Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom

Jun 29, 2025

Devotional

Day 1: Our True Citizenship Is in Heaven

At the Lord’s table, we are reminded that our primary allegiance is not to any earthly nation or flag, but to Jesus Christ, who has made one new humanity through His sacrifice. This calls us to examine our hearts for any divided loyalties and to recommit ourselves wholly to Christ, recognizing that our citizenship is in heaven and that we await our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In a world that tempts us to blend faith with political or cultural identity, we are called to proclaim our allegiance to the Lamb who was slain, not to the powers of this world. [23:56]

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

Reflection: In what ways have you allowed earthly identities or allegiances to compete with your loyalty to Christ, and how can you intentionally realign your heart to seek His kingdom first today?

Day 2: You Cannot Serve Two Masters

It is easy to be tempted to mix loyalty to Jesus with loyalty to earthly powers, but Scripture warns us that we cannot serve two masters. The history of the church is filled with examples of people justifying violence, domination, or injustice in the name of faith, but the way of Jesus is the way of self-sacrifice, not self-interest. We are called to examine our hearts for divided allegiances and to serve Christ alone, remembering that domination and injustice are not the ways of the crucified King. [24:40]

Matthew 6:24 (ESV)
“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you are trying to serve both God and something else—such as approval, comfort, or success—and what would it look like to surrender that area fully to Christ today?

Day 3: The Spirit Empowers Us to Live Differently

The Spirit of God is not a distant concept but an active presence that empowers, transforms, and leads us into a life marked by the fruit of the Spirit. To “keep in step with the Spirit” means to move where He leads, even when it is uncomfortable or unfamiliar, and to allow Him to cultivate love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control in us. This is not about following rules for their own sake, but about living in concert with the Spirit, letting Him shape our actions and attitudes so that the world sees Christ in us. [39:06]

Galatians 5:22-25 (ESV)
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you most need to grow in right now, and how can you invite the Spirit to lead you in that area this week?

Day 4: God’s Power at Work Within Us

God is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power at work within us. This supernatural power is not just for extraordinary moments but is meant to be the standard for our daily lives, enabling us to step out of our comfort zones, follow the Spirit’s lead, and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. When we trust in God’s power and allow the Spirit to guide us, we become vessels of His glory for all generations. [01:13:40]

Ephesians 3:20-21 (ESV)
Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.

Reflection: What is one area where you have limited God’s power in your life, and how can you open yourself to His immeasurably more this week?

Day 5: Unity and Identity in Christ

True unity in the church comes not from sameness or shared interests, but from our shared identity in Christ and our willingness to walk in step with the Spirit together. We are called to be known first as followers of Jesus, not by our age, background, or preferences, and to show the world a community marked by love, humility, and service. When we embrace our identity in Christ and allow the Spirit to lead us, we become a unified body that reflects God’s love to the world. [52:09]

John 17:20-21 (ESV)
“I do not ask for these only, but also for those who will believe in me through their word, that they may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you, that they also may be in us, so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”

Reflection: How can you intentionally build unity with someone in your church family who is different from you, and what step can you take today to show them the love of Christ?

Sermon Summary

Today’s gathering centered on the call to live as citizens of God’s kingdom, not defined by earthly allegiances but by the cross of Christ. At the Lord’s Table, we remembered that our unity is not in nationality or politics, but in the blood of Jesus, who tore down every dividing wall and made us one new humanity. We are called to examine our hearts for divided loyalties and recommit ourselves wholly to Christ, the only true King. The challenge is to resist the temptation to blend faith with political or cultural identity, recognizing that such mixtures are a form of idolatry. Instead, our allegiance is to the Lamb who was slain, who conquered not by violence but by self-giving love.

We reflected on the freedom we have in Christ, as Paul wrote in Galatians 5, and the responsibility that comes with it: not to indulge the flesh, but to serve one another humbly in love. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—are the marks of those who walk by the Spirit. This is not a static calling; it is a dynamic, daily walk, a “cadence” in step with the Spirit, moving where He leads, even into uncomfortable places. The Spirit is not a distant concept but the very power and presence of God, given to transform us and empower us for supernatural living.

Jeremiah’s testimony reminded us that the journey of faith is often marked by fear, struggle, and the temptation to focus more on avoiding hell than pursuing heaven. Yet, God’s Spirit is poured out on all generations, calling us to unity, authenticity, and a willingness to be vulnerable about our struggles. The difference between struggling with sin and embracing it is found in our attitude—do we grieve over our sin and seek God’s help, or do we justify and accept it? The Spirit leads us to honesty, repentance, and hope.

