Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom

 

Summary

In today's sermon, we delve into the profound truths of our identity and allegiance as followers of Christ. We are reminded that we are not merely citizens of this world but of a heavenly kingdom. This understanding is pivotal as it shapes our actions, attitudes, and the very essence of our lives. We are called to live in a manner that reflects our divine citizenship, even when it contradicts the norms of the society we physically inhabit.

We began by exploring 1 Peter 2:11, where we are urged to abstain from fleshly lusts that wage war against the soul. This passage serves as a clarion call to recognize our true identity as 'aliens and strangers' in this world. Our lives should be a testament to the transformative power of the Gospel, setting us apart from worldly desires and behaviors.

The sermon further emphasized the importance of submission to earthly authorities, as instructed in 1 Peter 2:13-17. This submission is not a sign of weakness or passivity but a strategic positioning that allows us to shine as beacons of God's kingdom. By honoring and respecting those in authority, we demonstrate the character of Christ and silence the ignorance of foolish people.

We were also reminded of the ultimate example set by Jesus Christ, who suffered unjustly yet entrusted Himself to God. His life and sacrifice not only provide a model for us to emulate but also the very means by which we can live righteously. Our calling is to follow in His steps, bearing witness to the truth of the Gospel through our actions and endurance in the face of suffering.

The sermon concluded with a powerful portrayal of our King, Jesus Christ, as described by Pastor SM Lockridge. His unmatched sovereignty, boundless love, and eternal reign compel us to ask ourselves two critical questions: "Who am I?" and "Who is my king?" The answers to these questions determine the kingdom that reigns supreme in our lives.

Key Takeaways:

- Our primary identity is found in our heavenly citizenship, not in the transient roles and statuses we hold in this world. As believers, we must prioritize the values and commands of God's kingdom over the fleeting allure of earthly pleasures and achievements. This perspective shift is essential for living a life that truly honors God. [39:38]

- Submission to earthly authorities, as taught in Scripture, is not about blind obedience but about recognizing God's sovereignty in establishing leaders. Our response to authority should reflect our trust in God's ultimate plan, whether it leads to blessing or repentance. This understanding allows us to navigate political and social structures with wisdom and grace. [52:44]

- The concept of suffering for righteousness' sake is counterintuitive to our natural inclinations. Yet, it is through enduring unjust suffering with patience and trust in God that we most vividly display the transformative power of the Gospel. This kind of endurance is a profound witness to the world and brings glory to God. [01:03:02]

- The 'upside-down' nature of God's kingdom challenges us to live in ways that often contradict worldly wisdom. The teachings of Christ call us to serve rather than be served, to love our enemies, and to find strength in weakness. Embracing these paradoxes is key to understanding and living out the radical nature of the Gospel. [45:10]

- Knowing Jesus as our King is not merely an intellectual assent but a life-changing relationship that influences every aspect of our existence. His reign in our lives should be evident in our love for others, our pursuit of righteousness, and our unwavering commitment to His cause. When we truly know Him, our lives become a reflection of His kingdom. [01:11:55]

In conclusion, let us strive to answer these pivotal questions about our identity and allegiance with clarity and conviction. As we do so, may our lives bear witness to the King we serve and the kingdom we represent.

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
1. 1 Peter 2:11-17
2. Romans 13:1-2
3. Matthew 5:10-12

#### Observation Questions
1. According to 1 Peter 2:11, what are believers urged to abstain from, and why? ([37:38])
2. How does 1 Peter 2:13-17 instruct believers to interact with earthly authorities? ([50:45])
3. What example did Jesus set for us in terms of suffering and submission, as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:21-23? ([01:03:45])
4. How does the sermon describe the concept of "dual citizenship" for believers? ([39:38])

#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean to live as "aliens and strangers" in this world according to 1 Peter 2:11? How does this perspective affect our daily lives? ([37:38])
2. How can submission to earthly authorities be seen as a reflection of our trust in God's sovereignty? ([52:03])
3. In what ways does suffering for righteousness' sake serve as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel? ([01:03:02])
4. How does the 'upside-down' nature of God's kingdom challenge conventional wisdom and societal norms? ([45:10])

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life: Are there areas where you struggle to live as an "alien and stranger" in this world? How can you shift your perspective to prioritize your heavenly citizenship? ([37:38])
2. Think about a recent interaction with an authority figure. How did you respond? How can you better reflect Christ's character in future interactions with those in authority? ([50:45])
3. Have you ever experienced suffering for doing what is right? How did you handle it, and what did you learn from that experience? How can you prepare yourself to endure unjust suffering with patience and trust in God? ([01:03:02])
4. Identify a specific area in your life where God's 'upside-down' kingdom principles challenge you. How can you embrace these principles more fully in your actions and decisions? ([45:10])
5. Consider the question, "Who is my king?" How does your answer influence your daily choices and priorities? What changes can you make to ensure that Jesus' reign is evident in your life? ([01:09:18])
6. Reflect on the concept of dual citizenship. What practical steps can you take to ensure that your heavenly citizenship takes precedence over your earthly one? ([39:38])
7. How can you demonstrate love and honor to those around you, especially those who are difficult to love? Think of a specific person or situation and plan a concrete action to show Christ-like love and honor. ([55:55])

