Living as Citizens of God's Eternal Kingdom

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound nature of our belonging to the Kingdom of God, a belonging that transcends all earthly affiliations and allegiances. We delved into the essence of baptism as a declaration of this allegiance, a public testament to our identity in Christ and our commitment to live in the reality of His lordship. We are reminded that Jesus is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords, and our lives are to be a reflection of His reign.

We paused our journey through 2 Corinthians to focus on the final week of Jesus' earthly ministry, a week that redefined history and our understanding of true kingship. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was not just a moment in time but a declaration of a different kind of kingdom, one that operates on principles alien to the political systems of this world. He rode on a donkey, symbolizing peace, not war, and was hailed as a savior, though not in the way the crowds expected.

We examined the political climate of Jesus' time, the competing kingdoms, and ideologies, and how Jesus stood apart from them all. His politics were not of this world; His kingdom was not from here. He challenged the political and religious leaders, refusing to align with any side, instead calling everyone to a higher allegiance—to God's kingdom.

Jesus' conversation with the Pharisees and Herodians about paying taxes to Caesar revealed His wisdom and the depth of His kingdom's values. He affirmed the need to give to earthly authorities what is due but emphasized that our ultimate allegiance is to God. Our identity is found in Him, and our lives are to be marked by His image.

We reflected on the parable of the prodigal son, which illustrates the pitfalls of both liberal and conservative ideologies when they are divorced from the grace and truth found in Christ. Jesus offers a third way, one that transcends political freedom and brings true liberation from sin and death.

As we navigate the complexities of our current political landscape, we are called to participate without giving our ultimate allegiance to any earthly system. Jesus' kingdom is cosmic, eternal, inclusive, personal, and global. It is not subject to the whims of elections or the rise and fall of powers. It is a kingdom that brings true justice, peace, and comfort, regardless of our circumstances.

In closing, we prayed for wisdom and discernment, for unity in the church, and for the courage to stand for what is right, to speak against oppression, and to live lives that are transformational and transcendent. We prayed for revival, for the gospel to be believed and experienced, and for the kingdom of God to advance through our surrendered lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Baptism is a profound declaration of our allegiance to Jesus, the King of Kings. It is a step of obedience that publicly affirms our identity in Christ and our commitment to live under His lordship. It is a symbol of our death to sin and resurrection to new life in Him. [09:07]

- Jesus' entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, amidst cries of "Hosanna," was a declaration of a different kind of kingship. He came to save us from our sins, not to overthrow earthly governments. His kingdom is one of peace, not political power. [32:14]

- The conversation about taxes with the Pharisees and Herodians reveals that our ultimate allegiance is to God, not to earthly authorities. While we may participate in political systems, our primary identity is as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. [38:23]

- The parable of the prodigal son teaches us that political freedom is not true freedom. Both liberal and conservative ideologies fall short without the grace and truth of Christ. Jesus offers a third way that leads to genuine freedom from sin and death. [41:03]

- The Kingdom of God is cosmic, eternal, inclusive, personal, and global. It is not bound by earthly politics or powers. As followers of Christ, we are called to live out the values of this kingdom, bringing justice, peace, and comfort to a broken world. [54:29]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. Mark 11:1-11 - Jesus' Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem
2. Luke 20:20-26 - Jesus' Teaching on Paying Taxes to Caesar
3. Luke 15:11-32 - The Parable of the Prodigal Son

#### Observation Questions
1. What actions did Jesus take when He entered Jerusalem, and how did the people respond? (Mark 11:1-11)
2. In the conversation about paying taxes to Caesar, what question did the Pharisees and Herodians ask Jesus, and how did He respond? (Luke 20:20-26)
3. What are the key elements of the Parable of the Prodigal Son, and how do the two sons' actions differ? (Luke 15:11-32)
4. According to the sermon, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? [08:45]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What is the significance of Jesus riding a donkey into Jerusalem, and how does this contrast with the expectations of the people? (Mark 11:1-11)
2. How does Jesus' response to the question about paying taxes to Caesar reveal His wisdom and the values of His kingdom? (Luke 20:20-26)
3. In the Parable of the Prodigal Son, what do the actions of the younger and older sons represent in terms of liberal and conservative ideologies? [41:00]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of ultimate allegiance to God's kingdom over earthly political systems? [49:33]

#### Application Questions
1. Baptism is described as a declaration of allegiance to Jesus. Have you been baptized, and if so, how has it impacted your life? If not, what might be holding you back? [08:45]
2. Jesus' entry into Jerusalem was a declaration of a different kind of kingship. How can you reflect the values of Jesus' kingdom of peace in your daily interactions? [32:14]
3. Jesus emphasized giving to God what is God's. What are some practical ways you can prioritize your allegiance to God in your daily life, especially in the context of political and social issues? [38:23]
4. The Parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the pitfalls of both liberal and conservative ideologies. How can you find a balance in your own life that aligns with the grace and truth found in Christ? [41:03]
5. The sermon calls us to live out the values of the Kingdom of God, bringing justice, peace, and comfort to a broken world. What specific actions can you take this week to contribute to justice and peace in your community? [54:29]
6. Reflecting on the current political landscape, how can you participate in political systems without giving your ultimate allegiance to them? What steps can you take to ensure your primary identity remains as a citizen of the Kingdom of Heaven? [49:33]
7. The sermon ended with a prayer for wisdom, discernment, and courage. What specific areas in your life do you need wisdom and courage to stand for what is right and speak against oppression? How can your small group support you in this? [56:13]

Devotional

Day 1: Baptism: Our Allegiance Proclaimed
Baptism serves as a profound declaration of allegiance to Jesus, the King of Kings. It is not merely a ritual or a tradition; it is a step of obedience that publicly affirms one's identity in Christ and a commitment to live under His lordship. Through baptism, individuals symbolically participate in the death of Christ to sin and are resurrected to a new life in Him. This sacrament marks the beginning of a transformed life, one that seeks to reflect the character and priorities of Jesus in every action and decision. It is a powerful testimony to the world of a believer's new identity and the reality of the Kingdom of God at work within them. [09:07]

"For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ." - Galatians 3:27 (ESV)

Reflection: How does your life reflect the allegiance you proclaimed at your baptism, and in what ways can you more fully embody your identity in Christ today?