We were challenged to step out of our comfort zones, to avoid siloing ourselves in familiar ministries or routines, and to let the Spirit lead us into new areas of service and growth. The Spirit will never lead us contrary to God’s Word, but will always guide us into truth, love, and unity. As we keep in step with the Spirit, we become a living testimony to the world—a people marked by supernatural love, joy, and peace, inviting others to join the dance of God’s grace.

Key Takeaways

1. Allegiance to Christ Alone: True unity and identity are found not in earthly nations or political movements, but in the cross of Christ. Mixing faith with political or cultural identity is a subtle form of idolatry that dilutes our witness and divides the body. Our primary allegiance must always be to Jesus, the crucified and risen King, who calls us to a kingdom that cannot be shaken. [23:07]
2. Walking by the Spirit, Not the Flesh: Christian freedom is not a license for self-indulgence, but a call to serve others in love. The fruit of the Spirit is cultivated as we daily choose to walk in step with the Spirit, allowing Him to transform our desires and actions. This walk is not passive; it requires intentionality, humility, and a willingness to be led beyond our comfort zones. [39:06]
3. The Power of Generational Testimony: The faith journey is meant to be shared from generation to generation, with each person—young and old—bearing witness to God’s work in their lives. Authentic testimony, like Jeremiah’s, reminds us that struggle and doubt are part of the journey, but God’s Spirit is faithful to meet us in our weakness and lead us into deeper trust and unity. [44:26]
4. Attitude Toward Sin Reveals the Heart: The presence of sin in a believer’s life is not necessarily a sign of being lost, but our attitude toward sin is telling. Do we grieve over our failures and seek God’s help, or do we rationalize and embrace them? The Spirit leads us to honest self-examination, repentance, and the assurance of God’s forgiveness and transforming power. [52:50]
5. Supernatural Living Through the Spirit: The Christian life is not merely about following rules or routines, but about supernatural living empowered by the Spirit. The Spirit will never lead us contrary to God’s Word, but will always guide us into truth, love, and unity. As we keep in step with the Spirit, we become a living testimony to the world—a people marked by supernatural love, joy, and peace, inviting others to join the dance of God’s grace. [74:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[23:07] - Communion: Allegiance to Christ
[23:56] - Remembering Our True Citizenship
[24:40] - The Danger of Divided Allegiance
[25:17] - Self-Examination and Prayer
[29:39] - In Christ Alone: Worship
[33:28] - Giving as Worship
[34:18] - Songs of Praise and Devotion
[38:26] - Scripture Reading: Galatians 5
[41:13] - Generation to Generation: Passing the Faith
[44:26] - Jeremiah’s Testimony
[52:50] - Wrestling with Sin and Grace
[56:43] - The Subtlety of Spiritual Warfare
[59:19] - The Two Wolves: Feeding the Spirit
[61:09] - Stepping Into the Spirit
[63:08] - Cadence: Walking in Step
[65:46] - Avoiding Spiritual Siloes
[70:16] - The Spirit and the Word
[73:40] - Immeasurably More: God’s Power in Us
[76:50] - The Depth of God’s Love
[78:52] - Invitation: Stepping Into New Life
[87:18] - Baptism: New Birth
[90:28] - Announcements and Closing Song

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading

- Galatians 5:13-26
(The fruit of the Spirit, walking by the Spirit, and not indulging the flesh)

- Philippians 3:20
("But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.")

- Acts 2:17-21
("In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people...")

Observation Questions

According to Galatians 5, what are some of the “acts of the flesh” that Paul warns against, and what are the “fruit of the Spirit” he encourages?

(see [39:06])

In Philippians 3:20, how does Paul describe the true citizenship of believers?

(see [23:56])

In Acts 2:17-21, what does God promise to do for all generations, and who does He include in this promise?

(see [45:46])

The sermon mentioned that at the Lord’s Table, we remember our unity is not in nationality or politics, but in the blood of Jesus. What symbol or act in the service reminded the congregation of this truth?

(see [23:07])

Interpretation Questions

Why does Paul warn against using Christian freedom as an excuse to indulge the flesh, and what does it mean to “serve one another humbly in love”?

(see [39:06])

The sermon challenged the idea of mixing faith with political or cultural identity. Why is this considered a form of idolatry, and how can it affect the unity of the church?

(see [24:40])

Jeremiah’s testimony spoke about the difference between struggling with sin and embracing it. According to the sermon, how does our attitude toward sin reveal the state of our hearts?

(see [52:50])

The Spirit is described as leading us into uncomfortable places and new areas of service. Why might following the Spirit require us to step out of our comfort zones?

