Kingdom Citizenship: Navigating Chaos with Spiritual Authority

 

Summary

In the wake of a turbulent week marked by political, racial, and cultural divisions, it is crucial to remember that everything visible and physical is preceded by the invisible and spiritual. To address the visible issues, we must first tackle the spiritual realities behind them. Elections, while significant, are not the ultimate authority; God is. Our participation in voting is important, but it is God who ultimately allows or causes leaders to rise and fall, whether for blessing or judgment. This understanding should prevent us from being overly disturbed by earthly matters, as heaven rules over earth.

As Christians, we are called to live as kingdom citizens, representing the King of Kings rather than earthly leaders. Our actions, reactions, and words should reflect our allegiance to God's kingdom, not political affiliations. Racism, classism, and other divisions may exist in the world, but they have no place in the church. We must demonstrate unity and love, showing the world what it looks like when God's people represent the King.

President Obama set a commendable tone by reminding us that we are Americans first, not defined by political parties. Similarly, the Bible instructs us to honor those in authority, even when we disagree with them. Dishonoring leaders is unbiblical and unchristian. Instead, we should express disagreements respectfully, representing Jesus Christ in all we do.

Our mission is to bring heavenly principles to earthly concerns, doing good to all, especially within the household of faith. We must let our good works speak for us, showing the world that we represent God's house. God will not bypass the church to fix the world; He starts with His people. By being conscious of opportunities to do good, we can make a positive impact in our communities.

In these chaotic times, we must be voices of reason, truth, and love. These dark days present great opportunities for the people of God to shine. Let us pray for our nation, our leaders, and our veterans, thanking them for their service. As we pray for the president-elect, we trust in God's sovereignty and seek to be part of the solution, not the problem. May we honor God by participating in our country's democratic process and giving Him the glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. Everything visible and physical is preceded by the invisible and spiritual. To address visible issues, we must first tackle the spiritual realities behind them. This perspective helps us focus on the root causes rather than just the symptoms. [01:13]

2. God is the ultimate authority over elections, allowing leaders to rise and fall for blessing or judgment. Our participation in voting is important, but we must trust in God's sovereignty and not be overly disturbed by earthly matters. [02:20]

3. As kingdom citizens, we represent the King of Kings, not earthly leaders. Our actions, reactions, and words should reflect our allegiance to God's kingdom, demonstrating unity and love in a divided world. [04:10]

4. Dishonoring leaders, even when we disagree with them, is unbiblical and unchristian. We must express disagreements respectfully, representing Jesus Christ in all we do, and honor those in authority. [06:38]

5. In chaotic times, we must be voices of reason, truth, and love. These dark days present great opportunities for the people of God to shine, doing good to all and letting our good works speak for us. [14:16]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:18] - A Divided Nation
- [01:13] - Spiritual Realities Behind Visible Issues
- [01:52] - God's Sovereignty in Elections
- [02:44] - Blessing or Judgment
- [03:28] - Living as Kingdom Citizens
- [04:10] - Representing the King
- [05:34] - Honoring Authority
- [06:38] - Respectful Disagreement
- [07:24] - Embracing All in the Church
- [08:08] - Bringing Heaven to Earth
- [09:12] - Good Works and Community Impact
- [10:26] - Stories of Kindness
- [12:22] - Serving Others
- [14:16] - Voices of Reason in Chaos
- [14:31] - Prayer for the Nation and Veterans

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 12:26-28
2. Daniel 4:17
3. Galatians 6:10

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Observation Questions:

1. According to the sermon, what is the relationship between visible issues and spiritual realities? How does this perspective help us address the root causes of societal problems? [01:13]

2. How does the sermon describe God's role in the rise and fall of leaders, and what biblical reference supports this view? [01:52]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the behavior and attitude of Christians towards political leaders, even when there is disagreement? [06:38]

4. How does the sermon define the role of Christians as "kingdom citizens" in a divided world? [04:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Hebrews 12:26-28 speaks of God's unshakable kingdom. How does this passage relate to the sermon’s message about God allowing things to be shaken to reveal His kingdom? [03:02]

2. Daniel 4:17 emphasizes God's sovereignty over earthly kingdoms. How does this understanding affect a Christian's perspective on political events and leadership changes? [02:20]

3. Galatians 6:10 encourages doing good to all, especially within the household of faith. How does this align with the sermon’s call for Christians to be voices of reason, truth, and love in chaotic times? [08:46]

4. The sermon mentions the importance of honoring leaders, even those we disagree with. How does this align with biblical teachings, and what challenges might this present to believers? [06:38]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent political or social issue that disturbed you. How can you apply the sermon’s teaching to focus on the spiritual realities behind it rather than just the visible symptoms? [01:13]

2. In what ways can you actively demonstrate your allegiance to God's kingdom in your daily interactions, especially in a politically charged environment? [04:10]

3. Think of a leader you disagree with. How can you express your disagreement respectfully while still honoring their position, as the sermon suggests? [06:38]

4. The sermon calls for Christians to be voices of reason, truth, and love. Identify a specific situation in your community where you can be a positive influence this week. [14:16]

5. How can you incorporate the practice of doing good to all, especially within the church, into your weekly routine? Consider a specific act of kindness you can perform. [08:46]

