Faith: The Currency of God's Kingdom
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the awe-inspiring nature of God—His majesty, goodness, mercy, faithfulness, and unchanging love. We acknowledged our brokenness and the need for a relationship with Him, emphasizing that God desires an intimate connection with each of us. This relationship is the foundation of our faith, which is the true currency of the Kingdom of God.
We explored the concept of "Kingdom Currency," which is faith. Faith is the medium through which we transact in God's Kingdom, enabling us to access His promises and blessings. Unlike worldly currency, which fluctuates and can lose value, the currency of faith is based on the unchanging integrity of God. This faith is not just a belief but must be activated and demonstrated through our actions, as illustrated in James 2:14-25.
We discussed how faith brings about transformative power, enabling us to experience joy, peace, and provision even in the midst of trials. The story of Abraham's unwavering faith and Mary choosing to sit at Jesus' feet over cultural norms were highlighted as examples of living by Kingdom principles rather than worldly wisdom.
We were reminded that Jesus' Kingdom is consistently at odds with worldly wisdom, and we cannot expect Kingdom promises to manifest through worldly means. Instead, we must invest in our faith, diligently seek God, and live by the principles of His upside-down Kingdom. This Kingdom offers us a unique transaction where we can exchange our brokenness for His joy and peace, and our mourning for His comfort.
### Key Takeaways
1. Intimacy with God is the Foundation of Faith: Our faith grows through an intimate relationship with God. This intimacy allows us to hear His voice and follow His guidance, leading to a deeper, more meaningful faith. This relationship is not about religious rituals but about a genuine connection with our Creator. [01:01]
2. Faith as Kingdom Currency: In the Kingdom of God, faith is the currency that allows us to access His promises. Just as money is used for transactions in the secular world, faith is used to "purchase" the blessings and promises of God. This faith must be active and demonstrated through our actions. [10:51]
3. Transformative Power of Faith: Faith brings about a transformation that surpasses human understanding. It allows us to experience joy, peace, and provision even in the midst of trials. This transformative power is rooted in the integrity and character of God, who never fails. [09:15]
4. Living by Kingdom Principles: Jesus' Kingdom is consistently at odds with worldly wisdom. We cannot expect Kingdom promises to manifest through worldly means. Instead, we must live by the principles of God's upside-down Kingdom, which often defy societal norms and expectations. [11:55]
5. The Ultimate Price Paid by Jesus: The currency of faith was established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate price, and this transaction allows us to access the riches of His Kingdom freely. This is a unique transaction where the most valuable gift is given to us at no cost. [13:48]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:01] - Intimacy with God
[02:09] - The Power of Jesus' Name
[03:01] - Personal Testimony of Faith
[03:47] - Kingdom Series Overview
[04:39] - Kingdom Currency: Faith
[05:39] - Activating Faith
[06:35] - Hearing God's Voice
[07:24] - The Word of God Speaks
[08:19] - Abraham's Impossible Faith
[09:15] - God's Provision and Peace
[10:51] - Faith as Kingdom Currency
[11:55] - Kingdom vs. Worldly Wisdom
[12:34] - Integrity of Kingdom Currency
[13:48] - The Ultimate Price Paid by Jesus
[14:45] - Value of Kingdom Currency
[15:59] - Integrity of Heaven's Currency
[16:41] - Unlimited Riches in Christ
[18:12] - Jesus Died on a Tree
[19:52] - Faith and Good Deeds
[21:26] - Abraham's Faith and Actions
[22:14] - Activating Kingdom Currency
[23:03] - Borrowing from the King
[23:51] - Sharing Kingdom Riches
[24:46] - Pouring into Each Other
[26:26] - Investing in Kingdom Currency
[27:32] - Kingdom Transactions
[28:51] - Transformative Power of the Kingdom
[29:36] - Mary and Martha: Choosing the Better Part
[31:10] - Upside Down Kingdom
[32:34] - Invitation to the Kingdom
[34:09] - Jesus' Sermon on the Mount
[36:20] - Power of the Cross and Resurrection
[37:19] - Transformation through Faith
[38:21] - Invitation to Prayer and Ministry
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 2:14-25
2. John 10:27
3. Hebrews 11:6
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 2:14-25, what is the relationship between faith and actions?
