Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom
Summary
In our ongoing series on discipleship, we delve into what it means to be a spiritually healthy, reproducing follower of Jesus Christ. Today, we explore the concept of the Kingdom of God and how we should live as its citizens. Our key text is Matthew 6:28-34, where Jesus teaches us not to worry about material needs but to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This passage challenges us to shift our focus from the urgent and loud concerns of the world to the eternal and significant matters of God's Kingdom.
Understanding the Kingdom of God transforms our lives, influencing how we live, serve, and perceive the world. It's not just a future reality but a present one that should shape our daily lives. Jesus spoke extensively about the Kingdom, emphasizing its importance. As followers of Christ, we must align our lives with God's values rather than the world's. This alignment requires a transformation of our minds, as Paul writes in Romans 12:2, urging us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds to discern God's will.
Living with a Kingdom perspective means seeing opportunities where others see inconveniences. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates this, showing how true Kingdom vision leads to actions that reflect God's love and compassion. Similarly, the story of the Rich Young Ruler warns us against allowing material wealth to take precedence over our relationship with God. Our hearts should be aligned with God's Kingdom, not the materialistic values of the world.
God equips us with spiritual gifts to advance His Kingdom. These gifts are not for personal gain but for serving others and building up the body of Christ. We are called to use these gifts faithfully, trusting that God empowers us for the work He calls us to. The Holy Spirit provides the power and guidance needed to utilize these gifts effectively.
Ultimately, living in the Kingdom of God requires faith over fear. Like Peter walking on water, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting in His power and promises. When we live by faith, we expand God's Kingdom beyond what we could imagine. As we embrace our spiritual gifts and live for God's Kingdom, we find hope and purpose, transforming the world around us.
Key Takeaways:
- Seek First the Kingdom: Jesus teaches us to prioritize the Kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. This means shifting our focus from worldly concerns to eternal values, trusting that God will provide for our needs. By seeking His Kingdom first, we align our lives with His purposes and experience His peace. [33:38]
- Transform Your Mind: Paul urges us to be transformed by the renewing of our minds, enabling us to discern God's will. This transformation involves letting go of worldly patterns and embracing God's truth. As we renew our minds, we gain a clearer understanding of God's Kingdom and how to live in it. [39:29]
- See Through God's Eyes: A Kingdom perspective allows us to see opportunities where others see inconveniences. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates how true Kingdom vision leads to actions that reflect God's love and compassion. By seeing through God's eyes, we can make a meaningful impact in the world. [42:11]
- Use Your Spiritual Gifts: God equips us with spiritual gifts to advance His Kingdom. These gifts are not for personal gain but for serving others and building up the body of Christ. By using our gifts faithfully, we contribute to the common good and fulfill God's purposes. [49:17]
- Live by Faith, Not Fear: Living in the Kingdom of God requires faith over fear. Like Peter walking on water, we must keep our eyes on Jesus, trusting in His power and promises. When we live by faith, we expand God's Kingdom beyond what we could imagine. [57:02]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:49] - Introduction to Discipleship Series
- [32:05] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [32:19] - Key Text: Matthew 6:28-34
- [33:38] - Seek First the Kingdom
- [34:55] - The Urgent vs. The Important
- [35:22] - True Understanding of God's Kingdom
- [36:45] - The Kingdom Here and Now
- [37:38] - Perception Shapes Our Lives
- [39:29] - Transform Your Mind
- [41:20] - The Good Samaritan Example
- [43:05] - The Rich Young Ruler
- [44:35] - Materialism and the Heart
- [49:17] - Spiritual Gifts for Kingdom Impact
- [55:36] - Empowered for Kingdom Work
- [57:02] - Living by Faith, Not Fear
- [01:06:52] - Closing Prayer and Song
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Matthew 6:28-34
- Romans 12:2
- 1 Peter 4:10
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Observation Questions:
1. In Matthew 6:28-34, what does Jesus say about worrying and how does He suggest we prioritize our lives? [33:19]
2. According to Romans 12:2, what does Paul urge believers to do in order to discern God's will? [39:29]
3. How does the story of the Good Samaritan illustrate a Kingdom perspective, as mentioned in the sermon? [41:20]
4. What is the significance of spiritual gifts according to 1 Peter 4:10, and how are they meant to be used? [49:17]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean to "seek first the Kingdom of God" in the context of our daily lives and decisions? How might this look practically? [33:38]
