to its divine laws and principles. The Old Testament, with its Ten Commandments, and the teachings of the prophets, lay the foundation for understanding the holiness and righteousness required of its citizens. The New Testament further illuminates this path through the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, who call for repentance and a rebirth of spirit.
The Sermon on the Mount provides a vivid description of the characteristics of those who belong to this Kingdom. It speaks of being poor in spirit, mourning for one's sins, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and being pure in heart. These are not just moral guidelines but are indicative of a heart transformed by the grace of God.
However, the realization of our own shortcomings and sinfulness can be daunting. None of us naturally conform to these standards, and thus, the need for forgiveness and a new nature becomes evident. This transformation is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a work of God through Jesus Christ, the King of the Kingdom. By repenting and believing in Him, we are clothed in His righteousness and admitted into the Kingdom.
The message concludes with the assurance that despite the chaos and sin in the world, those who belong to the Kingdom of God are secure. They are covered by Christ's righteousness and will stand among the redeemed in the final judgment. The call is clear: repent, believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and be saved.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kingdom of God is a realm of divine safety and governance, untouched by earthly or hellish forces. It requires a transformation of character and spirit, as outlined in both the Old and New Testaments. [10:56]
- The Sermon on the Mount describes the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom: being poor in spirit, mourning for sins, meekness, and a hunger for righteousness. These are not just moral guidelines but signs of a heart transformed by God's grace. [24:06]
- Our natural state falls short of the Kingdom's standards, highlighting the need for forgiveness and a new nature. This transformation is a divine work through Jesus Christ, the King of the Kingdom. [36:19]
- Repentance and belief in Jesus Christ are essential for entering the Kingdom. By acknowledging our sinfulness and trusting in Christ's righteousness, we are admitted into the Kingdom and covered by His grace. [46:44]
- Despite the world's chaos, those in the Kingdom of God are secure, covered by Christ's righteousness, and will stand among the redeemed in the final judgment. The call is to repent, believe, and be saved. [48:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [10:26] - The Certainty of the End
- [11:11] - The Question of Entry
- [12:17] - Nature of the Kingdom
- [13:45] - Laws and Regulations
- [15:40] - The Ten Commandments
- [18:41] - Prophets and Holiness
- [21:11] - John the Baptist's Call
- [23:26] - Jesus' Teachings
- [24:06] - The Beatitudes
- [29:29] - Righteousness and Entry
- [32:12] - Nicodemus and New Birth
- [34:08] - Revelation's Warning
- [37:20] - Need for Forgiveness
- [40:03] - The King of the Kingdom
- [46:44] - Conditions for Entry
- [49:53] - Conclusion and Call to Action
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:3-10 (The Beatitudes)
2. John 3:3-5 (Jesus and Nicodemus)
3. Exodus 20:1-17 (The Ten Commandments)
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom of God as described in the Sermon on the Mount? ([24:06])
2. How does the sermon describe the nature of the Kingdom of God and its requirements for entry? ([13:45])
3. What role does repentance play in entering the Kingdom of God according to the sermon? ([46:44])
4. How does the sermon explain the transformation required to enter the Kingdom of God? ([36:19])
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways do the Beatitudes reflect a transformed heart and spirit, and why are these qualities essential for entering the Kingdom of God? ([24:06])
2. How does the sermon illustrate the difference between the righteousness of the Pharisees and the righteousness required to enter the Kingdom of God? ([28:20])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between the Old Testament laws and the teachings of Jesus in the New Testament? ([15:40])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of Jesus Christ as the King of the Kingdom and the means by which we can enter it? ([40:03])
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the Beatitudes. Which characteristic do you find most challenging to embody, and what steps can you take to cultivate it in your life? ([24:06])
2. The sermon emphasizes the need for repentance. Is there an area in your life where you feel called to repent and seek transformation? How can you begin this process? ([46:44])
3. Consider the sermon’s description of the Kingdom of God as a place of divine safety and governance. How does this perspective influence your view of current world events and personal challenges? ([11:11])
4. The sermon highlights the importance of being "poor in spirit." How can you practice humility and reliance on God in your daily life? ([24:20])
5. The sermon discusses the need for a new nature to enter the Kingdom. What practical steps can you take to nurture a Christ-like nature in your interactions with others? ([38:08])
6. How can you actively seek to be a peacemaker in your community, as described in the Beatitudes? What specific situation in your life could benefit from this approach? ([27:23])
7. Reflect on the assurance of security in the Kingdom of God despite worldly chaos. How can this assurance impact your faith and actions in uncertain times? ([48:56])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God: A Realm of Divine Safety
The Kingdom of God is described as a realm of divine safety and governance, untouched by earthly or hellish forces. It is a place where God's will is perfectly enacted, and His presence is fully realized. This Kingdom is not just a future hope but a present reality for those who have undergone a transformation of character and spirit. The Old Testament lays the groundwork for understanding the holiness and righteousness required, while the New Testament, through the teachings of John the Baptist and Jesus Christ, calls for repentance and a rebirth of spirit. This transformation is essential for entering the Kingdom, as it demands adherence to divine laws and principles. [10:56]
Isaiah 26:1-2 (ESV): "In that day this song will be sung in the land of Judah: 'We have a strong city; he sets up salvation as walls and bulwarks. Open the gates, that the righteous nation that keeps faith may enter in.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you seek to align your daily actions with the divine principles of God's Kingdom, ensuring that your life reflects His governance and safety?
