Living in the Unshakable Kingdom of God
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound concept of the "Unshakable Kingdom" of God, a kingdom that stands firm amidst the chaos and uncertainties of our world. As we navigate through life's challenges, we are reminded that while the world may shake, we are anchored in a kingdom that cannot be moved. This kingdom is not about perfection but progression, as we strive to embody the love, generosity, and compassion of Jesus, our King.
We revisited the "Kingdom Manifesto," a call to live out the values of the kingdom by sharing God's love, bringing healing to the hurting, and offering hope to the hopeless. This manifesto is rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, which outlines the values and standards of the kingdom. These values are not just rules but a way of life that leads to the fullness of life that God intends for us.
The kingdom of God is both inclusive and exclusive. It invites everyone to enter, regardless of their past, but it also calls for a transformation in how we live. This transformation involves repentance, a change in direction, and a commitment to live under the rule of Jesus as King. It requires moving from a "pocket Jesus" mentality, where we only call on Jesus when convenient, to a "King-sized Jesus" approach, where He is the center of our lives.
We also discussed the importance of living according to the kingdom's values, which include spiritual, social, and moral dimensions. Spiritually, we are called to seek God's kingdom first and to live in constant communication with Him. Socially, we are to treat others as we would like to be treated, embodying forgiveness and reconciliation. Morally, we are to live pure lives, avoiding the pitfalls of cultural norms that lead us away from God's best for us.
Ultimately, the kingdom of God offers a life of abundance and fulfillment, but it requires us to let go of our own desires and align ourselves with God's will. As we strive to live according to the kingdom's values, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Unshakable Kingdom: In a world full of uncertainties, the kingdom of God remains unshakable. It invites us to live with a sense of security and purpose, knowing that our foundation is firm in Christ. This kingdom is not about achieving perfection but about progressing in our journey with God, embodying His love and compassion. [01:20]
2. Kingdom Values: The kingdom of God has specific values that guide our lives. These values, rooted in the Sermon on the Mount, call us to live differently from the world. They include spiritual priorities, social interactions, and moral standards that reflect God's character and lead to a life of fulfillment. [04:07]
3. Repentance and Transformation: Entering the kingdom of God requires repentance, a change in direction, and a commitment to live under Jesus' rule. This transformation involves moving from a self-centered life to one that seeks God's will and aligns with His purposes. [12:48]
4. Inclusive Yet Exclusive: The kingdom of God is open to all, but it calls for a higher standard of living. While everyone is invited, living in the kingdom means adopting a lifestyle that reflects God's values and turning away from cultural norms that contradict His ways. [15:29]
5. Fullness of Life: The kingdom of God offers a life of abundance and fulfillment, but it requires us to let go of our own desires and align ourselves with God's will. By living according to the kingdom's values, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises, free from the burdens and consequences of living outside His will. [18:32]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - Revisiting the Kingdom Manifesto