Day 2: A Different Kind of Kingship
Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, hailed by the cries of "Hosanna," was a declaration of a different kind of kingship. He came to save humanity from sin, not to establish a political kingdom. His reign is characterized by peace and service rather than political power and domination. This event invites believers to reconsider their understanding of power and leadership, aligning their perspectives with the humble and sacrificial nature of Jesus' kingship. The Kingdom of God operates on principles of love, mercy, and justice, contrasting sharply with the world's systems of authority and control. Followers of Christ are called to embody these kingdom values in their daily lives, serving as ambassadors of the true King. [32:14]

"Behold, your king is coming to you; righteous and having salvation is he, humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey." - Zechariah 9:9 (ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate the humble and servant-hearted kingship of Jesus in your spheres of influence this week?

Day 3: Ultimate Allegiance to God
The conversation between Jesus and the Pharisees and Herodians about paying taxes to Caesar highlights the distinction between earthly and divine allegiances. While acknowledging the role of earthly authorities, Jesus emphasized that ultimate allegiance belongs to God. Believers are called to navigate the complexities of political systems with wisdom, recognizing their primary identity as citizens of the Kingdom of Heaven. This identity shapes how one interacts with the world, prioritizing God's values and commands over societal norms and expectations. The image of God, not the image of any earthly power, is to be the defining mark of a believer's life. [38:23]

"Render to Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and to God the things that are God's." - Mark 12:17 (ESV)

Reflection: How can you balance your responsibilities to earthly authorities with your ultimate allegiance to God, and what practical steps can you take to prioritize His kingdom values in your daily life?

Day 4: True Freedom in Christ
The parable of the prodigal son reveals the inadequacy of both liberal and conservative ideologies when separated from the grace and truth found in Christ. Political freedom does not equate to true freedom, which is found only in Jesus. He offers a third way, one that transcends political ideologies and brings genuine liberation from sin and death. This freedom allows believers to live in the fullness of God's grace, embracing a life of transformation and renewal. It challenges individuals to look beyond the temporal and fleeting promises of the world and to anchor their hope and identity in the eternal promises of God. [41:03]

"It is for freedom that Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery." - Galatians 5:1 (ESV)

Reflection: What does living in the freedom of Christ look like for you, and how can you resist the temptation to find your identity in political or ideological affiliations?

Day 5: The Unshakable Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is cosmic, eternal, inclusive, personal, and global, transcending earthly politics and powers. As followers of Christ, believers are called to live out the values of this kingdom, bringing justice, peace, and comfort to a broken world. This kingdom is not subject to the whims of elections or the rise and fall of human authorities. It is a kingdom that endures through all circumstances, offering hope and a future to all who enter it. Christians are invited to participate in the advancement of this kingdom through lives surrendered to God's purposes, reflecting His love and righteousness in every area of life. [54:29]

"Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations." - Psalm 145:13 (ESV)

Reflection: In what tangible ways can you contribute to the advancement of God's kingdom in your community, and how can you embody its eternal values in the face of temporary earthly challenges?

Quotes

1) "A Christian is someone who lets Jesus be Jesus. That is, King of kings and Lord of lords. That means accepting and surrendering to what his kingdom is going to be and how he has defined it." [34:33] (Download | )

2) "Jesus initiates the kingdom through powerlessness not power attainment. It's kind of subtle but it's in there... Jesus didn't even have a denarius. But he comes and he launches the most incredible revolution ever to come upon the earth in a powerful and profound way that changed everything from a place of poverty and powerlessness." [48:51] (Download | )

3) "Jesus came into Jerusalem on that last week, and he came into a place that had competing kingdoms... Jesus is a different kind of leader. He's a different kind of king. He can't be co-opted for a political agenda." [27:50] (Download | )

4) "Jesus prioritized people and every human being has an inherent dignity... Jesus' priorities are greater priorities. Jesus prioritized people and every human being has an inherent dignity." [45:23] (Download | )

5) "The kingdom that Christ has invited us to be a part of is better. It's cosmic. The forces of evil that gain strongholds in the political realm will ultimately be destroyed." [52:57] (Download | )

6) "Jesus' kingdom is inclusive. You know why? It's open to everyone who has sinned. You know who that is? All of us. It's inclusive. Everyone can be a part of it." [54:29] (Download | )

7) "Jesus is not a worldly political leader but is a king over all principalities and powers. He does it by beginning it in our heart and extending it through the world as we accept our powerlessness, admit our poverty, as we receive his grace in all of this." [49:21] (Download | Download cropped video)

8) "Jesus wasn't looking to get elected, he was looking to get executed. And when they sentenced him to death, they set free his power." [51:21] (Download | )

9) "Jesus says give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's. Be broken by the things that break the heart of God. To have allegiance to Christ is to have his heart inside of all of us." [47:42] (Download | )

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?