Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom Today
Summary
Today, we gathered around John 18, where Jesus stands before Pilate and declares, “My kingdom is not of this world.” This moment is a powerful reminder that the kingdom Jesus came to establish is not an earthly, political system, but a spiritual reality that invades every part of our lives. Jesus’ kingship is not derived from human authority, but from the Father, and His rule is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As followers of Christ, we are not just waiting for heaven; we are called to live as citizens and ambassadors of this kingdom right now, bringing its culture and authority into our families, workplaces, and communities.
The kingdom of God is not a distant hope, but a present reality wherever God’s people submit to His rule. Jesus taught more about the kingdom than any other subject, urging us to seek it first, to treasure it above all else, and to pray for its reality to break into our world. The kingdom is God’s rule through God’s people in God’s place. When we are born again, we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of His beloved Son. Our citizenship is in heaven, and we are called to represent that kingdom here on earth, carrying its culture—truth, not lies; righteousness, not compromise; peace and joy, not anxiety and despair.
This kingdom is not just a personal, internal experience. It touches every dimension of reality—our actions, relationships, families, institutions, and even governments. We are called to advance the kingdom, to bring the authority and presence of Christ into every sphere. This happens in practical ways: when we pray for healing, when we serve one another, when we bring truth and hope into dark places, and when we live out the culture of the kingdom in a world that desperately needs it.
But the influence of the kingdom in our lives can increase or diminish, depending on how much territory we surrender to Christ. The more we meditate on God’s word, pray, and fellowship with believers, the more the kingdom flourishes in us. Conversely, when we allow the culture of the world to shape us, the kingdom’s impact wanes. The culture of the kingdom is truth—absolute, liberating, and embodied in Jesus Himself. Embracing this truth brings freedom, clarity, and focus to our lives, taking all other options off the table and aligning our priorities with God’s purposes.
We are called to serve, to use our gifts for the good of the body, to set our relationships and resources under the kingship of Jesus, and to live with gratitude for every good and perfect gift He gives. Ultimately, Jesus took our place, just as He took Barabbas’s, so that we could be set free and live as citizens of His kingdom, bringing His rule and reign into every part of our lives.
Key Takeaways
- The Kingdom of God Is a Present Reality, Not Just a Future Hope
Jesus’ declaration that His kingdom is not of this world means that His rule is already breaking into our reality wherever His people submit to Him. We are called to live as citizens and ambassadors of this kingdom now, carrying its authority and culture into every sphere of life, not just waiting for heaven but manifesting heaven’s reality on earth. [54:16]
- The Culture of the Kingdom Is Truth, Not Relativism
Jesus came to bear witness to the truth—an absolute, unchanging reality found in Him alone. In a world that celebrates “your truth” and “my truth,” the kingdom stands on the foundation that Jesus is the way, the truth, and the life. Embracing this truth brings freedom from confusion and clarity for our purpose, relationships, and priorities. [01:15:31]
- Advancing the Kingdom Means Bringing Righteousness, Peace, and Joy Everywhere
Wherever the kingdom of God is present, there is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. This is not just a private experience but a public reality—seen when we pray for healing, serve others, and bring hope into dark places. Our calling is to expand the territory of the kingdom by living out these realities in our daily lives. [01:02:31]
- The Kingdom’s Influence Grows or Shrinks Based on Our Surrender
The extent to which the kingdom of God flourishes in our lives depends on how much of our hearts we surrender to Christ. Meditating on God’s word, prayer, and fellowship increase the kingdom’s impact, while compromise with the world’s culture diminishes it. We must intentionally resist assimilation and live as ambassadors, bringing the rule of King Jesus into every environment. [01:14:30]
- Truth in Christ Brings Freedom, Focus, and Gratitude
The truth of Jesus not only sets us free from sin and darkness but also frees us to live with purpose and gratitude. It takes all other options off the table, clarifies our calling, and realigns our priorities. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, and contentment grows as we trust His timing and provision, rather than striving for what He has not given. [01:32:00]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[39:43] - Praying for Healing and Miracles
[46:20] - Reading John 18: Jesus Before Pilate
[52:09] - The Political and Spiritual Context of Pilate
[53:09] - Jesus’ Kingdom: Not of This World
[54:16] - The Kingdom of God: Jesus’ Central Message
[55:32] - What Is the Kingdom? God’s Rule, People, and Place
[57:06] - The Kingdom’s Present Reality and Our Citizenship
[59:33] - Living as Ambassadors of the Kingdom
[01:00:50] - Advancing the Kingdom: Authority and Power
[01:02:31] - Righteousness, Peace, and Joy in the Holy Spirit
[01:04:10] - Practical Examples of the Kingdom at Work
[01:11:20] - Increasing or Diminishing the Kingdom’s Influence
[01:14:30] - The Culture of the Kingdom: Truth vs. Lies
