Living in the Present Reality of Christ's Kingdom
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound truth of Christ's reign and rule, emphasizing that His kingdom is not just a future promise but a present reality. We began by acknowledging the transformative work of Jesus in our lives, celebrating His ongoing sanctification and the assurance that He is bringing His work in us to completion. As we delved into Colossians 1:15-20, we were reminded of Christ's supremacy over all creation, His role as the head of the church, and His mission to reconcile all things to Himself through His sacrifice on the cross.
This Sunday marks the Reign of Christ, a time to reflect on Jesus as our King, whose power and majesty transcend all earthly realms. We were challenged to reconsider the notion that the life Jesus offers is solely about the afterlife. Instead, we are invited to experience His eternal life here and now, living in a way that reflects His kingdom on earth. Paul, writing from prison, addressed the Colossians who were being swayed by false teachings that mixed cultural and philosophical ideas with the gospel. He emphasized that Christ alone is sufficient, and His kingdom surpasses all human constructs.
We were encouraged to trust in the unshakeable rule of Christ, which has endured through centuries of persecution and opposition. The message of reconciliation is central to our faith, as God has reconciled us to Himself through Christ and entrusted us with the ministry of reconciliation. This involves living out the gospel in our daily interactions, offering life and hope to those around us.
As we approach the table of communion, we are reminded of our identity as the body of Christ, called to bear His image in the world. This is not just about words but about living a life that reflects the love and grace of Jesus. We are invited to participate in His kingdom work, knowing that His reign is unstoppable and His presence is with us always.
Key Takeaways:
1. Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation: Jesus is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation, and through Him, all things are reconciled. This reconciliation is not just a future hope but a present reality, inviting us to live in the fullness of His kingdom now. [25:09]
2. The Present Reality of Eternal Life: The life Jesus offers is not merely about the afterlife but is meant to be experienced here and now. We are called to live in the reality of His kingdom, reflecting His love and grace in our daily lives. [28:32]
3. The Unshakeable Rule of Christ: Despite centuries of persecution, the rule and reign of Christ continue to endure. This assurance allows us to live without fear, knowing that His kingdom transcends all earthly powers and authorities. [31:00]
4. The Ministry of Reconciliation: As recipients of God's reconciliation through Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This involves living out the gospel in our interactions, offering life and hope to those around us. [48:02]
5. Bearing the Image of Christ: We are called to be the body of Christ in the world, living in a way that reflects His love and grace. This involves more than words; it requires a life that embodies the teachings and character of Jesus. [56:06]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [25:09] - Reading from Colossians
- [28:32] - The Reign of Christ
- [31:00] - Christ's Enduring Kingdom
- [33:27] - The Power of God's Rule
- [35:06] - Jesus: The Meeting Place of Heaven and Earth
- [37:11] - God's Promise Fulfilled
- [39:40] - Emmanuel: God With Us
- [41:44] - The Lord of Life Offers Life
- [42:57] - Living the Eternal Life Now
- [46:04] - Opportunities to Offer Life
- [48:02] - The Ministry of Reconciliation
- [49:35] - Ambassadors of Christ
- [51:53] - Faith Beyond Fire Insurance
- [53:55] - Practicing Reconciliation
- [56:06] - Bearing the Image of Christ
- [58:26] - The Unstoppable Kingdom
- [59:13] - Invitation to Communion
- [01:00:11] - Prayer and Reflection
- [01:01:48] - Communion Invitation
- [01:03:07] - The New Covenant
- [01:04:12] - Remembering Christ
- [01:05:10] - Communion Instructions
- [01:07:38] - Closing Blessing
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Colossians 1:15-20
Observation Questions:
