Living as Kingdom People: Grace, Faith, and Action
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of the Kingdom of God and what it means to be a part of it. We delved into the idea that the Kingdom is not just a future promise or a distant heaven, but a present reality for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This acceptance is not based on our merits or achievements but solely on grace. We are reminded that being seated with Christ in heavenly realms comes with both authority and responsibility, much like being seated next to a king in ancient times.
We discussed the simplicity of salvation: believe and receive. Yet, this simplicity is often complicated by our human tendencies to doubt and question our worthiness. The enemy's lies can make us feel unworthy, but we are encouraged to take up the shield of faith, trusting in God's faithfulness rather than our own deeds. True repentance involves turning away from our old selves and pursuing a life of holiness, not perfection. It's about direction, not perfection.
The message also highlighted the importance of genuine faith over mere lip service. Jesus is not interested in those who only speak the language of faith without living it. The Kingdom is for those who truly believe and act on that belief. Struggling is part of the journey, but we are called to struggle towards Jesus, seeking answers and wisdom from Him rather than the world.
Our relationship with God should be evident in our lives, much like how a marriage changes one's actions and priorities. Real love leads to real action, and our relationship with God should manifest in the fruits of the Spirit. It's not about earning our way into the Kingdom but living differently because we have already received grace. As we prepare for communion, we reflect on the sacrifice of Jesus, which invites us into this Kingdom. We are reminded that we are kingdom people because of Jesus, not because of our own doing.
Key Takeaways:
- Grace and Authority: Being part of the Kingdom of God is a gift of grace, not something we earn. With this grace comes the responsibility to live as representatives of the Kingdom, reflecting Christ's authority in our lives. [35:39]
- Faith Over Deeds: Our faith is rooted in God's faithfulness, not our own actions. We are called to believe and receive, trusting that our place in the Kingdom is secure because of what Jesus has done, not what we do. [38:49]
- Genuine Repentance: True repentance involves turning away from our old selves and pursuing a life aligned with God's will. It's about direction, not perfection, and involves a sincere commitment to follow Jesus. [48:49]
- Relationship Evidenced by Action: Our relationship with God should be evident in our actions, much like how a marriage changes one's behavior. Real love for God leads to real action, manifesting in the fruits of the Spirit. [50:43]
- Struggling Towards Jesus: Struggling is part of the Christian journey, but we are encouraged to struggle towards Jesus, seeking wisdom and answers from Him. This struggle strengthens our faith and aligns us more closely with God's will. [52:56]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Thy Kingdom Come
- [02:00] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [04:15] - Authority and Responsibility in the Kingdom
- [06:45] - Grace as the Foundation
- [09:30] - The Simplicity of Salvation
- [12:00] - The Role of Faith
- [15:20] - Repentance and Direction
- [18:30] - Genuine Faith vs. Lip Service
- [21:00] - Struggling Towards Jesus
- [24:00] - Relationship Evidenced by Action
- [27:00] - Communion and Reflection
- [30:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Kingdom of God
Bible Reading:
1. Ephesians 2:6-8
2. John 1:12
3. Galatians 5:22-23
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Observation Questions:
1. What does Ephesians 2:6-8 say about our position in the Kingdom of God and how does it relate to grace? [35:39]
2. According to John 1:12, what are the two steps mentioned for becoming children of God? How does this relate to the concept of "believe and receive"? [38:49]
3. In Galatians 5:22-23, what are the fruits of the Spirit, and how are they evidence of our relationship with God? [50:43]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between struggling towards Jesus and pretending to follow Him? [52:56]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being seated with Christ in heavenly realms (Ephesians 2:6) influence a believer's understanding of their authority and responsibility in the Kingdom of God? [35:39]
2. What does it mean to "believe and receive" according to John 1:12, and how does this challenge the idea of earning one's place in the Kingdom? [38:49]
3. How can the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23 serve as indicators of genuine faith and repentance in a believer's life? [50:43]
4. The sermon mentions that struggling is part of the Christian journey. How can struggling towards Jesus strengthen one's faith and align them more closely with God's will? [52:56]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you struggle to accept God's grace and authority? How can you remind yourself of your position in the Kingdom this week? [35:39]
2. The sermon emphasizes the simplicity of salvation as "believe and receive." How can you simplify your approach to faith and avoid complicating it with doubts about your worthiness? [38:49]
3. Identify one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit that you feel is lacking in your life. What specific steps can you take this week to cultivate that fruit in your interactions with others? [50:43]
4. Consider a time when you have struggled in your faith journey. How did you handle it, and what can you do differently to ensure you are struggling towards Jesus rather than away from Him? [52:56]
5. The sermon discusses the importance of genuine repentance. Is there an area of your life where you need to turn away from old habits and align more closely with God's will? What practical steps can you take to make this change? [48:49]
6. How can your relationship with God be more evident in your daily actions, similar to how a marriage changes one's behavior? Identify one action you can take this week to reflect your faith more clearly. [50:43]
7. The sermon encourages believers to live differently because they have already received grace. What is one specific way you can live out this truth in your community or workplace this week? [50:43]
Devotional
Day 1: Grace as a Gift, Not an Achievement
The Kingdom of God is a present reality for those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior. This acceptance is not based on personal merits or achievements but is a gift of grace. Being part of the Kingdom means being seated with Christ in heavenly realms, which comes with both authority and responsibility. Just as being seated next to a king in ancient times signified a position of honor and duty, so too does our position in Christ. We are called to live as representatives of the Kingdom, reflecting Christ's authority in our lives. This grace empowers us to live differently, not to earn our place, but because we have already received it. [35:39]
Ephesians 2:6-7 (ESV): "And raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: In what ways can you reflect Christ's authority and grace in your daily interactions with others today?
