Living as Disciples: Embracing the Kingdom of God
Summary
The essence of the new kind of human life is rooted in the overwhelming impression of the Kingdom of God, which calls us to live as disciples of Jesus. This life is not about following a set of rules but about immersing ourselves in the reality of God's Kingdom, allowing it to transform our entire being. The early message of the Kingdom spread rapidly because it was seen as the only wise choice—to dedicate one's life to this vision. A disciple is someone who prioritizes living in the Kingdom of God as Jesus did, rearranging their life to make this a reality.
Guilt is an unproductive state, especially for those genuinely striving to do their best. Instead of feeling burdened by guilt, we should focus on stepping into the full reality of the Kingdom of God from where we are. This involves understanding passages like Colossians 3 and 1 Corinthians 13 not as condemnations but as descriptions of the life available to us. The world desires authenticity, and the real thing is accessible to us without the need for artificial constructs.
Living in the world but not of it is akin to walking on water without a bridge. It involves embracing the Spirit-led life, which is often incomprehensible to the worldly perspective. Unfortunately, many Christians are not challenged to become disciples, leading to a troubling division within the church. The new life in Christ transcends human divisions, such as those between Greek and Jew, and calls us to live in unity where Christ is all and in all.
Paul's teachings in Colossians 3 guide us to put on the new self, characterized by compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. This transformation begins from within, changing our innermost being. Forgiveness is a powerful tool, not for controlling others but for releasing them and ourselves from the bondage of past wrongs. The power to live this way comes from stepping out in faith, trusting that God's Kingdom will manifest in our lives as we obey His commands.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Kingdom of God is an all-encompassing reality that transforms our entire being, calling us to live as disciples of Jesus. This transformation is not about following rules but about immersing ourselves in the vision of God's Kingdom. [00:44]
2. Guilt is unproductive for those genuinely striving to do their best. Instead, we should focus on stepping into the full reality of the Kingdom of God, understanding scriptural passages as descriptions of the life available to us. [03:23]
3. Living in the world but not of it involves embracing a Spirit-led life that transcends worldly understanding. This life is characterized by unity and the absence of human divisions, where Christ is all and in all. [07:21]
4. Forgiveness is a powerful tool for releasing ourselves and others from past wrongs. It is not about forgetting but about choosing not to use past grievances as a means of control. [18:38]
5. The power to live a life of forgiveness and forbearance comes from stepping out in faith, trusting that God's Kingdom will manifest as we obey His commands. This requires a willingness to venture into the unknown, relying on God's strength. [20:59]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:21] - The New Kind of Human Life
[00:44] - Overwhelming Impression of the Kingdom
[01:11] - The Call to Discipleship
[02:22] - The Unproductiveness of Guilt
[03:05] - Stepping into the Kingdom
[04:21] - Walking on Water
[05:53] - The Real Thing
[06:59] - In the World, Not of It
[08:17] - The Challenge of Discipleship
[09:34] - Learning Love
[10:04] - Colossians 3 and the New Life
[11:00] - Setting Affections on Things Above
[13:07] - Putting on the New Self
[15:29] - Transforming the Inner Life
[18:38] - The Power of Forgiveness
[20:59] - Trusting in God's Kingdom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Colossians 3:1-14
2. 1 Corinthians 13:1-13
3. John 3:5-8
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Observation Questions:
1. According to Colossians 3, what are believers encouraged to "put on" as part of their new self? How does this relate to the transformation of our innermost being? [13:07]
2. In the sermon, how is the concept of "walking on water" used to illustrate living in the world but not of it? What does this metaphor suggest about the nature of a Spirit-led life? [06:59]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the role of guilt in the life of a believer? How should we approach feelings of guilt according to the message? [02:22]
4. How does the sermon describe the early spread of the Kingdom message? What was the key factor that made it compelling to people? [01:11]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the idea of setting our affections on things above, as mentioned in Colossians 3, challenge the way we prioritize our daily lives? What might this look like in practical terms? [11:00]
2. The sermon discusses the power of forgiveness as a tool for releasing ourselves and others. How does this perspective align with the teachings in 1 Corinthians 13 about love? [18:38]
3. What does it mean to live in unity where "Christ is all and in all," as described in the sermon? How does this concept challenge existing divisions within the church? [15:03]
4. The sermon mentions that many Christians are not challenged to become disciples. What might be some reasons for this, and how can the church address this issue? [08:17]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by guilt. How can you shift your focus from guilt to stepping into the reality of God's Kingdom in your current situation? [02:22]
2. Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to "put on" the new self described in Colossians 3. What practical steps can you take this week to embody qualities like compassion and kindness? [13:07]
3. Consider the divisions you see within your community or church. How can you actively work towards unity, living out the principle that "Christ is all and in all"? [15:03]
4. Think of a past grievance you have held onto. What would it look like to release this through forgiveness, and how might this change your relationship with the person involved? [18:38]
5. The sermon suggests that living a Spirit-led life involves stepping out in faith. What is one area where you feel called to take a risk and trust in God's strength? [20:59]
6. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding of the Kingdom of God in your daily life? What resources or practices might help you immerse yourself in this vision? [00:44]
7. Reflect on your current discipleship journey. What is one specific way you can rearrange your life to prioritize living in the Kingdom of God as Jesus did? [01:38]
Devotional
Day 1: Immersing in the Kingdom's Reality
The Kingdom of God is an all-encompassing reality that transforms our entire being, calling us to live as disciples of Jesus. This transformation is not about following rules but about immersing ourselves in the vision of God's Kingdom. The early followers of Jesus were captivated by this vision, seeing it as the only wise choice for their lives. To be a disciple means to prioritize living in the Kingdom as Jesus did, rearranging one's life to align with this divine reality. This immersion is not a passive experience but an active engagement with the presence and power of God in every aspect of life. [00:44]
"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)
Reflection: What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to prioritize living in the Kingdom of God as Jesus did?
