Obedience, Judgment, and the Unshakeable Kingdom of God

 

Summary

In reflecting on the journey of Moses and the Israelites, we are reminded of the profound consequences of disobedience to God. Moses, despite his pivotal role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, was denied entry into the Promised Land due to his disobedience. This serves as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding God's word. The narrative of Moses is a prelude to a greater truth: the final judgment that awaits all humanity. The universe, as we know it, will be shaken, and everything that humanity prides itself on will be reduced to nothing. This impending judgment underscores the urgency of listening to the gospel, which offers the only path to stand firm in the face of divine judgment.

The gospel of Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate and final covenant between God and humanity. Unlike the old covenant, which demanded adherence to the law, the new covenant offers salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This new covenant, mediated by Jesus, is not about fulfilling the law but about believing in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice. The blood of Jesus, symbolized as the "blood of sprinkling," cleanses us from sin and prepares us for the judgment day. It is through this belief that we are reconciled with God, forgiven, and granted access to His eternal kingdom.

The kingdom of God is described as unshakeable and eternal, unlike the transient kingdoms of this world. The blessings of this kingdom are both immediate and eternal, offering forgiveness, reconciliation, and the promise of eternal life. As members of this kingdom, we are heirs to God's promises, enjoying His favor and blessings in this life and the next. The certainty of this kingdom is rooted in the victory of Jesus over all powers, including death itself. This kingdom, unlike any earthly empire, will endure forever, and its king, Jesus, reigns supreme.

Key Takeaways:

- The story of Moses highlights the severe consequences of disobedience to God. Despite his leadership, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land due to his failure to follow God's command. This serves as a reminder of the importance of obedience and the reality of divine judgment. [31:18]

- The universe will be shaken, and all human achievements will be reduced to nothing. This impending judgment emphasizes the urgency of listening to the gospel, which offers the only way to stand firm in the face of divine judgment. [33:39]

- The new covenant, mediated by Jesus, offers salvation through faith, not adherence to the law. This covenant is God's final provision for humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through the sacrifice of Jesus. [38:27]

- The kingdom of God is unshakeable and eternal, offering immediate and eternal blessings. As members of this kingdom, we are forgiven, reconciled with God, and promised eternal life. [46:01]

- Jesus' victory over all powers, including death, assures us of the certainty of God's kingdom. This kingdom will endure forever, and its king, Jesus, reigns supreme, offering us security and hope. [52:47]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [31:02] - Moses and the Promised Land
- [31:49] - Consequences of Disobedience
- [32:23] - The Coming Judgment
- [33:12] - The Shaking of the Universe
- [34:12] - Standing Before God
- [35:31] - The Only Way to Stand
- [36:20] - The New Covenant
- [37:03] - Superseding the Old Law
- [38:07] - God's Final Provision
- [39:12] - The New Covenant Explained
- [41:06] - The Blood of Sprinkling
- [42:58] - Approaching God with Confidence
- [44:41] - The Precious Blood of Christ
- [45:31] - The Unshakeable Kingdom
- [48:40] - The Glory of God's Kingdom
- [51:16] - The Everlasting Kingdom
- [53:39] - The Importance of Listening

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 12:25-29
2. 2 Peter 3:10-13
3. Romans 3:23-24

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Observation Questions:

1. What was the specific act of disobedience that led to Moses being denied entry into the Promised Land? How does this illustrate the consequences of disobedience to God? [31:18]

2. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the "shaking" of the universe mentioned in the Bible? How does this relate to the final judgment? [33:39]

3. How does the sermon describe the transition from the old covenant to the new covenant mediated by Jesus? What are the key differences highlighted? [38:27]

4. What are the immediate and eternal blessings mentioned in the sermon that come with being part of God's unshakeable kingdom? [46:01]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Moses serve as a warning about the importance of obedience to God? What lessons can be drawn from his experience? [31:18]

2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that human achievements will be rendered insignificant in the face of divine judgment? How should this perspective influence our priorities? [33:39]

3. What does the sermon imply about the role of faith in Jesus Christ in the new covenant? How does this differ from adherence to the law in the old covenant? [38:27]

