Finding Stability in God's Unshakeable Kingdom

 

Summary

In the epistle to the Hebrews, chapter 12, verses 25-29, we are reminded of the profound truth that God's word is timeless and relevant, speaking directly to the challenges of our modern age. Despite the rapid changes and instability of the 20th century, the Bible remains the only source that provides a comprehensive understanding of our times. The world is in a state of flux, with once-stable institutions and beliefs crumbling, leaving many bewildered and without hope. This is not a new phenomenon; history is replete with examples of human attempts to find security in things that are ultimately temporary and unstable.

The Bible teaches us that the instability we witness is not surprising, nor should it be unexpected. It has always been this way, and it will continue to be so. The world, in its ignorance, fails to recognize that there is only one kingdom that is unshakeable—the Kingdom of God. This kingdom is not of this world; it is spiritual and eternal, offering true stability and security. The Bible reveals that God is the one who shakes the earth and the heavens, and He does so to remove what is temporary and to establish what is eternal.

The only way to enter this unshakeable kingdom is through Jesus Christ, who came into the world to make it possible for us to be part of God's eternal plan. Through His sacrifice, we are cleansed and made righteous, able to enter into a relationship with God. This relationship offers us peace and rest, even amidst the chaos of the world. As believers, we are called to serve God with reverence and godly fear, recognizing His sovereignty and love.

Key Takeaways:

- The Bible remains relevant and contemporary, providing the only true understanding of the times we live in. It speaks to the instability and changes we witness, offering a perspective that transcends human wisdom. [03:22]

- Human history is marked by a futile search for stability in temporary things. The Bible teaches that true security is found only in God's eternal kingdom, which cannot be shaken. [11:19]

- The instability of the world is not surprising; it is a fulfillment of biblical prophecy. God is the one who shakes the earth and the heavens, removing what is temporary to establish what is eternal. [24:11]

- The Kingdom of God is the only unshakeable kingdom, offering true stability and security. It is a spiritual kingdom, accessible through a relationship with God, made possible by Jesus Christ. [38:58]

- Entering God's kingdom requires faith in Jesus Christ, who through His sacrifice, cleanses us and makes us righteous. This relationship with God offers peace and rest amidst the world's chaos. [45:06]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:11] - Introduction to Hebrews 12:25-29
- [02:14] - The Relevance of the Bible Today
- [04:53] - The Instability of the Modern World
- [07:34] - The Bible's Explanation of the World's Condition
- [10:28] - Man's Futile Search for Stability
- [13:16] - The History of Civilization's Quest for Security
- [17:18] - The Modern Man's Bewilderment
- [19:25] - Biblical Prophecy of Instability
- [24:11] - God's Promise to Shake the Heavens and Earth
- [28:08] - The Explanation for the Shaking
- [32:39] - The Temporary Nature of Creation
- [37:33] - The Unshakeable Kingdom of God
- [41:07] - Entering the Kingdom Through Christ
- [45:06] - The Role of Jesus in Our Salvation
- [53:53] - Living Without Fear in God's Kingdom

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 12:25-29

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the passage in Hebrews 12:25-29 say about God's voice and its impact on the earth and the heavens? How does this relate to the concept of things being shaken? [00:32]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the phrase "yet once more" in the context of God's promise? [24:11]

3. How does the sermon describe the difference between temporary and eternal things, and what role does God play in this distinction? [29:13]

4. What is the relationship between Jesus Christ and the unshakeable kingdom mentioned in the sermon? [45:06]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the sermon explain the relevance of the Bible in understanding the instability of the modern world? Why is this understanding important for believers today? [04:28]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that human history is marked by a futile search for stability? How does this contrast with the stability offered by God's kingdom? [11:19]

3. What does the sermon imply about the role of Jesus Christ in providing access to God's unshakeable kingdom? How does this impact a believer's relationship with God? [45:06]