Day 2: The Beatitudes: Signs of a Transformed Heart
The Sermon on the Mount provides a vivid description of the characteristics of those who belong to the Kingdom of God. It speaks of being poor in spirit, mourning for one's sins, being meek, hungering and thirsting for righteousness, and being pure in heart. These are not merely moral guidelines but are indicative of a heart transformed by the grace of God. Such transformation is not achieved through human effort but through divine intervention, as God molds and shapes the hearts of His people to reflect His character. [24:06]
Matthew 5:3-6 (ESV): "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied."
Reflection: Which of the Beatitudes do you find most challenging to embody, and how can you invite God's grace to transform that area of your life today?
Day 3: The Need for Forgiveness and a New Nature
Our natural state falls short of the Kingdom's standards, highlighting the need for forgiveness and a new nature. This transformation is a divine work through Jesus Christ, the King of the Kingdom. Recognizing our own shortcomings and sinfulness can be daunting, but it is also the first step towards receiving God's forgiveness and being clothed in Christ's righteousness. This new nature is not something we can achieve on our own; it is a gift from God, made possible through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. [36:19]
Ezekiel 36:26-27 (ESV): "And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to surrender to God for transformation, and how can you actively seek His forgiveness and renewal in that area today?
Day 4: Repentance and Belief: The Path to the Kingdom
Repentance and belief in Jesus Christ are essential for entering the Kingdom of God. By acknowledging our sinfulness and trusting in Christ's righteousness, we are admitted into the Kingdom and covered by His grace. This process involves a conscious decision to turn away from sin and to place one's faith in Jesus as Lord and Savior. It is a transformative journey that requires humility, faith, and a willingness to be led by the Spirit. [46:44]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: Is there a specific sin or area of unbelief in your life that you need to repent of today? How can you take a step of faith to trust in Jesus' righteousness and grace?
Day 5: Security in the Kingdom Amidst Worldly Chaos
Despite the chaos and sin in the world, those who belong to the Kingdom of God are secure. They are covered by Christ's righteousness and will stand among the redeemed in the final judgment. This assurance provides peace and confidence, knowing that one's eternal destiny is secure in Christ. The call is clear: repent, believe, and be saved. This security is not based on our own merits but on the finished work of Jesus Christ, who has overcome the world. [48:56]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: How can you cultivate a sense of peace and security in your life today, knowing that you are part of an unshakeable Kingdom? What practical steps can you take to live out this assurance in your daily interactions?
Quotes
There is going to be an end to this world but apart from that we've all got to die and we don't know when we're going to die and we don't know when we've got to stand before God in the Judgment. I therefore say that there is only one question that matters it is this how can I enter this kingdom of God and of Heaven. [00:10:46]
Like every other Kingdom this Kingdom has its laws its rules its regulations its systems and you don't enter into this Kingdom more than any other Kingdom on your own terms and in your own way you've got to enter it as it is not as you are. [00:14:20]
The Ten Commandments you see when God gave the Ten Commandments what he was rarely doing was to tell these children of Israel whom he had adopted as his people the kind of people they were to be because they were his people so he begin began to announce to them the character of the kingdom. [00:15:49]
Blessed are the poor in spirit what does that mean well it means blessed are those people who think nothing at all of themselves who far from thinking that they're wonderful and full of ab bouncing self-confidence and who've adopted the modern psychology which teaches believe in yourself evaluate yourself highly you're wonderful you're the 20th Century men blessed are they that are poor in spirit. [00:24:16]
Blessed are they that do hunger and thirst after righteousness righteousness oh to be true to be straight to be upright to be pleasing in God's sight to love his law and to live to honor it and to honor his great and holy name hunger and thirst after righteousness blessed are the peacemakers the people who give themselves to making peace. [00:26:55]
Except you are righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees ye shall in no wise enter into the Kingdom of Heaven don't you depreciate the Pharisees and scribes my friend the Pharisee after all did Fast twice in the week he did give a tenth of his Goods to feed the poor. [00:28:20]
Except a man be born again he cannot see he cannot even see the kingdom of God leave alone enter it and Nicodemus was nonplused and taken back and he said how can a man be born when he's old can he enter the second time into his mother's womb and be born. [00:32:41]
Not one of us conforms to this description we have all sinned and come short of the glory of God the natural man doesn't conform to the Beatitudes he doesn't keep even the Ten Commandments our Lord gives his exposition of those Ten Commandments in that Sermon on the Mount and you remember what he says. [00:36:19]
The first thing we need is obviously forgiveness we've sinned against God we worshiped ourselves we worshiped our own abilities we've worshiped our own money we worshiped our profession and our standing in it we worshiped our possessions we've lived for them we worshiped our own children we worshiped one another. [00:37:17]
There is only one way of entering that Kingdom it is to repent as you realize the Holiness of God and your own vess and your own sinfulness and your own Rebellion and your own unworthiness as you contrast yourself with the men in the kingdom and see the truth you repent you turn to God. [00:46:44]
Believe that this Jesus of Nazareth is one who came out of the blood of the Jews according to the flesh is none other than the Eternal Son of God who's come into this world in order to open the door of the Kingdom nobody else can open it but he can how does he do it how does he do it he deals with my guilt he deals with my sin. [00:47:59]
Repent and believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved. [00:49:53]
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