1. What does Colossians 1:15-20 reveal about the nature and role of Christ in creation and the church?
2. How does the sermon describe the present reality of Christ's kingdom, and what examples are given to illustrate this? [28:32]
3. What were the false teachings that Paul was addressing in his letter to the Colossians, and how did they differ from the true gospel? [28:32]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of reconciliation through Christ, and what is our role in this ministry? [48:02]
Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's supremacy should impact our daily lives and decisions? [31:00]
2. How does the idea of living in the present reality of Christ's kingdom challenge common perceptions of eternal life? [42:57]
3. What does it mean to bear the image of Christ in the world, according to the sermon, and how can this be practically demonstrated? [56:06]
4. How does the sermon describe the unshakeable rule of Christ, and what assurance does this provide to believers facing challenges? [33:27]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your daily life. How can you more fully live in the reality of Christ's kingdom here and now? What specific changes might you need to make? [42:57]
2. Consider the relationships in your life. How can you actively participate in the ministry of reconciliation this week? Is there someone you need to reach out to or forgive? [48:02]
3. Think about a recent situation where you felt anxious or fearful. How can the assurance of Christ's unshakeable rule help you respond differently in the future? [33:27]
4. Identify one area of your life where you struggle to reflect the image of Christ. What practical steps can you take to embody His love and grace more effectively? [56:06]
5. How can you incorporate the teachings of Jesus into your daily routine to ensure that your faith is not just about the afterlife but impacts your present actions and decisions? [51:53]
6. During the upcoming week, how can you create an environment of reconciliation and peace in your home or workplace, especially with those who may have different values or beliefs? [53:55]
7. Reflect on the concept of being an ambassador for Christ. What specific actions can you take to represent His kingdom in your community this week? [49:35]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Supremacy and Reconciliation
In Colossians 1:15-20, we are reminded of the profound truth that Jesus is the image of the invisible God and the firstborn over all creation. His supremacy is not just a theological concept but a reality that impacts our daily lives. Through His sacrifice on the cross, Jesus has reconciled all things to Himself, offering us a present reality of living in His kingdom. This reconciliation is not merely a future hope but an invitation to experience the fullness of His kingdom now. As we embrace this truth, we are called to live in a way that reflects His reign and rule in our lives, acknowledging His authority over all creation. [25:09]
"For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross." (Colossians 1:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in Christ's work of reconciliation in your community today?
Day 2: The Present Reality of Eternal Life
The life that Jesus offers is not solely about the afterlife; it is a present reality meant to be experienced here and now. We are invited to live in the reality of His kingdom, reflecting His love and grace in our daily interactions. This understanding challenges us to reconsider our perspective on eternal life, seeing it as a transformative force in our current existence. By embracing this truth, we can live with purpose and intentionality, knowing that we are part of a kingdom that transcends time and space. [28:32]
"And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent." (John 17:3, ESV)
Reflection: What is one practical way you can live out the reality of eternal life in your daily routine today?
Day 3: The Unshakeable Rule of Christ
Despite centuries of persecution and opposition, the rule and reign of Christ continue to endure. This assurance allows us to live without fear, knowing that His kingdom transcends all earthly powers and authorities. As believers, we are called to trust in the unshakeable rule of Christ, finding peace and confidence in His eternal reign. This perspective empowers us to face challenges with courage, knowing that we are part of a kingdom that cannot be shaken. [31:00]
"Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe." (Hebrews 12:28, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to trust more in the unshakeable rule of Christ?
Day 4: The Ministry of Reconciliation
As recipients of God's reconciliation through Christ, we are entrusted with the ministry of reconciliation. This involves living out the gospel in our interactions, offering life and hope to those around us. We are called to be ambassadors of Christ, sharing His message of love and grace with a world in need. This ministry is not just about words but about embodying the teachings and character of Jesus in our daily lives. [48:02]
"All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation." (2 Corinthians 5:18, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life needs to experience the reconciliation of Christ, and how can you be a vessel of that reconciliation today?
Day 5: Bearing the Image of Christ
We are called to be the body of Christ in the world, living in a way that reflects His love and grace. This involves more than words; it requires a life that embodies the teachings and character of Jesus. As we approach the table of communion, we are reminded of our identity as the body of Christ, called to bear His image in the world. This calling invites us to participate in His kingdom work, knowing that His reign is unstoppable and His presence is with us always. [56:06]
"And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit." (2 Corinthians 3:18, ESV)
Reflection: What is one specific way you can bear the image of Christ in your interactions with others today?
Quotes
"Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil deeds. But now he has reconciled you by Christ's physical body through death to present you holy in his sight without blemish and free from accusation." [00:26:51] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It is to our detriment if we think that the life that Jesus offers is somehow after we die, that we are assured of heaven only, that there is not much for us to do while we're here, except try to behave ourselves and not get into too much trouble until that time when, because of Jesus' death and our affirmation or acceptance of that death and resurrection and belief in him, that we have an eternal kind of fire insurance." [00:28:32] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"The Lord of all reconciles all to himself. We, we heard Paul say, you were once alienated from God because of the, the, your thoughts and your mind was twisted. Your actions were evil, but God reconciled you to himself. He broke open the way for you to come and be with him and, and have that eternal kind of life now and enjoy that life and live in it fully." [00:48:02] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"It is in the moment and the area and the portion of our lives. When the rule and reign of Christ is carried out in obedience. It's wherever we have been the need to do that, in our lives, wherever we have surrendered to the work of Jesus, wherever we have practiced what he did, the rule and reign of Christ has come upon the earth as it is in heaven." [00:58:26] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"Today we recommit our hearts to you. We remember your words that we ourselves are ministers of reconciliation. These words spoken through your servant. Lord, make them be the motto of our lives. May we live in such a way, Lord Jesus, as to invite others into this incredible sort of life." [01:00:11] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
"May we bear your image well. May the rule and reign of God cover the earth. And may your people rise up and respond to their Lord. We pray and ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen." [01:04:51] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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