Finding True Identity in God's Kingdom

 

Summary

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus presents a transformative vision of life in God's kingdom, challenging the pervasive cultural illusions that define our identity by what we do, what we have, and what others think of us. These illusions, as articulated by Henry Nouwen, are deeply ingrained in our society and often lead us to a dissipated life, where we tirelessly seek validation and worth through external achievements and possessions. However, Jesus offers a radical alternative, inviting us to find our true identity in God's kingdom, which is accessible here and now.

The sermon explores how these illusions manifest in our lives and how they are addressed in Scripture. From the Garden of Eden to Jesus' own temptations in the wilderness, the same trio of temptations—lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—recur, challenging our understanding of self-worth. Jesus, however, models a different path, one that is not defined by material possessions, societal status, or others' opinions.

In Matthew 6, Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others, emphasizing the importance of secrecy in spiritual practices like giving, prayer, and fasting. This secrecy helps us break free from the false belief that our value is determined by others' perceptions. Jesus also advises against storing up earthly treasures, which are temporary and vulnerable, and instead encourages us to store up treasures in heaven, which are eternal and secure.

Furthermore, Jesus addresses the anxiety that comes from trying to control our lives through our actions. He reminds us that we cannot add a single moment to our lives through worry or effort. Instead, we are called to seek first the kingdom of God, trusting that our needs will be met as we align our lives with God's purposes.

Ultimately, the Sermon on the Mount invites us to live a life of genuine goodness, surpassing superficial righteousness, and to embrace the freedom and fulfillment found in God's kingdom. By letting go of the illusions that bind us, we can experience a life marked by the golden rule, where love and grace abound.

Key Takeaways:

1. Identity Beyond Illusions: Our identity is not defined by what we do, what we have, or what others think of us. These cultural illusions can lead to a dissipated life, but Jesus invites us to find our true identity in God's kingdom, which is accessible here and now. [00:36]

2. The Recurring Trio of Temptations: The temptations of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life are recurring challenges throughout Scripture, from the Garden of Eden to Jesus' wilderness temptations. These temptations challenge our understanding of self-worth, but Jesus models a different path. [02:30]

3. Practicing Secrecy in Spiritual Disciplines: Jesus emphasizes the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines like giving, prayer, and fasting in secrecy. This helps us break free from the false belief that our value is determined by others' perceptions and allows us to focus on our relationship with God. [05:46]

4. Storing Treasures in Heaven: Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, but treasures in heaven are eternal and secure. Jesus encourages us to focus on storing up heavenly treasures, which align with God's purposes and bring true fulfillment. [06:19]

5. Seeking First the Kingdom of God: Instead of worrying about controlling our lives through our actions, Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God. By aligning our lives with God's purposes, we can trust that our needs will be met and experience the freedom and fulfillment found in God's kingdom. [07:29]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:36] - The Greatest Teaching
- [00:48] - The Trio of Illusions
- [01:03] - Questions of Identity
- [01:49] - Cultural Illusions
- [02:30] - Scriptural Recurrence
- [03:15] - Temptations in Eden
- [03:48] - Jesus' Wilderness Temptations
- [04:37] - Genuine Goodness
- [05:05] - Practicing Righteousness
- [06:19] - Storing Treasures
- [07:15] - Worry and Control
- [08:01] - Personal Anecdote
- [09:07] - Freedom in the Kingdom
- [10:00] - Community and Growth

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 6:1-4 - Jesus warns against practicing righteousness for the sake of being seen by others.
2. 1 John 2:15-17 - Discusses the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
3. Genesis 3:1-6 - The temptation of Eve in the Garden of Eden.