(see [01:07:42])

Application Questions

The sermon called us to examine our hearts for divided loyalties. Is there an area in your life where your allegiance to Christ is being challenged by another loyalty (such as politics, culture, or personal comfort)? What would it look like to recommit to Christ as your only King this week?

(see [24:40])

Galatians 5 lists the fruit of the Spirit. Choose one aspect (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, or self-control) that you struggle with. What is one specific step you can take this week to let the Spirit grow this fruit in you?

(see [39:06])

The sermon encouraged us not to “silo” ourselves in familiar ministries or routines. Is there a ministry, person, or area of service that feels uncomfortable or unfamiliar to you? What would it look like to step into that space, trusting the Spirit to lead you?

(see [01:07:42])

Jeremiah shared about being more focused on avoiding hell than pursuing heaven. Have you ever found yourself motivated more by fear than by love or hope? How might your faith look different if you focused on pursuing the life God offers, rather than just avoiding punishment?

(see [49:37])

The sermon said that the difference between struggling with sin and embracing it is found in our attitude. When you fail or fall short, do you tend to justify your actions, or do you grieve and seek God’s help? What would repentance look like for you this week?

(see [52:50])

The Spirit is described as the power and presence of God, given to transform us for supernatural living. Can you recall a time when you sensed the Spirit leading you to do something outside your comfort zone? What happened, and what did you learn from that experience?

(see [01:14:56])

The sermon talked about the importance of sharing faith “from generation to generation.” Who is someone younger (or older) in your life you could encourage or share your faith story with this week? What’s one way you could start that conversation?

(see [41:13])

Close in prayer, asking God to help your group keep in step with the Spirit and to live as citizens of His kingdom, marked by love, unity, and supernatural grace.

Sermon Clips

“We come to this table not to pledge allegiance to a flag but to proclaim our allegiance to the lamb who was slain, it is easy to be tempted as many people have always been tempted to mix loyalty to Jesus with loyalty to earthly powers, but Matthew 6:24 warns us that we cannot serve two masters.”

“But domination, violence, and injustice are not the ways of the crucified king. Jesus did not conquer through killing but through dying. He did not establish his kingdom by shedding others' blood but by offering his own.”

“The gospel is not just a message that we share one time, that we share it, somebody responds to it, we go through the process and they're baptized and boom, that's it. The gospel is this neverchanging message of Jesus that John MacArthur said one time we need to preach the gospel to ourselves every day because it's that gospel that continues to change us and transform us.”

“Not only do I want you to tell the gospel in some form or fashion to somebody else, I want you to spend this week preaching the gospel to yourself over and over again so that you and I, we all understand the power that is in the blood of Jesus that comes through that gospel.”

“We try so hard to be like God that sometimes we mess up and sometimes we stumble and it really messes with us and it messes with who we are as Christians.”

“We are unified through Christ, we're unified through the word of the God that we serve, and we have to find out what is it going to take for all of us to become united, not just one person and not just one group.”

“Sin in your life as a believer is not an indicator of being lost, but your attitude towards sin is. The way that you treat it—I've been told multiple times you get in what you give out or you give something, but you know, whatever you put in to God, God will give you back.”

“There's a difference in struggling your sin and embracing it. There there's a difference between asking God—like David struggled with sin and they call David a man after God's own heart. He was so in love with God and in love what God had to say but at the same time he made a mistake and he kept making mistakes.”

“God is not going to give you something that you don't need. He's not going to allow you to see everything because you can't see everything, but the things that you need to see, the things that he wants you to see, he will give you and he will give you them for a reason.”

“When you get to the end of this section of scripture in verse 25 it says, "Since we live by the spirit let's keep in step with the spirit." Now being in step with the spirit means that we we are together with the spirit, we're not fighting the spirit, we are in step with him.”

“It implies motion, it implies that we're not standing still, it implies that we're not static, it implies that we are looking for the move of the spirit and we're willing to step into it even if it's uncomfortable.”

“If we are in step with the spirit, we are going to know where we need to go and spend our time and spend our energy and be those who were exhibiting all these things that are love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.”

“We've got to realize that that spirit is guided by the word of God and so if you think the spirit is leading you somewhere that goes against the word of God, you're not following the spirit.”

“It's the power of God in us, the spirit living and working in us. He can do immeasurably more. Are we willing to take that power and allow it to change us and mold us and shape us? Are we willing to walk in concert with the spirit so that we are in step with the spirit?”

“So my call to you is today is to step into the spirit, and that happens because you are stepping out of the flesh and you're stepping into the spirit. Don't be afraid of that, understand that and know that this is God wants us to step because once we step in then we're going to be filled with the measure of the fullness of God, of his spirit.”

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