Living Fully in the Kingdom of God

 

Summary

The way of Christ is an invitation to live a full life, not just in moments of solitude or worship, but in every aspect of our daily existence. Jesus calls us to walk with Him in the fruit of the Spirit—joy, peace, and love—and to integrate His teachings into the reality of our lives. The kingdom of God is at hand, much like electricity is at hand; it is a power available to us, but only those who are at home in the kingdom can truly harness it. This requires a combination of character and power, as exemplified by Jesus, who made the kingdom of God accessible to us.

We often separate the sacred from the secular, but Jesus invites us to make our entire life a garden of God, where every action is an opportunity to experience His presence. This involves setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, which brings new life into everything we do. The world is waiting for this transformation, and we are called to bring the kingdom of God into the world, even amidst competing kingdoms.

The mind of the Spirit opens up the kingdom of God to us, and it is through this mindset that we can experience life and peace. Jesus teaches that those who keep His word will never see death, as they are already living in a world beyond death. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and as we set our minds on things above, we begin to understand our eternal destiny.

Communication with God is essential, and it takes two main forms: the objective historical word of God, as found in the Bible and the history of God's people, and the personal word from God to the individual. The law of God is a gift that directs us to life, and we must become the kind of people who naturally keep the law. The kingdom of God is gentle, and God's word comes to us individually in a form that is often gentle and easy to miss. We must learn to recognize God's voice, which comes with a certain quality, spirit, and content that aligns with Scripture.

Key Takeaways:

- The kingdom of God is at hand, much like electricity, and is available to those who are at home in it. This requires a combination of character and power, as exemplified by Jesus, who made the kingdom accessible to us. [03:18]

- Jesus invites us to make our entire life a garden of God, integrating the sacred into every aspect of our daily existence. By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, we bring new life into everything we do. [08:48]

- The mind of the Spirit opens up the kingdom of God to us, allowing us to experience life and peace. Those who keep Jesus' word will never see death, as they are already living in a world beyond death. [14:04]

- Communication with God takes two main forms: the objective historical word of God and the personal word from God to the individual. The law of God is a gift that directs us to life, and we must become the kind of people who naturally keep the law. [26:08]

- God's word comes to us individually in a form that is often gentle and easy to miss. We must learn to recognize God's voice, which comes with a certain quality, spirit, and content that aligns with Scripture. [52:32]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:20] - Invitation to Full Life
[01:23] - Teachings and Reality
[02:11] - Power and Availability
[03:18] - Character and Power
[04:27] - Accessible Kingdom
[05:28] - Two Ways of Life
[06:28] - Sermon on the Mount
[07:23] - Life as a Garden
[08:48] - Spirit in Daily Life
[11:38] - Mind of the Spirit
[14:04] - Beyond Death
[19:41] - Hearing God
[26:08] - Word of God
[33:22] - Recognizing God's Voice
[52:32] - Quality of God's Voice

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Romans 8:5-6
2. John 8:51
3. Colossians 3:1-4

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Observation Questions:

1. According to Romans 8:5-6, what are the two ways of life mentioned, and how do they differ in terms of mindset and outcome?
2. In John 8:51, what promise does Jesus make to those who keep His word, and how does this relate to the concept of living beyond death?
3. How does Colossians 3:1-4 describe the new life believers have in Christ, and what are they encouraged to seek?
4. The sermon mentions the kingdom of God being like electricity, available to those who are at home in it. How does this metaphor help us understand the accessibility of God's kingdom? [01:54]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. Romans 8:5-6 speaks about setting the mind on the Spirit. What might it mean to set one's mind on the Spirit in practical terms, and how does this lead to life and peace? [12:22]
2. In the sermon, it is mentioned that Jesus invites us to make our entire life a garden of God. How can this metaphor be understood in the context of integrating the sacred into daily life? [08:02]
3. The sermon discusses the importance of recognizing God's voice, which often comes gently. How can believers learn to discern God's voice amidst the noise of daily life? [52:32]
4. Colossians 3:1-4 encourages believers to seek things above. What challenges might one face in doing this, and how can they be overcome?

