Living Out the Kingdom of God Today
Summary
The passage from Acts 2:42-47 offers a profound glimpse into the early Christian community, illustrating the kingdom of God in action. This community was marked by devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. It was a place where believers shared everything in common, selling their possessions to meet each other's needs. This passage is not just a historical account but a model for what the kingdom of God looks like when it is lived out among people. The kingdom of God is essentially what God is doing in the world, His rule and reign manifesting through His actions and words. It is a community where individuals find safety, meaningful relationships, and purpose.
The kingdom of God is not a distant future event but a present reality that Jesus inaugurated. It is accessible to anyone who responds to Jesus with trust and enters into this new way of living. This kingdom transcends ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed. The story of Babel in Genesis 11 serves as a backdrop, illustrating humanity's tendency to build its own kingdoms apart from God, which ultimately leads to confusion and division. In contrast, Pentecost represents the reversal of Babel, where the Spirit unites people in the kingdom of God.
The early church was a disciplined community, devoted to the teachings of the apostles, who had been transformed by their time with Jesus. This discipline was not about punishment but about becoming a different kind of person, prepared to receive God's grace and power. The church today is called to be a community that stands out, not by words alone but by actions that reflect the kingdom of God. This involves a commitment to knowing Christ and making Him known, living under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and being a light in a dark world.
Key Takeaways:
- The kingdom of God is a present reality, not a distant future event. It is what God is doing in the world, manifesting through His actions and words. This kingdom is accessible to anyone who responds to Jesus with trust and enters into this new way of living. [03:14]
- The story of Babel illustrates humanity's tendency to build its own kingdoms apart from God, leading to confusion and division. In contrast, Pentecost represents the reversal of Babel, where the Spirit unites people in the kingdom of God. [06:55]
- The early church was a disciplined community, devoted to the teachings of the apostles. This discipline was about becoming a different kind of person, prepared to receive God's grace and power. [16:15]
- The church today is called to be a community that stands out, not by words alone but by actions that reflect the kingdom of God. This involves a commitment to knowing Christ and making Him known, living under the direction of the Holy Spirit. [21:13]
- The kingdom of God transcends ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed. It is a community where individuals find safety, meaningful relationships, and purpose. [14:02]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:14] - Introduction to Acts 2:42-47
[01:29] - The Kingdom of God in Action
[03:02] - Trinity Sunday and the Kingdom
[04:15] - Genesis 11 and the Tower of Babel
[06:05] - Human Kingdoms vs. God's Kingdom
[08:12] - Pentecost and the New Community
[10:08] - Exodus and God's Presence
[11:21] - Jesus' Teachings on the Kingdom
[12:28] - Power Without Position
[13:49] - A New Type of Community
[15:18] - The Role of Discipline
[18:28] - Making Jesus Known
[20:37] - The Ongoing Exodus
[22:02] - Living in the Kingdom Today
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 2:42-47
- Genesis 11:1-9
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Observation Questions:
1. What were the four main activities that the early Christian community devoted themselves to according to Acts 2:42? [00:28]
2. How did the early believers demonstrate their commitment to one another in Acts 2:44-45? [00:57]
3. What was the result of the early church's way of living, as described in Acts 2:47? [01:11]
4. How does the story of the Tower of Babel in Genesis 11 contrast with the events of Pentecost? [06:05]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the early church's devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer reflect the kingdom of God as a present reality? [01:41]
2. In what ways does the story of Babel illustrate humanity's tendency to build its own kingdoms apart from God, and how does Pentecost serve as a reversal of this? [06:05]
3. What does it mean for the church today to be a community that stands out by actions that reflect the kingdom of God? [21:13]
4. How does the kingdom of God transcend ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham? [14:02]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the early church's practice of sharing possessions. How can you apply this principle of generosity in your own community or church? [00:57]
2. The early church was marked by devotion to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. Which of these areas do you feel most drawn to strengthen in your own life, and how might you do so? [00:28]
3. Consider the idea that the kingdom of God is a present reality. How does this perspective change the way you view your daily life and interactions with others? [03:14]
4. The sermon mentioned that the kingdom of God transcends boundaries. How can you actively work to break down barriers in your own community to reflect this truth? [14:02]
5. The early church was a disciplined community. What steps can you take to cultivate spiritual discipline in your life, and how might this prepare you to receive God's grace and power? [16:15]
6. How can you be a light in your community, not just through words but through actions that reflect the kingdom of God? What specific actions can you take this week? [21:13]
7. Reflect on the story of Babel and Pentecost. Are there areas in your life where you are building your own "tower" apart from God? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in those areas? [06:05]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Here and Now
The kingdom of God is not a distant promise but a present reality that Jesus inaugurated. It is the manifestation of God's rule and reign through His actions and words in the world today. This kingdom is accessible to anyone who responds to Jesus with trust and enters into this new way of living. It is a transformative experience that invites individuals to participate in God's ongoing work in the world. The early Christian community exemplified this by living out the teachings of the apostles, engaging in fellowship, and sharing their resources to meet each other's needs. This model challenges us to see the kingdom of God as an active and dynamic force in our lives and communities. [03:14]
Luke 17:20-21 (ESV): "Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he answered them, 'The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, "Look, here it is!" or "There!" for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in the kingdom of God today, recognizing it as a present reality in your life and community?
