Living as Citizens of God's Upside-Down Kingdom

Devotional

Day 1: Transferred from Darkness to the Kingdom of God

God has not only rescued us from our sins, but has delivered us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of His beloved Son. This means that, as believers, we are already citizens of the Kingdom of God—not waiting for some future event, but living now under the rule and reign of Jesus. This new identity shapes how we see ourselves and how we respond to the world’s conflicts, knowing that our ultimate allegiance is to God’s kingdom and not to the shifting kingdoms of this world. [03:22]

Colossians 1:13 (ESV)
He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you still think or act as if you belong to the “kingdom of darkness” rather than living as a citizen of God’s kingdom? What would it look like to live out your true identity today?

Day 2: The Inevitable Collision of Kingdoms

Jesus made it clear that the collision between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world is inevitable. He did not come to bring a superficial peace, but a sword—a division that comes when truth confronts lies and light exposes darkness. This conflict is not about politics or cultural issues at its core, but about two spiritual kingdoms at odds. As followers of Christ, we should not be surprised by the tension and division we experience, but recognize it as the natural result of living by God’s truth in a world that often opposes it. [07:01]

Matthew 10:34 (ESV)
“Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Reflection: Where do you feel the tension of living by God’s truth in a world that thinks differently? How can you respond with both conviction and grace in those moments?

Day 3: The Kingdom Comes Where God’s Will Is Done

The coming of God’s kingdom is directly connected to His will being done in our lives. Jesus taught us to pray for God’s kingdom to come and His will to be done on earth as it is in heaven, and this begins with surrendering every area of our lives to His rule. When we submit our attitudes, habits, and relationships to Jesus, we experience transformation and God’s will is accomplished in us. The more we yield to His kingdom, the more our lives reflect the blessing and freedom He intends. [31:41]

Matthew 6:9-10 (ESV)
“Pray then like this:
‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.’”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have not fully surrendered to God’s rule? What step can you take today to invite His kingdom to come in that area?

Day 4: Seek First the Kingdom and His Righteousness

Jesus calls us not just to put God first, but to actively and continually seek to bring every aspect of our lives under His rule and to do things His way. This means prioritizing God’s principles in our personal lives, families, work, and decisions, and allowing His righteousness—His way of doing things—to shape our actions. As we do this, God promises to provide for our needs and bless our lives, because we are aligning ourselves with His kingdom order. [45:08]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
“But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.”

Reflection: What is one practical way you can seek God’s kingdom and His way of doing things in your daily routine this week?

Day 5: Be Transformed by Renewing Your Mind

True change in the Christian life comes not just from being saved, but from allowing God to transform the way we think. If we continue to live by the world’s philosophies and beliefs, we will misrepresent the King and His kingdom. But as we renew our minds with God’s Word and embrace His principles, our lives are changed from the inside out, and we become living examples of His kingdom on earth. [47:22]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
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.

Reflection: What worldly belief or mindset do you need to let go of so that you can be transformed by God’s truth? How can you intentionally renew your mind with Scripture today?

Sermon Summary

The world today is marked by a deep and growing conflict between two kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of this world. This conflict is not new—it has been raging since the fall of man—but it has certainly intensified in our time, touching every sphere of influence, from education and media to politics and entertainment. As followers of Christ, it’s essential to recognize that we have already been transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of God. We are not waiting for this transfer; it is our present reality, and it shapes our identity and our calling.

This ongoing clash is not truly about the hot-button issues that dominate headlines—racism, politics, social justice, gender identity, or any other cultural debate. At its core, it is about the inevitable collision between two spiritual kingdoms, each with its own values, beliefs, and ways of life. Jesus himself warned that his coming would bring division, not because he promotes hostility, but because the truth and light of his kingdom inevitably confront and expose the lies and darkness of the world. This confrontation is not a license for belligerence or hostility; rather, it is a call to stand firm in truth, prayer, and love.