4. How does the sermon describe the certainty and security of God's kingdom? What assurances does it offer to believers about their future? [52:47]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How did that experience shape your understanding of obedience to God? [31:18]

2. Considering the sermon’s message about the impermanence of worldly achievements, what changes might you make in your life to focus more on eternal values? [33:39]

3. How can you actively embrace the new covenant in your daily life? What steps can you take to deepen your faith in Jesus Christ and rely less on your own efforts? [38:27]

4. The sermon speaks of the immediate blessings of God's kingdom, such as forgiveness and reconciliation. How have you experienced these blessings in your life, and how can you share them with others? [46:01]

5. In what ways can you find security and hope in the promise of God's unshakeable kingdom, especially during times of uncertainty or fear? [52:47]

6. How can the victory of Jesus over death and all powers influence your daily walk with God? What specific actions can you take to live in the confidence of this victory? [52:47]

7. Reflect on the sermon’s call to listen to the gospel. What practical steps can you take to ensure you are not refusing the message of Christ in your life? [53:39]

Devotional

Day 1: The Weight of Disobedience
Disobedience to God carries profound consequences, as illustrated by the story of Moses. Despite his significant role in leading the Israelites out of Egypt, Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land due to his failure to follow God's command. This narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and the reality of divine judgment. It challenges us to reflect on our own lives and consider the areas where we may be falling short in our obedience to God. The story of Moses is not just a historical account but a lesson for us today, urging us to heed God's word and live in accordance with His will. [31:18]

Numbers 20:11-12 (ESV): "And Moses lifted up his hand and struck the rock with his staff twice, and water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock. And the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, 'Because you did not believe in me, to uphold me as holy in the eyes of the people of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land that I have given them.'"

Reflection: Is there an area in your life where you are knowingly disobeying God? What steps can you take today to align your actions with His commands?


Day 2: The Urgency of the Gospel
The universe will be shaken, and all human achievements will be reduced to nothing. This impending judgment emphasizes the urgency of listening to the gospel, which offers the only way to stand firm in the face of divine judgment. The gospel is not just a message of hope but a call to action, urging us to respond to God's offer of salvation through Jesus Christ. In a world where everything is temporary, the gospel provides a firm foundation and a path to eternal life. It is crucial to prioritize the gospel in our lives and share its message with others, knowing that it is the only way to withstand the coming judgment. [33:39]

Hebrews 12:26-27 (ESV): "At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, 'Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.' This phrase, 'Yet once more,' indicates the removal of things that are shaken—that is, things that have been made—in order that the things that cannot be shaken may remain."

Reflection: How can you prioritize sharing the gospel with someone in your life this week? What practical steps can you take to make this a reality?


Day 3: The New Covenant of Faith
The new covenant, mediated by Jesus, offers salvation through faith, not adherence to the law. This covenant is God's final provision for humanity, offering forgiveness and reconciliation through the sacrifice of Jesus. Unlike the old covenant, which required strict adherence to the law, the new covenant is based on faith in the redemptive power of Christ's sacrifice. This shift from law to grace is a profound change that invites us to trust in Jesus for our salvation. It is a call to embrace the freedom and forgiveness offered through faith in Christ, knowing that it is through Him that we are reconciled with God and granted access to His eternal kingdom. [38:27]

Hebrews 8:10-12 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my laws into their minds, and write them on their hearts, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And they shall not teach, each one his neighbor and each one his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest. For I will be merciful toward their iniquities, and I will remember their sins no more."

Reflection: In what ways are you still trying to earn God's favor through your own efforts? How can you fully embrace the grace offered through the new covenant today?


Day 4: The Unshakeable Kingdom
The kingdom of God is unshakeable and eternal, offering immediate and eternal blessings. As members of this kingdom, we are forgiven, reconciled with God, and promised eternal life. This kingdom stands in stark contrast to the transient kingdoms of this world, which are subject to change and decay. The certainty of God's kingdom is rooted in the victory of Jesus over all powers, including death itself. As heirs to this kingdom, we enjoy God's favor and blessings in this life and the next. It is a source of hope and security, reminding us that our ultimate allegiance is to a kingdom that will endure forever. [46:01]

Daniel 7:14 (ESV): "And to him was given dominion and glory and a kingdom, that all peoples, nations, and languages should serve him; his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom one that shall not be destroyed."