Day 2: Faith Rooted in God's Faithfulness
Our faith is not about our deeds but is rooted in God's faithfulness. The simplicity of salvation is to believe and receive, yet human tendencies often complicate this with doubt and questions of worthiness. The enemy's lies can make us feel unworthy, but we are encouraged to take up the shield of faith, trusting in God's faithfulness rather than our own actions. Our place in the Kingdom is secure because of what Jesus has done, not because of what we do. This assurance allows us to live confidently, knowing that our faith is anchored in the unchanging nature of God. [38:49]
Hebrews 10:23 (ESV): "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."
Reflection: Identify an area in your life where you struggle with doubt. How can you actively trust in God's faithfulness in that area today?
Day 3: Repentance as a Change of Direction
True repentance involves turning away from our old selves and pursuing a life aligned with God's will. It's about direction, not perfection. Repentance is a sincere commitment to follow Jesus, acknowledging that struggling is part of the journey. This involves a conscious decision to turn from past behaviors and attitudes and to seek a life of holiness. It's not about achieving perfection but about consistently moving towards a life that reflects God's character and desires. [48:49]
Acts 3:19 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord."
Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you need to change direction? How can you begin to make that change today?
Day 4: Love Evidenced by Action
Our relationship with God should be evident in our actions, much like how a marriage changes one's behavior and priorities. Real love for God leads to real action, manifesting in the fruits of the Spirit. It's not about earning our way into the Kingdom but living differently because we have already received grace. This transformation should be visible in how we interact with others, make decisions, and prioritize our lives. Our actions should reflect the love and grace we have received, serving as a testament to our relationship with God. [50:43]
James 2:17 (ESV): "So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: Think of one way you can demonstrate your love for God through your actions today. What specific step can you take to show this love to someone else?
Day 5: Struggling Towards Jesus
Struggling is part of the Christian journey, but we are encouraged to struggle towards Jesus, seeking wisdom and answers from Him rather than the world. This struggle strengthens our faith and aligns us more closely with God's will. It involves a conscious effort to seek Jesus in times of difficulty, trusting that He will provide the guidance and strength needed to overcome challenges. By focusing on Jesus, we can find peace and direction, even in the midst of life's struggles. [52:56]
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: What is one struggle you are currently facing? How can you intentionally seek Jesus and His wisdom in this situation today?
Quotes
"So those who have accepted Jesus as our Lord and Savior are in the kingdom of God. All right? So if you have accepted Jesus, if you call yourself a Christ follower, you are in the kingdom of God. Now, none of us have earned our way into the kingdom. It's not a punch card. It's not based on merit. Right? It is grace. It is grace. 100% period." [00:33:58] (25 seconds)
"And this is where we use the shield of faith, part of the armor of God that we talked about. Right? Listen, Ephesians 6, 16. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. So what is this? This is lies and deception. You don't deserve this. You're not in the kingdom of God. You're not a Christian. Look at all the stuff that you do." [00:36:09] (24 seconds)
"This is not faith based on what I've done. I've worked hard enough. I'm good enough. And so now I'm finally in the kingdom of God. Now I'm finally a Christian. No, it's because Jesus said, if you believe and receive, it's done. And so we can have faith that because he said it, it's true. That it's faith in his faithfulness. Not based on what I've done. But based on what he did and what he says, right?" [00:37:12] (29 seconds)
"Repentance is simply this. It's turning away from who I used to be and turning towards God. I'm turning away from who I used to be, from the old self. My selfish, this is who I was. This is me and my flesh and who the world says I am, who the world says I should be. And I'm turning away from that and I'm turning to God. And now my life is a pursuit of holiness. My life is a pursuit, not perfection, but holiness." [00:38:36] (30 seconds)
"Struggling is okay the kingdom living is not about perfection it's about direction it's not about perfection what direction are you going listen struggle we're gonna struggle but struggle towards Jesus struggle towards Jesus too many times I've seen when I talk about people who like this this seminar that we have coming up with Jacob the tough topics in the Bible we come across those things we can't answer some questions or maybe a life's experience it knocks us down and we can't we don't have an answer." [00:41:34] (37 seconds)
"True relationship will change your direction. Now, I have an amazing life. I'm married, right? Now, he has a truck. I have a child. He has a car. I have a second child. I have an electric bill. These are great things, right? No, listen, and Katie and I, we don't serve and honor each other to earn our way into this relationship. We serve and we honor each other because we're in the relationship, right?" [00:50:08] (37 seconds)
"And so there will be evidence of this relationship. It will be evident in how you live. Galatians 5 .22 says this. This is the result of this relationship. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self -control. You're just, you're thinking, this describes Sam Martin to a T. Right? Again, listen, it is not about what you do. It is the direction that we're going." [00:51:49] (32 seconds)
"It's our reminder that we are not kingdom people because we've earned it. We are kingdom people because of Jesus. We are kingdom people because of Jesus and his sacrifice. His body was broken. His blood was poured out. And that was the price of our invitation. But Jesus didn't just tell us that he loves us. He showed us. In Luke 22, verses 19 and 20, it says, He took the bread and he gave thanks and broke it and gave it to them saying, This is my body, which is given for you." [01:01:25] (37 seconds)
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