Change is the hallmark of the kingdom of God. To be a citizen of this kingdom is to embrace transformation—repentance that bears fruit, a life that increasingly reflects the values and ways of Jesus. This means surrendering not just the obvious sins, but also the deeply rooted attitudes, beliefs, and habits that do not align with God’s truth. It is not enough to call Jesus “Lord” while refusing to bring every area of life under his authority. True discipleship means seeking first the kingdom—actively and continually bringing every aspect of our lives under the rule and reign of Christ.

The kingdom of God is not a set of abstract principles; it is the domain where Jesus is King, his word is law, and his will is done. Our lives are the territory where his rule is to be expressed. As we prioritize his kingdom and his righteousness—his way of doing things—God’s blessing and favor naturally follow. This requires a continual renewal of our minds, allowing God’s truth to shape our worldview rather than the philosophies of the world. Only then can we stand firm in the midst of cultural conflict, living as true citizens of the upside-down kingdom that Jesus proclaimed.

Key Takeaways

1. The Real Conflict Is Spiritual, Not Political The visible tensions in our world—whether political, social, or cultural—are symptoms of a deeper spiritual battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Recognizing this helps us avoid getting entangled in surface-level arguments and instead focus on the true nature of the conflict, which is about truth versus deception, light versus darkness. Our response must be rooted in spiritual discernment, not just cultural analysis. [05:59]
2. Citizenship in God’s Kingdom Is a Present Reality Believers are not waiting to be transferred into God’s kingdom; we have already been rescued from darkness and made citizens of the kingdom of Jesus. This identity is foundational—it means our allegiance, values, and way of life are to be shaped by God’s kingdom, not by the shifting tides of culture or politics. Living from this reality empowers us to stand firm and live distinctively. [03:22]
3. Transformation Is the Evidence of True Faith The mark of genuine faith is a changed life. Repentance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process of turning from old ways and embracing the values and practices of God’s kingdom. If there is no visible change—no fruit of repentance—then our claim to follow Christ is called into question. True discipleship means continually surrendering every area of life to Jesus’ lordship. [17:02]
4. Standing Firm Requires Both Conviction and Compassion Taking a stand for God’s truth does not mean adopting a posture of hostility or self-righteousness. Instead, we are called to pray for those who oppose us, to speak the truth in love, and to resist the urge to demonize or belittle others. Our stand must be marked by humility, prayerfulness, and a commitment to love, even as we refuse to compromise on the truth. [26:18]
5. Kingdom Living Demands Total Surrender and Renewed Thinking To seek first the kingdom is to prioritize bringing every aspect of our lives under the rule and reign of Jesus—not just in word, but in practice. This requires a continual process of renewing our minds, letting go of worldly philosophies, and embracing God’s way of thinking. Only as we do this will we experience the fullness of God’s blessing and truly reflect his kingdom in the world.

** [45:08]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:37] - Introducing the Upside Down Kingdom
[01:28] - The Bible and Politics: A Deeper Perspective
[02:44] - Rescued and Transferred: Our New Citizenship
[03:39] - Two Spiritual Kingdoms in Conflict
[05:24] - The Escalation of Division in Our Culture
[06:36] - The Real Issue: Collision of Kingdoms
[07:49] - Responding Without Hostility
[11:08] - Truth Versus Lies: The Foundation of Freedom
[12:18] - Spheres of Influence and Cultural Pressure
[17:02] - Evidence of Change: The Fruit of Repentance
[25:21] - Taking a Stand: Prayer, Truth, and Love
[29:01] - Knowing and Living Kingdom Principles
[31:41] - Kingdom Come: Submission and Transformation
[43:36] - The Four Elements of a Kingdom
[45:08] - Seeking First the Kingdom in Every Area
[47:22] - Renewing Your Mind: God’s Worldview Over Culture

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

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.

Matthew 10:34 (ESV) — > “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword.”