#### Observation Questions
1. In Matthew 6:1-4, what specific practices does Jesus mention that should be done in secrecy? How does this relate to the sermon’s emphasis on breaking free from the need for external validation? [05:46]
2. How does 1 John 2:15-17 describe the temptations that challenge our understanding of self-worth? How are these temptations reflected in the sermon’s discussion of cultural illusions? [02:30]
3. What parallels can be drawn between the temptations faced by Eve in Genesis 3:1-6 and those faced by Jesus in the wilderness? How does the sermon highlight these recurring challenges? [03:15]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the practice of secrecy in spiritual disciplines, as mentioned in Matthew 6, help individuals focus on their relationship with God rather than seeking approval from others? [05:46]
2. In what ways do the temptations described in 1 John 2:15-17 and Genesis 3:1-6 challenge the cultural illusions of identity based on what we do, have, and what others think of us? [02:30]
3. How does Jesus’ response to the temptations in the wilderness provide a model for overcoming the false beliefs about identity that the sermon discusses? [03:48]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you sought validation through external achievements or possessions. How can you shift your focus to finding your identity in God's kingdom instead? [01:32]
2. Consider the temptations of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life. Which of these do you find most challenging, and how can you address it in your daily life? [02:30]
3. How can you incorporate the practice of secrecy in your spiritual disciplines this week to deepen your relationship with God? What specific actions will you take? [05:46]
4. Identify an area in your life where you are storing up earthly treasures. What steps can you take to focus on storing up treasures in heaven instead? [06:19]
5. Reflect on a situation where you experienced anxiety from trying to control your life. How can you practice seeking first the kingdom of God in that area? [07:29]
6. Think of a person whose opinion you value highly. How can you ensure that your self-worth is not dependent on their perception of you? [01:18]
7. What is one practical way you can live out the golden rule in your interactions this week, embracing the freedom and fulfillment found in God's kingdom? [09:24]

Devotional

Day 1: Identity Rooted in God's Kingdom
Our identity is often shaped by cultural illusions that define us by our achievements, possessions, and the opinions of others. These illusions can lead to a life of constant striving and dissatisfaction. However, Jesus offers a transformative vision of life in God's kingdom, where our true identity is found. This identity is not based on external factors but is rooted in the reality of being loved and valued by God. By embracing this identity, we can break free from the cycle of seeking validation from the world and find peace and fulfillment in God's presence. [00:36]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed cultural illusions to define your identity? How can you begin to embrace your true identity in God's kingdom today?


Day 2: Overcoming Temptations of the Flesh, Eyes, and Pride
Throughout Scripture, the temptations of lust of the flesh, lust of the eyes, and the pride of life challenge our understanding of self-worth. These temptations are evident from the Garden of Eden to Jesus' own temptations in the wilderness. They lure us into believing that our worth is tied to our desires, appearances, and achievements. Jesus, however, models a different path, one that is not defined by these temptations. By following His example, we can resist these false narratives and find our worth in God's love and purpose for our lives. [02:30]

"For all that is in the world—the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life—is not from the Father but is from the world." (1 John 2:16, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific temptation you face related to the flesh, eyes, or pride. How can you follow Jesus' example in overcoming this temptation today?


Day 3: The Power of Secrecy in Spiritual Practices
Jesus emphasizes the importance of practicing spiritual disciplines like giving, prayer, and fasting in secrecy. This practice helps us break free from the false belief that our value is determined by others' perceptions. By focusing on our relationship with God rather than seeking approval from others, we can cultivate a deeper, more authentic spiritual life. This secrecy allows us to experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from knowing God intimately and serving Him wholeheartedly. [05:46]

"But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you." (Matthew 6:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a spiritual practice you engage in. How can you practice it in secrecy this week to deepen your relationship with God?


Day 4: Storing Treasures in Heaven
Earthly treasures are temporary and vulnerable, but treasures in heaven are eternal and secure. Jesus encourages us to focus on storing up heavenly treasures, which align with God's purposes and bring true fulfillment. By shifting our focus from accumulating material possessions to investing in eternal values, we can experience a life of greater purpose and joy. This perspective helps us prioritize what truly matters and live in a way that reflects God's kingdom. [06:19]

"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." (Matthew 6:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: What earthly treasures are you holding onto that may be hindering your spiritual growth? How can you begin to store up treasures in heaven today?