[01:15:31] - Truth in Christ: Freedom and Clarity
[01:19:30] - Using Our Gifts and Serving the Body
[01:22:55] - Embracing Truth in Relationships and Priorities
[01:28:07] - The Impact of Church Community
[01:30:22] - Realigning Priorities: Seek First the Kingdom
[01:32:00] - Contentment and Trust in God’s Gifts
[01:33:44] - Jesus Takes Our Place: The Exchange with Barabbas
[01:35:01] - Bringing the Kingdom into Every Sphere
[01:36:14] - Invitation and Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: “My Kingdom Is Not of This World”
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### Bible Reading
John 18:28-40 (ESV)
> Then they led Jesus from the house of Caiaphas to the governor’s headquarters. It was early morning. They themselves did not enter the governor’s headquarters, so that they would not be defiled, but could eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside to them and said, “What accusation do you bring against this man?” They answered him, “If this man were not doing evil, we would not have delivered him over to you.” Pilate said to them, “Take him yourselves and judge him by your own law.” The Jews said to him, “It is not lawful for us to put anyone to death.” This was to fulfill the word that Jesus had spoken to show by what kind of death he was going to die.
>
> So Pilate entered his headquarters again and called Jesus and said to him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus answered, “Do you say this of your own accord, or did others say it to you about me?” Pilate answered, “Am I a Jew? Your own nation and the chief priests have delivered you over to me. What have you done?” Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.” Pilate said to him, “What is truth?”
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> After he had said this, he went back outside to the Jews and told them, “I find no guilt in him. But you have a custom that I should release one man for you at the Passover. So do you want me to release to you the King of the Jews?” They cried out again, “Not this man, but Barabbas!” Now Barabbas was a robber.
Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV)
> He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.
Romans 14:17 (ESV)
> For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 18, what does Jesus mean when He says, “My kingdom is not of this world”? What evidence does He give to support this claim? ([53:09])
2. According to the sermon, what are the defining marks of the kingdom of God as described by Paul in Romans 14:17? ([01:02:31])
3. What does Colossians 1:13-14 say has happened to those who believe in Jesus? How does this relate to the idea of citizenship in God’s kingdom? ([57:53])
4. What was the crowd’s response when Pilate offered to release Jesus, and what does this exchange with Barabbas illustrate about Jesus’ mission? ([01:33:44])
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus’ kingdom is “not of this world”? How does this challenge the expectations people had for the Messiah? ([54:16])
2. The sermon says the kingdom of God is a present reality, not just a future hope. What does it mean for believers to live as “ambassadors” of this kingdom right now? ([59:33])
3. The culture of the kingdom is described as “truth, not relativism.” In a world that celebrates “your truth” and “my truth,” what does it look like to bear witness to the truth of Jesus? ([01:15:31])
4. The influence of the kingdom in our lives can increase or diminish based on our surrender. What are some practical ways the sermon suggests we can increase the kingdom’s impact in our lives? ([01:11:20])
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### Application Questions
1. Jesus says His kingdom is not of this world, but we are called to live as citizens and ambassadors of that kingdom now. In what area of your life (family, work, friendships) do you find it hardest to live out the values of God’s kingdom? What is one step you could take this week to bring more of God’s rule into that area? ([59:33])
2. The sermon describes the culture of the kingdom as truth, righteousness, peace, and joy. Which of these do you feel is most lacking in your life right now? What might be contributing to that, and how could you invite God to grow that fruit in you? ([01:02:31])
3. The pastor shared that the kingdom’s influence grows as we meditate on God’s word, pray, and fellowship with believers. Which of these practices do you need to prioritize more? What is one practical way you could do that this week? ([01:11:20])
4. The sermon warns that when we allow the culture of the world to shape us, the kingdom’s impact wanes. Are there specific habits, media, or relationships that are pulling you away from kingdom values? What would it look like to resist assimilation and live as an ambassador instead? ([01:14:30])
5. The truth of Jesus is said to bring freedom, clarity, and focus. Is there an area of confusion or indecision in your life where you need to embrace God’s truth? What would it look like to let His truth “take all other options off the table” for you? ([01:18:00])
6. The sermon calls us to use our gifts to serve others and set our resources under the kingship of Jesus. What is one gift or resource you have that you could use more intentionally for God’s kingdom this month? ([01:21:32])
7. Jesus took Barabbas’s place so we could be set free. How does remembering this exchange affect your sense of gratitude and purpose as a citizen of God’s kingdom? ([01:33:44])
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End with prayer, asking God to help each person live as a true ambassador of His kingdom, bringing righteousness, peace, and joy into every part of their lives.
