Living as Kingdom People in a Chaotic World
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the concept of being "Kingdom People" amidst the noise and chaos of the world, especially during politically charged times. As followers of Jesus, we are called to a higher standard, one that transcends the typical responses of anger, anxiety, or apathy. Instead, we are invited to embrace the Kingdom of God, which is not merely a future promise but a present reality breaking into our world through Jesus. This Kingdom is characterized by shalom—peace, flourishing, and wellness—and we are called to be its ambassadors, bringing this peace into our communities.
Throughout history, when Christians have prioritized the Kingdom of God, they have achieved extraordinary feats, such as abolishing slavery and segregation. However, when they have placed their nation above the Kingdom, they have fallen into the same traps of pride and sin as the world around them. Our challenge is to be extraordinary Kingdom people, not swayed by the political noise but grounded in the eternal perspective of God's work.
Peter's teachings in 1 Peter 2 provide a "cheat sheet" for living as Kingdom people. He reminds us that we are chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special possession. These titles are not just for our benefit but for the sake of others, to demonstrate God's goodness to those who do not yet know Him. As a royal priesthood, we are called to intercede for our communities, praying for peace and wisdom during contentious times.
Peter also calls us to live as foreigners and exiles, abstaining from sinful desires and engaging in good deeds that glorify God. Our lives should be so distinct that even those who disagree with us cannot deny the positive impact we have on our communities. In our political engagement, we are to submit to authorities for the Lord's sake, not out of blind obedience but as a witness to the goodness of Jesus.
As we approach the upcoming election and the challenges it brings, let us anchor ourselves in the eternal Kingdom of God. Our identity and hope are not tied to political outcomes but to the unchanging truth that we are God's chosen people. May we live out this identity with faith, hope, love, courage, and wise engagement, bringing the light of the Kingdom into a weary world.
Key Takeaways:
1. Kingdom Identity: We are called to be Kingdom people, living out our identity as chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special possession. This identity is not for our own benefit but to demonstrate God's goodness to the world. [09:19]
2. Role of a Royal Priesthood: As a royal priesthood, we are invited to intercede for our communities, praying for peace and wisdom. Our prayers are a powerful tool in bringing about God's will on earth, especially during contentious times. [12:14]
3. Living as Foreigners and Exiles: Our lives should be distinct from the world, abstaining from sinful desires and engaging in good deeds that glorify God. This distinctiveness serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Kingdom. [21:12]
4. Faithful Submission and Resistance: Our political engagement should be characterized by faithful submission to authorities for the Lord's sake, while also being willing to resist injustice when necessary. This balance is crucial for bearing witness to the goodness of Jesus. [26:09]
5. Anchoring in the Eternal Kingdom: Our hope and identity are anchored in the eternal Kingdom of God, not in political outcomes. By focusing on this eternal perspective, we can engage with the world in a way that brings peace and shalom. [34:41]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [02:56] - The Kingdom of God Option
- [04:09] - The Kingdom People Test
- [05:43] - Peter's Direct Coaching
- [07:35] - The Y'all Version of 1 Peter
- [09:19] - Chosen People and Unique Names
- [10:21] - God's Purpose in Choosing
- [12:14] - Royal Priesthood and Intercession
- [14:04] - Holy Nation and Special Possession
- [15:29] - Open Book Exam
- [17:49] - Worship as Kingdom People
- [19:26] - Foreigners and Exiles
- [20:20] - Abstaining and Engaging
- [22:57] - Good Deeds and Community Impact
- [26:09] - Submission to Authority
- [30:11] - Mission and Witness
- [31:33] - Political Engagement and Witness
- [34:41] - Anchoring in the Eternal Kingdom
- [36:58] - Prayer and Conclusion
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Kingdom People
Bible Reading:
- 1 Peter 2:9-12
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Observation Questions:
1. What are the unique titles given to believers in 1 Peter 2:9, and what do they signify about our identity as Kingdom people? [07:35]
2. According to the sermon, how did Peter's historical context under Emperor Nero influence his teachings to the early church? [05:43]
3. What examples from history were mentioned in the sermon to illustrate the impact of Christians living as Kingdom people? [02:56]
4. How does Peter describe the behavior of Kingdom people in relation to the authorities and the world around them? [26:09]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of being a "royal priesthood" challenge or affirm your understanding of your role in your community? [12:14]
2. In what ways does living as "foreigners and exiles" shape the way Christians are called to engage with the culture around them? [19:26]
3. What does it mean to submit to authorities "for the Lord's sake," and how does this differ from blind obedience? [26:09]
4. How can the call to be "people of the light" influence the way Christians respond to political and social issues? [17:49]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the title "God's special possession." How does this identity influence the way you view yourself and your purpose in your community? [09:19]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of interceding for our communities. What specific steps can you take to pray for peace and wisdom in your local area, especially during contentious times? [12:14]
3. Consider the idea of living as "foreigners and exiles." What are some practical ways you can demonstrate a distinct lifestyle that reflects the values of the Kingdom of God? [19:26]
4. How can you balance faithful submission to authorities with the need to resist injustice when necessary? Share a situation where you might need to apply this balance. [26:09]
5. The sermon highlighted the importance of anchoring our hope in the eternal Kingdom of God rather than political outcomes. How can you remind yourself of this truth in your daily life, especially during election seasons? [34:41]
6. Identify one area in your life where you can abstain from sinful desires and engage in good deeds that glorify God. What steps will you take this week to make this change? [21:12]
7. How can you use your political engagement as a means to bear witness to the goodness of Jesus, rather than contributing to division and anger? [31:33]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing Our Kingdom Identity
As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our identity as Kingdom people, which means recognizing ourselves as chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, and God's special possession. This identity is not for our own benefit but to demonstrate God's goodness to the world. By embracing this identity, we are invited to rise above the noise and chaos of the world, especially during politically charged times, and to embody the peace, flourishing, and wellness of God's Kingdom. Our lives should reflect the transformative power of the Kingdom, serving as a beacon of hope and love to those around us. [09:19]
"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." (1 Peter 2:9, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively demonstrate your Kingdom identity in your daily interactions this week, especially in situations that challenge your patience or understanding?
