Foundations of Kingdom Living: Love, Service, and Unity
Summary
### Summary
Today, we delved deeper into the Kingdom Living Series, focusing on the foundational principles that govern the Kingdom of God. We explored the two greatest commandments as stated by Jesus: to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These principles form the bedrock of all other kingdom principles and guide our relationships with God and others.
We discussed how the culture of the Kingdom of God is fundamentally different from earthly kingdoms. In God's Kingdom, greatness is measured by our willingness to serve others, not by exercising authority over them. Jesus exemplified this by serving and giving His life as a ransom for many. We are called to emulate this servant leadership, understanding that challenges and suffering are part of our journey, just as they were for Jesus.
The principle of unity is crucial in the Kingdom of God. Unlike earthly kingdoms that are often divided, God's Kingdom is united as one body with many parts. This unity is maintained through the Holy Spirit, who helps us stay connected and work together for the common good. We are encouraged to avoid gossip, slander, and division, focusing instead on love, humility, and forgiveness.
Advancement in the Kingdom of God is likened to being the salt and light of the world. As salt, we are to preserve, heal, and add flavor to the world around us. As light, we are to expose darkness and guide others towards the truth. Our lives should visibly reflect the values of the Kingdom, steadily penetrating the world with the gospel.
Finally, we touched on the principles of prayer, emphasizing the importance of asking, seeking, and knocking. Jesus provided a model prayer that prioritizes God's Kingdom and will before our personal needs. This approach fosters a deeper relationship with God and aligns our desires with His purposes.
### Key Takeaways
1. Foundational Kingdom Principles: The two greatest commandments—to love God and to love our neighbors—are the foundation of all other kingdom principles. These commandments guide our relationships and actions, ensuring that everything we do is rooted in love and devotion to God and others. [01:33]
2. Servant Leadership: In God's Kingdom, true greatness is found in serving others. Jesus demonstrated this by serving and sacrificing for humanity. We are called to follow His example, understanding that challenges and suffering are part of our journey, just as they were for Jesus. [06:08]
3. Unity in the Kingdom: Unity is vital in the Kingdom of God. The Holy Spirit helps us maintain this unity, enabling us to work together as one body. Avoiding gossip, slander, and division, we focus on love, humility, and forgiveness, reflecting the character of our King. [16:42]
4. Advancing as Salt and Light: As kingdom citizens, we are called to be the salt and light of the world. This means preserving, healing, and adding flavor to the world around us, while also exposing darkness and guiding others towards the truth. Our lives should visibly reflect the values of the Kingdom. [30:06]
5. Principles of Prayer: Effective prayer in the Kingdom involves asking, seeking, and knocking, fostering a deeper relationship with God. Jesus' model prayer prioritizes God's Kingdom and will, aligning our desires with His purposes and ensuring that our prayers are rooted in a relationship with Him. [36:01]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:33] - The Two Greatest Commandments
[02:33] - Love Your Neighbor as Yourself
[03:47] - Foundation of Kingdom Principles
[05:04] - Servant Leadership
[06:08] - Emulating Jesus' Service
[07:19] - Challenges and Suffering
[08:48] - Kingdom Discipleship
[09:22] - Avoiding Cliques and Division
[10:17] - Christlike Humility
[12:16] - No Room for Gossip and Slander
[14:54] - Principle of Unity
[16:42] - United in God and Jesus
[18:56] - Quality Over Quantity
[20:32] - Avoiding Gossip
[23:35] - Unlimited Power of Unity
[26:30] - Agreement in Prayer
[29:22] - Principle of Advancement
[30:06] - Salt and Light of the World
[33:52] - Exposing Darkness
[36:01] - Principles of Prayer
[38:36] - Relationship with God
[40:29] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 22:37-40 (NKJV): "Jesus said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ On these two commandments hang all the Law and the Prophets."
2. Matthew 20:25-28 (NKJV): "But Jesus called them to Himself and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’"
3. John 17:21-23 (NKJV): "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me. And the glory which You gave Me I have given them, that they may be one just as We are one: I in them, and You in Me; that they may be made perfect in one, and that the world may know that You have sent Me, and have loved them as You have loved Me."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the two greatest commandments according to Jesus in Matthew 22:37-40?
2. How does Jesus describe true greatness in Matthew 20:25-28?
3. According to John 17:21-23, what is the purpose of unity among believers?
4. What are some specific behaviors that Jesus says should not be present among His followers? ([10:57])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized loving God and loving our neighbors as the greatest commandments? How do these commandments form the foundation of other kingdom principles? ([01:33])
2. How does the concept of servant leadership challenge the common understanding of authority and greatness in earthly kingdoms? ([06:08])
3. In what ways does unity among believers serve as a testimony to the world about Jesus and His mission? ([16:42])
4. How can being the salt and light of the world help in advancing the Kingdom of God? What practical steps can believers take to fulfill this role? ([30:06])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: How can you better love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength? Are there specific areas where you feel you need to grow in your love for God? ([01:33])
2. Think about your relationships: How can you show love to your neighbors in practical ways this week? Is there someone specific you feel called to serve or forgive? ([02:33])
3. Servant leadership is about serving others rather than seeking to be served. How can you practice servant leadership in your family, workplace, or church community? ([06:08])
4. Unity is crucial in the Kingdom of God. Are there any relationships in your life that need reconciliation? How can you take the first step towards unity and forgiveness? ([16:42])
5. As salt and light, believers are called to influence the world positively. Identify one area in your community where you can be a source of healing, preservation, or guidance. What specific action will you take this week? ([30:06])
6. Reflect on your prayer life: How can you incorporate the principles of asking, seeking, and knocking into your daily prayers? What specific needs or desires will you bring before God this week? ([36:01])
7. Jesus modeled a life of service and sacrifice. How can you emulate His example in your own life? Are there specific challenges or sufferings you are facing that you need to surrender to God? ([07:19])
Devotional
### Day 1: The Foundation of Love
Description:
The two greatest commandments, as stated by Jesus, are to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength, and to love our neighbors as ourselves. These commandments are the foundation of all other kingdom principles and guide our relationships with God and others. Loving God fully means dedicating every part of our being to Him, and loving our neighbors as ourselves means treating others with the same care and respect we desire. This dual commandment ensures that everything we do is rooted in love and devotion, creating a harmonious and God-centered community. [01:33]
Bible Passage:
"And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these." (Mark 12:30-31, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of a specific way you can show love to a neighbor today. How can you demonstrate God's love through your actions?