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of God: Not of This World
Jesus declared, "My kingdom is not of this world," revealing that His reign is not rooted in earthly power or politics but in a spiritual authority that transforms hearts and lives. His kingdom is established wherever His rule is welcomed, and it is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. As citizens of this kingdom, believers are called to live under Christ’s authority, representing Him as ambassadors in every sphere of life, bringing His presence and values into a world in need. The kingdom is not distant or future only; it is present and advancing through the lives of those who follow Jesus, who are called to expand its territory by living out the gospel daily. [54:16]
John 18:36-37 (ESV)
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world.” Then Pilate said to him, “So you are a king?” Jesus answered, “You say that I am a king. For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth listens to my voice.”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you most struggle to let Jesus’ kingdom rule—your home, your work, your relationships? What would it look like to invite His authority into that area today?
Day 2: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy: The Culture of the Kingdom
The culture of God’s kingdom is not defined by the world’s standards but by the presence of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Righteousness means both being made right with God through Christ and growing in holiness as we let Him rule our hearts. Peace is a supernatural calm that surpasses understanding, even in the midst of trials, and joy is a deep, abiding gladness that is not dependent on circumstances. As believers yield more of their hearts to Jesus, these qualities flourish, distinguishing them from the surrounding culture and drawing others to the hope found in Christ. [01:02:31]
Romans 14:17 (ESV)
For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.
Reflection: Where do you see the fruit of righteousness, peace, or joy in your life right now—and where do you sense God inviting you to let His Spirit cultivate more of these qualities?
Day 3: Truth Sets Us Free: Embracing the Absolute Truth of Jesus
Jesus came to bear witness to the truth, not just as a concept but as a person—Himself. In a world filled with lies and shifting standards, Jesus offers absolute truth that brings clarity, purpose, and freedom. Knowing Him means being set free from sin, confusion, and striving, and being set free to live the life God designed. The truth of Christ takes all other options off the table, giving believers a clear path to follow and a foundation for every decision. [01:16:07]
John 8:31-32 (ESV)
So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”
Reflection: What is one area where you have been confused or uncertain? How can you seek Jesus’ truth in that area and let it bring you freedom and clarity today?
Day 4: Serving and Stewardship: Using Your Gifts for the Kingdom
Every believer has received gifts from God, and true fulfillment comes when those gifts are used to serve others and build up the body of Christ. Serving is not just about meeting needs but about unlocking joy and purpose as we participate in the work of God’s kingdom. Whether in the church or in the world, using your gifts is a vital part of kingdom culture, and neglecting them means missing out on the fullness God intends. [01:21:32]
1 Peter 4:10 (ESV)
As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.
Reflection: What is one specific way you can use your gifts to serve someone in your church or community this week?
Day 5: Contentment and Gratitude: Trusting God’s Goodness in Every Season
God’s truth realigns our priorities and teaches us that every good and perfect gift comes from Him. Discontentment and striving for what God has not given can rob us of joy and peace, but gratitude for what He has provided brings freedom and rest. Trusting that God gives only what is good, and in His perfect timing, allows us to let go of comparison and embrace the unique calling and blessings He has for each of us. [01:32:00]
James 1:16-17 (ESV)
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.
Reflection: What is one area where you have been discontent or comparing yourself to others? How can you thank God today for the specific gifts and blessings He has given you?
Quotes
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