Living as Royal Heirs in God's Kingdom
Summary
The sermon delivered during the FWHC Sunday Online Service begins with a heartfelt acknowledgment of God's presence, as the speaker expresses gratitude for the ability to gather and worship, attributing it to God's breath in their lungs. The congregation is encouraged to bring their children to church to be nurtured in the ways of the Lord, highlighting the importance of a spiritual foundation for the young. The speaker shares a personal story of overcoming challenges to bring their own children to church, emphasizing the significance of praying for all aspects of life, including the empowerment of the speaker through the Holy Spirit.
Transitioning from worship, the sermon delves into the concept of kingdoms, contrasting the natural kingdoms of the world with the spiritual realms of Satan and God. The speaker references biblical passages, including Matthew 4:8 and John 3:3, to illustrate the dominion of Satan over the world and the promise of all kingdoms becoming united under God's rule. The sermon underscores the necessity of being born again to enter the kingdom of God, with baptism highlighted as a means of entry.
The privileges and benefits of being adopted into God's family are likened to the story of Moses, who was adopted by Pharaoh's daughter and became a prince with access to royal privileges. Believers are reminded that their adoption by God grants them similar benefits and that they should focus on Christ rather than worldly things, recognizing their distinctiveness as God's peculiar people.
The speaker stresses the importance of not just attending church but being an active part of God's kingdom. The analogy of maintaining residency, similar to the requirements of a green card in the United States, is used to convey the need for believers to adhere to the patterns and principles of God's kingdom. The speaker warns against getting caught up in man-made traditions and cultural influences, using Prince Harry's loss of royal privileges as an example of what happens when one pulls away from their designated place of operation.
Christians are called to be different from the world and to represent God, living with the understanding that their true residence and identity lie in the kingdom of God. The sermon distinguishes between the universal organization of God's kingdom, the local church, and individual believers, emphasizing the need for believers to operate from kingdom principles and recognize the sovereignty of one king, one Lord over the entire earth.
Key Takeaways:
- The act of worship is not merely a routine but a profound recognition of God's life-giving presence, which enables believers to gather and praise Him. This acknowledgment serves as a foundation for the entire worship experience, reminding the faithful of the source of their life and the reason for their gathering. [31:21]
- The concept of kingdoms is central to understanding the spiritual battle between good and evil. The sermon highlights that while Satan may temporarily hold sway over the world, the ultimate victory belongs to God, whose kingdom will eventually encompass all. This perspective encourages believers to live with the end in mind, focusing on the eternal kingdom rather than the fleeting powers of this world. [35:03]
- The analogy of Moses' adoption into royalty serves as a powerful illustration of the transformative nature of being adopted into God's family. Believers are reminded that their spiritual adoption affords them privileges and responsibilities akin to those of royal heirs, and they are called to live in a manner befitting their new status. [44:27]
- Maintaining one's residency in God's kingdom requires active participation and adherence to divine principles. The sermon warns against complacency and cultural conformity, urging believers to continually seek guidance from God's word to remain in good standing within the kingdom. This call to action serves as a reminder that faith is a living, dynamic journey that demands ongoing commitment. [45:48]
- The distinction between the universal kingdom of God, the local church, and individual believers underscores the multifaceted nature of Christian identity. Believers are encouraged to embrace their unique role as representatives of God's kingdom on earth, operating from a set of principles that transcends worldly systems and reflects the sovereignty of one true King. [42:53]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
Before beginning the group discussion, let's read the following Bible verses:
1. Matthew 6:33
"But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. John 3:3
"Jesus replied, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.'"
3. John 3:5
"Jesus answered, 'Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit.'"
Additional references:
4. Matthew 4:8
"Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendor."
5. Revelation (various references to the Kingdom of God)
6. John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life."
7. Exodus 2 (the story of Moses being adopted by Pharaoh's daughter)
8. Zechariah 14:9
"The Lord will be king over the whole earth. On that day there will be one Lord, and his name the only name."
### Observation Questions
1. What does it mean to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness according to Matthew 6:33?
2. How do the passages in John 3:3 and John 3:5 describe the requirements for entering the kingdom of God?
3. In Zechariah 14:9, what is the significance of the Lord being the one king over the whole earth?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Considering the requirement of being 'born again' to see the kingdom of God, what implications does this have for one's daily life and priorities?
2. How might the concept of being 'born of water and the Spirit' shape one's understanding of spiritual transformation and commitment?
3. Reflecting on Zechariah 14:9, how does the idea of one sovereign Lord affect the way one views authority and allegiance in their life?
