In our time together, we explored the profound concept of hearing God in the context of real life, emphasizing that the kingdom of God is not confined to religious settings but is intricately woven into the fabric of our everyday existence. The essence of our discussion was rooted in Romans 5:17, which speaks of reigning in life through Jesus Christ. This reign is not about dominion in the worldly sense but about governing for good under God's guidance, being the salt and light in the world.
We delved into the idea that the kingdom of God is the range of God's effective will, where what He desires is accomplished. Human beings, in their natural state, often attempt to run their kingdoms independently, leading to the reign of death. However, through Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light, we are invited to reign in life by receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness. Grace, as we discussed, is God acting in our lives to accomplish what we cannot achieve on our own, and righteousness is not just about being justified but living a life that aligns with God's kingdom.
The sermon also highlighted the importance of hearing God as a continuous, intimate relationship rather than an occasional event. God desires to communicate with us, guiding us in our daily lives. This communication is not just about receiving instructions but involves understanding and aligning our lives with His will. We are encouraged to seek God earnestly, as hearing Him is part of a life devoted to Him.
Furthermore, we examined the contrast between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit, as outlined in Romans 8. The flesh represents our natural abilities, while the Spirit is the unbodily personal power of God. Living by the Spirit means setting our minds on things above, where Christ is, and allowing God's Spirit to guide and empower us.
Finally, we touched on the significance of careful listening to God's word, as emphasized in Luke 8:18. A life of hearing God requires attentiveness and a heart devoted to seeking His voice. As we cultivate this life, we grow in our understanding and ability to reign in life through Christ, impacting every area of our existence.
Key Takeaways
- 1. Reigning in Life Through Christ: Reigning in life is about governing for good under God's guidance, being the salt and light in the world. It involves receiving the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness, which empowers us to live in alignment with God's kingdom. [02:54]
- 2. Grace and Righteousness: Grace is God acting in our lives to accomplish what we cannot achieve on our own. Righteousness is not just about being justified but living a life that aligns with God's kingdom, impacting every area of our existence. [08:53]
- 3. Hearing God as a Lifestyle: Hearing God is a continuous, intimate relationship rather than an occasional event. It involves understanding and aligning our lives with His will, seeking Him earnestly, and being attentive to His voice. [17:58]
- 4. Living by the Spirit: The contrast between living according to the flesh and living by the Spirit is crucial. The Spirit is the unbodily personal power of God, and living by the Spirit means setting our minds on things above and allowing God's Spirit to guide and empower us. [22:58]
- 5. Careful Listening to God's Word: A life of hearing God requires attentiveness and a heart devoted to seeking His voice. As we cultivate this life, we grow in our understanding and ability to reign in life through Christ, impacting every area of our existence. [46:02]
** [46:02]
Youtube Chapters
