Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom
Summary
In Mark 12:13-17, we encounter a profound moment where Jesus is confronted by the Pharisees and Herodians, who attempt to trap Him with a question about paying taxes to Caesar. Jesus, aware of their hypocrisy, asks for a coin and points out Caesar's image on it, stating, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar's and to God what is God's." This passage challenges us to consider where our deepest loyalties lie and how they shape our interactions with the world. As Christians, our primary loyalty is to God's kingdom, which in turn strengthens our citizenship in earthly realms.
We are reminded that humanity bears God's image, signifying our belonging to Him. This belonging calls us to live by kingdom values, which are often in stark contrast to worldly values. The Sermon on the Mount exemplifies these kingdom values, urging us to live differently, to love radically, and to embody the ethics of God's kingdom. Our hope is not in this world but in the life Jesus has provided through His death and resurrection. This hope should inspire us to live as temporary residents on earth, with our eyes fixed on the eternal kingdom.
Furthermore, our allegiance to God's kingdom should make us better citizens of earthly kingdoms. Christians should be exemplary citizens, known for their hard work, love, and care for others. We are called to respect and submit to governing authorities, recognizing that God has ordained government for the good of society. This does not mean blind compliance, but rather a respectful engagement with the world, even when we disagree with its values.
In a polarized world, we must navigate the tension between engaging with culture and maintaining our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. We are not called to force conversions or conform to secular standards, but to live out the transformative power of the gospel. Our allegiance to King Jesus should be evident in how we interact with others, showing love and respect even in disagreement.
Ultimately, we must remember that our hope is not in political systems or earthly leaders, but in Christ our King. We are created in God's image, and our lives should reflect His kingdom values. As we live out our primary loyalty to God, we become beacons of hope and love in a world desperately in need of both.
Key Takeaways:
- Our primary loyalty as Christians is to God's kingdom, which shapes our values and interactions with the world. We are created in God's image, and this belonging calls us to live by kingdom values, distinct from worldly values. [08:20]
- The Sermon on the Mount exemplifies kingdom values, urging us to live differently and love radically. Our hope is not in this world but in the life Jesus has provided through His death and resurrection. [11:02]
- Our allegiance to God's kingdom should make us better citizens of earthly kingdoms. Christians should be exemplary citizens, known for their hard work, love, and care for others. [16:56]
- In a polarized world, we must navigate the tension between engaging with culture and maintaining our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. We are called to live out the transformative power of the gospel. [28:36]
- Our hope is not in political systems or earthly leaders, but in Christ our King. We are created in God's image, and our lives should reflect His kingdom values, becoming beacons of hope and love in a world in need. [50:15]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:41] - The Trap Set by Pharisees and Herodians
- [08:20] - Bearing God's Image
- [11:02] - Kingdom Values vs. Worldly Values
- [13:56] - Living as Temporary Residents
- [16:56] - Hope in Christ, Not the World
- [20:04] - Better Citizens of Earthly Kingdoms
- [25:21] - Engaging with Culture
- [28:36] - Respect and Submission to Authority
- [30:05] - Responsibilities to Government
- [33:28] - Respect in a Polarized World
- [36:16] - The Loss of Respect and Work Ethic
- [39:02] - Living Out Kingdom Values
- [41:15] - Social Media and Christian Conduct
- [43:44] - Everything Belongs to God
- [45:30] - The Importance of Hard Work
- [50:15] - Whose Image Do You Bear?
- [54:40] - Closing and Call to Loyalty
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Mark 12:13-17
Observation Questions:
1. What was the intention of the Pharisees and Herodians when they approached Jesus with the question about paying taxes? [05:41]
2. How did Jesus respond to the question about paying taxes to Caesar, and what was the reaction of those who heard His answer? [08:20]
3. What does Jesus' request for a coin and His question about the image on it signify in the context of the passage? [08:20]
4. How does the sermon describe the relationship between bearing God's image and our belonging to Him? [08:20]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of bearing God's image influence a Christian's understanding of their identity and purpose? [08:20]
2. In what ways does the Sermon on the Mount exemplify the values of God's kingdom, and how are these values distinct from worldly values? [11:02]
3. How does the sermon suggest that a Christian's allegiance to God's kingdom can make them better citizens of earthly kingdoms? [16:56]
4. What are the challenges and opportunities for Christians in engaging with culture while maintaining their distinctiveness as followers of Christ? [28:36]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Where does your deepest loyalty lie, and how does it influence your daily interactions and decisions? [08:20]
2. Consider the values you live by. How do they align with the kingdom values exemplified in the Sermon on the Mount? What changes might you need to make? [11:02]
3. In what ways can you demonstrate exemplary citizenship in your community, reflecting your allegiance to God's kingdom? [16:56]
4. How do you navigate the tension between engaging with culture and maintaining your distinctiveness as a follower of Christ? Share a recent experience. [28:36]
5. Think about a recent disagreement you had. How did you handle it, and how might you show love and respect in future disagreements, even when you disagree with others? [28:36]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you have placed hope in political systems or earthly leaders. How can you shift your focus to place your hope in Christ our King? [50:15]
7. Reflect on your social media interactions. How can you ensure that your online presence reflects the values of God's kingdom and not the divisiveness of the world? [41:15]
Devotional
Day 1: Loyalty to God's Kingdom
Our primary loyalty as Christians is to God's kingdom, which shapes our values and interactions with the world. We are created in God's image, and this belonging calls us to live by kingdom values, distinct from worldly values. This means that our actions, decisions, and relationships should reflect the principles of God's kingdom, such as love, justice, and mercy. By prioritizing our allegiance to God, we can navigate the complexities of life with a clear sense of purpose and direction. [08:20]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize God's kingdom in your daily decisions and interactions this week?
