THE PILLAR AND FOUNDATION OF TRUTH

Devotional

Day 1: Transferred from Darkness to Light: Living as Kingdom Citizens

When you receive Christ, you are rescued from the kingdom of darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God, becoming a citizen of His kingdom right now—not just in the future. This new citizenship means everything changes: your authority, your values, your culture, and your way of life. You are no longer under the rule of the enemy but under the reign of Jesus, the King of Kings. As a citizen of God’s kingdom, you are called to embrace the ways, language, and customs of heaven, letting your life reflect the difference that Christ has made. The world may not understand, but your transformed life is meant to be a testimony to the reality of God’s kingdom. [04:07]

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 area of your life do you still find yourself living by the old ways of the “kingdom of darkness”? What is one practical step you can take today to embrace your identity as a citizen of God’s kingdom?

Day 2: Renewing Your Mind: Embracing Kingdom Culture

As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are not to conform to the patterns and behaviors of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds with God’s Word. This renewal is not just about avoiding obvious sins, but about letting God’s truth reshape our thinking, our values, and our priorities so that heaven’s culture becomes our own. When you allow God’s Word to renew your mind, your life begins to reflect the character of Christ—kindness, gentleness, patience—and you become a living example of the kingdom to those around you. [06:06]

Romans 12:2 (ESV)
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one belief or habit you’ve picked up from the world that you sense God wants to transform? How can you intentionally renew your mind with Scripture in this area this week?

Day 3: Building on the Rock: Obedience to Christ’s Truth

It is not enough to call Jesus “Lord” with your lips; true lordship is shown by hearing His words and putting them into practice. When you build your life on the solid foundation of Christ’s teachings, you are like a wise builder whose house stands firm through every storm. But if you only hear and do not obey, your life is built on shifting sand, vulnerable to collapse when trouble comes. Digging deep into God’s Word and applying it takes effort, but it is the only way to experience lasting stability and blessing. [27:30]

Luke 6:46-49 (ESV)
“Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you? Everyone who comes to me and hears my words and does them, I will show you what he is like: he is like a man building a house, who dug deep and laid the foundation on the rock. And when a flood arose, the stream broke against that house and could not shake it, because it had been well built. But the one who hears and does not do them is like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation. When the stream broke against it, immediately it fell, and the ruin of that house was great.”

Reflection: Is there a specific teaching of Jesus you’ve been hearing but not obeying? What would it look like to put that truth into practice today?

Day 4: The Church: Pillar and Foundation of Truth

The church is called to be the pillar and foundation of truth in a world filled with shifting ideas and cultural confusion. People should know that when they come to the church, they will encounter the unchanging truth of God’s Word. This means we must be established in the truth ourselves, not mixing it with the world’s philosophies, but standing firm and speaking the truth in love. As the body of Christ, we are entrusted with the responsibility to know, live, and proclaim God’s truth, influencing and preserving the world around us as salt and light. [49:15]

1 Timothy 3:14-15 (ESV)
I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these things to you so that, if I delay, you may know how one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, a pillar and buttress of the truth.

Reflection: How can you help strengthen the “pillar of truth” in your church community this week—whether through study, encouragement, or sharing God’s Word with someone in need?

Day 5: Seeking First the Kingdom: Prioritizing God’s Rule in Your Life

Jesus calls us to make seeking the kingdom of God and His righteousness our top priority, bringing every area of our lives under His rule and doing things His way. When you put God’s kingdom first—above your own preferences, above family expectations, above cultural trends—you open your life to His blessing and provision. This may bring conflict with the world or even those closest to you, but Jesus makes it clear that compromising truth for the sake of peace is not an option for His followers. True discipleship means embracing God’s truth, even when it costs you, and trusting that His way leads to life. [13:18]

Matthew 6:33 (ESV)
But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.

Reflection: What is one area where you’ve been tempted to compromise God’s truth for the sake of comfort or approval? How can you seek God’s kingdom first in that area today?

Sermon Summary

In a world marked by escalating conflict and division, it’s crucial to recognize that beneath the surface of our social and cultural struggles lies a deeper spiritual reality: the ongoing clash between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. These two kingdoms are fundamentally opposed in their values, beliefs, and understanding of truth. As followers of Christ, we have been rescued from darkness and transferred into the kingdom of God—not just for a future hope, but as present citizens called to live under the rule and reign of Jesus right now.