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Our Heavenly Citizenship
Our primary identity is not defined by the world but by our citizenship in heaven. As believers, we are called to live by the standards and principles of God's kingdom, which often stand in stark contrast to the values of the world around us. This means that our actions, choices, and interactions should be a reflection of our allegiance to God, not to the fleeting and temporary statuses that society may offer us. By prioritizing God's values, we set ourselves apart, living lives that honor Him and serve as a beacon to others about the transformative power of faith in Christ. [39:38]

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

Reflection: How can you demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in a practical way in your community today?

Day 2: Godly Submission to Earthly Authorities
Submission to earthly authorities is a reflection of our trust in God's sovereignty. Scripture teaches us that God has established leaders and that our response to them should mirror our faith in His ultimate plan. This does not mean blind obedience but rather a respectful and wise engagement with political and social structures. By doing so, we honor God and provide a Christian witness that is characterized by wisdom and grace, even in complex and challenging situations. [52:44]

"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

Reflection: What is one way you can show godly respect and submission to an authority figure in your life this week?

Day 3: Righteous Suffering as a Witness
Enduring suffering for righteousness' sake is a powerful testament to our faith. While our natural inclination may be to avoid or retaliate against unjust treatment, the Gospel calls us to a different path. By patiently and trustingly enduring suffering, we emulate Christ and vividly display the Gospel's transformative power. This endurance is not only a witness to others but also brings glory to God, as it shows a strength that comes from our faith rather than our circumstances. [01:03:02]

"For this is a gracious thing, when, mindful of God, one endures sorrows while suffering unjustly." - 1 Peter 2:19

Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you may be called to endure hardship for doing good, and how can you respond in a Christ-like manner?

Day 4: Living the Upside-Down Kingdom
The kingdom of God often operates in ways that contradict worldly wisdom. Jesus taught us to serve rather than be served, to love our enemies, and to find strength in our weaknesses. Embracing these paradoxes is not only key to understanding the radical nature of the Gospel but also to living it out in our daily lives. By doing so, we challenge the norms of the world and reflect the upside-down nature of God's kingdom, where the last shall be first, and the first shall be last. [45:10]

"For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it." - Matthew 16:25

Reflection: What is one way you can serve someone else this week in a manner that goes against societal norms or expectations?

Day 5: Knowing Jesus as Our King
To know Jesus as our King is to allow His reign to influence every aspect of our lives. This relationship with Christ goes beyond intellectual acknowledgment; it is a transformative experience that shapes our love for others, our pursuit of righteousness, and our commitment to His cause. When Jesus truly reigns in our lives, our actions, words, and choices reflect His kingdom and His love, making us living testimonies of His grace and truth. [01:11:55]

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent." - Colossians 1:17-18

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to acknowledge Jesus as King more fully, and what is one step you can take to do so today?

Quotes

- "We live in two kingdoms, one we can see, one we can't. The scriptures are saying this is the one that's most important, live by this one and I'll figure the rest of this out here for you." [01:09:18] (Download | )

- "God wants us to make the kingdom that we can't see more important than the one that we can see, which is very hard to do, especially because some other lusts that war against our souls are simply the way we like to do things." [48:59] (Download | )

- "God in the scriptures doesn't always put leadership in place just to bless his people; he also puts leadership in place to bring his people to repentance." [52:44] (Download | )

- "When we do life our way, it doesn't work so well. There's this thing about 'I want to do it my way,' and God's saying, 'Could you do it my way, please? I would like for you to do life my way instead of your way.'" [49:34] (Download | )

- "By doing right, you may silence the ignorance of foolish men... when we behave properly, but for that to happen, we have to submit ourselves to God's kingdom in the way that he wants us to do things." [51:24] (Download | )

- "When you've done nothing wrong and you suffer properly and you endure, the world is saying, 'What is going on with you? Why are you different?' And God gets glory." [01:03:02] (Download | )

- "He wants his desires to be primary, he wants him to be obeyed, he wants his kingdom and desires and his rules to rule and reign in our heart." [48:20] (Download | )

- "The bigger picture God's after is this idea of the everyday heart, the everyday attitude of those of us who call ourselves Christians, believers in Christ." [53:19] (Download | )

- "He's the greatest phenomenon that has ever crossed the horizon of this world. He's God's son, he's the sinner's savior, he's the centerpiece of civilization." [01:11:14] (Download | )

- "He always has been and he always will be. I'm talking about he had no predecessor and he'll have no successor... you can't impeach him and he ain't going to resign. That's my king." [01:11:55] (Download | )

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Transcript
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