### Day 2: Emulating Servant Leadership
Description:
In the Kingdom of God, true greatness is found in serving others. Jesus exemplified this by serving and sacrificing for humanity, showing that leadership in God's Kingdom is about humility and service rather than authority and power. We are called to follow His example, understanding that challenges and suffering are part of our journey, just as they were for Jesus. Emulating Jesus' servant leadership means putting others' needs before our own and being willing to endure hardships for the sake of others. [06:08]
Bible Passage:
"But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:43-45, ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a specific area in your life where you can serve others more selflessly. What steps can you take to follow Jesus' example of servant leadership?
### Day 3: Unity Through the Holy Spirit
Description:
Unity is vital in the Kingdom of God. Unlike earthly kingdoms that are often divided, God's Kingdom is united as one body with many parts. This unity is maintained through the Holy Spirit, who helps us stay connected and work together for the common good. We are encouraged to avoid gossip, slander, and division, focusing instead on love, humility, and forgiveness. By reflecting the character of our King, we can foster a community that is united in purpose and spirit. [16:42]
Bible Passage:
"I appeal to you, brothers, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that all of you agree, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be united in the same mind and the same judgment." (1 Corinthians 1:10, ESV)
Reflection:
Consider a relationship in your life that may be strained or divided. How can you seek unity and reconciliation through the guidance of the Holy Spirit?
### Day 4: Being Salt and Light
Description:
As kingdom citizens, we are called to be the salt and light of the world. This means preserving, healing, and adding flavor to the world around us, while also exposing darkness and guiding others towards the truth. Our lives should visibly reflect the values of the Kingdom, steadily penetrating the world with the gospel. By living out these principles, we can make a tangible impact on those around us, drawing them closer to God. [30:06]
Bible Passage:
"You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:13-14, ESV)
Reflection:
Think of one practical way you can be salt and light in your community this week. How can you actively preserve, heal, or illuminate the world around you?
### Day 5: Principles of Prayer
Description:
Effective prayer in the Kingdom involves asking, seeking, and knocking, fostering a deeper relationship with God. Jesus' model prayer prioritizes God's Kingdom and will, aligning our desires with His purposes. By focusing on God's will before our personal needs, we ensure that our prayers are rooted in a relationship with Him and are aligned with His divine plan. This approach not only deepens our connection with God but also transforms our hearts to desire what He desires. [36:01]
Bible Passage:
"Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and the one who seeks finds, and to the one who knocks it will be opened." (Matthew 7:7-8, ESV)
Reflection:
Reflect on your current prayer life. How can you prioritize God's Kingdom and will in your prayers today? What specific steps can you take to align your desires with His purposes?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we serve one another, we serve the king of the kingdom and we serve the purpose of the kingdom. So if you have put your hands to the plough in serving, I want to remind you don't quit. Would you have challenges? Yes. Yes. If your king had challenges, why do you think you should be exempt?" [06:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You are a kingdom person. Nothing to hide. Nothing to be afraid of. Nothing to... And no one to compete with. In the kingdom, there is so much of power. There is no outage in the kingdom. There is great power. There is authority given to everyone." [10:17] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "You are here for a purpose. We are not here to fill the chairs. We are here to serve the King of the kingdom. We are here to live according to the principles of the kingdom. Amen? And so, the principle of unity is vital. We have been made united." [18:24] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are a kingdom disciple. You are an obedient disciple of the kingdom. You know that the power of your king resides in you and flows through you by the power of his power. He is your spirit. This morning he is dealing with us. He is getting some crooked lines straight." [24:02] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Believers are called to live the life of the kingdom in a way that is visible. Steadily penetrating the kingdoms of the world with the gospel of the kingdom. And as I close, the principles of prayer. Amen. And it's based on three principles. Ask. Seeking. And knocking." [36:01] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "If God allows you to go through that suffering and he says my grace is sufficient, then be glad that you have been chosen. But please don't think that just because you received Jesus, just because you are water baptized and for those who are going to get water baptized today afternoon, you will never have challenges in life." [07:19] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In the kingdom, you have been called to worship the king and serve the king. You are not serving your pastor. You are not serving your church. You are first serving Yeshua. Before this being our church, this is the church of Jesus. Don't forget this." [14:15] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The principle of unity when we understand it we will not give any room to the enemy to work. What is the modus of aprendi that the enemy uses? Division. Gossiping. When I said in the kingdom no room for gossiping which also means if anyone gossips you don't entertain them." [20:32] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "You are so concerned. You are truly concerned. Look into their eye and tell them. How is your son doing? How is your daughter doing? I want to pray. I want to bless. I want to bless you. These are kingdom citizens. Do you see people like this? Do you hear people like this? They are kingdom citizens." [22:13] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "You cannot just enter the kingdom and say, one day when I die, I will be like Him. No. No. If you have ever thought that, again, that's not from the kingdom. That's not from the kingdom. I receive Jesus as my Lord and Savior. I can speak in tongues. I give His tithes, my offering, my first fruit. I got water baptized." [26:05] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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