2. How does the transformation of our minds, as described in Romans 12:2, affect our ability to live according to God's Kingdom values? [39:29]
3. In what ways does the story of the Rich Young Ruler serve as a warning against materialism and misplaced priorities? [43:05]
4. How can understanding and using our spiritual gifts contribute to the advancement of God's Kingdom? [49:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are focusing more on worldly concerns than on seeking God's Kingdom? How can you realign these priorities? [34:55]
2. Consider a recent situation where you felt anxious or worried. How might seeking God's Kingdom first have changed your perspective or response? [33:57]
3. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to renew your mind according to Romans 12:2. What steps can you take this week to begin this transformation? [39:29]
4. Think of a time when you saw an inconvenience as an opportunity to show God's love, similar to the Good Samaritan. How can you cultivate this perspective more consistently? [42:11]
5. What spiritual gifts do you believe God has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve others and build up the body of Christ this month? [49:17]
6. Reflect on a fear that has been holding you back from living fully in faith. What is one step you can take this week to overcome this fear and trust in God's promises? [57:02]
7. How can you encourage someone in your life to discover and use their spiritual gifts for the Kingdom of God? What practical support can you offer them? [50:06]
Devotional
Day 1: Prioritize God's Kingdom Above All
In Matthew 6:28-34, Jesus instructs His followers not to worry about their material needs but to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This teaching challenges believers to shift their focus from the pressing concerns of the world to the eternal values of God's Kingdom. By prioritizing God's Kingdom, individuals align their lives with His purposes and experience His peace. This alignment requires a conscious decision to trust in God's provision and to place His values above worldly pursuits. As citizens of God's Kingdom, believers are called to live with an eternal perspective, trusting that God will meet their needs as they seek His righteousness. [33:38]
"But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare." (Jeremiah 29:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can prioritize God's Kingdom in your daily routine this week, trusting Him to provide for your needs?
Day 2: Renew Your Mind for Transformation
Paul's exhortation in Romans 12:2 to be transformed by the renewing of the mind is a call to let go of worldly patterns and embrace God's truth. This transformation is essential for discerning God's will and understanding His Kingdom. By renewing the mind, believers gain a clearer perspective on how to live in alignment with God's purposes. This process involves immersing oneself in Scripture, prayer, and community, allowing God's truth to reshape thoughts and actions. As believers renew their minds, they are better equipped to live out the values of God's Kingdom in a world that often contradicts them. [39:29]
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: Identify a specific thought pattern or belief that you need to renew in light of God's truth. How can you begin this renewal process today?
Day 3: Embrace a Kingdom Perspective
A Kingdom perspective allows believers to see opportunities where others see inconveniences. The story of the Good Samaritan exemplifies how true Kingdom vision leads to actions that reflect God's love and compassion. By seeing through God's eyes, believers can make a meaningful impact in the world, responding to needs with grace and mercy. This perspective requires a shift from self-centeredness to a focus on serving others, recognizing that every interaction is an opportunity to demonstrate God's love. As believers embrace a Kingdom perspective, they become agents of change, bringing God's love and justice to a broken world. [42:11]
"Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others." (Philippians 2:4, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you saw an inconvenience. How can you reframe it as an opportunity to demonstrate God's love and compassion?
Day 4: Utilize Your Spiritual Gifts for God's Glory
God equips His followers with spiritual gifts to advance His Kingdom, not for personal gain but for serving others and building up the body of Christ. These gifts are diverse and are meant to be used faithfully for the common good. By utilizing their spiritual gifts, believers contribute to the growth and health of the church, fulfilling God's purposes. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers in using these gifts effectively, ensuring that their efforts align with God's will. As believers embrace their spiritual gifts, they find fulfillment and purpose in serving others and glorifying God. [49:17]
"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." (1 Peter 4:10, ESV)
Reflection: What spiritual gift has God given you, and how can you use it this week to serve others and build up the body of Christ?