This new citizenship changes everything. The government, culture, language, values, and customs of God’s kingdom are radically different from those of the world. We are called not to conform to the patterns of this world, but to be transformed by renewing our minds with God’s Word, so that heaven’s culture becomes our own. Our lives should reflect the reality of our new allegiance, not just in outward behavior, but in the fruit of the Spirit—kindness, gentleness, patience, and love.

The process of transformation is not automatic. It requires intentionality: digging deep into Scripture, allowing God’s truth to confront and reshape our beliefs, values, and practices. Just as a foreigner in a new land must learn the language and customs to thrive, so must we immerse ourselves in the ways of the kingdom. The blessings and stability we long for come as we build our lives on the solid foundation of God’s truth, not on the shifting sands of cultural opinion or personal preference.

This commitment to truth will inevitably bring us into conflict with the world—even with those closest to us. Jesus warned that following Him would sometimes divide families and friendships, because the values of His kingdom stand in stark contrast to those of the world. Our allegiance to Christ and His Word must take precedence over every other relationship and opinion. Compromise for the sake of peace is not an option; we are called to be the pillar and foundation of truth in a world desperate for light.

The church’s unique calling is to know, live, and proclaim the truth of God’s kingdom. We are entrusted with the keys—kingdom truths that unlock freedom, blessing, and transformation. As we embrace and embody these truths, we become salt and light, influencing and preserving the world around us. The world needs a church that stands firm on the unchanging truth of God’s Word, offering hope and clarity in the midst of confusion and darkness.

Key Takeaways

1. The true conflict in our world is not merely about politics or social issues, but about the collision of two spiritual kingdoms: the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. Every person is a citizen of one or the other, and this spiritual reality shapes every aspect of life and culture. Recognizing this helps us respond with spiritual discernment rather than mere reaction to surface-level issues. [01:55]
2. Becoming a citizen of God’s kingdom is not just about salvation or a future in heaven; it’s about living under the rule and reign of Jesus now. This means embracing a new way of thinking, speaking, and living that reflects the values and priorities of heaven, even when it puts us at odds with the world around us. [04:25]
3. Transformation into a kingdom lifestyle requires intentional renewal of the mind through God’s Word. Like learning the language and customs of a new country, we must immerse ourselves in Scripture, allowing God’s truth to confront and reshape our beliefs, values, and behaviors. Only then can we experience the blessings and stability of life built on the solid rock of truth. [06:06]
4. Standing for truth will inevitably bring conflict, sometimes even within our own families. Jesus calls us to prioritize allegiance to Him and His Word above all else, refusing to compromise truth for the sake of peace or acceptance. Our willingness to stand firm, even when misunderstood or opposed, is a mark of true discipleship and kingdom citizenship. [17:58]
5. The church is called to be the pillar and foundation of truth in the world, entrusted with the keys of the kingdom—God’s revealed truths that unlock freedom and blessing. We cannot fulfill this calling if we are not deeply rooted in Scripture ourselves. As we know, live, and proclaim the truth in love, we become salt and light, offering hope and clarity to a world in darkness. [49:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:19] - The Reality of Two Kingdoms
[01:26] - The Intensifying Conflict in Our Day
[02:43] - Competing Views of Truth
[03:25] - Citizenship: From Darkness to Light
[04:25] - Living as Kingdom Citizens Now
[05:22] - Embracing Kingdom Culture and Values
[06:41] - The Evidence of Kingdom Life
[07:44] - The Bermuda Analogy: Influence of a Distant Kingdom
[09:17] - The Collision Begins at Salvation
[10:46] - Confronted by Truth: Will We Change?
[12:14] - Building on the Truth in Marriage and Life
[13:18] - Seeking First the Kingdom
[16:23] - Jesus’ Warning: Division Over Truth
[17:58] - The Cost of Allegiance to Christ
[21:17] - Kingdom Truths vs. Cultural Beliefs
[26:52] - Lordship: Hearing and Doing
[29:33] - Digging Deep for Truth
[31:20] - The Church Built on Revealed Truth
[35:11] - The Rock: God’s Word, Not Human Opinion
[39:41] - The Church: God’s Plan A for Truth
[41:50] - The Keys of the Kingdom
[44:06] - The Danger of Syncretism
[46:59] - Shaping Our Views by God’s Word
[48:10] - The Church as the Pillar of Truth
[49:54] - Salt, Light, and Our Responsibility
[51:06] - A Call to Embrace Our Role

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Colossians 1:13 (ESV) — He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son.

