Living for God's Kingdom: Faithfulness, Mission, and Unity
Summary
Psalm 145 is a powerful reminder of God's unsearchable greatness and His enduring faithfulness across generations. As we reflect on this passage, we are called to extol the Lord, recognizing His abundant goodness and steadfast love. This psalm encourages us to meditate on His wondrous works and to declare His mighty acts, ensuring that His glory is known to all. It is a call to lift our eyes beyond the mundane and to focus on the eternal kingdom that we are a part of.
As we grow older, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's faithfulness, having witnessed His goodness over the years. This realization gives us courage to speak of His greatness without apology. We are reminded that our lives, including our marriages, are meant to reflect the glory of God and to attract others to the gospel. Our mission is not just about personal happiness but about living for a higher purpose, serving others, and advancing God's kingdom.
In our marriages, we are called to be a picture of Christ and the church, working together for the kingdom rather than for our own pleasure. This involves seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added to us. Our unity and happiness are byproducts of pursuing God's mission together. We are encouraged to invest in the next generation, sharing our experiences and wisdom to guide them in their journey of faith.
The call to mission is not just about doing good deeds but about living a life that is truly life. It is about being generous, caring for the poor, and using our resources for the kingdom. This is where we find true fulfillment and joy, knowing that our lives have eternal significance. As we focus on the mission, we experience a unity and love that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone.
Key Takeaways:
- God's Unsearchable Greatness: Psalm 145 reminds us of the greatness of God, which is beyond our understanding. His works and deeds are to be declared from one generation to another, ensuring that His glory is known to all. This calls us to lift our eyes beyond the mundane and focus on the eternal kingdom we are part of. [00:58]
- Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church: Our marriages are meant to be a picture of Christ and the church, working together for the kingdom rather than for personal pleasure. This involves seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added to us. [07:46]
- The Call to Mission: Our lives are not just about personal happiness but about living for a higher purpose, serving others, and advancing God's kingdom. This involves being generous, caring for the poor, and using our resources for the kingdom, where we find true fulfillment and joy. [20:55]
- Investing in the Next Generation: We are encouraged to invest in the next generation, sharing our experiences and wisdom to guide them in their journey of faith. This involves walking alongside younger couples, encouraging their faith, and showing them that we are still living by faith and thinking about eternity. [55:16]
- Unity Through Mission: As we focus on the mission, we experience a unity and love that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. This unity is a byproduct of pursuing God's mission together, and it brings a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. [01:02:44]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:16] - Reading Psalm 145
[01:52] - God's Unsearchable Greatness
[04:10] - Speaking of God's Faithfulness
[05:30] - Writing a Book on Marriage
[07:46] - Marriage as a Reflection of Christ
[10:12] - The Call to Mission
[12:14] - Seeking First the Kingdom
[16:07] - Living for a Higher Purpose
[20:55] - True Fulfillment in Mission
[24:22] - Stories of Transformation
[30:04] - Designed for a Purpose
[39:41] - Living for the Kingdom
[55:16] - Investing in the Next Generation
[01:02:44] - Unity Through Mission
[01:04:26] - Prayer for Wisdom and Mission
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Psalm 145
- Matthew 6:33
- 1 Timothy 6:17-19
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Observation Questions:
1. What attributes of God are highlighted in Psalm 145, and how do they reflect His greatness and faithfulness? [00:58]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of marriage in reflecting Christ and the church? [07:46]
3. What examples from the sermon illustrate the concept of living for a higher purpose beyond personal happiness? [20:55]
4. How does the sermon suggest we invest in the next generation, and why is this important? [55:16]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does Psalm 145 encourage believers to focus on God's eternal kingdom rather than the mundane aspects of life? [00:58]
2. How does the sermon interpret the idea of seeking first the kingdom of God in the context of marriage and personal life? [12:14]
3. What does the sermon suggest about the relationship between generosity and experiencing true fulfillment and joy? [20:55]
4. How does the sermon propose that unity and love are achieved through focusing on God's mission? [01:02:44]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's faithfulness in your life. How can this encourage you to speak of His greatness without apology? [04:10]
2. In what ways can your marriage or relationships reflect the unity and purpose of Christ and the church? What changes might be necessary to align more closely with this vision? [07:46]
3. Consider your current priorities. How can you shift your focus to seek first the kingdom of God in your daily life? What practical steps can you take this week? [12:14]
4. Identify a resource or talent you have. How can you use it to serve others and advance God's kingdom? What specific action will you take this month? [20:55]
5. Think of a younger person or couple in your life. How can you invest in their spiritual journey? What wisdom or experience can you share with them? [55:16]
6. Reflect on your current level of generosity. How can you increase your giving to support those in need and further God's mission? What specific goal can you set for yourself? [20:55]
7. How can you and your family or community focus more on God's mission to experience deeper unity and love? What is one specific mission or project you can commit to together? [01:02:44]
Devotional
Day 1: God's Unsearchable Greatness
Psalm 145 calls us to recognize the unsearchable greatness of God, a greatness that transcends human understanding. This passage encourages believers to meditate on God's wondrous works and declare His mighty acts, ensuring that His glory is known across generations. By lifting our eyes beyond the mundane, we are reminded of the eternal kingdom we are part of, which offers a perspective that transforms our daily lives. As we grow in faith, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's faithfulness, having witnessed His goodness over the years. This realization empowers us to speak of His greatness without apology, sharing the message of His abundant goodness and steadfast love with others. [00:58]
Isaiah 40:28-29 (ESV): "Have you not known? Have you not heard? The Lord is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He does not faint or grow weary; his understanding is unsearchable. He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength."
