Living as Kingdom People Amidst Good and Evil
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we embark on a new series focusing on the Kingdom of Heaven, building on the foundation laid during our Rooted series. We will delve into the parables found in Matthew 13, which are unique stories Jesus used to convey profound truths about the Kingdom of God. Parables are designed to provoke thought and reflection, using familiar imagery to illustrate complex spiritual concepts.
In today's parable, we explore the Kingdom of Heaven through the metaphor of a man sowing seeds. Jesus explains that He is the sower, planting good seeds that represent the people of the Kingdom. However, an enemy, the devil, sows weeds among the wheat, symbolizing the presence of evil alongside the good. This parable teaches us about the coexistence of good and evil in the world and the patience required as we await God's final judgment.
The Kingdom of Heaven is unlike any earthly kingdom. It operates on principles of limitless grace and eternal perspective, contrasting sharply with human kingdoms that rely on power and manipulation. This Kingdom calls us to live differently, to sow good seeds, and to wait actively for God's timing. It challenges us to confront our own tendencies towards judgment and to trust in God's ultimate authority.
As we navigate this world, we are called to be Kingdom people, living with hope and actively participating in God's work. This involves a revolutionized approach to love, humility, and engagement with the world around us. We must hold onto the belief that God can bring about good change, even in the face of evil and uncertainty.
In communion, we are reminded of our need for Jesus and the Kingdom He brings. We are invited to reflect on our role in this Kingdom, to sow good seeds, and to wait with anticipation for God's final judgment. Let us come to the table with humility, ready to embrace the Kingdom of Heaven in our lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Kingdom of Heaven and Earthly Kingdoms: The Kingdom of Heaven operates on principles of limitless grace and eternal perspective, contrasting sharply with human kingdoms that rely on power and manipulation. This Kingdom calls us to live differently, to sow good seeds, and to wait actively for God's timing. [36:32]
2. Coexistence of Good and Evil: The parable of the sower teaches us about the coexistence of good and evil in the world. Jesus, the sower, plants good seeds representing the people of the Kingdom, while the devil sows weeds among the wheat. This coexistence requires patience and trust in God's ultimate judgment. [42:21]
3. Active Waiting: As Kingdom people, we are called to actively wait for God's timing. This involves living with hope, engaging in good works, and trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see immediate results. Our role is to sow good seeds and leave the judgment to God. [44:33]
4. Revolutionized Love and Humility: Being a Kingdom person means living with a revolutionized approach to love and humility. This involves engaging with our own faults, loving our neighbors, and seeing the world through the lens of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to confront our own tendencies towards judgment and cynicism. [45:31]
5. Communion and Reflection: In communion, we are reminded of our need for Jesus and the Kingdom He brings. We are invited to reflect on our role in this Kingdom, to sow good seeds, and to wait with anticipation for God's final judgment. This act of communion is a moment of humility and recognition of our dependence on Jesus. [55:34]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[30:54] - Introduction to the Kingdom of Heaven Series
[31:29] - Parables in Matthew 13
[32:07] - The Nature of Parables
[33:25] - Storytelling and Parables
[34:24] - Concrete Depictions of Cosmic Truths
[35:25] - The Kingdom of Heaven in Matthew
[36:32] - The Kingdom of Heaven vs. Earthly Kingdoms
[37:49] - The Long Game of God's Kingdom
[38:09] - Perspective on Life's Challenges
[39:18] - Living in the Kingdom Amidst Evil
[40:11] - Interpretation of the Parable
[41:08] - Wheat and Weeds: Good vs. Evil
[42:21] - Coexistence of Good and Evil
[44:33] - Active Waiting in the Kingdom
[45:31] - Revolutionized Love and Humility
[55:34] - Communion and Reflection
[01:06:48] - Benediction and Closing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 13:37-39: "The one who sowed the good seed is the Son of Man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels."
2. Matthew 4:17: "From that time on Jesus began to preach, 'Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near.'"
3. Isaiah 9:2: "The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 13:37-39, who are the key players in the parable of the sower, and what do they represent?