Day 2: Embracing Freedom from Guilt
Guilt is unproductive for those genuinely striving to do their best. Instead of being weighed down by guilt, we are invited to step into the full reality of the Kingdom of God. This involves understanding scriptural passages like Colossians 3 and 1 Corinthians 13 not as condemnations but as descriptions of the life available to us. The world longs for authenticity, and the genuine life in Christ is accessible without the need for artificial constructs. By focusing on the transformative power of God's Kingdom, we can move beyond guilt and embrace the abundant life God offers. [03:23]
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." (Romans 8:1, ESV)
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where guilt has held you back. How can you shift your focus to the freedom and authenticity found in God's Kingdom?
Day 3: Living a Spirit-Led Life
Living in the world but not of it involves embracing a Spirit-led life that transcends worldly understanding. This life is characterized by unity and the absence of human divisions, where Christ is all and in all. The Spirit-led life often appears incomprehensible to the worldly perspective, yet it is the path to true discipleship. Many Christians are not challenged to become disciples, leading to division within the church. However, the new life in Christ calls us to live in unity, transcending human divisions such as those between Greek and Jew. [07:21]
"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law." (Galatians 5:22-23, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you embrace a Spirit-led life that transcends worldly divisions and fosters unity in your community?
Day 4: The Power of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a powerful tool for releasing ourselves and others from past wrongs. It is not about forgetting but about choosing not to use past grievances as a means of control. This act of forgiveness begins from within, transforming our innermost being. By forgiving, we release both ourselves and others from the bondage of past wrongs, allowing God's grace to flow freely in our lives. The power to live this way comes from stepping out in faith, trusting that God's Kingdom will manifest as we obey His commands. [18:38]
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32, ESV)
Reflection: Think of someone in your life you need to forgive. Can you ask God to help you begin to extend His love and forgiveness to them today?
Day 5: Trusting in God's Kingdom
The power to live a life of forgiveness and forbearance comes from stepping out in faith, trusting that God's Kingdom will manifest as we obey His commands. This requires a willingness to venture into the unknown, relying on God's strength. As we trust in God's Kingdom, we are empowered to live out the virtues of compassion, kindness, humility, and forgiveness. This transformation begins from within, changing our innermost being and enabling us to reflect Christ's love to the world. [20:59]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Quotes
The only thing for you to do, and that is the way that the early message came into the world, and it's swept the world while all of the Mediterranean and soon far beyond that. And the way it came was simply this is the only smart thing for me to do is to give my life to the pursuit of this vision. [00:01:08]
A disciple of Jesus is one who has decided that the most important thing for them to do is to learn to live in the kingdom of God as he did. That's the most important thing for them to do, and as a result of that, they are arranging and rearranging their affairs so it will actually happen. [00:01:42]
One of the least productive states of mind, I believe, is guilt, and especially for people who are genuinely committed to doing the best they know. Now, if you're not like that, maybe you need a little guilt, but I'm sure most people in this room do want to do the best they know. [00:02:26]
We're going to look at some passages now, and especially we're going to look at the passage in Colossians 3, and that could get you under a burden of guilt. And see, what I'm hoping or hoping that we can do, especially in these last three segments of the series, is to constructively help people begin to find how you can actually step into the full reality of the kingdom of God. [00:03:03]
The world wants the real thing. We need the real thing. The real thing is available to us, and I think if I were going to try to walk on water, I'd rather do without the transparent bridge. You know, we often talk about Peter who'd walked on water for a few seconds. I'll tell you, if I had done that, I'd have that on my resume, wouldn't you? [00:06:00]
We put ourselves in a position of risk, and we've tried to lead through some thoughts about what that means. And last week, we talked about being in the world but not of it, and see, that's where you're really walking on water, no bridge, a real thing, being in the world and not of it. [00:06:52]
You can be a Christian now forever and not even be challenged to become a disciple, in fact, not even be given the opportunity. And so there's a division here that is very troubling to people or outside as well as those who are inside the professing church. [00:08:11]
The important thing is Paul is saying we can live a life in which the distinctions that human beings draw in order to control one another and put one another down simply disappear from our minds, and he uses that lovely phrase, but Christ is all and in all. Christ is all. [00:14:53]
Put on innards, so your innards is where your life comes from, and really, that's what this is all about, is transforming the insides. Put on bowels, a heart of mercies, kindness, humility of mind, meekness, long-suffering, forbearing one another and forgiving one if anyone have a quarrel against any, even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye. [00:15:43]
Forgiveness is a primary human instrument for managing people. Did you know that? That's one reason why many people are loath to give it up is because that would take a tool for managing people out of their hands, and they may say things like, well, I'll forgive but I won't forget. [00:18:38]
The question is what is the power that can come into our lives that will enable us to do that, and I leap ahead to say, you know, the answer is that there will be a power in your life if you do it. That's the trick. If you do it, if you don't do it, the power will not be there, and all of your worst fears will be confirmed. [00:19:28]
The person who forgives and forbears is a person who has decided they will not use these instruments of human exchange that are so common to try to govern the lives of other people. That's a huge step, and yet when you begin to see that, you see the power of the life that is not of this world in this world, not of this world. [00:21:29]
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