Reflection: In what ways can you intentionally meditate on God's greatness today, and how might this shift your perspective on your current circumstances?
Day 2: Marriage as a Reflection of Christ and the Church
Our marriages are designed to be a reflection of Christ and the church, working together for the kingdom rather than for personal pleasure. This involves seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added to us. By focusing on God's mission, our unity and happiness become byproducts of pursuing His purpose together. This perspective challenges us to view our relationships not just as sources of personal happiness but as opportunities to serve others and advance God's kingdom. In doing so, our marriages become a powerful testimony of God's love and faithfulness to the world. [07:46]
Ephesians 5:31-32 (ESV): "Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh. This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church."
Reflection: How can you and your spouse intentionally reflect the relationship between Christ and the church in your daily interactions and decisions?
Day 3: The Call to Mission
The call to mission is about living for a higher purpose, serving others, and advancing God's kingdom. It involves being generous, caring for the poor, and using our resources for the kingdom, where we find true fulfillment and joy. This mission is not just about doing good deeds but about living a life that is truly life, one that has eternal significance. As we focus on this mission, we experience a unity and love that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. This unity is a byproduct of pursuing God's mission together, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. [20:55]
1 Timothy 6:18-19 (ESV): "They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, thus storing up treasure for themselves as a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is truly life."
Reflection: What specific steps can you take today to align your resources and actions with God's mission, and how might this bring you deeper fulfillment?
Day 4: Investing in the Next Generation
We are encouraged to invest in the next generation, sharing our experiences and wisdom to guide them in their journey of faith. This involves walking alongside younger couples, encouraging their faith, and showing them that we are still living by faith and thinking about eternity. By investing in others, we help ensure that God's glory is declared from one generation to another, fostering a legacy of faithfulness and devotion. This investment is not just about imparting knowledge but about modeling a life of faith and commitment to God's kingdom. [55:16]
Deuteronomy 6:6-7 (ESV): "And these words that I command you today shall be on your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, and when you walk by the way, and when you lie down, and when you rise."
Reflection: Who in the next generation can you intentionally invest in this week, and what specific wisdom or experience can you share with them?
Day 5: Unity Through Mission
As we focus on the mission, we experience a unity and love that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. This unity is a byproduct of pursuing God's mission together, bringing a deep sense of fulfillment and joy. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we find ourselves drawn closer to one another, experiencing a love that transcends human limitations. This unity is not just a goal but a natural outcome of living for a higher purpose, serving others, and advancing God's kingdom. It is in this shared mission that we discover the true essence of community and fellowship. [01:02:44]
Colossians 3:14-15 (ESV): "And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful."
Reflection: How can you contribute to fostering unity within your community or church this week, and what role does love play in this process?
Quotes
"Great is the Lord and greatly to be praised, and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall commend your Works to another and shall declare your Mighty Acts. On the Glorious Splendor of your majesty and on your wondrous works I will meditate. They shall speak of the might of your awesome deeds and I will declare your greatness." [00:54:14]
"As we grow older, we gain a deeper appreciation for God's faithfulness, having witnessed His goodness over the years. This realization gives us courage to speak of His greatness without apology. We are reminded that our lives, including our marriages, are meant to reflect the glory of God and to attract others to the gospel." [00:41:34]
"Our marriages are meant to be a picture of Christ and the church, working together for the kingdom rather than for personal pleasure. This involves seeking first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, trusting that everything else will be added to us. Our unity and happiness are byproducts of pursuing God's mission together." [00:58:14]
"The call to mission is not just about doing good deeds but about living a life that is truly life. It is about being generous, caring for the poor, and using our resources for the kingdom. This is where we find true fulfillment and joy, knowing that our lives have eternal significance." [00:58:14]
"We are encouraged to invest in the next generation, sharing our experiences and wisdom to guide them in their journey of faith. This involves walking alongside younger couples, encouraging their faith, and showing them that we are still living by faith and thinking about eternity." [00:58:14]
"As we focus on the mission, we experience a unity and love that cannot be manufactured by human effort alone. This unity is a byproduct of pursuing God's mission together, and it brings a deep sense of fulfillment and joy." [00:58:14]
"Seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and then the byproduct of that was this. Seriously, because it's you can seek a United Family, and that's good, but it's almost like the pursuit of that can almost destroy because there's a self-centeredness in that." [00:58:14]
"God's given us we were made for a purpose. He says there were good works that were created for us to do before we were born. Now crazy that that you're here for a reason I'm here for a reason I'm here this weekend for a reason." [00:58:14]
"There's something about fighting for those who are poor. We've been blessed in this country with a ton of resource, and somebody goes well I'm not rich. You're rich. There are people that would literally cut their arms off to have access to your trash can." [00:58:14]
"Let those who have wives live as though they had none. It's just saying look there's something bigger than just your marriage. It's not just about the two of you and the more you just sit and stare at each other and try to work things out and just talk about how to make your life wonderful." [00:58:14]
"There's something about the mission that can't be replaced. It's just the way God designed us. I mean even on a sports team I I'm a Laker fan being from California sorry but I just I still I always picture that one scene after the the Lakers won years ago where Kobe jumps into Shaq's arms." [00:58:14]
"Let's just keep Investing For The Kingdom that's the stuff that fills us up. Start figuring out how do I unload what I have but to accumulate or whatever else so I believe there's something in this multi-generational which I praise God for this this is not just a bunch of 20-somethings saying you know." [00:58:14]
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