2. What does Jesus mean when He says, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near" in Matthew 4:17?
3. How does Isaiah 9:2 relate to the message of the Kingdom of Heaven as described in the sermon? ([35:52])
4. What are the characteristics of the Kingdom of Heaven compared to earthly kingdoms as described in the sermon? ([36:32])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the coexistence of good and evil in the world, as described in the parable, challenge our understanding of God's Kingdom? ([42:21])
2. What does it mean to "actively wait" for God's timing, and how can this be seen in our daily lives? ([44:33])
3. How does the concept of "revolutionized love and humility" redefine our interactions with others, especially those we find difficult to love? ([45:31])
4. In what ways does communion serve as a reminder of our role in the Kingdom of Heaven and our dependence on Jesus? ([55:34])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the differences between the Kingdom of Heaven and earthly kingdoms. How can you incorporate the principles of limitless grace and eternal perspective into your daily life? ([36:32])
2. The parable of the sower highlights the coexistence of good and evil. How do you handle the presence of evil in your life while maintaining your faith and trust in God's ultimate judgment? ([42:21])
3. What are some practical ways you can "actively wait" for God's timing in your current circumstances? How can you sow good seeds in your community while waiting? ([44:33])
4. Think of a person in your life who tests your patience. How can you show them revolutionized love and humility this week? ([45:31])
5. During communion, we are reminded of our need for Jesus. How can you make this reflection a regular part of your spiritual practice, and what steps can you take to deepen your relationship with Him? ([55:34])
6. Identify one area in your life where you tend to be judgmental. How can you shift your perspective to trust in God's ultimate authority and judgment instead? ([50:21])
7. How can you actively participate in God's work in your community, believing that He can bring about good change even in the face of evil and uncertainty? ([46:32])
Devotional
Day 1: The Kingdom of Heaven's Unique Principles
The Kingdom of Heaven operates on principles of limitless grace and eternal perspective, contrasting sharply with human kingdoms that rely on power and manipulation. This Kingdom calls us to live differently, to sow good seeds, and to wait actively for God's timing. Unlike earthly kingdoms that often prioritize control and dominance, the Kingdom of Heaven invites us to embrace a life of grace, patience, and trust in God's ultimate plan. This means living with an eternal perspective, understanding that our actions and choices have lasting significance beyond our immediate circumstances.
As Kingdom people, we are called to embody these principles in our daily lives. This involves making choices that reflect God's grace and love, even when it goes against the grain of societal norms. It also means trusting in God's timing and plan, even when we face challenges and uncertainties. By living out these principles, we become a testament to the transformative power of the Kingdom of Heaven. [36:32]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: In what ways can you prioritize the principles of the Kingdom of Heaven in your daily decisions and interactions this week?
Day 2: Coexistence of Good and Evil
The parable of the sower teaches us about the coexistence of good and evil in the world. Jesus, the sower, plants good seeds representing the people of the Kingdom, while the devil sows weeds among the wheat. This coexistence requires patience and trust in God's ultimate judgment. We live in a world where good and evil exist side by side, and it can be challenging to navigate this reality. However, this parable reminds us that God is aware of this coexistence and has a plan for the final judgment.
As followers of Christ, we are called to be patient and trust in God's timing. This means not rushing to judgment or trying to separate the good from the evil on our own. Instead, we are to focus on living out our faith, sowing good seeds, and trusting that God will ultimately bring about justice and righteousness. This perspective helps us to remain hopeful and steadfast, even in the face of evil and adversity. [42:21]
Romans 12:21 (ESV): "Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Reflection: How can you practice patience and trust in God's judgment when you encounter evil or injustice in your life?
Day 3: Active Waiting
As Kingdom people, we are called to actively wait for God's timing. This involves living with hope, engaging in good works, and trusting that God is at work even when we cannot see immediate results. Our role is to sow good seeds and leave the judgment to God. Active waiting is not passive; it requires us to be engaged in our faith and in the world around us. It means living with a sense of purpose and hope, knowing that God is at work even when we cannot see the full picture.
This active waiting involves being diligent in our spiritual practices, such as prayer, reading Scripture, and serving others. It also means being attentive to the opportunities God places before us to make a positive impact. By actively waiting, we demonstrate our trust in God's plan and our commitment to being faithful stewards of the Kingdom. [44:33]
James 5:7-8 (ESV): "Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can actively wait on God's timing in your life this week?