4. How does the sermon interpret the shaking of the earth and the heavens as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy? What does this mean for believers living in today's world? [24:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you sought stability in something temporary. How did that experience compare to the stability offered by God's kingdom? [11:19]

2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of serving God with reverence and godly fear. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this attitude in your daily life? [55:07]

3. How can you strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ to ensure you are part of God's unshakeable kingdom? What specific actions can you take this week to deepen this relationship? [45:06]

4. In what ways can you apply the understanding of biblical prophecy about instability to bring peace and hope to those around you who may be struggling with fear and uncertainty? [24:11]

5. Consider the areas of your life where you may be relying on temporary things for security. How can you shift your focus to rely more on God's eternal promises? [29:13]

6. How can you use the knowledge of God's sovereignty and love to address any fears or anxieties you have about the future? What specific scripture or prayer can you turn to for reassurance? [54:49]

7. Identify one person in your life who may be seeking stability in temporary things. How can you share the message of God's unshakeable kingdom with them this week? [11:19]

Devotional

Day 1: The Bible's Timeless Relevance
The Bible remains a steadfast guide, offering insights that transcend time and culture. In a world where change is constant and often overwhelming, the Bible provides a lens through which we can understand our current circumstances. It speaks to the heart of human experience, addressing the instability and uncertainty that characterize our age. The Bible's teachings are not confined to the past; they are alive and active, offering wisdom and guidance for today. As we navigate the complexities of modern life, we can find solace and direction in the timeless truths of Scripture. [03:22]

Hebrews 4:12 (ESV): "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart."

Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize reading and meditating on Scripture this week to gain a deeper understanding of your current life situation?


Day 2: The Futility of Human Security
Throughout history, humanity has sought stability in temporary things, only to find them ultimately unsatisfying and unstable. The Bible teaches that true security is found not in the fleeting structures of this world but in the eternal Kingdom of God. This kingdom is unshakeable, offering a foundation that cannot be moved by the shifting sands of time. As we reflect on our own lives, we must consider where we are placing our trust and security. Are we relying on temporary things, or are we anchored in the eternal promises of God? [11:19]

Psalm 62:9-10 (ESV): "Those of low estate are but a breath; those of high estate are a delusion; in the balances they go up; they are together lighter than a breath. Put no trust in extortion; set no vain hopes on robbery; if riches increase, set not your heart on them."

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you are seeking security in something temporary. How can you begin to shift your trust to God's eternal kingdom?


Day 3: The Purpose of Instability
The instability we witness in the world is not a surprise to those who understand biblical prophecy. God is actively at work, shaking the earth and the heavens to remove what is temporary and establish what is eternal. This divine shaking is a call to recognize the transient nature of worldly things and to turn our hearts toward the eternal. As believers, we are invited to see beyond the chaos and recognize God's sovereign hand at work, preparing us for His unshakeable kingdom. [24:11]

Haggai 2:6-7 (ESV): "For thus says the Lord of hosts: Yet once more, in a little while, I will shake the heavens and the earth and the sea and the dry land. And I will shake all nations, so that the treasures of all nations shall come in, and I will fill this house with glory, says the Lord of hosts."

Reflection: How can you view the current challenges in your life as opportunities for God to establish something eternal within you?


Day 4: The Unshakeable Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the instability of the world. It is a spiritual kingdom, eternal and unshakeable, offering true stability and security. This kingdom is accessible through a relationship with God, made possible by Jesus Christ. As we live in a world marked by uncertainty, we are called to anchor our lives in the unshakeable kingdom, finding peace and rest in God's eternal promises. This kingdom is not of this world, yet it is available to all who seek it through faith in Christ. [38:58]

Daniel 7:14 (ESV): "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."

Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your relationship with God and experience the stability of His unshakeable kingdom?