Day 2: Interceding as a Royal Priesthood
As a royal priesthood, we are invited to intercede for our communities, praying for peace and wisdom during contentious times. Our prayers are a powerful tool in bringing about God's will on earth, and they serve as a means of connecting with God's heart for the world. By interceding, we align ourselves with God's purposes and become conduits of His peace and wisdom. This role calls us to be proactive in our spiritual lives, seeking God's guidance and intervention in the affairs of our communities and the world. [12:14]
"Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." (James 5:16, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your community or circle of influence needs your prayers today? How can you commit to interceding for them consistently this week?
Day 3: Living Distinctly as Foreigners and Exiles
Our lives as Kingdom people should be distinct from the world, characterized by abstaining from sinful desires and engaging in good deeds that glorify God. This distinctiveness serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Kingdom, showing others the goodness and love of God. By living as foreigners and exiles, we are reminded that our true citizenship is in heaven, and our actions should reflect the values of God's Kingdom. This means being intentional about our choices and interactions, ensuring they align with God's will and purpose. [21:12]
"Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. Keep your conduct among the Gentiles honorable, so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation." (1 Peter 2:11-12, ESV)
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to ensure your life reflects the values of God's Kingdom, even in environments that may not support them?
Day 4: Balancing Submission and Resistance
Our political engagement should be characterized by faithful submission to authorities for the Lord's sake, while also being willing to resist injustice when necessary. This balance is crucial for bearing witness to the goodness of Jesus. By submitting to authorities, we demonstrate respect and honor, but we must also be discerning and courageous in standing against injustice. This requires wisdom and discernment, seeking God's guidance in navigating complex political and social landscapes. [26:09]
"Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God." (Romans 13:1, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you practice faithful submission to authorities while also standing against injustice in your community or workplace this week?
Day 5: Anchoring in the Eternal Kingdom
Our hope and identity are anchored in the eternal Kingdom of God, not in political outcomes. By focusing on this eternal perspective, we can engage with the world in a way that brings peace and shalom. This means trusting in God's unchanging truth and promises, even when circumstances seem uncertain or challenging. By anchoring ourselves in the eternal Kingdom, we find stability and purpose, allowing us to be agents of peace and hope in a weary world. [34:41]
"For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come." (Hebrews 13:14, ESV)
Reflection: How can you shift your focus from temporary political outcomes to the eternal promises of God's Kingdom in your daily life and decisions?
Quotes
1. "The kingdom of God isn't sort of heaven after you die, the way that Jesus talks about it. It's something like this. The kingdom of God is God's will and God's ways breaking into the here and now, right here, right now, through Jesus, by His Spirit, in the power of God. In the power of the gospel, by His mercy, to release this beautiful biblical word called shalom." [02:56] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We love our nation better when we love something more than our nation that is better. When we love the kingdom first, it frees us to then love this place right in its right proportion, right in its right spot, as Jesus calls us to. As we love our neighbors." [04:09] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if, what if, what if? What if we could be people of faith, hope, love, courage, and wise and meaningful engagement? When everyone else is freaking out, wouldn't that be great? Wouldn't it be great to be those people?" [05:43] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Chosen people, royal priesthood, holy nation, God's special possession. Exam day, nine days out. But here's the good news. This is my favorite kind of exam. It's an open book exam. Open book, open notes. This is it. Listen, listen, when everything goes sideways over the next 90 days in your own life, in your family, in your neighborhood, whatever, you have the cheat sheet right there in front of you." [15:29] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Wouldn't it be great if over the next 90 days, we had visitors, guests, come on Sunday morning and they look around and realize we didn't all vote the same way, but we're sitting in the same room and we're not killing each other. Wouldn't it be great if someone came in here in the next 90 days and said, hey, y 'all. I'm from around here, are you? Because you're living differently. You're gathered together on something bigger than politics." [20:20] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you're a kingdom person, your life's not going to sound like those around you. It's going to look different. Foreigners, exiles, it's going to look and sound different. And Peter has a couple of different verbs. He says, I want you to abstain and I want you to engage. I want you to withdraw from certain things and I want you to engage in different ways." [21:12] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "Does your political engagement wow people with how gracious you are and how wise you are? Are you just angry and anxious? Like everybody else? Does your political engagement make people who disagree with you say, I don't agree with you? But man, you're demonstrating something that's true, that's wise, that's different than the rest of the world." [31:33] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "No matter who wins the election, if you're in Jesus Christ, all those titles, all those names, still gonna be true for you. And so I want to invite you, put your hope in the thing that lasts forever. Don't put your hope in the thing that's gonna be yesterday's news in just a few hours. Put your hope in Jesus. Be a part of His kingdom people." [34:41] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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