Matthew 6:33 (ESV) — > But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 1:13, what has God already done for believers regarding the two kingdoms?
In Matthew 10:34, what surprising statement does Jesus make about his purpose in coming to earth?
What does Jesus instruct his followers to seek first in Matthew 6:33, and what is the result?
The sermon says, “You are already citizen of the Kingdom of God. Amen. You already belong to the Kingdom of God.” What does this mean for how we see ourselves right now? ([03:22])

Interpretation Questions

The sermon says the real conflict in our world is not about politics or social issues, but about a spiritual battle between two kingdoms. How does seeing the conflict this way change the way a believer might respond to current events? ([05:59])
Jesus says he did not come to bring peace, but a sword (Matthew 10:34). What kind of division is he talking about, and why is it “inevitable” according to the sermon? ([07:01])
The sermon emphasizes that transformation is the evidence of true faith. Why is ongoing change and repentance so important for someone who claims to follow Jesus? ([17:02])
The pastor says, “To seek first the kingdom is to prioritize bringing every aspect of our lives under the rule and reign of Jesus—not just in word, but in practice.” What might this look like in everyday life? ([45:08])

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Believers are not waiting to be transferred into God’s kingdom; we have already been rescued from darkness and made citizens of the kingdom of Jesus.” How does this truth affect the way you approach your daily life and decisions? Are there areas where you still live as if you belong to the “old kingdom”? ([03:22])
The pastor warns against responding to cultural conflict with hostility or self-righteousness, and instead calls us to pray, stand in truth, and love others. Think of a recent disagreement or cultural issue you’ve faced—how could you have responded differently if you were standing firm in both conviction and compassion? ([26:18])
The sermon says, “If there is no visible change—no fruit of repentance—then our claim to follow Christ is called into question.” Is there an area of your life where you know God is calling you to change, but you’ve been resisting? What is one step you can take this week to surrender that area to Jesus? ([17:02])
The pastor shares about bringing his anger and controlling tendencies under the rule of Jesus, which led to real change in his marriage. Is there a specific attitude, habit, or belief in your life that needs to come under Jesus’ authority? What would it look like to submit that to him? ([32:11])
The sermon says, “This requires a continual renewal of our minds, allowing God’s truth to shape our worldview rather than the philosophies of the world.” What is one practical way you can renew your mind this week—maybe by changing what you read, watch, or listen to? ([47:22])
Jesus says to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” What is one area of your life (work, family, finances, relationships, etc.) where you need to intentionally seek God’s way of doing things? What’s a specific action you can take to do this? ([45:08])
The sermon says, “Our lives are the territory where his rule is to be expressed.” If someone looked at your life, what would they see as the “kingdom” you belong to? What is one change you want to make so that your life better reflects the kingdom of God? ([44:15])

Sermon Clips

So when he says this, he's not encouraging or blessing hostility. That's not Jesus. That's not the Son of God. And so nor am I, Nor are we in this series. Nothing I'm going to say... we're not encouraging you to do what we see a lot of people out there doing right now, which is getting very hostile and belligerent and... Come on, you know what? I'm talking in your face. Come on. How many know that doesn't change. Anybody might get Your behind kicked might, you know, result in a lot of other things. [00:07:43] (36 seconds) #RejectHostilityEmbracePeace

But see, I can't help it if you're offended by the truth. See, I didn't write the Bible. I didn't come up with the truth. How many know God did? It was his to come up with. It was his design to work from. Come on. It was him to tell us the way we should live our lives, the way we should think, the things that we should believe. And by embracing those things, live a life that is pleasing to him for sure. But live a life also that leads to the abundant life, our life being everything that God intended for it to be. [00:08:48] (41 seconds) #TruthOffendsNotAdjusts

You got stuff. We all got stuff. You got some funky beliefs that you also bring in with your baggage. Well, I just think. Did you know Jesus never asks you. There's one place in the Bible where he says, come, let us reason together, though your sins be as scarlet. Do you know what happens when you reason with God? He talks, you listen. [00:19:04] (27 seconds) #StandFirmInFaith

