Living Under Christ's Lordship: Embracing Kingdom Values
Summary
In my sermon, I began by setting the stage for a series called "Kingdom Here," emphasizing that our primary citizenship as Christians is in heaven, and we are anxiously awaiting that reality. However, I stressed the importance of understanding what it means to live for the kingdom of God here and now. I used the narrative of God's big story, which includes creation, the fall, redemption through Jesus, and the eventual restoration of all things. I pointed out that we currently live in the tension between redemption and restoration, where the kingdom of God is already present but not yet fully realized.
I then moved to discuss the concept of kingdom living, which requires understanding the four components of a kingdom: a king, his power and authority, his subjects, and his location. Over the next four weeks, I intended to explore each of these elements and their implications for our lives.
Focusing on the king, I turned to Luke chapter 4, where Jesus, after being baptized and tempted in the wilderness, returned to Galilee to begin his public ministry. He was recognized as a powerful teacher, and news of his miracles had spread. In Nazareth, his hometown, Jesus read from Isaiah 61 in the synagogue, proclaiming good news to the poor and freedom for the oppressed, and declared that this scripture was fulfilled in their hearing. This was his way of announcing his messianic identity and mission.
However, Jesus deliberately stopped reading before mentioning the "day of vengeance," highlighting his focus on liberation and favor, not retribution. This was a significant departure from the expectations of the Jews, who longed for vengeance against their Roman oppressors. Jesus emphasized serving others, which is at the heart of kingdom living, rather than seeking power or revenge.
I also recounted how Jesus used the stories of Elijah and Elisha to illustrate that God's concern often extends beyond the chosen people to those who are considered outsiders or enemies. This was a challenging message for his audience, who initially marveled at his gracious words but became furious when they realized the implications of his teaching.
I concluded by addressing the practical application of kingdom living. It starts with letting Jesus reign in every area of our lives, without keeping any part hidden or off-limits. I invoked Abraham Kuyper's famous quote about Christ's lordship over every square inch of creation, including our personal lives. I challenged the congregation to examine their hearts and lives, to align every attitude, relationship, action, habit, and use of time with the will of God, recognizing Jesus as king in all things.
Key Takeaways:
1. Kingdom living begins with the recognition that Jesus is the anointed King, the Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises. His announcement in the synagogue was not just a reading of scripture but a declaration of his identity and mission. We must start with Jesus, continue with Jesus, and end with Jesus in all aspects of our lives. [33:31]
2. The kingdom of God is not about seeking power or vengeance but about serving others and focusing on the marginalized. Jesus' deliberate omission of the "day of vengeance" in his reading from Isaiah highlights the kingdom's nature as one of liberation and grace. [38:08]
3. God's work often defies our expectations, reaching out to those we might consider unworthy or outside our group. The stories of Elijah and Elisha remind us that God's mercy extends beyond borders and prejudices, challenging us to do the same. [43:55]
4. Living for the kingdom means prioritizing Jesus over everything else, including our careers, families, and even our church community. While these are important, they should not eclipse our commitment to living under the lordship of Christ. [36:45]
5. Every aspect of our lives must be submitted to Christ's lordship. There should be no area where Jesus cannot claim ownership. This comprehensive surrender requires a willingness to let God transform our attitudes, relationships, habits, and time management. [58:10]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Kingdom Here"
#### Bible Reading
- Luke 4:16-21: "He went to Nazareth, where he had been brought up, and on the Sabbath day he went into the synagogue, as was his custom. He stood up to read, and the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him. Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: 'The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.' Then he rolled up the scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone in the synagogue were fastened on him. He began by saying to them, 'Today this scripture is fulfilled in your hearing.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event in Jesus' life does the pastor refer to as his "coronation"? ([26:18])
2. In Luke 4:18-19, what specific mission does Jesus declare for himself?
3. Why did Jesus stop reading Isaiah 61 before mentioning the "day of vengeance"? ([38:08])
4. How did the people of Nazareth initially react to Jesus' reading and declaration in the synagogue? ([30:11])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does Jesus' deliberate omission of the "day of vengeance" suggest about the nature of his mission and the kingdom of God? ([38:08])
2. How does Jesus' reference to the stories of Elijah and Elisha challenge the expectations of his audience regarding who God’s mercy extends to? ([43:55])
3. What does it mean for Jesus to be the anointed King, and how does this shape our understanding of kingdom living? ([33:31])
4. How does the concept of Jesus reigning over every aspect of our lives challenge our current priorities and commitments? ([58:10])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the areas of your life where you might be seeking power or vengeance rather than serving others. How can you shift your focus to align with the kingdom's nature of liberation and grace? ([38:08])
2. Jesus emphasized serving the marginalized and those considered outsiders. Identify one practical way you can serve someone in need this week. ([41:16])
3. Consider the relationships in your life. Are there any where you struggle to let Jesus reign? What steps can you take to surrender these relationships to Christ's lordship? ([58:10])
4. How do you currently prioritize your career, family, and church community? What changes can you make to ensure that Jesus remains your primary focus? ([36:45])
5. Examine your daily habits and time management. Is there an area where you need to allow Jesus to claim ownership? What specific action can you take to align this area with God's will? ([58:10])
6. Think about a recent situation where you felt challenged by God's call to extend mercy beyond your comfort zone. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better live out kingdom values? ([43:55])
7. Reflect on Abraham Kuyper's quote about Christ's lordship over every square inch of creation. How does this perspective influence your understanding of living for the kingdom in your everyday life? ([56:40])
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Identity as King
Jesus is the anointed King, the Christ, the fulfillment of God's promises. His declaration in the synagogue was not merely a reading of scripture but an announcement of His identity and mission. Recognizing Jesus as the King is the cornerstone of kingdom living. It is the acknowledgment that He is the promised Messiah who has come to inaugurate God's kingdom on earth. This recognition is not a passive acceptance but an active alignment of one's life to His lordship. It means to start with Jesus, continue with Jesus, and end with Jesus in all aspects of life. This is the foundation upon which all other kingdom principles are built. [33:31]
"But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose coming forth is from of old, from ancient days." - Micah 5:2
Reflection: How does acknowledging Jesus as King shape your daily decisions and priorities?
