Living Under God's Kingdom: Embracing True Blessings

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound concept of blessing God and what it truly means to live a life under His kingdom. Often, we associate blessings with material wealth or favorable circumstances, but Jesus redefines blessings in the Beatitudes, teaching us that true blessings come from experiencing more of God's presence, even in times of mourning or need. To bless God is to offer Him more of ourselves—our time, affections, and authority over our lives. This is beautifully symbolized in the act of baptism, where we participate in Jesus' death and resurrection, shedding our old selves and embracing a new life defined by His love and sacrifice.

Baptism is not a magical ritual but a public declaration of faith, a commitment to live under God's rule. It signifies the burial of our past and the resurrection into a new life with Christ. This transformation is not something we achieve but a recognition of what Jesus has already accomplished for us. As we witnessed the baptisms of Deborah, Sandra, Kiana, Hudson, and Elena, we celebrated their declarations of faith and their entry into the family of God.

Living under God's kingdom means recognizing Jesus as the true King, aligning our lives with His values, and listening to His truth. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, and His values often challenge our earthly perspectives. We are called to fight for what truly matters, to prioritize relationships, empathy, and the long-term impact of our actions. In doing so, we align our hearts with the eternal values of God's kingdom.

Truth is not subjective or defined by societal norms; it is found in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By embracing His truth, we find freedom from the bondage of sin and the lies that hold us back. Jesus willingly submitted to the cross, allowing Himself to be bound so that we might be set free. As we live under His kingship, we experience the fullness of life He promises.

Key Takeaways:

- Blessing God and True Blessings: True blessings are not material but are found in experiencing more of God's presence, even in difficult times. To bless God is to offer Him more of ourselves, aligning our lives with His will. [00:00]

- Baptism as a Declaration of Faith: Baptism symbolizes the burial of our old selves and resurrection into new life with Christ. It is a public declaration of faith, recognizing what Jesus has accomplished for us. [04:00]

- Recognizing Jesus as King: Living under God's kingdom means recognizing Jesus as the true King and aligning our lives with His values. This involves a commitment to His authority and a rejection of earthly priorities. [36:58]

- Aligning with Kingdom Values: Kingdom values challenge our earthly perspectives, calling us to prioritize relationships, empathy, and long-term impact. We fight for what truly matters, reflecting God's eternal values. [52:10]

- Embracing Truth for Freedom: Truth is found in Jesus, who sets us free from sin and lies. By embracing His truth, we experience the fullness of life and freedom He promises. [59:05]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Blessing God
- [01:45] - Redefining Blessings
- [03:20] - The Meaning of Baptism
- [04:00] - Colossians 2 and Baptism
- [06:52] - Deborah's Baptism
- [09:10] - Sandra's Baptism
- [11:52] - Kiana's Baptism
- [13:38] - Hudson's Baptism
- [15:21] - Elena's Baptism
- [17:19] - Invitation to Respond
- [29:00] - Stories of God's Kingdom
- [32:22] - Living as Strangers and Exiles
- [36:58] - Jesus Before Pilate
- [39:26] - Living in God's Kingdom
- [52:10] - Aligning with Kingdom Values
- [59:05] - Embracing Truth for Freedom
- [01:01:28] - Closing Prayer and Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 5:3-12 (The Beatitudes)
2. Colossians 2:11-14
3. John 18:33-37

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Observation Questions:

1. In the Beatitudes, how does Jesus redefine what it means to be blessed? How does this contrast with common perceptions of blessings? [00:30]

2. According to Colossians 2, what does baptism symbolize in the life of a believer? How is this reflected in the act of baptism itself? [04:00]

3. In John 18, how does Jesus describe His kingdom to Pilate? What does this reveal about the nature of His kingship? [36:58]

4. During the sermon, what examples were given to illustrate living under God's kingdom and aligning with His values? [52:10]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How might Jesus' definition of blessings in the Beatitudes challenge our understanding of what it means to live a blessed life? [00:30]

2. What does it mean to "offer more of ourselves" to God, as mentioned in the sermon? How can this be practically applied in daily life? [00:30]

3. How does recognizing Jesus as the true King influence a believer's priorities and decisions? What are some practical implications of this recognition? [36:58]

4. In what ways does embracing the truth of Jesus lead to freedom, as discussed in the sermon? How can this freedom be experienced in everyday life? [59:05]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's presence during a difficult situation. How did this change your understanding of blessings? [00:30]

2. Baptism is described as a public declaration of faith. If you have been baptized, how did this experience impact your faith journey? If not, what does baptism mean to you? [04:00]