Day 5: Live by Faith, Not Fear
Living in the Kingdom of God requires faith over fear. Like Peter walking on water, believers must keep their eyes on Jesus, trusting in His power and promises. This faith enables them to overcome challenges and expand God's Kingdom beyond what they could imagine. By living by faith, believers experience God's presence and power in their lives, finding hope and purpose in His promises. This journey of faith involves stepping out of comfort zones and trusting God in the unknown, knowing that He is faithful to guide and sustain them. [57:02]
"For we walk by faith, not by sight." (2 Corinthians 5:7, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where fear is holding you back? How can you take a step of faith today, trusting in God's promises?
Quotes
And we could take this passage on many different ways we could talk about worry because let's be honest our society is all about anxiety we all have anxious thoughts and we've talked about worry before but what I want to pick out here is what Jesus says here is but seek first his kingdom the kingdom of God and his righteousness and then all this other stuff that we tend to put on the Forefront of our minds that we continually think about. [00:33:57]
A true understanding of God Kingdom actually changes everything how we live how we serve and how we see the World Imagine someone who knows a lot about a country and that its laws its traditions and leaders but refuses to actually live there imagine that many Christians know about the kingdom of God but we still live by the world's values instead of God. [00:35:25]
The kingdom of God isn't just a future reality where when Jesus comes back and makes everything right that's the kingdom of God actually the kingdom of God is here and now as well and it's meant to shape your life and my life not just in the future but now and when we embrace the kingdom of God we live by God's values not the system or values of the world around us. [00:36:45]
How we see and perceive things actually dictates a lot of how we proceed and live our lives in in Romans 12:2 here's what Paul says and Paul I love how Paul says this I love the book of Romans because it talks a lot about kind of how do we really live out as Christ followers but here's what he says do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. [00:39:11]
People living for the kingdom see through God's eyes not our own and often we don't get the whole picture of what's going on in life so we have to fill in the gaps with kind of assumptions and that's not wrong in itself but when our assumptions are wrong it dictates how we see and live. [00:39:49]
The Good Samaritans saw through God's eyes even though he may or may not have been a god follower and Jesus was using that story and it was a parable to make a point was just because you are religious doesn't mean you have everything together we often fill in the blanks wrongly and we need to have a Right View because the kingdom vision sees opportunities where the world sees inconveniences. [00:42:54]
The Rich Young Ruler had done all these things to make him good in God's eyes but but he was kind of skirting it cuz he actually was putting his wealth before his God and we need to understand that money in itself is not evil but the love of it actually supplants God from his rightful place as king and then that becomes king of our lives. [00:44:21]
God says that he will give you and me spiritual gifts not just regular gifts that are natural in us but there these are spiritual gifts from the Holy Spirit to put forth and Advance the kingdom of God see you and I are not gifted just for God's Grace We're gifted for a purpose. [00:48:38]
Every believer is given spiritual gifts and we should use them not for our own advancement but for the advancement of the kingdom of God in 1 Corinthians here's what Paul says and he's talking about spiritual gifts and he's using this kind of as an admonishment to people who are valuing some of the spiritual gifts that are are more miraculous than others. [00:49:57]
Finally if we're gifted with these gifts God doesn't leave us to just use them on our own figure it out actually what he does he empowers us to do the kingdom work he gives us the power to utilize the gifts we've been given here's what he says in Acts 8 or Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you. [00:55:36]
Kingdom people live in faith not fear if your life is marked more by fear than Faith then you don't fully understand the kingdom of God one of our core values is authentic faith and and by that we say our faith is always being courageous but we're also honest about our faith When we struggle hey I'm struggling right now with my faith. [00:57:11]
Fear will always sink your world but faith will expand God's kingdom beyond what you could ever imagine and you definitely need to pair that okay I'm not saying that you I can't be like Lord I believe I can fix my engine and then just go and Tinker around with it and happen that's not what he's saying but the reality is more often than not with believing in God when he calls us to something he will bring us through it. [01:00:26]
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