6. Reflect on a time when you allowed earthly matters to disturb your peace. How can you remind yourself of God's sovereignty in such situations? [02:20]

7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of prayer for leaders and the nation. How can you incorporate this practice into your daily prayer life, and what specific prayers will you offer this week? [16:25]

Devotional

Day 1: Spiritual Realities Precede Physical Manifestations
In a world filled with visible challenges, it is essential to recognize that these are often manifestations of deeper, spiritual realities. The visible issues we face, such as political unrest or social divisions, are symptoms of underlying spiritual conditions. By addressing these spiritual roots, we can bring about true and lasting change. This perspective encourages us to focus on the root causes rather than merely treating the symptoms, leading to more profound healing and transformation. [01:13]

"For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places." (Ephesians 6:12, ESV)

Reflection: What is one visible issue in your life that you can trace back to a spiritual root? How can you begin to address this spiritual reality today?


Day 2: Trusting in God's Sovereignty Over Earthly Matters
While elections and political events hold significance, they are not the ultimate authority. God is sovereign, allowing leaders to rise and fall for purposes of blessing or judgment. Our participation in voting is important, but we must trust in God's overarching plan and not be overly disturbed by earthly matters. This understanding helps us maintain peace and perspective, knowing that heaven rules over earth. [02:20]

"He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding." (Daniel 2:21, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate trust in God's sovereignty, especially when faced with political or social uncertainties?


Day 3: Living as Kingdom Citizens
As followers of Christ, our primary allegiance is to God's kingdom, not earthly leaders. Our actions, reactions, and words should reflect this allegiance, demonstrating unity and love in a divided world. By living as kingdom citizens, we show the world what it means to represent the King of Kings, transcending earthly divisions and embodying the values of God's kingdom. [04:10]

"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)

Reflection: How can you better align your daily actions and words with your identity as a citizen of God's kingdom?


Day 4: Respectful Disagreement and Honoring Authority
Dishonoring leaders, even when we disagree with them, is unbiblical and unchristian. We are called to express disagreements respectfully, representing Jesus Christ in all we do. By honoring those in authority, we reflect the biblical principle of respect and demonstrate the love and grace of Christ, even in challenging situations. [06:38]

"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a leader you disagree with. How can you express your disagreement in a way that honors them and reflects your faith?


Day 5: Being Voices of Reason, Truth, and Love
In chaotic times, Christians are called to be voices of reason, truth, and love. These dark days present opportunities for God's people to shine, doing good to all and letting their good works speak for them. By being conscious of opportunities to do good, we can make a positive impact in our communities and demonstrate the transformative power of God's love. [14:16]

"In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." (Matthew 5:16, ESV)

Reflection: What is one specific act of kindness or service you can perform this week to be a light in your community?

Quotes


So let me start with the premise everything visible and physical is preceded by that which is invisible and spiritual so if you want to address the visible physical issues you must first address the invisible spiritual reality behind it because if you miss that you've missed the route and you're picking at the fruit. [00:01:13]

The Bible says that God puts up Kings and tear Kings down, so your vote whoever you voted for is never the final say so the final say-so is what God either causes or allows now you are to vote I am to vote we are to participate but heaven rules. [00:01:52]

Our job is to demonstrate what it looks like when people of God represent the king not the president the king and how we act react talk when you see some of the things that people are saying and some of the attitudes being displayed and then attach God's name to it it's a contradiction. [00:04:10]

There may be classism out there but no classism in the church no no big eyes and little use in the church no our job is to represent the kingdom of God and to call God's people to do the same because this is spiritual it manifests itself politically but this is spiritual. [00:05:34]

The Bible says honor the king that's what the scripture says says honor the king and the King he told them mana was Nero and he was horrible but you honor the position even when you disagree with the person and just like President Obama was dishonored in many many ways and that dishonor should be rejected. [00:06:38]

We have the right to protest but we have only the right to protest to the help of others not to the root of others then in the church people know when they walk through this door they are embraced and welcomed if they hold a firm to the Lord Jesus who we love. [00:07:24]

The kingdom citizen is a man or woman who is fully committed to Jesus Christ and their commitment to Christ seeks to bring heavenly principles into Earth's concerns that's what we do we bring heaven to bear on it we don't just replicate what everybody else is saying presidents come and go there's only one king that stays on the throne. [00:08:08]

So rather than fussing cuss and cry and create havoc let our good work speak for us let people see that we we represent we represent God's house because trust me God's not going to skip the church house to fix the white house he always thoughts with his people. [00:09:12]

We have asked all of our members to be conscious to do good works to be conscious when you see a need and God prick your heart to address it and give the person you meet the need of a little card you just experience a random act of kindness from a person that will clip Bible fellowship. [00:10:26]

Voices of reason on your job and wherever you are voices of reason with truth and with love need the step for these are dark days with great opportunity if we take advantage of it as the people of God so I want to pray for our nation but I can't do that without remembering that veteran. [00:14:16]

Most of all I pray for this church and your church that we will not become part of the problem but become part of the solution and we will give you the honor and the glory for allowing us to be participants in a country that gives us the privilege of casting a vote. [00:16:41]

And so I pray for the president-elect president-elect Trump and his cabinet may he choose the right people who will give him the right advice so that we are experienced well being as a nation most of all I pray for this church and your church that we will not become part of the problem. [00:16:25]

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Transcript
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