Day 2: Unity in Diversity through the Spirit
The story of Babel in Genesis 11 highlights humanity's tendency to build its own kingdoms apart from God, resulting in confusion and division. In contrast, Pentecost represents the reversal of Babel, where the Holy Spirit unites people in the kingdom of God. This unity transcends ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed. The early church demonstrated this unity by coming together in fellowship, breaking bread, and praying as one body. This serves as a powerful reminder that the kingdom of God is a diverse community where individuals find safety, meaningful relationships, and purpose. [06:55]
Ephesians 2:14-16 (ESV): "For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility."
Reflection: How can you contribute to unity within your community, embracing diversity as a reflection of God's kingdom?
Day 3: Transformation through Discipline
The early church was a disciplined community, devoted to the teachings of the apostles. This discipline was not about punishment but about becoming a different kind of person, prepared to receive God's grace and power. The apostles, having been transformed by their time with Jesus, imparted teachings that shaped the community's way of life. This disciplined approach to faith is essential for spiritual growth and transformation. It involves a commitment to knowing Christ and making Him known, living under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and being a light in a dark world. [16:15]
1 Timothy 4:7-8 (ESV): "Have nothing to do with irreverent, silly myths. Rather train yourself for godliness; for while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
Reflection: What spiritual disciplines can you incorporate into your daily routine to foster growth and transformation in your walk with Christ?
Day 4: Living Out the Kingdom through Action
The church today is called to be a community that stands out, not by words alone but by actions that reflect the kingdom of God. This involves a commitment to knowing Christ and making Him known, living under the direction of the Holy Spirit, and being a light in a dark world. The early Christian community demonstrated this by sharing their possessions, meeting each other's needs, and living in harmony. This model challenges us to live out our faith in tangible ways, showing the love and grace of God to those around us. [21:13]
James 2:14-17 (ESV): "What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and filled,' without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead."
Reflection: What specific actions can you take this week to demonstrate the love and grace of God to someone in need?
Day 5: A Community of Blessing for All Nations
The kingdom of God transcends ethnic, cultural, and political boundaries, fulfilling the promise made to Abraham that all nations would be blessed through his seed. It is a community where individuals find safety, meaningful relationships, and purpose. The early church exemplified this by living in unity and sharing their resources, creating a space where everyone was valued and cared for. This vision of the kingdom challenges us to be a blessing to others, extending God's love and grace to all people, regardless of their background or circumstances. [14:02]
Galatians 3:28-29 (ESV): "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's offspring, heirs according to promise."
Reflection: How can you be a blessing to someone from a different background or culture, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom?
Quotes
"They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship to the breaking of bread and to prayer everyone was filled with all and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles all the believers were together and had everything in common selling their possessions and goods they gave to anyone as he had need." [00:00:36]
"The kingdom of god is what god is doing the kingdom of god is what god is doing we use the words rule and reign and we use them in our songs and our prayers this morning the kingdom is a rule or a reign of god a king rules and reigns by his actions and by his words." [00:01:18]
"The kingdom of god makes it possible for individual human beings to come together in community where they're loved known accepted where there is work for them to do significance in their lives and an open future an ending in the kingdom of god so when we look at this we want to understand that this is trinity sunday." [00:02:58]
"And we see people around jesus in the gospels pushing their way into the kingdom of god not standing on formalities or rules or anything else but simply responding to jesus the king by trusting him and walking into the kingdom of god and that's what his teachings were about and he came to open it to everyone worldwide." [00:03:07]
"The story of the tower of babel or perhaps it is better that we just say babel because this is what often happens isn't it in human affairs it's we're we're saying words but no one is communicating and it's just so much babble because the spirit is not there to lay the foundation for communication." [00:04:38]
"And the humanity came together in its isolation from god to build its own kingdom and the human kingdom never works outside the kingdom of god it's under the rule of god alone that the human kingdom works and the lord came down to see the city and the tower which the sons of men had built." [00:06:56]
"Pentecost brings the kingdom of god back into human affairs and now we see in the passage that we've looked at a community that is emerging on the basis of life in the kingdom of god god worked away at these things you have in the book of exodus you have another exodus." [00:08:07]
"Jesus is talking about a kingdom in which people relate individually and in their group setting to god himself and how god empowers that kingdom in their midst it is a new type of commit of community because it's a new type of human being and now we have a type of human being where it is raised above ethnic differences." [00:13:37]
"The answer is learning to live in the kingdom of god and that's what we want to see here now we want to see a group of prepared people coming together to live under god to live at the direction of christ and his word and his spirit people have been matured in character." [00:15:35]
"These were disciplined people and because they were disciplined they were able to be under the direction of the holy spirit the church suffers when you have people who at least claim to be acting under the direction of the holy spirit but are not disciplined you had to have that before you could have a community emerge." [00:17:57]
"These are people totally focused on making jesus christ known that totally focused on it their words their deeds were ones which would cause jesus to be known when saint francis of assisi sent his people out he sent them out two by two not to keep an eye on one another." [00:18:48]
"The challenge is the same the exodus is still going on the exodus is still going on in central london and the people of god are being called out to be a community that stands out like light against a darkened background not by what it says but by what it does." [00:20:51]
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