Can I tell you? I think that's what the Lord would say to us, hey, I know it can seem overwhelming. I know it can seem intimidating. I know you feel small. I know you feel inadequate. I know sometimes you don't know what to say. You don't know exactly how to react, but come on, take your stand in the face of this. If you know it's wrong and if you know it's not God's way for your life, come on, don't just yield to it and go along with the current, with the tide of the culture. Come on, take a stand and decide. I'm going to live my life by the teachings, by the precepts and truths of God's word. [00:25:10] (42 seconds) #LiveByKingdomPrinciples

So how do I respond? How do I take a stand? I think you take a stand in prayer. Pray for the people that are on. Pray for them. Don't criticize them. Don't, you know, put them down and call them nasty, ugly names. And that's never going to reach them. That's never going to get them saved. How many know we need to be praying for them? But then stand in truth. So pray, stand in truth. Take your stand in the truth, and then stand in love. Yeah. Any stand you take, take that stand in love. Speak the truth in love to anyone. [00:25:58] (52 seconds) #KingdomComeToEarthAndLife

So Jesus came to bring the kingdom. You all know this passage. This, then, is how you should pray. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom Come, everybody, say, your kingdom. Even as it is in heaven. Listen, Jesus is all about the kingdom coming. He's all about the kingdom coming to this earth, but he's especially interested in, in the kingdom coming to you and to your life. Amen. Great that it comes to the earth. Do you know, one of these days the kingdoms of this world are going to fall? And the kingdom of our God, Come on. Is the only one that's going to be exalted and remain. Amen. He wants the kingdom to come to your life. [00:30:01] (59 seconds) #KingdomBringsTransformation

If you attempt to live your life. Kingdom of God is, without knowing how people of the kingdom are to think and how they're to live their lives, then you're going to continue to live your life by the beliefs, the thoughts, the ideals, and the philosophies of this world that you brought with you whenever you first accepted Jesus Christ as your. So you're saved. You're made new on the inside. But how many know you still got the same old way of thinking? Pretty much the same old way of thinking that you had when you first came to Christ. Amen. And your life's not going to change until your thinking changes, until your beliefs change. Amen. And you'll also misrepresent the King and the Kingdom. [00:37:00] (58 seconds) #FourPillarsOfKingdom

So every kingdom has four things, has a king, the one in authority, Jesus, is the king. Every kingdom has citizens, the people who are part of the kingdom and under. That's you and me. Every kingdom has laws. It has a government. In a kingdom, the words of the king become law. They're not voted on. It's just what the king says. It's not what everybody's opinion is, it's what the king says. His thoughts and his ways become the principles that govern the kingdom. And in the kingdom of God, these principles are found in his word. His word gives us the principles, the truths that we as the citizens of God, the citizens of the kingdom, live our lives by. And every kingdom has a territory. It's where the king's rule is expressed. And Can I tell you, that's many. Our lives. Our lives are the territory that God wants to bring his rule and reign into. [00:43:23] (62 seconds) #BeTransformedByGod

That verse is telling you to prioritize. That verse is telling you to seek first to bring your life totally under the rule and reign of God. And you've got to seek first. Do it. You've got to constantly be putting forth effort to bring every aspect, every area of your life, your personal life, your marriage, your home, your family, your business, your walk with Him. You've got to be seeking constantly. Come on. Making it a priority to bring every area of your life under his rule and reign. Prioritize that. And his righteousness. His righteousness is simply his way of doing things. Seek first to bring your life under his rule and reign and to do things his way. That's all it is. That's what righteousness is, doing things his way. And then all these things will be added unto you. [00:44:49] (63 seconds)

But be transformed, totally changed. The new living translation says, don't conform to the thoughts and philosophies of this world, but let God change you into. Way you think when it comes to culture, when it comes to the issues of our day. God doesn't want you letting the world tell you, telling you what to believe about any of those things that'll mess you up. God wants you to allow him to give you his worldview and his view. [00:47:16] (49 seconds)

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