- [02:48] - Embodying Kingdom Values
- [04:07] - Understanding Kingdom Values
- [05:43] - Unusual Laws and Kingdom Standards
- [07:22] - The Kingdom of God in Iran
- [08:55] - The Call to Repentance
- [10:21] - The Cowboy Club Illustration
- [11:29] - Inclusive and Exclusive Nature of the Kingdom
- [12:48] - The Challenge of Kingdom Living
- [13:59] - Pocket Jesus vs. King-sized Jesus
- [15:29] - The Consequences of Sinful Living
- [17:09] - Boundaries for Protection
- [18:32] - Experiencing Fullness of Life
- [20:10] - Cultural Shifts and Kingdom Ethics
- [21:43] - Jesus' Teaching on Marriage
- [23:06] - The Call to Live Differently
- [24:38] - The Fine Print of Cultural Choices
- [26:01] - Emotional and Physical Consequences
- [27:23] - The Reality of Unintended Pregnancies
- [28:42] - The Complexity of Abortion
- [30:03] - Valuing Life and Offering Support
- [31:25] - The Treasure of the Kingdom
- [32:59] - Spiritual, Social, and Moral Values
- [34:18] - Seeking God's Kingdom First
- [35:36] - The Golden Rule and Forgiveness
- [36:55] - Moral Values and Purity
- [38:15] - The Dangers of Cultural Confusion
- [39:40] - Honoring God with Our Bodies
- [41:09] - The Narrow Gate to Life
- [42:44] - The Call to Authentic Kingdom Living
- [44:33] - A Pastor's Heart for the Congregation
- [45:54] - Prayer and Invitation to the Kingdom
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Unshakable Kingdom
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
2. Matthew 7:12 - "So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets."
3. Matthew 13:44-46 - "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it."
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Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the nature of the "Unshakable Kingdom" and how it contrasts with the world's uncertainties? [01:20]
2. How does the sermon describe the transition from a "pocket Jesus" mentality to a "King-sized Jesus" approach? [13:59]
3. What are some of the kingdom values mentioned in the sermon, and how are they rooted in the Sermon on the Mount? [04:07]
4. According to the sermon, what are the spiritual, social, and moral dimensions of living according to the kingdom's values? [32:59]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of seeking God's kingdom first (Matthew 6:33) challenge the way individuals prioritize their lives? [34:18]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that living according to kingdom values can lead to a life of abundance and fulfillment? [18:32]
3. How does the sermon interpret the inclusivity and exclusivity of the kingdom of God, and what implications does this have for personal transformation? [12:48]
4. What does the sermon imply about the consequences of living outside the kingdom's values, particularly in terms of personal and social well-being? [15:29]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current priorities. How can you practically seek God's kingdom first in your daily life, as suggested in Matthew 6:33? [34:18]
2. Consider a relationship in your life that may need reconciliation. How can you apply the kingdom value of forgiveness and reconciliation to this situation? [35:36]
3. Identify a cultural norm that contradicts the kingdom values discussed in the sermon. How can you resist this norm and align your actions with God's standards? [36:55]
4. The sermon mentions the importance of moving from a "pocket Jesus" to a "King-sized Jesus" mentality. What specific steps can you take to make Jesus the center of your life? [13:59]
5. Think about a recent decision you made. Did it reflect the kingdom's moral values? How can you ensure future decisions align with these values? [38:15]
6. The sermon highlights the importance of living a life of abundance and fulfillment within the kingdom. What personal desires might you need to let go of to experience this fullness? [18:32]
7. How can you actively embody the love, generosity, and compassion of Jesus in your community, as part of living out the kingdom manifesto? [02:48]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: The Unshakable Foundation of God's Kingdom
In a world filled with uncertainties and chaos, the kingdom of God stands as an unshakable foundation. This kingdom offers a sense of security and purpose, reminding us that our lives are anchored in something eternal and immovable. Unlike the fleeting stability of worldly systems, God's kingdom is not about achieving perfection but about progressing in our journey with Him. As we embody His love and compassion, we find strength and resilience to face life's challenges. The kingdom invites us to live with confidence, knowing that our foundation is firm in Christ. [01:20]
Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "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, for our God is a consuming fire."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel shaken or insecure? How can you remind yourself today that you are part of an unshakable kingdom?
Day 2: Living by Kingdom Values
The kingdom of God calls us to live by a set of values that are distinct from the world's standards. Rooted in the teachings of Jesus, particularly the Sermon on the Mount, these values guide our spiritual priorities, social interactions, and moral standards. They are not mere rules but a way of life that reflects God's character and leads to true fulfillment. By prioritizing God's kingdom, treating others with love and forgiveness, and maintaining moral purity, we align ourselves with His will and experience the fullness of life He promises. [04:07]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV): "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven."
Reflection: Which kingdom value do you find most challenging to live out? What practical steps can you take today to better embody this value?
Day 3: The Call to Repentance and Transformation
Entering the kingdom of God requires a profound transformation, beginning with repentance—a change in direction and a commitment to live under Jesus' rule. This transformation involves moving from a self-centered life to one that seeks God's will and aligns with His purposes. It challenges us to shift from a "pocket Jesus" mentality, where we call on Him only when convenient, to a "King-sized Jesus" approach, where He is the center of our lives. This journey of transformation is ongoing, inviting us to continually align our lives with the values of the kingdom. [12:48]
2 Corinthians 5:17 (ESV): "Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to repent and seek transformation? How can you make Jesus the center of this area today?
Day 4: The Inclusive Yet Exclusive Nature of the Kingdom
The kingdom of God is open to all, inviting everyone to enter regardless of their past. However, it also calls for a higher standard of living, requiring a transformation in how we live. While everyone is welcome, living in the kingdom means adopting a lifestyle that reflects God's values and turning away from cultural norms that contradict His ways. This dual nature of the kingdom challenges us to embrace both the inclusivity of God's love and the exclusivity of His call to holiness. [15:29]
Matthew 22:14 (ESV): "For many are called, but few are chosen."
Reflection: How do you balance the inclusive invitation of the kingdom with the exclusive call to live by its values? What changes might you need to make in your life to better reflect this balance?
Day 5: Experiencing the Fullness of Life in God's Kingdom
The kingdom of God offers a life of abundance and fulfillment, but it requires us to let go of our own desires and align ourselves with God's will. By living according to the kingdom's values, we experience the fullness of life that Jesus promises, free from the burdens and consequences of living outside His will. This abundant life is not about material wealth or success but about a deep sense of peace, joy, and purpose that comes from being in right relationship with God and others. [18:32]
John 10:10 (ESV): "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly."