2. In John 10:27, what does Jesus say about His sheep and their response to His voice?
3. How does Hebrews 11:6 describe the importance of faith in pleasing God?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why does James emphasize that faith without works is dead? How does this align with the sermon’s message about activating faith? [19:52]
2. What does it mean to hear and follow Jesus' voice as described in John 10:27? How does this relate to the concept of intimacy with God discussed in the sermon? [05:39]
3. Hebrews 11:6 states that without faith, it is impossible to please God. How does this verse support the idea of faith being the "currency" of the Kingdom of God? [26:26]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current relationship with God. How can you cultivate a deeper intimacy with Him to grow your faith? [01:01]
2. Think of a recent situation where you relied on worldly wisdom instead of Kingdom principles. How can you approach similar situations differently in the future? [11:55]
3. The sermon mentioned the transformative power of faith, even in trials. Can you share a personal experience where your faith brought you peace or joy during a difficult time? [09:15]
4. Jesus' Kingdom often defies societal norms, as seen in the story of Mary and Martha. Are there areas in your life where you feel pressured to conform to societal expectations? How can you choose the "better part" like Mary? [31:10]
5. The sermon highlighted the ultimate price Jesus paid for us. How does this understanding impact your daily life and decisions? [13:48]
6. How can you actively demonstrate your faith through good deeds in your community or church? What specific actions can you take this week? [19:52]
7. The concept of Kingdom currency suggests that we can "borrow" from the King without paying back. How can you lean on God's resources and promises in your current challenges? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Intimacy with God as the Foundation of Faith
Our faith grows through an intimate relationship with God. This intimacy allows us to hear His voice and follow His guidance, leading to a deeper, more meaningful faith. This relationship is not about religious rituals but about a genuine connection with our Creator. When we cultivate this intimacy, we begin to understand God's heart and His desires for us, which strengthens our faith and trust in Him.
In our daily lives, this means setting aside time to be with God, to listen, and to speak with Him. It involves reading His Word, praying, and being still in His presence. As we do this, we become more attuned to His voice and His leading, which in turn, builds our faith. This is the foundation upon which all other aspects of our spiritual life are built. [01:01]
Jeremiah 29:12-13 (ESV): "Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to deepen your intimacy with God? How can you set aside time to listen to His voice and seek His guidance?
Day 2: Faith as Kingdom Currency
In the Kingdom of God, faith is the currency that allows us to access His promises. Just as money is used for transactions in the secular world, faith is used to "purchase" the blessings and promises of God. This faith must be active and demonstrated through our actions. It is not enough to simply believe; our faith must be lived out in tangible ways.
This means that our actions should reflect our trust in God's promises. When we step out in faith, we are essentially making a transaction in the Kingdom of God, trusting that He will fulfill His promises. This active faith is what pleases God and allows us to experience His blessings in our lives. [10:51]
James 2:17-18 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. But someone will say, 'You have faith and I have works.' Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works."
Reflection: What is one specific area in your life where you need to step out in faith? How can you demonstrate your faith through your actions today?
Day 3: Transformative Power of Faith
Faith brings about a transformation that surpasses human understanding. It allows us to experience joy, peace, and provision even in the midst of trials. This transformative power is rooted in the integrity and character of God, who never fails. When we place our faith in Him, we are tapping into a source of strength and peace that the world cannot offer.
This transformation is evident in the lives of those who trust in God. They are able to face challenges with a sense of peace and confidence, knowing that God is in control. This is not a superficial change but a deep, inner transformation that affects every aspect of their lives. [09:15]
Isaiah 26:3-4 (ESV): "You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you. Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock."
Reflection: How has your faith in God transformed your perspective on a current challenge or trial? What steps can you take to deepen your trust in His transformative power?
Day 4: Living by Kingdom Principles
Jesus' Kingdom is consistently at odds with worldly wisdom. We cannot expect Kingdom promises to manifest through worldly means. Instead, we must live by the principles of God's upside-down Kingdom, which often defy societal norms and expectations. This means prioritizing God's values over the world's values, even when it is difficult or counter-cultural.
Living by Kingdom principles requires a shift in our mindset and actions. It means valuing humility over pride, generosity over greed, and love over hate. When we align our lives with these principles, we begin to see the Kingdom of God manifest in our lives and in the world around us. [11:55]
1 Corinthians 1:27-29 (ESV): "But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God."
Reflection: In what ways are you currently living by worldly wisdom rather than Kingdom principles? How can you realign your actions and priorities to reflect the values of God's Kingdom?