Reflection: How does the reality of God's unshakeable kingdom influence your daily decisions and priorities? What changes can you make to live more fully as a citizen of this eternal kingdom?


Day 5: The Supreme Reign of Jesus
Jesus' victory over all powers, including death, assures us of the certainty of God's kingdom. This kingdom will endure forever, and its king, Jesus, reigns supreme, offering us security and hope. The reign of Jesus is not just a future promise but a present reality, inviting us to live under His lordship today. His victory over death is the ultimate assurance that nothing can separate us from His love and the promises of His kingdom. As we live in the light of His reign, we are called to reflect His character and share His love with the world, knowing that our hope is secure in Him. [52:47]

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: What does it mean for you to live under the reign of Jesus today? How can you reflect His character in your interactions with others this week?

Quotes

Moses, he was not allowed to enter into the land of Canaan, the promised land himself. He was the man to whom the honor was given of leading the people out of Egypt, across the Red Sea, and through the wilderness right up to the verge of Jordan. And then he was taken. He was not allowed to make them cross the Jordan and enter the promised land. Why? Well, because he disobeyed God. [00:30:52]

There's a day coming, my dear friend, when this whole universe is going to be shaken. It's not so difficult to believe that as it used to be, is it? People used to laugh at this idea of the shaking of the universe, at this idea that the heavens and the Earth were going to pass away, that the elements were going to melt with a fervent heat. [00:32:23]

Men and women sitting here in Westminster Chapel in London tonight, do you realize that you and I and all of us and the whole of mankind have got to stand before the judge of all, which is God? See that you refuse not him that speaketh. Our Lord said, you remember, to the people, he said, I'm not going to judge you. [00:34:12]

This is the only way whereby we shall be able to stand in that judgment and be made ready for that judgment. This is why they preached it. This is why I preach it. Thank God there's only one way to be right with God and ready for that judgment. It's this: it's not to refuse him that speaketh but to listen to him and to believe him. [00:35:31]

All that has been shaken, it's gone, and there's only one thing left, and that is the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The temple is gone, the burnt offerings and sacrifices, the priest and the high priest, they've gone. Temporary measure. There's only one thing left, and that is the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ. [00:37:03]

God is holding out an offer to the human race. This almighty God who's going to judge us all and who over all, he's extending a new opportunity, a new covenant, the last covenant, the last offer. And he sent it in his son, not in a servant, not in a prophet, not in a priest. His own son came out of Heaven into this world. [00:39:12]

Here am I, your sinner, vile, and you're all sinners, vile. We're all wretched, we're all foul. What if the world knew your imaginations and your thoughts? What if your neighbors knew the things that you fumble in your heart? We are all vile, lost sinners, but we've got to stand before a holy God who is a consuming fire. [00:41:06]

The moment you believe in him, you are already forgiven. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved, forgiven completely, absolutely. Not only that, you're reconciled to God. You have access into the presence of God, having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest of all. [00:46:01]

Every man who is a true Christian and a true member of the Christian church is one of God's firstborn. That means two things: it means that you are born again, that you become a child of God, yes, but you're the firstborn. Everybody in the Christian church is a firstborn child. What's it mean? It means that you're an heir. [00:48:40]

Here is a kingdom which cannot be removed, cannot be shaken. Is this true? Well, history proves it. Christ said the gates of hell shall not prevail against her, and they haven't. People have been dying ever since he founded the church, but the church goes on. All the enemies have risen throughout the centuries. [00:51:16]

The kingdom of the Christ of God is an everlasting kingdom. There'll never be an end to it. Your Babylons have been great, but they've gone. The kingdoms of Greece were great; they vanished. Rome was a mighty empire; she's gone. Egypt was once great; nothing left of its glory. Britain, Spain, all these come and go. [00:52:47]

The kingdom shall never be removed. Why not? Because the king is the Son of God who came into this world, and he's already demonstrated his superiority. He's vanquished every enemy. In this world, he met every power that could ever be raised against God, and he mastered, he conquered them all. [00:53:39]

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Transcript
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