Day 2: Serving Over Power
The kingdom of God is characterized by service and grace, not by power or vengeance. Jesus' deliberate omission of the "day of vengeance" in His reading from Isaiah underscores the nature of the kingdom as one of liberation and favor. This approach contrasts with the human inclination towards seeking power and retribution. Kingdom living calls for a focus on serving others, especially the marginalized, and reflects the heart of Jesus' ministry. It is a call to embody the grace and compassion that He demonstrated, extending it to all, regardless of their status or background. [38:08]
"For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many." - Mark 10:45
Reflection: In what ways can you serve someone in your community this week as a reflection of kingdom values?
Day 3: God's Mercy Beyond Borders
God's mercy and concern extend beyond the chosen people to include those who are often seen as outsiders or enemies. The stories of Elijah and Elisha serve as reminders that God's grace is not limited by human borders or prejudices. This challenges believers to look beyond their own circles and to extend God's love to those who may be different from them. It is a call to embrace a broader vision of God's kingdom, one that reaches out to all humanity with the same compassion and mercy that God has shown. [43:55]
"And he said, 'Truly, I say to you, no prophet is acceptable in his hometown. But in truth, I tell you, there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah, when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath, in the land of Sidon, to a woman who was a widow.'" - Luke 4:24-26
Reflection: Who might be considered an 'outsider' in your life, and how can you show them God's love this week?
Day 4: Prioritizing Jesus Above All
Living for the kingdom means prioritizing Jesus over everything else, including careers, families, and even church communities. While these aspects of life are important, they should not overshadow the commitment to living under Christ's lordship. This prioritization is a conscious choice to place Jesus at the center of every aspect of life, allowing His values and teachings to guide all actions and decisions. It is a daily practice of evaluating and re-evaluating one's priorities to ensure that they align with the kingdom of God. [36:45]
"Seek the Lord and his strength; seek his presence continually!" - 1 Chronicles 16:11
Reflection: What is one area of your life where Jesus needs to take precedence, and how can you make that change today?
Day 5: Comprehensive Surrender to Christ
Every aspect of life must be submitted to Christ's lordship. There should be no area where Jesus cannot claim ownership. This comprehensive surrender involves a willingness to let God transform attitudes, relationships, habits, and time management. It is a holistic approach to discipleship that recognizes Jesus as King over every square inch of creation, including personal lives. This surrender is not a one-time event but a continuous process of yielding to the Holy Spirit's work, allowing for ongoing transformation and alignment with God's will. [58:10]
"And he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised." - 2 Corinthians 5:15
Reflection: What is one area of your life that you have been hesitant to fully surrender to Christ, and what steps can you take to begin that process of surrender?
Quotes
"Kingdom living starts by letting Jesus reign in every area of our lives, every area. Now we don't like that... In our lives, we tend to have rooms that are off limits to God, and we have to say, 'God, you're allowed in every room. You are king in every room. You are God in every room.' Abraham Kuyper... said, 'There's not a square inch in the whole domain of human existence over which Christ, who is Lord over all, does not exclaim, Mine.'" [56:40]
"Jesus said, 'I've been anointed.' Came up out of the water, I've been anointed. Wait. Just wait. The word anointed is a Greek word... The noun behind this Greek word is Christos, Christ... When he said, 'He has anointed me.' They didn't catch it... He said, 'I am Christ. I am the Messiah. I have been anointed by God as king.'" [33:31]
"Jesus by appointing 12 saw history coming to completion and saw himself as lord of that completion... When it comes to living for the kingdom it starts with living Jesus. It starts with Jesus, it middle is Jesus, end is Jesus... I live for Jesus over my family, I live for Jesus over my church... I am living for Jesus." [35:17]
"Jesus says I have come to take care of the people who can't take care of themselves... that's kingdom living. When Jesus is announcing the kingdom he doesn't talk about overthrowing the Roman government... he talks about us serving others... Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant." [41:16]
"Jesus said to them, 'Surely you will quote this proverb to me: "Physician, heal yourself!"... I assure you that there were many widows in Israel in Elijah's time... yet Elijah was not sent to any of them but to a widow in Zarephath in the region of Sidon... there were many in Israel with leprosy... yet not one of them was cleansed—only Naaman the Syrian.'" [43:55]
"If you're truly happy with what you've done, you're going to actually live in the kingdom... if you're trying to reach the lost people, the people who are far from God, you're trying to reach them and you're saying they matter to God and we should put energy into helping these people, there are people gonna say you're just judgmental... there's no way to get to God except through Jesus." [49:44]
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