Day 5: The Ultimate Price Paid by Jesus
The currency of faith was established through the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He paid the ultimate price, and this transaction allows us to access the riches of His Kingdom freely. This is a unique transaction where the most valuable gift is given to us at no cost. Jesus' sacrifice on the cross is the foundation of our faith and the reason we can have a relationship with God.
Understanding the magnitude of Jesus' sacrifice should inspire us to live lives of gratitude and faith. It is a reminder that we are deeply loved and valued by God, and that He has made a way for us to experience His blessings and promises. This should motivate us to live in a way that honors His sacrifice and reflects His love to others. [13:48]
1 Peter 1:18-19 (ESV): "Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot."
Reflection: How does understanding the ultimate price Jesus paid for you impact your daily life? What changes can you make to live in a way that honors His sacrifice?
Quotes
1. "I don't care what yesterday looked like. I don't care what your morning looked like. I don't care what your past looks like. I don't care what things have held you down, what things you've been into. I don't care about that, says the Lord. I care about your heart. I care about revival in your heart. I care about having relationship, intimate relationship with you because that is what I desire, says the Lord." [01:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the spiritual realm, faith is considered the currency of heaven. But like in the world, cash in the secular realm, it can be used to purchase things, right? Because there's a value to it. You do an exchange with cash. However much money something costs, and however much money you have, you do an exchange. In the kingdom of God, it's the same way. Faith, the currency, can be used to purchase every promise that is in the kingdom of God." [10:51] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We cannot try or expect to see kingdom promises come to pass through worldly wisdom. So if I'm saying kingdom for my marriage, if I'm saying kingdom for my family, if I'm saying kingdom for my kids, I cannot try or expect that promise through any worldly wisdom. Do you understand what I'm saying? I can't look to what a person on the left of me that doesn't know Jesus in the kingdom of God is saying. I can't invest in that. I can't put my hope in that because they're going to steer me somewhere wrong." [12:34] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The value of currency is based on the integrity of the kingdom who issues them. So our currency's value is based on the integrity of heaven. The integrity of God. The integrity and character of who he says he is. And our currency is founded upon our faith. And we have access to the currency of heaven. We have all access. We are rich. We are flooding. We are rich." [16:41] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We know that Jesus died on a tree. He died on a tree. And that never loses its value because he rose again so that you and I might have life. So that we don't have to stay. We don't have to stay bonded in our chains and in our addictions and in the things that hold us back. We don't have to stay in that. Because we know and we have a God that rose and died for us so that we will live." [18:50] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We have to activate our faith. We have to activate the currency by which we do transactions. We don't want to become bankrupt. We don't want to be a people that is lacking. A people that has the ability to, like I said, swim in that pool of gold. But yet we decide to sunbathe on the outside and get burnt. No, we need to activate our faith just as Abraham did." [22:14] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We've got to keep in mind that the kingdom of the Lord is not measured in poverty. It's not measured in terms of worldly finances or a lack of money, but it is measured by a lack of faith. It is measured by the measurement of our faith, and we are encouraging us to activate to a greater measure of faith through intimately. Knowing. Knowing the Lord, Hebrews 11, six, I didn't give it to them, but it says people with, but without faith, it is impossible to please him impossible to please him who that's tough, that is tough without faith." [25:26] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Only in the kingdom can we exchange heartache, brokenness for joy that is unspeakable. Only in the kingdom, when it looks like things are in disarray, can we say that, no, that is in order and I have peace. Only in the kingdom can we speak to things as if it were so." [27:32] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When you experience Jesus, you start to reverberate what he says. You start to look like him. You start to act like him. You start to speak like him. When you experience him. When you get into the river and you dive in head first. And you don't care how cold it is and you're not worried about anything else. You just dive in and experience Jesus. Then chains are broken. And you are set free." [29:36] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "He is not asking us to behave differently. He is not asking us to be perfect. He is not asking us to be religious by any means. He's asking us to come alive. He wants to resuscitate our hearts. He wants to raise us up from the dead. He wants us to get out of our grave clothes and walk. He wants to speak to the dry bones and say get up and live. The word says repent for the kingdom of God is at hand." [37:19] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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