Day 5: Seeking First the Kingdom of God
Instead of worrying about controlling our lives through our actions, Jesus calls us to seek first the kingdom of God. By aligning our lives with God's purposes, we can trust that our needs will be met and experience the freedom and fulfillment found in God's kingdom. This shift in focus allows us to let go of anxiety and embrace a life of peace and trust in God's provision. As we prioritize God's kingdom, we discover the abundant life He has promised. [07:29]

"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." (Matthew 6:33, ESV)

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you struggle with control and worry? How can you seek God's kingdom first in this area today?

Quotes


He talks about how a dissipated life you know underneath all of The Temptations that we know are wrong are the questions that we live with that say to that say uh what do you think of me look at me look at what I'm doing look at what I have aren't I great don't you think I'm okay do you accept me do you see me as good do you like me do you love me we work tirelessly to present ourselves in a good light before others in the false belief that our identity comes from what we are in their lives or from what we do or from what we have. [00:59:12]

These cultural Illusions he writes fill the world in which we live and profoundly influence how we feel about ourselves they war and here's the three number one you are what you do lawyer mother CEO teacher caregiver scientist unskilled labor so do something relevant number two you are what you have wealth education power popularity handicap nothing so get busy and acquire all you can number three you are what others think of you kind mean sanely loving stupid so act properly and gain respect. [01:38:24]

So over and over and every day you think about this in your life and I think about it in mine you are what you have you are what you do you are I am what it is that other people think of me and now amazingly enough we're going through the sermon of the M greatest most impactful teaching ever taught and we're looking at what is genuine goodness what is true life it's surpasses that kind of superficial what Jesus talks about as the uh righteous Ness or goodness of the scribes and the Pharisees. [04:31:24]

Be careful not to practice your righteousness or your goodness and and we'll see how in our day that that expands it's not just about uh your devoutness because there's a lot of ways that we try to impress people be careful not to do that stuff in front of other people in order to be seen seen by them doesn't mean that it's wrong if it's seen But if I'm doing it in order to impress other people um then I would become enslaved to it his language for it is then you will not receive a reward from your father in Heaven. [05:10:24]

If you wrestle with I am what other people think I am then he says once you practice secrecy and he look specifically at uh generosity alms giving back of the day and then prayer and then fasting could be all kinds of practices but secrecy is a wonderful tool to begin to gain freedom from that false belief that I am what other people say I am. [05:46:08]

Do not store up for yourselves Treasures on Earth where moth and rust corrupt and thieves break in and steal see I want to St up Treasures on Earth because I am what I have but I got to have more the video uh you maybe if you're following the market The Magnificent Seven these days and here's this company earnings are up like 580 from a year ago fear of missing out reading about that today somebody was saying is like during the Gold Rush it's the guys that sell shovels that make all the money they're making all the money you could be I got to have I got to have I got to have that's the measure of my importance my smartness My Success my security whether or not I count. [06:13:40]

Jesus's alternative is no uh treasure rightly store up Treasures for yourself in heaven now that doesn't mean uh someday sometime far far far from now Kingdom of Heaven as we're learning is just right here right now and I can treasure rightly so I am not what I have and then Jesus goes on from there to talk about how we worry about everything that we're doing and making sure that we can secure our lives and he says no no no which of You by what you do can add even a single moment to your life or a single Cubit to your stature an inch to your ey that of course you can't so his alternative there is seek first the kingdom it's not about imposing my will it's not about expanding my kingdom it's looking for God your kingdom in each moment. [06:58:24]

Part of what Jesus teaches about it the Ser of the m is love your enemies even little Proto uh cryptic just Neo beginning enemies and I just put her on the enemy's list and I wasn't think it at all to seek for the kingdom of God so that's the journey that we're going to Beyond as we look through this fabulous section in this uh most remarkable teaching and i' never thought before never seen before how that great Unholy trial that occurs over and over that you and I wrestle with I am what I have I am what I do I am what other people think about me is addressed in such practical tangible ways to bring us into freedom and into the kingdom so that you can have a golden rule life and make it a golden rule day. [08:44:40]

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Transcript
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