Living as Citizens of God's Upside-Down Kingdom

Summary

Today, we reflect on what it means to live as citizens of God’s kingdom—not as a distant, future hope, but as a present reality. Drawing from personal experiences traveling both near and far, I’ve seen the beauty of creation and the pain of suffering. These encounters remind us that the kingdom of God is not just a place we look forward to after this life, but something Jesus says is already among us. The kingdom is not about waiting for bliss in the future, but about recognizing God’s presence and work here and now, especially among the broken, the hurting, and the overlooked.

Jesus describes his kingdom as an “upside-down” kingdom, where the first are last, the greatest are those who serve, and the lost are sought out and loved. The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for the broken. The Beatitudes remind us that those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn, and those who hunger for righteousness are blessed and welcomed into God’s kingdom. No matter how far we feel we’ve wandered, Jesus seeks us out, leaving the ninety-nine to find the one who is lost.

Building God’s kingdom on earth means embodying the gospel—the good news—through acts of love, compassion, and service. Sometimes, it’s not about preaching or having all the answers, but simply being present, listening, and letting God’s light shine through us. I shared a story from a mission trip in Denver, where a simple act of knocking on a door and offering food became a lifeline for a man on his first day of sobriety. This is what it means to be part of the upside-down kingdom: to meet people where they are, to serve without judgment, and to let God use our unique gifts for his purposes.

We don’t have to travel far to participate in God’s kingdom. Opportunities to serve and love are all around us—in our neighborhoods, workplaces, and even in the small moments of daily life. Whether it’s showing grace to a slow server or responding to a difficult coworker with kindness, we can make God’s kingdom visible here and now. Each of us is uniquely gifted and called to play a part that no one else can fulfill. May we use our gifts to build up this kingdom, so that all may experience the peace and liberation Christ offers.

Key Takeaways

- The kingdom of God is not a distant future or a far-off place, but a present reality among us. Jesus teaches that God’s reign is here, in our midst, and we are invited to recognize and participate in it daily, especially by noticing God’s presence in unexpected places and people. [09:19]

- God’s kingdom is “upside-down” compared to the world’s values. In God’s economy, the last are first, the humble are exalted, and the broken are welcomed. This challenges us to rethink our priorities and to seek out and serve those whom society often overlooks or rejects. [09:54]

- No one is beyond the reach of God’s love or outside the scope of his kingdom. Even if we feel lost, unworthy, or far from God, Jesus pursues us with relentless love, leaving the ninety-nine to find the one. Our failures and struggles do not disqualify us from being part of God’s family. [10:30]

- Building God’s kingdom often happens through simple, compassionate actions rather than grand gestures or eloquent words. Sometimes, just being present, listening, and offering practical help can be the very thing God uses to bring hope and healing to someone’s life. [12:38]

- Each person has unique gifts and a calling that no one else can fulfill. God invites us to use our talents, however ordinary they may seem, to serve others and help cultivate his kingdom on earth. Our everyday acts of love and service are sacred and significant in God’s eyes. [14:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Reflections on Travel and Perspective
[03:25] - Encountering Suffering and Compassion
[05:00] - Heaven: Future Hope or Present Reality?
[07:15] - Jesus’ Teaching on the Kingdom of God
[09:19] - The Kingdom Among Us
[09:54] - The Upside-Down Kingdom Explained
[10:30] - Jesus Seeks the Lost
[11:20] - Mission Trip Story: Serving in Denver
[12:38] - A Life Changed by Simple Kindness
[13:30] - Everyday Opportunities to Serve
[14:00] - Building the Kingdom in Daily Life
[14:30] - Using Your Unique Gifts
[15:00] - Blessing for Fathers and All
[15:30] - Closing Prayer and Benediction

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Living in God’s Upside-Down Kingdom

---

### Bible Reading

- Luke 17:20-21
Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, ‘Here it is,’ or ‘There it is,’ because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”

- Matthew 5:3-10 (The Beatitudes)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

- Luke 15:1-7 (The Parable of the Lost Sheep)
“Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn’t he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders and goes home...”

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 17:20-21, how does Jesus describe the coming of God’s kingdom? What does he say about where it is found?
2. In the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-10), who does Jesus say is “blessed” and welcomed into God’s kingdom?
3. The sermon described the church as “not a museum for saints, but a hospital for the broken.” What examples did the pastor give of people Jesus seeks out and welcomes? [09:54]
4. What simple act did the pastor share from his mission trip in Denver that made a difference in someone’s life? [12:38]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. What does it mean that the kingdom of God is “in your midst” or “among you”? How does this challenge the idea that God’s kingdom is only a future hope? [09:19]
2. Why do you think Jesus calls his kingdom “upside-down”? How does this challenge the way the world usually values people and success? [09:54]
3. The parable of the lost sheep shows Jesus leaving the ninety-nine to find the one. What does this say about God’s priorities and love for those who feel lost or unworthy? [10:30]
4. The pastor said that building God’s kingdom often happens through simple, compassionate actions rather than grand gestures. Why might small acts of kindness be so powerful in God’s eyes? [12:38]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon said the kingdom of God is a present reality, not just a future hope. Where have you seen glimpses of God’s kingdom “in your midst” this week? How did you respond? [09:19]
2. Jesus’ “upside-down” kingdom welcomes the broken, the hurting, and the overlooked. Is there someone in your life right now who might feel overlooked or left out? What is one way you could reach out to them this week? [09:54]
3. The pastor shared about knocking on a door and offering food to a man on his first day of sobriety. Is there a simple act of kindness you could do for someone in your neighborhood, workplace, or family this week? What might that look like? [12:38]
4. Sometimes, we think serving God means doing something big or traveling far. What are some “small moments” in your daily life where you could show God’s love—like showing grace to a slow server or kindness to a difficult coworker? [13:30]
5. The sermon said each of us is uniquely gifted and called to play a part in God’s kingdom. What is one gift or talent you have that you could use to serve others this month? [14:30]
6. When you feel unworthy or far from God, how does the story of Jesus seeking the lost sheep encourage you? How can you remind yourself (or someone else) of God’s relentless love this week? [10:30]
7. The pastor said, “Our everyday acts of love and service are sacred and significant in God’s eyes.” What is one ordinary thing you do regularly that you could start seeing as a way to build God’s kingdom? [14:30]