Day 4: Revolutionized Love and Humility
Being a Kingdom person means living with a revolutionized approach to love and humility. This involves engaging with our own faults, loving our neighbors, and seeing the world through the lens of the Holy Spirit. It challenges us to confront our own tendencies towards judgment and cynicism. True love and humility require us to look beyond ourselves and our immediate circumstances, to see others as God sees them, and to extend grace and compassion.
This revolutionized love calls us to forgive, to serve, and to put others' needs before our own. It also requires us to be humble, recognizing our own shortcomings and relying on God's strength. By living out this kind of love and humility, we reflect the character of Christ and become agents of change in a world that desperately needs it. [45:31]
Philippians 2:3-4 (ESV): "Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others."
Reflection: How can you practice revolutionized love and humility in your relationships and interactions this week?
Day 5: Communion and Reflection
In communion, we are reminded of our need for Jesus and the Kingdom He brings. We are invited to reflect on our role in this Kingdom, to sow good seeds, and to wait with anticipation for God's final judgment. This act of communion is a moment of humility and recognition of our dependence on Jesus. It is a time to remember the sacrifice of Christ and to renew our commitment to living as Kingdom people.
Communion is not just a ritual; it is a profound reminder of the grace and love that Jesus extends to us. It is an opportunity to examine our hearts, to seek forgiveness, and to recommit ourselves to following Christ. As we partake in communion, we are united with believers around the world and throughout history, all of whom share in the hope of the Kingdom of Heaven. [55:34]
1 Corinthians 11:26 (ESV): "For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
Reflection: As you prepare for communion, take time to reflect on your role in the Kingdom of Heaven. How can you sow good seeds and live with anticipation for God's final judgment?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The kingdom that Jesus brought with him into our world, the one that we now live in and live among, is so totally different than any human kingdom that the disciples and everyone since and everyone beyond us have known that we just have trouble wrapping our minds around it." [36:32] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "God's kingdom is all powerful, will prevail against any evil, is eternal, but the way in which God rules his kingdom and the means by which he exercises his power is with limitless grace. This is just so foreign to us, so unfathomable that this would be powerful." [37:12] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "As people of the kingdom, we are people who honestly believe in a God that brings good change. Being a person of the kingdom doesn't mean that the change is easy or that it doesn't come without anxiety, doubts, unknowns, uncertainty, worries. But whatever the journey is that gets us there, we, in our hearts, hold in our hearts the kingdom of heaven can bring about change in systems, in institutions, in people." [46:32] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The kingdom of heaven has the power to turn a weed into wheat. That's what the kingdom is like. That's pretty powerful." [47:04] (8 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing so that by the power of the Holy Spirit, you may abound in hope. May it be so. Have a really great week. See you next time." [01:06:48] (12 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Parables are this concrete depiction of a cosmic truth. As Jesus tells parables, he uses familiar imagery to the time, not necessarily always familiar to us still, but he uses this familiar imagery to create metaphors that spark curiosity and deeper reflection." [34:55] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The kingdom of heaven is like a man who sows. Jesus gives an interpretation to his disciples about who the players are in the metaphor of this parable. So Matthew 13, 37 to 39. The one who sowed the good seed is the son of man. The field is the world, and the good seed stands for the people of the kingdom. The weeds are the people of the evil one, and the enemy who sows them is the devil. The harvest is the end of the age, and the harvesters are angels." [40:11] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The sowing of the seed and the seed tending that we do takes place in this time of waiting. So the kingdom of heaven waits. In the parable, the sower says not to pull up the weeds immediately because if so, the weed could be damaged at the same time. So just as the farmer, even now, doesn't plant a field and then immediately harvest it that same day, the same is true here, that the seeds and the weeds have a chance to grow." [43:16] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "As we look at what the kingdom of heaven is like, we see and understand only in part and need Jesus as the full revelation. We get to come to the table today in communion, and we're offered in communion a reminder of us needing Jesus in the full revelation. We can come with humility, recognizing that he's the sower of the good seed, that we're in a time of waiting, and that we want to be active and see the kingdom of heaven revealed as we wait for Jesus to be the ultimate judge." [54:21] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We can't be tolerant of evil, but the destruction of evil is not our task. We must stop being evil ourselves and we must stop evil from destroying. But how can we stop evil without becoming evil in the process? How do we trim the bush without killing it? It's one of the questions that we wrestle with as we head into the week and there's no tidy answer. But let's start with the question. Life is long and we're on this journey together." [01:06:48] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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