### Application Questions
1. Identify a specific area in your life where you can prioritize seeking God's kingdom and righteousness this week. What practical steps will you take to do this?
2. Think of a conversation you might have tomorrow with someone who is not familiar with the concept of being 'born again.' How would you explain this idea to them in a relatable way?
3. Reflect on your baptism (if you have been baptized). How does this act symbolize your entry into the kingdom of God, and how does it influence your actions today?
4. Consider the privileges and responsibilities that come with being part of God's family. What is one privilege you are thankful for, and what is one responsibility you will act upon this week?
5. Choose one worldly influence that you will consciously avoid this week in order to better adhere to the principles of God's kingdom. What will you replace this influence with from your spiritual practice?
Devotional
Day 1: Worship as Life's Foundation
Worship is an intimate act of acknowledging God's sustaining presence and the breath He grants to praise Him. It is foundational to the believer's life, setting the tone for their relationship with God and their approach to gathering with fellow worshippers. Worship is not a mere formality but a profound expression of gratitude and dependence on the Creator. [31:21]
Psalm 95:6-7 - "Come, let us bow down in worship, let us kneel before the Lord our Maker; for he is our God and we are the people of his pasture, the flock under his care."
Reflection: How does your daily life reflect a heart of worship, and in what ways can you cultivate a more consistent attitude of gratitude towards God?
Day 2: Living with an Eternal Perspective
Understanding the spiritual battle between the kingdoms of this world and God's kingdom shapes how believers live. Recognizing that Satan's dominion is temporary encourages a focus on the eternal victory and the coming unity under God's rule. This eternal perspective influences decisions, priorities, and the believer's hope. [35:03]
Colossians 3:2 - "Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: What are some ways you can shift your focus from temporary worldly concerns to the eternal promises of God's kingdom today?
Day 3: Embracing Our Royal Identity
Adoption into God's family transforms believers, granting them privileges and responsibilities akin to royal heirs. This new identity calls for a life that reflects the status of being chosen and set apart by God, living in the fullness of His grace and purpose. [44:27]
1 Peter 2:9 - "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light."
Reflection: In what practical ways can you live out your royal identity in Christ in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 4: Active Participation in God's Kingdom
Believers are called to be more than mere attendees in God's kingdom; they are to be active participants. This requires adherence to God's principles and a commitment to living out one's faith dynamically. Active participation ensures one's residency in the kingdom and alignment with God's will. [45:48]
James 1:22 - "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."
Reflection: What is one area of your spiritual life where you can move from passive observation to active participation?
Day 5: Representing the Sovereignty of God
As representatives of God's kingdom, believers are to operate from a set of principles that reflect the sovereignty of the one true King. This identity transcends worldly systems and calls for a distinct way of living that showcases God's rule in every aspect of life. [42:53]
Ephesians 4:1 - "As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."
Reflection: How can you more fully embody your role as a representative of God's kingdom in your community and workplace?
Quotes
"It is because of God we are here; it is His breath that is in our lungs. Let us not forget that, and let us carry that gratitude into every aspect of our lives." [31:21] (Download)
"We have to start from young to nurture children in the way of the Lord; that is the only way that they will not depart. It's our responsibility to lay a strong spiritual foundation for them." [32:01] (Download)
"When God adopts us into his family, it also comes with privileges and benefits. So, be assured that as believers, we are not just saved; we are granted access to the riches of His kingdom." [39:29] (Download)
"Many people enter God's kingdom when they say yes to God, but they don't understand that you have to maintain residency. Believers must remember to uphold the principles of God's kingdom to truly belong." [45:48] (Download)
"We have to understand the patterns and principles of God's kingdom. Sometimes we focus on man-made traditions or the culture around us, but we must align with what God's word says about our situation." [47:18] (Download)
"Even though I live here, my residence is somewhere else; even though I live here, my passport says something else. We're supposed to be operating from a kingdom principle, not just looking like we're part of this world but representing the King of Kings." [42:04] (Download)
"Be in the Kingdom, not just church. When God called us, He called us to be in His kingdom. Church has its part and place, but the overarching thing is being part of God's kingdom." [42:53] (Download)
"We have to be part of God's kingdom, where there is one king, one Lord. The scripture says that the Lord will be king over the whole earth, and we, as believers, are called to live with this kingdom perspective." [43:30] (Download)
"Scripture calls us a peculiar people, and that's something to embrace. As Christians, we are to feel good not because of worldly affirmations but because we understand our unique identity in Christ." [40:11] (Download)
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