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on your daily routine. How can you intentionally set your mind on the things of the Spirit to experience life and peace as described in Romans 8:5-6? [12:22]
2. Think of a specific area in your life where you tend to separate the sacred from the secular. How can you begin to integrate God's presence into that area, making it a "garden of God"? [08:02]
3. Consider a recent decision or situation where you struggled to discern God's voice. What steps can you take to better recognize His gentle guidance in the future? [52:32]
4. Identify one aspect of your life where you feel disconnected from the kingdom of God. What practical changes can you make to become more "at home" in God's kingdom, as the sermon suggests? [01:54]
5. Jesus promises that those who keep His word will never see death. How does this assurance impact your perspective on life and death, and how can it influence your daily actions? [14:04]
6. Colossians 3:1-4 speaks about seeking things above. What specific distractions in your life prevent you from doing this, and how can you address them this week?
7. The sermon emphasizes the importance of communication with God. What is one way you can enhance your personal communication with God, both through Scripture and personal prayer? [26:08]

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Accessible to All
The kingdom of God is likened to electricity, a power that is readily available but only harnessed by those who are at home in it. This accessibility requires a combination of character and power, as demonstrated by Jesus, who made the kingdom of God accessible to us. To truly live in this kingdom, one must embody the character of Christ, integrating His teachings into every aspect of life. This means living in the fruit of the Spirit—joy, peace, and love—and allowing these qualities to permeate our daily existence. The kingdom is not a distant reality but a present power that transforms our lives when we align ourselves with its principles. [03:18]

"For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." (Romans 14:17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate the character of Christ in your daily interactions, allowing the kingdom of God to be more present in your life?


Day 2: Life as a Garden of God
Jesus invites us to transform our entire life into a garden of God, where the sacred is integrated into every aspect of our daily existence. By setting our minds on the things of the Spirit, we bring new life into everything we do. This involves a conscious effort to see every action as an opportunity to experience God's presence. The world is waiting for this transformation, and we are called to bring the kingdom of God into the world, even amidst competing kingdoms. By living with this mindset, we can experience the fullness of life that Jesus offers. [08:48]

"And the Lord will guide you continually and satisfy your desire in scorched places and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters do not fail." (Isaiah 58:11, ESV)

Reflection: How can you intentionally incorporate the presence of God into your daily routines, transforming them into sacred moments?


Day 3: Living Beyond Death
The mind of the Spirit opens up the kingdom of God to us, allowing us to experience life and peace. Jesus teaches that those who keep His word will never see death, as they are already living in a world beyond death. Our lives are hidden with Christ in God, and as we set our minds on things above, we begin to understand our eternal destiny. This perspective shifts our focus from the temporal to the eternal, giving us a sense of peace and purpose that transcends our earthly circumstances. [14:04]

"For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory." (Colossians 3:3-4, ESV)

Reflection: What are some ways you can shift your focus from temporary concerns to eternal truths, allowing the peace of Christ to rule in your heart?


Day 4: The Gift of God's Law
Communication with God takes two main forms: the objective historical word of God and the personal word from God to the individual. The law of God is a gift that directs us to life, and we must become the kind of people who naturally keep the law. This involves a transformation of character, where obedience to God's commands becomes a natural expression of our love for Him. By immersing ourselves in Scripture and seeking God's personal guidance, we can align our lives with His will and experience the fullness of life He offers. [26:08]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules." (Psalm 119:105-106, ESV)

Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation of God's law, allowing it to guide your daily decisions and actions?


Day 5: Recognizing God's Gentle Voice
God's word comes to us individually in a form that is often gentle and easy to miss. We must learn to recognize God's voice, which comes with a certain quality, spirit, and content that aligns with Scripture. This requires a sensitivity to the Holy Spirit and a willingness to listen amidst the noise of daily life. By cultivating a habit of quiet reflection and prayer, we can attune our hearts to hear God's gentle whispers and respond in obedience. [52:32]

"And after the earthquake a fire, but the Lord was not in the fire. And after the fire the sound of a low whisper." (1 Kings 19:12, ESV)

Reflection: What practices can you incorporate into your daily routine to better recognize and respond to the gentle voice of God in your life?

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Transcript
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