Reflection: What desires or habits are holding you back from experiencing the fullness of life in God's kingdom? How can you begin to align these areas with God's will today?
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Quotes
1) "As Jesus rules as my king I am to embody the love generosity and compassion of my king and strive to live as he lived to infect the world around me with his unshakable kingdom. Now what I love about this breakdown is the word strive there because nobody is going to live out the unshakable kingdom perfectly. God is not into perfection as much as he's into progression. He wants you progressing more and more towards his kingdom but I love this word strive because then that just means like we're we're moving ourselves uh towards this this unshakable kingdom intentionally and then it says this would include sharing with others the incredible love that God has for them and how he wants a relationship with them so you share it bringing healing to the hurting and the unhealing. Hope to the hopeless." [02:48] (55 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2) "The kingdom of God is a space in which God is king. That's what a kingdom is. It's a dome in which there is a king. And so if you're saying, I want to enter into the kingdom of heaven, then what you're doing is you're making a decision to say, I'm going to choose to make Jesus as my king. And here is what you need to understand. In order for Jesus to be king, we follow his rules to come under his rule. We follow his rules to come under his rule. Now, here's the tricky thing about the kingdom of heaven. It's both inclusive and exclusive. It's inclusive in the sense that everybody is invited into the kingdom of God. Everybody, no matter what you've done, where you've been or who you've been with, you're invited to live in the kingdom of God." [12:48] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3) "Jesus is inviting you into his kingdom. But in order to do that, you have to move from savior to king. And that's how you are able to experience the kingdom of heaven. Now, as I talk about this, I want to give you a scripture that I want to share with you. I want to share with you a scripture that I want to share with you that I think is so jolting, because I want us to read this like with a fresh way of looking at with this kingdom of God in view, because this is one of the passages where the kingdom of God is mentioned outside of Jesus. The apostle Paul is writing this letter to the Galatian church, and this is what he says. He says, when you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear." [15:29] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4) "The kingdom of God is no different that there are boundaries that God is calling us to live with that are actually not about restriction as much as they're about protection and you don't need a pastor to preach to you this whole thing and and you certainly don't need a bible verse because some of you have lived in these spaces where you know that man when you give yourself over and do however you want with and you don't have any boundaries set up in your life man you can like invite all kinds of disaster into your life and you can invite all kinds of disaster into your life people living however they want to live and following their own desires have had their families blown up they've had their finances ruined they've even in some cases ruined and destroyed their own health but Jesus is saying this he's saying in John 10 10 the thief comes only to steal kill and destroy but I've come that they may have life and have it in all of its fullness what the kingdom is doing is inviting us in to experience the fullness of God for your life." [18:32] (62 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5) "The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field when a man found it he hit it again and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field for him and he said I want to live with you I want to live with you again the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls when he found one of great value he went away and sold everything he had and he bought it jesus has given us two parables to say you guys the kingdom of heaven is so awesome that you're gonna want to get rid of the baggage you're gonna want to get rid of your own desires and the things that you want because what god wants for your life is so much better than you want for your life that's what he's saying he's like why why wouldn't you want this." [32:59] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6) "Spiritually speaking because it really it starts with the spirit you can't live a kingdom of god if you don't live a kingdom of god life without the spirit of god living in you you have to have the spirit of god living from the inside in order for you to live the kingdom on the outside but he says this he says in matthew 6 33 but seek first his kingdom and his righteousness and all these things will be given to you as well so i like to say this real simple god first look at your neighbor say god first god first god first and everything god for there you can have a second you can have a third you can have a fourth you can have a fifth but if you want to be a kingdom of god person you put god first in everything you put god first in your family you put god first in your job you put god first in your finances you put god first with your health you put god first and then jesus promises that everything else will be taken care of." [34:18] (51 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7) "Enter through the narrow gate verse 13 for wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction and many enter through it but small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to what church that leads to life and jesus is only if you find it wide if it's full of life why do only if you find it wide if it's full of life why do only if you find if you find it because in this process it's conflicting with the desires that are in our flesh and we don't want to turn some of those buttons off that brings us pleasure and so in order to pursue god there's a lot of things that are saying hey if you really want to pursue if you really want to you know have the benefits of my kingdom that then you got to be willing to let go of these things and pursue my right way of living a lot of people say i'm good with pocket jesus but again not to sound redundant but pocket jesus will never allow you to enter into the kingdom of heaven it requires king size jesus where he gets to call the shots where he sets the rules and you follow under his rule." [42:44] (78 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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