Living as Citizens of God's Eternal Kingdom
Summary
In today's reflection, we journeyed through the profound visions of Revelation and the teachings of Jesus in the Sermon on the Mount, exploring the essence of living as citizens of God's kingdom. Revelation 4 and 21 remind us of the eternal kingdom God has prepared, a reality far surpassing our earthly existence. This eternal perspective should shape our lives, urging us to live not for the transient world but for the everlasting kingdom of Christ. The imagery of the throne, the new heaven, and the new earth paints a picture of hope and divine sovereignty, assuring us that God is in control and has a glorious future for those who love Him.
Transitioning to the Gospel of Matthew, we revisited the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus outlines the characteristics of kingdom citizens. The Beatitudes challenge us to embody qualities like meekness, mercy, and purity of heart, which are counter-cultural yet essential for those who follow Christ. These are not mere suggestions but calls to live in a manner that reflects the kingdom of heaven.
Jesus' teachings on being salt and light emphasize our role in the world. We are to preserve and illuminate, living lives that testify to the transformative power of the Gospel. Losing our saltiness or hiding our light is unthinkable for those who claim to follow Christ. Our lives should be a testament to His grace and truth, influencing the world around us.
Furthermore, Jesus' fulfillment of the law underscores His authority and the continuity of God's redemptive plan. He calls us to a righteousness that surpasses mere legalism, urging us to internalize the spirit of the law in our hearts. This involves addressing issues like anger, lust, and integrity, recognizing that these are matters of the heart that reflect our relationship with God.
Finally, Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and examine our intentions in acts of righteousness. Our love should mirror God's unconditional love, extending even to those who oppose us. Our service and prayers should be directed towards God, not for the approval of others. In all these teachings, the call is clear: to live as citizens of the already-but-not-yet kingdom, embodying the values of our King.
Key Takeaways:
- Eternal Perspective: Revelation reminds us that our lives are not for this world but for the eternal kingdom God has prepared. This perspective should shape our priorities and actions, focusing on what truly matters in light of eternity. [02:41]
- Beatitudes as a Call: The Beatitudes are not optional virtues but essential qualities for kingdom citizens. They challenge us to live counter-culturally, embodying humility, mercy, and purity as reflections of Christ's character. [10:14]
- Salt and Light: As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world. This means living lives that preserve truth and illuminate the darkness, serving as testimonies of God's transformative power. [13:27]
- Fulfillment of the Law: Jesus fulfills the law, calling us to a deeper righteousness that goes beyond legalism. This involves addressing heart issues like anger and lust, recognizing that true obedience stems from a transformed heart. [20:31]
- Love and Intentions: Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and examine our motives in acts of righteousness. Our love should reflect God's unconditional love, and our service should be for His glory, not for human approval. [33:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [02:41] - Eternal Perspective from Revelation
- [04:57] - Vision of the New Heaven and Earth
- [06:32] - Living for the Kingdom of God
- [07:36] - The Already-But-Not-Yet Kingdom
- [08:55] - Introduction to the Beatitudes
- [10:14] - The Call of the Beatitudes
- [12:25] - Counter-Cultural Living
- [13:27] - Salt and Light
- [15:07] - The Purpose of Salt
- [17:27] - Unthinkable Loss of Testimony
- [18:42] - The Law Fulfilled
- [20:31] - Jesus as the Fulfillment of the Law
- [22:01] - Anger and the Heart
- [24:15] - Righteous Anger
- [25:06] - Jesus on Lust
- [26:20] - Radical Removal of Sin
- [27:53] - Jesus on Divorce
- [29:37] - Jesus and Us: Integrity and Generosity
- [30:11] - Turning the Other Cheek
- [32:05] - Love for Enemies
- [33:06] - Intentions in Righteousness
- [34:16] - Serving God or Man?
- [35:38] - Living as Kingdom Citizens
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Revelation 4:1-11
- Revelation 21:1-8
- Matthew 5:1-16
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Observation Questions:
1. What imagery is used in Revelation 4 to describe the throne of God, and what does this imagery convey about God's nature? [02:41]
2. In Revelation 21, what are the characteristics of the new heaven and new earth, and how do they contrast with our current world? [04:57]
3. According to Matthew 5:13-16, what roles are believers called to fulfill in the world, and what are the consequences of failing in these roles? [13:27]
4. How does Jesus describe the qualities of kingdom citizens in the Beatitudes, and why are these qualities considered counter-cultural? [10:14]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the vision of God's eternal kingdom in Revelation influence a believer's perspective on their current life and priorities? [06:32]
2. What does it mean for believers to be "salt and light" in practical terms, and how can this metaphor be applied to everyday life? [15:07]
3. How does Jesus' fulfillment of the law in Matthew 5:17-20 redefine righteousness for His followers, and what implications does this have for their daily conduct? [20:31]
4. In what ways does Jesus' teaching on loving enemies challenge conventional views of justice and relationships? [33:06]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. How does the eternal perspective from Revelation challenge you to realign your focus and actions? [06:32]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you can be more of a "light" to those around you. What steps can you take this week to shine brighter in that area? [13:27]
3. Consider a recent situation where you felt anger. How can Jesus' teaching on anger and reconciliation guide you in handling similar situations in the future? [22:01]
4. Think of someone you consider an "enemy" or someone you struggle to love. How can you begin to pray for them and show them love in a tangible way? [33:06]
5. Examine your motives in acts of service and prayer. Are there areas where you seek human approval over God's? How can you shift your focus to serve and pray with the right intentions? [34:16]
6. Choose one Beatitude that you find particularly challenging. What practical steps can you take to cultivate this quality in your life? [10:14]
7. Reflect on how you can embody the values of the kingdom in your community. What is one specific action you can take this week to live out these values? [35:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Living with an Eternal Perspective
In the book of Revelation, we are reminded of the eternal kingdom that God has prepared for us, a reality that far surpasses our earthly existence. This eternal perspective should shape our lives, urging us to live not for the transient world but for the everlasting kingdom of Christ. The imagery of the throne, the new heaven, and the new earth paints a picture of hope and divine sovereignty, assuring us that God is in control and has a glorious future for those who love Him. By focusing on this eternal reality, we can prioritize our actions and decisions in light of what truly matters. [02:41]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you adjust your daily priorities to reflect the eternal kingdom of God rather than the temporary nature of this world?