Day 2: Living by Kingdom Values
The Sermon on the Mount exemplifies kingdom values, urging us to live differently and love radically. Our hope is not in this world but in the life Jesus has provided through His death and resurrection. This hope empowers us to embody the ethics of God's kingdom, which often stand in contrast to worldly values. By embracing these values, we can become agents of change, bringing light and hope to those around us. [11:02]
"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: How can you demonstrate radical love and kingdom values in a specific relationship or situation today?
Day 3: Exemplary Citizenship
Our allegiance to God's kingdom should make us better citizens of earthly kingdoms. Christians should be exemplary citizens, known for their hard work, love, and care for others. This means engaging with society in a way that reflects God's love and justice, while also respecting and submitting to governing authorities. By doing so, we can contribute positively to our communities and be a testament to the transformative power of the gospel. [16:56]
"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, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can contribute to your community as a reflection of your faith this week?
Day 4: Engaging with Culture
In a polarized world, we must navigate the tension between engaging with culture and maintaining our distinctiveness as followers of Christ. We are called to live out the transformative power of the gospel, showing love and respect even in disagreement. This involves being in the world but not of it, engaging with others in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth. By doing so, we can be a positive influence and a source of hope in a divided world. [28:36]
"I have given them your word, and the world has hated them because they are not of the world, just as I am not of the world." (John 17:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you engage with someone who holds different beliefs from you in a way that reflects Christ's love and truth?
Day 5: Hope in Christ
Our hope is not in political systems or earthly leaders, but in Christ our King. We are created in God's image, and our lives should reflect His kingdom values, becoming beacons of hope and love in a world in need. This hope is rooted in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus, which provides us with a secure foundation and a future hope. By keeping our eyes fixed on Christ, we can navigate the challenges of life with confidence and peace. [50:15]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to shift your hope from earthly things to Christ? How can you make that shift today?
Quotes
"Mark 12, 13 through 17. I want to invite you to stand with me as we read together from God's Word. Beginning at verse 13. Then they sent some of the Pharisees and the Herodians to Jesus to trap Him in His words. When they came, they said to Him, Teacher, we know that you are truthful and don't care what anybody thinks, nor do you show partiality, but teach the way of God truthfully. Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar or not? Should we pay or shouldn't we?" [00:00:18] (42 seconds)
"Whose image and inscription is this? He asked them. Caesar's, they replied. Now, Jesus told them, Give to Caesar the things that are Caesar's and to God the things that are God's. And they were utterly amazed at Him. Would you pray with me? Father, thank You for what we have already witnessed here today in this worship service." [00:01:11] (29 seconds)
"The main idea that we're going to be talking about this morning from this text is on the screen and it says, a Christian's primary loyalty lies with God, which in turn strengthens their citizenship in earthly realms. Let me read that again. A Christian's primary loyalty lies with God, which in turn strengthens their citizenship in earthly realms." [00:06:55] (30 seconds)
"Because you see, when we understand where our primary loyalty lay, it enables us to be not only loyal and true to that one, but it also makes us better citizens of this world in which we live. Let's look at that first part. Point one, the Christian's primary loyalty is to God's kingdom. The Christian's primary loyalty is to God's kingdom." [00:07:41] (33 seconds)
"God is very specific that we are created in his image. Nothing else that God created, God didn't say that about that. He didn't say that about our animals. I'm sorry, Christy. While we love our animals, they don't bear God's image. Only human beings bear the image of God. It has been encoded into us, if you will." [00:08:51] (26 seconds)
"You know, if we want a broad discussion of kingdom values, look at Jesus' Sermon on the Mount. You know, I know we call it that, but it's the longest body of Jesus' teaching that we have in Scripture. It comprises Matthew 5, 6, and 7. So it's long. Y 'all probably think I preach long. I mean, Jesus had three chapters. I mean, He was going to it. But if you read the Sermon on the Mount, you begin to see that life in the kingdom of God is drastically different from the values of this world." [00:11:08] (33 seconds)
"You know, people think that our world somehow can get better, and I hope that we can improve it. And I hope that we can leave a mark that shows that this world is better off than when we left it. But ultimately, in the big scheme and picture of things, this world is not getting better. It's getting worse. And those of us who are followers of Jesus, that should get us a little excited." [00:13:56] (26 seconds)
"By practicing point one, we become better citizens of earthly kingdoms. You see, understanding that your first priority and loyalty is to God, and you are a citizen of the kingdom of God, and you belong to Him. He is king. That loyalty will inherently make you a better citizen of the earthly kingdom in which you live." [00:17:45] (24 seconds)
"You've got one extreme that, that, that believes that it's the Christian duty to reclaim the United States of America as a Christian nation and to force the nation to, to live by the values of our kingdom. And, and it has a nice ring to it because would that all people in our nation would come to know Jesus Christ as Lord and bow their knee to King Jesus and live out of that relationship with him." [00:20:56] (27 seconds)
"Friends, these words were written by the Apostle Paul as he was preparing to journey to Rome to kind of introduce his theology and who he was to the Christians there in the Roman church. Paul knew that that journey would end in him being killed. He knew what he was walking into. He writes these words under the boot of the most repressive regime that has ever existed on planet Earth. The Roman Empire was absolutely in control and you did not mess with Rome." [00:30:37] (56 seconds)
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