3. Consider your current priorities. Are there areas where you need to realign with the values of God's kingdom? What steps can you take to make this realignment? [52:10]

4. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world. How does this perspective affect your view of worldly success and achievements? [36:58]

5. Identify a specific area in your life where you feel bound by sin or lies. How can embracing the truth of Jesus bring freedom to this area? [59:05]

6. Think about a relationship in your life that could benefit from more empathy and understanding. What practical steps can you take to prioritize this relationship in line with kingdom values? [52:10]

7. How can you actively listen to and discern the truth of Jesus in your daily life? What practices can help you stay attuned to His voice? [59:05]

Devotional

I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:

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Day 1: Experiencing God's Presence in All Circumstances
True blessings are not measured by material wealth or favorable circumstances but by the depth of God's presence in our lives. In the Beatitudes, Jesus redefines what it means to be blessed, emphasizing that even in times of mourning or need, we can experience profound blessings through a closer relationship with God. To bless God is to offer Him more of ourselves—our time, affections, and authority over our lives. This act of surrender allows us to align our lives with His will and experience His presence more fully. [00:00]

Psalm 16:11 (ESV): "You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore."

Reflection: Think of a challenging situation you are currently facing. How can you invite more of God's presence into this situation today?

Day 2: Baptism as a Symbol of New Life
Baptism is a powerful symbol of the burial of our old selves and the resurrection into a new life with Christ. It is not a magical ritual but a public declaration of faith, signifying our commitment to live under God's rule. Through baptism, we recognize what Jesus has already accomplished for us—His death and resurrection—and we celebrate our entry into the family of God. This transformation is a reminder that our past is buried, and we are invited to embrace a new identity defined by His love and sacrifice. [04:00]

Romans 6:4 (ESV): "We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life."

Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism or the concept of baptism. What does it mean for you to live in the "newness of life" that baptism symbolizes?

Day 3: Recognizing Jesus as the True King
Living under God's kingdom means recognizing Jesus as the true King and aligning our lives with His values. This involves a commitment to His authority and a rejection of earthly priorities that often conflict with His teachings. Jesus' kingdom is not of this world, and His values challenge our earthly perspectives. By acknowledging His kingship, we are called to prioritize relationships, empathy, and the long-term impact of our actions, aligning our hearts with the eternal values of God's kingdom. [36:58]

Colossians 1:13-14 (ESV): "He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins."

Reflection: In what ways do you struggle to recognize Jesus as King in your daily life? How can you begin to align your actions with His kingdom values today?

Day 4: Aligning with Kingdom Values
Kingdom values challenge us to look beyond our earthly perspectives and focus on what truly matters. We are called to fight for relationships, empathy, and the long-term impact of our actions, reflecting God's eternal values. This means prioritizing what is important in God's eyes, even when it contradicts societal norms or personal desires. By aligning with these values, we become agents of change in the world, embodying the love and truth of God's kingdom. [52:10]

Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"

Reflection: Identify one area in your life where you can better align with kingdom values. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize this value?

Day 5: Embracing Truth for Freedom
Truth is not subjective or defined by societal norms; it is found in Jesus, who is the way, the truth, and the life. By embracing His truth, we find freedom from the bondage of sin and the lies that hold us back. Jesus willingly submitted to the cross, allowing Himself to be bound so that we might be set free. As we live under His kingship, we experience the fullness of life He promises, liberated from the chains of falsehood and sin. [59:05]

John 8:31-32 (ESV): "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"

Reflection: What lies or false beliefs are currently holding you back? How can you replace them with the truth found in Jesus today?

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Quotes

Have a seat. Good morning. My name is Dave. I'm one of the pastors here at the church. And as we sing this song, reminded of a conversation I was having with my family yesterday as we sat around the breakfast table. Saturday morning is our Sabbath. It's just a day off to enjoy God and be present with each other and do things that bring us life. And bacon is one of those things for me. So we sat around, we're having bacon, and we're eating, and reading about Thanksgiving and what it means to live a thankful life, a blessed life. And as we sing this, to bless God, I think that that might be a strange phrase for a lot of us. Bless God. What does it mean to bless God? God does the blessing, right? And typically when we think about blessing, we think about the blessing of God. And we think about the blessings, we think of material things, right? Or maybe happiness, or having things go our way. The problem is that that's not what Jesus says a blessing is. He actually, in his Sermon on the Mount, the Beatitudes, he says that you're actually blessed when you're mourning, when you're at a loss, when you're at the end of your rope, when you're hungering and thirsting for righteousness. These things. So how can that be a blessing? Well, blessings are those things that actually give us more of God, more of his presence in our life. We could say, this is a blessing to us. So what it means to me to bless God then is to give him more of me. If I'm blessed when I give more of God, I bless God when I give him more of me. And that could look like my time. That could look like my affections. That could look like more lordship or authority in my heart. I don't know what it looks like for you today. [00:00:02] (114 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