Day 2: Embracing the Beatitudes
The Beatitudes, as outlined in the Sermon on the Mount, are not optional virtues but essential qualities for kingdom citizens. They challenge us to live counter-culturally, embodying humility, mercy, and purity as reflections of Christ's character. These qualities are not just ideals to aspire to but are calls to action for those who follow Christ. By embracing these characteristics, we align ourselves with the values of the kingdom of heaven and demonstrate the transformative power of the Gospel in our lives. [10:14]
"Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied." (Matthew 5:6, ESV)
Reflection: Which Beatitude do you find most challenging to live out, and what practical steps can you take to embody it more fully in your life today?
Day 3: Being Salt and Light
As followers of Christ, we are called to be salt and light in the world. This means living lives that preserve truth and illuminate the darkness, serving as testimonies of God's transformative power. Losing our saltiness or hiding our light is unthinkable for those who claim to follow Christ. Our lives should be a testament to His grace and truth, influencing the world around us. By actively engaging with the world in this way, we fulfill our role as kingdom citizens and bring glory to God. [13:27]
"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden." (Matthew 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific ways can you be a source of light and truth in your community this week?
Day 4: Internalizing the Fulfillment of the Law
Jesus fulfills the law, calling us to a deeper righteousness that goes beyond legalism. This involves addressing heart issues like anger and lust, recognizing that true obedience stems from a transformed heart. By internalizing the spirit of the law, we move beyond mere external compliance and cultivate a genuine relationship with God. This deeper righteousness is characterized by integrity, love, and a commitment to living out the values of the kingdom in every aspect of our lives. [20:31]
"For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'" (Galatians 5:14, ESV)
Reflection: What heart issue do you need to address to align more closely with the spirit of the law, and how can you begin to work on it today?
Day 5: Loving Unconditionally and Examining Intentions
Jesus challenges us to love our enemies and examine our motives in acts of righteousness. Our love should reflect God's unconditional love, extending even to those who oppose us. Our service and prayers should be directed towards God, not for the approval of others. By examining our intentions, we ensure that our actions are rooted in genuine love and devotion to God, rather than seeking human recognition. This call to love and integrity is central to living as citizens of the already-but-not-yet kingdom. [33:06]
"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44, ESV)
Reflection: Is there someone you consider an enemy or difficult to love? How can you begin to show them God's love this week, and what steps can you take to ensure your intentions are pure?
Quotes
Here are the selected quotes with timestamps:
These are important passages for us to remember and remind us that we are not living for today, we are not living for this world, we are not living for this country, we are living for the kingdom of God and for the kingdom of Christ, and that's what we're going to be digging into when we go to Matthew. But Revelation chapter 21, I love these chapters because they remind us of eternity. [00:02:53] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
His plans are far greater than anything that we can imagine or anything that we see here on earth. [00:06:45] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And the Sermon on the Mount that we will be recapping a portion of today is telling us, is telling us how to live as part of Christ's kingdom, part of the kingdom of heaven. Because the kingdom of heaven that Christ proclaims in the Gospel of Matthew is a kingdom that is already, but not yet. [00:06:54] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
But that does not negate the necessity of these commands and these calls in our lives now. We rely on the Spirit to lead us, to work through us, but we as individuals must be willing to be obedient and to work hard as the citizens of the kingdom that He has called us to be when we have trusted in Christ to deliver us from our sins. [00:07:56] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
And so if you're here today and you have trusted in Jesus, to save you from your sins, then you are called to live as a citizen of the already but not yet kingdom of God. [00:08:23] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
It is a call for all of us as followers of Jesus. Each and every one of these are a call placed on our lives to live as citizens of the kingdom of heaven. The poor in spirit, the mourners, the meek, those who hunger and thirst for righteousness. [00:11:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Blessed is the poor in spirit. Blessed are the poor in spirit. They are to be envied because they live as citizens of the kingdom of God because they are citizens of the kingdom of God and the spirit is working. [00:12:52] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We, as followers of Christ, we, as citizens of the kingdom, we are the light of the world. We have called to be salt and light in the world. [00:14:20] (9 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
How unthinkable is it for a citizen of his kingdom to lose their saltiness. To lose their testimony. To lose the ability to be light and salt and influence and gospel witness and testimony to the world. How unthinkable is it for someone who claims to be a follower of Jesus to lose their ability to be a testimony of Christ? That should be unthinkable. [00:18:09] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Jesus says, Do not think that I have come to abolish the law or the prophets. I have not come to abolish them, but to fulfill them. For truly I say to you, until heaven and earth pass away, not an iota, not a dot, will pass from the law until all is accomplished. [00:19:40] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Christ died on the cross and rose again three days later, victory over death and the grave, so that if we would believe in him, we would be forgiven from our sins, we would be redeemed, we would be moved from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of light. Do we know him? Do we love him? Do we live for His kingdom? [00:36:12] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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