---

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Among Us Now
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is not a distant, future reality, but is present and active among us today. This means that God’s reign is not something we simply wait for, but something we can experience and participate in right now, wherever we are. The presence of God’s kingdom is seen in the way we love, serve, and bring hope to those around us, not just in grand gestures but in everyday acts of kindness and compassion. You are invited to open your eyes to the ways God is already at work in your life and community, and to join Him in building His kingdom here and now. [09:19]

Luke 17:20-21 (ESV)
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.”

Reflection: Where do you see evidence of God’s kingdom at work in your daily life or community, and how can you join in what He is already doing today?


Day 2: Living in the Upside-Down Kingdom
God’s kingdom turns worldly values upside down: the first are last, the greatest serve, and Jesus seeks out the broken and lost. In this upside-down kingdom, status and power are not what matter most; instead, humility, service, and compassion are at the heart of God’s way. Jesus calls us to follow His example by loving those who are overlooked, serving those in need, and recognizing that everyone is welcome in His kingdom. The church is not a museum for saints, but a hospital for the broken, where grace and healing are offered freely. [09:54]

Matthew 5:3 (ESV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community might feel overlooked or broken, and how can you extend Christ’s love and welcome to them this week?


Day 3: God Seeks the Lost and Values Each Person
No matter how far someone has wandered or how broken they feel, God actively seeks out the lost and values every individual. Jesus leaves the ninety-nine to find the one, showing that no one is beyond His love or reach. Even if you feel like you’re not a priority or have made too many mistakes, God’s heart is for you, and He pursues you with relentless love. Each person is precious in His sight, and He desires to bring everyone home into His kingdom. [10:30]

Luke 15:4 (ESV)
“What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he has lost one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the open country, and go after the one that is lost, until he finds it?”

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you feel lost or distant from God? How might you open yourself to His pursuit and love today?


Day 4: Building God’s Kingdom Through Everyday Acts of Service
You don’t have to travel far to build God’s kingdom; it happens in the ordinary moments when you show kindness, offer help, or simply listen to someone in need. Sometimes, the most powerful witness is not preaching, but letting God’s light shine through your actions—being present, compassionate, and willing to serve. Whether it’s helping a neighbor, showing patience to a coworker, or giving grace to a stranger, these small acts cultivate God’s kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. [12:38]

Galatians 6:9-10 (ESV)
And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up. So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith.

Reflection: What is one simple act of kindness or service you can do today to let God’s love shine through you to someone else?


Day 5: Using Your Unique Gifts to Serve God’s Kingdom
Each person is uniquely gifted and called to play a part in building God’s kingdom; no one else can fulfill your role. God has given you talents, experiences, and opportunities that are meant to bless others and bring His love into the world. Embracing your uniqueness and stepping into your calling allows you to help others experience God’s peace and liberation. Remember, you are loved, you are unique, and your contribution to God’s kingdom matters deeply. [14:30]

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 unique gift or talent God has given you, and how can you intentionally use it this week to serve others and build His kingdom?

Quotes

And in Scripture, we hear this description of heaven and how it's, you know, it's bliss, it's peaceful. And, you know, sometimes we're like, well, whether we give encouragement to others or ourselves that, you know, later in life we're going to feel that peace, later in life we're going to feel that bliss. But Jesus doesn't really talk about heaven like that. You know, Jesus describes his kingdom of God as here. [00:08:33] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

And I didn't preach to him, I didn't do anything crazy, I simply let God, God's light shine through me. And that's, that's what sometimes people need. They don't need you to throw a Bible at them, they sometimes just need you to listen, to love them, to care for them. [00:13:32] (00:00:19 seconds) Edit Clip

And that's what it means by building God's kingdom here on earth. You know, Rick Steves and myself had, had the opportunity to travel, spread good news, you know, again, Rick Steves may have gone outside the country and gone to different places, but that's fine, you know, it's not the point, you know, it's spreading the good news, it's spreading God loves you, it's being kind, it's being compassionate. [00:13:51] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

Well, you can do this here and now, you know, casting crowns, I feel like said it best, we keep our missions over. but the hurting in our city we wouldn't even cross the street you know we can make this kingdom we don't have to go out you know go crazy and go to you know you know maybe to Minnesota I know sometimes that may be hard being a Packers fan and everything but we can make it among our communities. [00:14:21] (00:00:28 seconds) Edit Clip

We don't have to create this image of heaven as a destination in our heads now don't get me wrong it can give us peace and times and everything when we are suffering you know I think of Romans 8 18 for do not consider the sufferings that we're facing now but look towards heaven. [00:15:04] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

And I also pray to all of you that use the gifts that you have been given to build this as well understanding each and every one of you is unique in your own special way and the calling that you were given cannot be done by anyone else except yourselves so remember you are loved you are unique and show that we serve a loving God. [00:16:02] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip