Living with Urgency: Commitment to God's Kingdom
Summary
Today, we gathered to reflect on the urgency and importance of living a life that is fully committed to Jesus Christ. We began by acknowledging the significance of worship and the need to create an environment where we can truly focus on God. This includes eliminating distractions and preparing our hearts to receive His word. We then transitioned into a time of praise and worship, setting the stage for a powerful and practical message that challenges us to examine our lives in light of God's expectations.
We delved into the story of Noah, a righteous man who obeyed God despite the corruption around him. Noah's obedience in building the ark and preaching God's word serves as a stark contrast to the indifference of the people around him. They continued with their daily lives, ignoring Noah's warnings and ultimately facing God's judgment. This story underscores the importance of living a life that is accountable to God, even when the world around us is not.
Next, we explored the story of Lot, who initially lived under the protection of his uncle Abraham but gradually became entangled in the sinful city of Sodom. Despite knowing the city's impending destruction, Lot lingered, finding it hard to give up his position and influence. This narrative highlights the dangers of becoming too comfortable with the world and its ways, leading to a life that is indifferent to God's commands.
We then turned our attention to the teachings of Jesus in Luke 17, where He warns against living indifferently to God's kingdom. Jesus uses the examples of Noah and Lot to illustrate how people can become so engrossed in their daily lives that they miss the signs of God's impending judgment. He emphasizes the need for urgency and readiness, urging us not to look back or cling to worldly possessions when He returns.
Jesus also addresses the Pharisees and His disciples, explaining that the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed with physical eyes but is already among us. He stresses that His return will be unmistakable, like lightning flashing across the sky, and that we must be prepared at all times. This teaching challenges us to live with a sense of urgency, continually examining our lives to ensure we are not indifferent to God's will.
We concluded with a call to repentance and reflection, urging everyone to examine their hearts and lives. We prayed for forgiveness for our indifference and asked God to help us live in a manner worthy of His calling. We also prayed for the fruit of the Spirit to be evident in our lives, so that when Jesus returns, He will find us faithful and engaged in His work.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Danger of Indifference: The stories of Noah and Lot serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of living indifferently to God's commands. Noah's obedience and Lot's lingering in Sodom highlight the contrast between a life committed to God and one entangled in the world. We must examine our lives to ensure we are not becoming too comfortable with worldly ways, which can lead to spiritual complacency. [01:04:18]
2. Urgency and Readiness: Jesus emphasizes the need for urgency and readiness in our spiritual lives. Just as the people in Noah's and Lot's times were caught off guard by God's judgment, we too must be prepared for Jesus' return. This means living each day with a sense of accountability to God, not allowing ourselves to be distracted by worldly concerns. [01:05:22]
3. Living as Kingdom Citizens: Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is already among us, and as His followers, we are called to live as representatives of that kingdom. This involves exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and actively engaging in God's work. We must continually ask ourselves if our lives reflect the values of God's kingdom or if we are living indifferently to His will. [01:11:38]
4. The Importance of Repentance: Repentance is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. We must regularly examine our hearts and lives, confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness. This helps us stay aligned with God's will and prevents us from becoming spiritually complacent. A life of constant repentance keeps us humble and dependent on God's grace. [01:12:37]
5. Bearing Spiritual Fruit: Our lives should be marked by the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of a life that is not indifferent to God but is actively growing in faith and obedience. We must strive to cultivate these fruits in our lives, so that when Jesus returns, He will find us faithful and fruitful. [01:14:44]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[12:39] - Introduction and Worship Preparation
[33:05] - Understanding Church Language
[35:40] - Background on Noah and Lot
[45:08] - Jesus' Teachings on Indifference
[52:00] - The Kingdom of God Among Us
[57:02] - Signs of Spiritual Indifference
[01:04:18] - Remember Lot's Wife
[01:11:38] - Living as Kingdom Citizens
[01:12:37] - Call to Repentance
[01:14:44] - Bearing Spiritual Fruit
[01:20:37] - Benediction and Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Genesis 6:5-9 - The story of Noah's righteousness and the corruption of the world.
2. Genesis 19:1-29 - The story of Lot and the destruction of Sodom.
3. Luke 17:20-37 - Jesus' teachings on the urgency of readiness and the kingdom of God.
#### Observation Questions
1. What was the state of the world during Noah's time, and how did Noah respond to God's commands? (Genesis 6:5-9)
2. How did Lot's relationship with Sodom evolve over time, and what was the outcome? (Genesis 19:1-29)
3. According to Jesus in Luke 17, what are the signs of His return, and how should we prepare? (Luke 17:20-37)
4. What examples did the pastor give to illustrate living indifferently to God's commands? ([55:19])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Noah's obedience contrast with the behavior of the people around him, and what does this teach us about living righteously in a corrupt world? (Genesis 6:5-9)
2. What are the dangers of becoming too comfortable with worldly ways, as seen in Lot's story? (Genesis 19:1-29)
3. In Luke 17, Jesus emphasizes the need for urgency and readiness. What does it mean to live with a sense of urgency in our spiritual lives? ([50:01])
4. How does the concept of the kingdom of God being "already among us" influence the way we live our daily lives? ([49:03])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily life. Are there areas where you might be living indifferently to God's commands? How can you address these areas this week? ([55:19])
2. Noah was obedient to God despite the corruption around him. What steps can you take to remain obedient to God in a world that often contradicts His teachings? ([37:11])
3. Lot lingered in Sodom despite knowing its impending destruction. Are there any "Sodoms" in your life that you find hard to leave behind? What practical steps can you take to distance yourself from these influences? ([43:10])
4. Jesus warns against clinging to worldly possessions when He returns. Is there something in your life that you are holding onto too tightly? How can you start letting go of it? ([01:04:50])
5. The pastor mentioned the importance of repentance and reflection. When was the last time you examined your heart and life for areas needing repentance? How can you make this a regular practice? ([01:12:37])
6. The fruit of the Spirit should be evident in our lives. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([58:31])
7. Jesus' return will be unmistakable, like lightning flashing across the sky. How can you live each day with the awareness that Jesus could return at any moment? ([50:58])
Devotional
Day 1: The Danger of Indifference
The stories of Noah and Lot serve as powerful reminders of the dangers of living indifferently to God's commands. Noah's obedience in building the ark and preaching God's word stands in stark contrast to the indifference of the people around him, who continued with their daily lives and ultimately faced God's judgment. Similarly, Lot's lingering in Sodom, despite knowing the city's impending destruction, highlights the dangers of becoming too comfortable with the world and its ways. We must examine our lives to ensure we are not becoming too comfortable with worldly ways, which can lead to spiritual complacency. [01:04:18]
Hebrews 2:1-3 (ESV): "Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. For since the message declared by angels proved to be reliable, and every transgression or disobedience received a just retribution, how shall we escape if we neglect such a great salvation?"
Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have become indifferent to God's commands? What steps can you take today to realign your focus and commitment to Him?
Day 2: Urgency and Readiness
Jesus emphasizes the need for urgency and readiness in our spiritual lives. Just as the people in Noah's and Lot's times were caught off guard by God's judgment, we too must be prepared for Jesus' return. This means living each day with a sense of accountability to God, not allowing ourselves to be distracted by worldly concerns. Jesus' teachings in Luke 17 remind us that His return will be unmistakable, and we must be prepared at all times. [01:05:22]
1 Thessalonians 5:2-4 (ESV): "For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can live with a sense of urgency and readiness for Jesus' return? How can you ensure that your daily life reflects accountability to God?
Day 3: Living as Kingdom Citizens
Jesus teaches that the kingdom of God is already among us, and as His followers, we are called to live as representatives of that kingdom. This involves exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit in our lives and actively engaging in God's work. We must continually ask ourselves if our lives reflect the values of God's kingdom or if we are living indifferently to His will. [01:11:38]
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 can you actively represent the kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you ensure that your actions and attitudes align with the values of God's kingdom?
Day 4: The Importance of Repentance
Repentance is a crucial aspect of our spiritual journey. We must regularly examine our hearts and lives, confessing our sins and seeking God's forgiveness. This helps us stay aligned with God's will and prevents us from becoming spiritually complacent. A life of constant repentance keeps us humble and dependent on God's grace. [01:12:37]
Acts 3:19-20 (ESV): "Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you, Jesus."
Reflection: When was the last time you took a moment to genuinely repent and seek God's forgiveness? What steps can you take to make repentance a regular part of your spiritual practice?
Day 5: Bearing Spiritual Fruit
Our lives should be marked by the fruit of the Spirit, such as love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These qualities are evidence of a life that is not indifferent to God but is actively growing in faith and obedience. We must strive to cultivate these fruits in our lives, so that when Jesus returns, He will find us faithful and fruitful. [01:14:44]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your life? What practical steps can you take to cultivate this fruit more effectively?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Imagine what would happen this little group of people today and those people watching online were to say, sorry, God, we've been indifferent and this week I'm not going to be indifferent. This week, this week, I'm going to look eagerly for your return and I am going to be accountable to you for how I live my life and the fruit of the Spirit coming from me and I'm going to be accountable to you to whom I've talked to. I'm going to be accountable to you for what I watch. I'm going to be accountable to you for what I say. Jesus, love you and I love you with all of my heart, soul, strength, and being. I am not going to be indifferent to you this week." [01:06:27]
2. "Are you growing in peace? Can you trust God in the middle of difficult times? Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? Are those fruit evident in your life? Matthew 7, 16 says, they will know you by your fruit. If people came and they examined your spiritual fruit tree, what would they see on it? Tribbled apples and oranges and peaches because it's filled with anger, bitterness, resentfulness. You're holding grudges. You've never forgiven people. Or is there... There are more joy, peace, patience. Church, we cannot continue to live our life indifferent to who Jesus is. We must be serious about it." [01:00:12]
3. "If the farm is your heart and the farm is your life, what condition is that farm in? Will Jesus have found you working in the farm, growing closer to him so that when he comes, he'll say, well done, my good and faithful servant. Instead of what happened. I put you in charge. How come it looks like it does? If I were to do a big picture of the church, I think God is sometimes asking how come it looks like it does. May that not be true of Colton. May Colton Community Church says, man, God, we're exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit. We're engaged in community. We're actively in service. And we care about the lost and the least and the lonely. And we're living a life of constant repentance of sin." [01:11:38]
4. "Put the kingdom in perspective. He put the kingdom in perspective that the king came, gave up his royalty, became flesh, lived a humble life, lived a life of poverty, lived a life among the poor. He lived among, because he was a carpenter's son, Jesus came. And then he taught as one who had authority. And he taught and religiously, leaders rejected him. Ultimately, the religious leaders and the Roman authorities put him to death. They rejected his message. See, Jesus had to die for us. He had to, because we have sinned. All of us have sinned. All of us have fallen short of the glory of God. All of us have erred. We've trespassed. We've gone beyond the mark, and we've messed up. And in order to have an eternal relationship with us, he had to die for us. He had to give his life for us so that we could forever give our life to him." [52:00]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Remember Lot's wife. Remember Lot's wife. Can you memorize that verse? Remember Lot's wife. What happened? See, she was enamored by the world. She was okay. She loved her position. She loved everything about Sodom. And they're fleeing. She turns around. She's done. Turns into a pillar of salt. She is taken. How about you? Are you ready to meet the Lord? Or is there something you would rather have here? Something that you would, you go, wait, wait, God, let me go do this." [01:04:18]
2. "Are you growing in peace? Can you trust God in the middle of difficult times? Patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control? Are those fruit evident in your life? Matthew 7, 16 says, they will know you by your fruit. If people came and they examined your spiritual fruit tree, what would they see on it? Tribbled apples and oranges and peaches because it's filled with anger, bitterness, resentfulness. You're holding grudges. You've never forgiven people. Or is there... There are more joy, peace, patience. Church, we cannot continue to live our life indifferent to who Jesus is. We must be serious about it." [01:00:12]
3. "Neglect of community and fellowship. You're not involved in any kind of Christian community. You're not involved in any kind of Christian fellowship. That means more than coming to church on a Sunday morning, shaking our hands during a meet and greet time, and walking out the door. That isn't Christian community. That isn't the kind of burden-bearing, relationship-growing community that you need to be involved in. Hebrews chapter 10 says, do not neglect the fellowship and the church. Meeting together, encouraging one another. How's your Christian community? Are you involved in a Christian community more so than simply coming to church on a Sunday morning?" [58:31]
4. "The kingdom of God is not coming with something observable. No one will be able to say, look over here. Look over there. They weren't going to take the binoculars and go, oh, the kingdom of God. There it comes. Here it comes right over there. Look, look. No. It's not what it says. For you see, the kingdom of God among you. The kingdom of God. Now, who is the Pharisee talking to? Jesus. Who is Jesus? Is he just some random rabbi? Or is he not the son of God? Is he not the perfect one? Is he not the one who came in the immaculate moment that we celebrate in Christmas? Is he not the one who lived a perfect, sinless life? Is that who they're not talking to? The one, Paul writes, in Colossians, who was there at the creation of all the world. Who is he talking to? He's talking to Jesus. And Jesus said this multiple times. The kingdom of God is among you. In Matthew chapter 12, the kingdom of God has come to you. In Mark chapter 1, the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news. The king is here. And in Luke, the kingdom of God is among you." [48:04]
5. "Judgment will occur when he's ready. But is he ready? Afternoon. If he came this afternoon, church, if the rapture took place this afternoon, what would you cling on to as you take place? What would you cling on to? Who would you go, what are you going to do? Oh, good, I'm glad I'm out of here. Let all those other sinners suffer. Or would you not have a heart and a passion to reach the lost and the least and the lonely? And if that's where your heart is, go. Reach him now." [01:09:06]
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