Living in the Present: Embracing Our Heavenly Identity
Summary
The sermon explores the paradox of the Kingdom of God being both present and future, emphasizing the need for spiritual clarity through intimacy with God and understanding of our identity in Christ. The speaker shares personal experiences of transformation and the importance of recognizing the spiritual blessings believers already possess. The concept of Heaven is discussed as a motivator for earthly living, with the speaker urging believers to let the thought of Heaven impact their actions and attitudes towards others. The power given to believers is likened to that which raised Jesus from the dead, and the speaker encourages the congregation to see themselves as seated in the Heavenly realm with Christ.
The speaker also focuses on God's unfailing love and compassion, citing various Bible verses and encouraging daily time with God to understand His character. The sermon addresses the human tendency to focus on felt needs rather than real needs, with the speaker asserting that all believers truly need is Jesus. The Lord's Prayer is highlighted as a model for prioritizing God's will over our own needs. The speaker reflects on the clarity gained from using reading glasses as a metaphor for gaining spiritual insight and understanding.
The sermon concludes with an emphasis on praying for God's will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven, trusting in God's love and provision, and seeking His will above our own desires. The speaker acknowledges the struggle in accepting God's will but reassures believers of the transformation that comes with faith. The congregation is led in a prayer to align themselves with God's will, concluding the message with a collective affirmation.
Key Takeaways:
- The Kingdom of God is both a current reality and a future promise, and believers must seek spiritual clarity to fully grasp the blessings they have in Christ. This understanding is crucial for living a life of obedience and experiencing transformation in all aspects of behavior. [13:03]
- Believers are encouraged to view themselves as citizens of Heaven, which should influence their earthly lives to serve, bless, and forgive others, even in the face of adversity or societal negativity. This perspective is exemplified by individuals like Joni Eareckson Tada, who, despite personal suffering, acted as a responsible citizen of Heaven. [45:46]
- The power that believers have been given is the same power that raised Jesus from the dead, a profound truth that should embolden prayers for God's will to be done on Earth. This power is not just a future hope but a present reality, as believers are spiritually seated in the Heavenly realm with Christ. [16:32]
- God's love and compassion are unfailing, and spending time with Him is essential to learn about His character. This knowledge influences a believer's life and ministry, providing boldness and perseverance through trials, with a focus on heavenly citizenship. [42:21]
- The speaker emphasizes the importance of prioritizing God's kingdom and righteousness in our lives, trusting that our real needs will be met by God. This trust is contrasted with the folly of focusing on felt needs, which are insatiable and can distract from the true satisfaction found in Jesus. [27:23]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:3-4, 18-21 (NIV)
> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ. For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love... I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in his holy people, and his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms, far above all rule and authority, power and dominion, and every name that is invoked, not only in the present age but also in the one to come.
2. Luke 17:20-21 (NIV)
> Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst."
3. Matthew 6:31-33 (NIV)
> So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Ephesians 1:3, where are believers blessed with every spiritual blessing? How does this relate to the concept of being seated in the heavenly realms with Christ? [15:12]
2. In Luke 17:20-21, how does Jesus describe the kingdom of God? What does this imply about the presence of God's kingdom in our lives? [08:56]
3. What does Matthew 6:31-33 instruct believers to seek first, and what is promised as a result? How does this align with the sermon’s emphasis on prioritizing God's kingdom? [28:51]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does understanding that believers are already blessed with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms (Ephesians 1:3) change the way one views their current circumstances and challenges? [06:17]
2. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be "in your midst" as stated in Luke 17:21? How should this influence a believer's daily life and interactions with others? [08:56]
3. How can seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first (Matthew 6:33) practically impact a believer's approach to their needs and worries? What does this look like in everyday life? [28:51]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt overwhelmed by your circumstances. How might viewing yourself as seated in the heavenly realms with Christ (Ephesians 1:3) have changed your perspective? [15:12]
2. Jesus said the kingdom of God is in your midst (Luke 17:21). How can you cultivate an awareness of God's kingdom in your daily routine? What specific actions can you take this week to live out this reality? [08:56]
3. Consider your current priorities. Are there areas in your life where you are seeking your own needs over God's kingdom and righteousness? How can you realign your focus to seek God's kingdom first? [28:51]
4. The sermon mentioned the importance of spiritual clarity through intimacy with God. What steps can you take to spend more intentional time with God this week to better understand His character and will for your life? [10:27]
5. The speaker shared personal experiences of transformation through understanding their identity in Christ. How has your understanding of your identity in Christ impacted your behavior and decisions? What areas still need transformation? [13:03]
6. The sermon emphasized the power given to believers, likened to the power that raised Jesus from the dead. How can this truth embolden your prayers and actions? What specific situation in your life needs this kind of boldness? [13:45]
7. Reflect on the concept of praying for God's will to be done on Earth as it is in Heaven. How can you incorporate this prayer into your daily life, especially in areas where you struggle to trust God's will? [19:34]
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Now and Not Yet
The Kingdom of God is already within reach, yet it stretches beyond the horizon of our earthly existence. Believers are called to live in the tension of experiencing the Kingdom now through the Spirit while anticipating its fullness in the future. This dual reality shapes our identity and purpose, urging us to live in a way that reflects the values of our eternal home. [13:03]
Colossians 3:1-2 - "Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things."
Reflection: How can you actively seek the Kingdom of God in your daily life while maintaining hope for its future fulfillment?
Day 2: Citizenship in Heaven Influences Earth
As citizens of Heaven, our actions and interactions should be informed by our eternal allegiance. This heavenly perspective empowers us to serve, bless, and forgive others, mirroring the grace we have received. It is a call to embody the values of the Kingdom in every aspect of our lives, especially when faced with challenges or opposition. [45:46]
Philippians 3:20 - "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ."
Reflection: In what ways can you demonstrate your heavenly citizenship in your relationships and community today?
Day 3: Resurrection Power in the Present
The same power that raised Christ from the dead is at work within us, offering a profound source of strength and hope. This divine energy is not reserved for the afterlife but is a present reality that enables us to live victoriously and pray boldly for God's will to be done on Earth. We are spiritually seated with Christ, and from this position, we can influence the world around us. [16:32]
Ephesians 1:19-20 - "And his incomparably great power for us who believe. That power is the same as the mighty strength he exerted when he raised Christ from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly realms."
Reflection: How can you tap into the resurrection power in your life to overcome a current struggle or to serve others?
Day 4: Unfailing Love as Our Foundation
God's love and compassion are the bedrock of our faith, shaping our understanding of Him and our interactions with the world. By spending time with God, we learn more about His character, which in turn gives us the boldness to face trials and the perseverance to continue our heavenly mission. This divine relationship is the key to living out our faith with authenticity and power. [42:21]
Psalm 103:8 - "The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love."
Reflection: How can your daily time with God deepen your understanding of His love and compassion, and how will this influence your actions today?
Day 5: Prioritizing God's Kingdom and Righteousness
In seeking God's kingdom and righteousness first, we align our desires with His will, trusting that He will provide for our needs. This pursuit challenges us to look beyond our immediate wants and to find contentment in the sufficiency of Christ. It is a call to live with a kingdom mindset, where our real needs are met through our relationship with Jesus. [27:23]
Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you can shift your focus from your felt needs to seeking God's kingdom and righteousness?
Quotes
"When God does not do what we think is best for us, or delaying the answer, sometimes we accuse him of not loving us. Remember this: God is in heaven; we're still on Earth. That means you cannot see over the horizon, but He does." [35:48] (Download)
"I have begged God for things that I now bow before Him in thanksgiving that He did not answer my prayer back yonder. Now I recognize that these shut doors were truly His deepest expression of love for me." [37:28] (Download)
"When you pray and mean it, 'Your will be done in my life here on Earth as it is in heaven,' you can rest in total peace knowing that whatever His will is for you, is for your best, as He sees it from Heaven." [38:27] (Download)
"When Christians realize that their citizenship is in heaven, they begin to act as responsible citizens here on Earth." [43:59] (Download)
"Our spiritual eyes' muscles are shot when we are not spending that time in learning and knowing and listening and talking to the heavenly father. Don't miss this, please don't miss this." [11:08] (Download)
"When God changed my life, when God changed my identity, he changed the way I live and I began to comprehend and experience a radical change in my speech, my conduct, and the way I respond to temptation." [13:03] (Download)
"Our awareness of heaven and our Heavenly citizenship is what motivates us to be bold for Christ. It motivates us to persevere when trials come our way, to forge ahead in the middle of opposition, and we do it cheerfully." [42:21] (Download)
"God's unfailing love for us will not be shaken, nor His covenant of peace removed. This is the character of God we come to know when we spend time with Him daily." [39:21] (Download)
"When Jesus taught the disciples 'Your will be done on Earth as it is in heaven,' he was imparting a life-changing principle to elevate their vision to the Heavenly realm." [22:58] (Download)
"Please comprehend that you are seated in the Heavenly realm and He sees you as if you're with Him. Amen." [16:32] (Download)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?