There's nothing magical that happens in these waters. They're not particularly holy. What's holy and divine is, is. The moment where we say, yes, I want to go under. I want to participate in this death and resurrection. I want Jesus's death resurrection to cover me and my sin. That's what we're celebrating today. Colossians 2 says, entering into this fullness of life is not something you figure out or achieve. It's not a matter of being circumcised or keeping a long list of laws. No, you're already in insiders, not through some secretive initiation. Right? But rather through what Christ has already gone through for you. We're not adding anything. We're not accomplishing or achieving something. We're recognizing that what Jesus did on the cross is for us. We're declaring that with our lives here today. [00:02:49] (57 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

It is so encouraging and faith building for me to see what God is doing in the lives of others. And if you feel like, you know what, today I didn't even know. I'm just here to participate. But maybe God has something else for you today. He wants to do something in you. God's the one that invited you. God's the one that's been drawing you. And you think, oh man, I'd love to do that. I want to make this declaration. But I didn't come prepared. We're prepared for you. We've got some bags in here. I mean, there's. There's t -shirts. There's shorts. I'm not going to lie. There's underwear. All right. [00:04:29] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

To live truly our lives is under God, means to remember that his kingdom is not of this world. That's what Jesus himself says in John 18, and that's where we're going to spend the rest of our time here today. It says he stands before a governing authority, a ruler named Pontius Pilate. In verse 33 of chapter 18, Jesus stands accused of being the king, of, of not only in, in just, uh, what's, what's the word I'm looking for? Uh, instilling a, a riot, or, or, or wanting to take power over a country, a physical one, but of claiming, to be God. That's what upset the religious rulers. So they weren't able to get him, so they hand him over to Pilate, and they say, why don't you try to get him? He's claiming to be a king. [00:36:03] (54 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Jesus answered, my kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world. [00:37:20] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

And yet when Jesus says his kingdom is not of this world, it does beg a question. Well, then how do I live in it? I am here in this world. Anybody else feel like, how do I do that then? I want to live on this kingdom of Jesus. I want to see his kingdom come in my life and in our country, in our world. What does that look like? I want to give you three practical, tangible things that Jesus actually says that we see in this interaction for how to live our lives in a kingdom with a king who is not of this world. Because we are, just like Jesus prayed, still in it. We're still in it. Because a whole lot of us would say, oh yeah, this kingdom of God that is not of this world means that we can only enter into it once we leave it too. [00:38:40] (46 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

He says you can start living as a citizen of that one right now. You can start investing in that economy right now. You can experience the life that is to come, though even just in part, right now. It's so much better. It's so much more full. It's so much more lasting than anything that you would ever experience in any other kingdom with any other king. [00:40:27] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

There's empty promises in all of them. But Jesus says, I'm the way. I'm the truth. I'm the life. And if you want a part, if you want in, then it's through me. [00:40:51] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

We recognize the true king. We align with kingdom values and to live life under God, we listen to the truth. John 18, 37. Jesus says that He came to bear witness to the truth. And Pilate says, what is truth? Well, same thing is true for Pilate as it is for every single one of us. Truth is standing right in front of your face. [00:52:44] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Jesus says, I'm the truth. You don't need laws. You don't need systems. I'm doing away with all that stuff. You have something better. Listen to my voice. I'm giving you the Holy Spirit. Listen. Receive the truth. You will be set free to walk into all kinds of fullness. You won't need authorities in your life anymore. You'll do what's right. You'll do what's good. You'll pursue what's best. [00:55:08] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

Jesus willingly submitted to authority. Jesus willingly went to the cross so that you and I would know the truth that God loves you, that he made you. He is for you. And life, life to the full is available in Jesus. That is what we're declaring. That is what we're putting our lives under and saying, this is my allegiance. I have a new king. And this king leads me to freedom because his kingdom is the true one. His kingship is the true one. I want to ask you, as we go into this final time of worship, maybe you want to pray with someone. We actually have these cards that are full of scripture that is true. What is true about God and what is true about you in response. Or as a result. [00:59:37] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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Transcript

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