Day 5: Entering the Kingdom Through Christ
The only way to enter God's unshakeable kingdom is through faith in Jesus Christ. His sacrifice cleanses us and makes us righteous, allowing us to enter into a relationship with God. This relationship offers peace and rest amidst the chaos of the world. As we place our faith in Christ, we are invited to live without fear, knowing that our security is found in Him. This assurance transforms our perspective, enabling us to face life's challenges with confidence and hope. [45:06]

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: Reflect on your relationship with Jesus. How can you more fully embrace the peace and rest He offers in the midst of life's chaos?

Quotes

The Bible teaches us that man in his folly tries to find stability in things that not only can be shaken but in things that will and shall be shaken. Man in his folly, says the Bible, in his unutterable folly, seeks durability and stability in things that are not durable and finally stable but things that can be shaken, things indeed that shall be shaken. [00:10:36]

The world went on like this, and it thought that it achieved stability. Then the flood, and it all disappears. And then it starts again, and again men imagine that they have become so stable and durable that nothing is beyond them, and they try to build a tower which is going to reach even to heaven so that they can control Heaven as well as the Earth. [00:19:57]

The Bible says there is no peace to the wicked. The Bible says there shall be wars and rumors of wars, distress of nations, and men's hearts failing them. The message of the Bible is summed up in a verse in the next chapter in this Hebrews epistle. It puts it like this: here have we no continuing city. There is no such thing as an abiding city. [00:22:57]

There is a day coming, says the Bible, God has said so, that he is not only going to shake these powers, these earthly human powers, he's not only going to shake the Earth as he did when he gave the law to Moses on Mount Sinai, he's going to shake the heavens also. That's the thing that we are told here, that we're not to the end of these things. [00:24:43]

God is God, and the world is his, and he's made it perfectly plain from the very beginning that nothing that is opposed to him and that enmity with him is going to last. Read your Bibles, my friends. He said it from the beginning. He told men when he put him into Paradise that if he broke his law, he turned him out, he'd shake him out, and he did. [00:29:54]

God is going to shake these things, including the heavens, because he never meant the things to which men cling to be permanent. Did you notice how it's put? You yet once more signifying the removing of those things that are shaken, and as of things that are made, made that the things which cannot be shaken may remain. [00:32:36]

Man in this fatal ignorance of his, of the teaching of the Bible, does not know and does not realize that there is only one Kingdom that is durable and that cannot be shaken. We, he says, are receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved. God, he says in the previous verse, is going to shake those other things as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain. [00:37:46]

The kingdom that cannot be shaken is the kingdom of God, the kingdom where God is over all and all are subservient to him and worshiping him and enjoying him. And this is an everlasting and an unshakable kingdom. Why? Well, it is the kingdom of God, the God who makes all, the God who shakes all, the God who controls all. [00:40:45]

There is only one who can admit us into this Kingdom. It's no man. The prophets can't do it. It's not even angels. They can't do it. Moses couldn't do it. He could be the medium of a temporary legislation. He couldn't enter bring us into this Kingdom that shall never be shaken. No, no, even Moses couldn't. Aaron couldn't do it. [00:46:06]

The blood of Abel spoke, and it spoke of sin and the need of vengeance and the need of punishment upon Cain. But there's another blood, the blood of Jesus Christ, that speaketh better things than that of Abel. What does it speak? It speaks this: that his blood was shed for my sins, that he was wounded for my transgressions. [00:49:07]

The blood that speaketh better things than that of Abel. Without this blood, I cannot enter, but by this blood, I can, having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest of all by the blood of Jesus. And then having tasted death and having suffered my punishment, this man tells me in chapter 4 that he has passed through the heavens. [00:50:38]

Heaven and Earth shall pass away, not him. He will fold up the heavens as a cloak. He abideth, he remaineth, he ever liveth. He has an eternal priesthood. He is with God. He is the Son of God. He is at the side of God, and God has put all things under his hands. He's the head of the Kingdom so that I am certain that I shall get there. [00:53:09]

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Transcript
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