Romans 12:2 (ESV) — Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Matthew 10:34-37 (ESV) — “Do not think that I have come to bring peace to the earth. I have not come to bring peace, but a sword. For I have come to set a man against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. And a person's enemies will be those of his own household. Whoever loves father or mother more than me is not worthy of me, and whoever loves son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.”

Observation Questions

According to Colossians 1:13, what has God done for believers, and what does this say about our spiritual identity? [03:25]
In Romans 12:2, what are the two options Paul gives for how we can live, and what is the result of each? [05:22]
In Matthew 10:34-37, what kind of division does Jesus say will happen, and why? [16:23]
The sermon describes the “kingdom of God” and the “kingdom of darkness” as having different values, cultures, and customs. What are some specific differences mentioned? [05:08]

Interpretation Questions

What does it mean to be “transferred” from the kingdom of darkness to the kingdom of God? How does this spiritual reality affect a believer’s daily life? [04:25]
Why does Paul urge believers not to conform to the world, but to be transformed by renewing their minds? What are some practical ways this transformation can happen? [06:06]
Jesus says following Him may bring division even within families. Why is allegiance to Christ and His truth so costly, and what does this reveal about the nature of the two kingdoms? [17:58]
The sermon compares learning to live in God’s kingdom to learning the language and customs of a new country. What are some challenges believers face in this process, and how can they overcome them? [15:26]

Application Questions

The sermon says that being a citizen of God’s kingdom should change everything about us, including our values, language, and customs. What is one area of your life where you still feel more influenced by the world than by God’s kingdom? What is one step you could take this week to let God’s truth shape that area? [05:08]
Romans 12:2 calls us to renew our minds with God’s Word. What is your current habit of engaging with Scripture? Is there a specific way you could dig deeper into God’s Word this month—such as memorizing a verse, starting a reading plan, or journaling what you learn? [29:33]
The sermon warns that standing for truth may bring conflict, even with those closest to us. Have you ever experienced tension in a relationship because of your commitment to Christ? How did you respond, and is there anything you would do differently now? [17:58]
The pastor shared about how he and his wife had to let God’s truth reshape their marriage. Is there a relationship or area in your life where you need to let go of old patterns and embrace God’s way, even if it’s uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a first step? [12:14]
The church is called to be the “pillar and foundation of truth.” In what ways can you help your church stand firm on God’s Word and be a source of hope and clarity in your community? [49:15]
The sermon mentions that compromise for the sake of peace is not an option for followers of Jesus. Are there any areas where you are tempted to compromise your beliefs to avoid conflict or fit in? What would it look like to stand firm in love instead? [24:36]
The pastor said that every truth from God’s Word is like a key that unlocks freedom and blessing. Is there a specific truth or promise from Scripture that you need to “use the key” and apply to your life right now? What is it, and how can you put it into practice this week? [42:27]

Sermon Clips

So if all of a sudden what I believe is different than what the Bible believes, if Jesus is Lord of my life, if he's really, Lord of my life, come on, then I forsake what I believe and I embrace what his word says. Amen. And this now becomes what I believe. And I'm going to live by my life by, because that is truth. Come on. Not what I think is truth. Not what I feel is truth, but what God's word said is truth in my life. Amen. [00:22:58] (30 seconds) #LiveByGodsWord

Jesus actually says in this, that if you compromise what you know to be truth, just to get along, he says that you're not worthy of being his. Remember he says, I'm going to, I'm not going to, I'm here to bring peace. I'm here to bring a sword. I'm going to bring you into my kingdom and I'm going to have you building your life on biblical truths. And just, I want to tell you right now, that's going to put you at odds with people. And it may very well put you at odds with the very people that live in your house. And if you compromise those truths, listen to what he says here. He says, you're not worthy of being his. [00:23:43] (34 seconds) #NoCompromiseOnTruth

``I've made up my mind. God is always right. Whether I understand it or not, come on, whether I even agree with it in the moment or not, I'm going to embrace it as truth because I know he's right. Amen. And if I don't understand it somewhere along the way, he'll help me. He'll help me get revelation of it. [00:25:41] (19 seconds) #GodIsAlwaysRight

You have to dig down deep because you have to get below the ideas, your ideas very often, the philosophies, the thinking, and the culture of this world, which are like sand, always shifting and uncertain. Just think about how they change all the time. And you have to dig down and get to the truth of God's word, which are solid rock. Amen. You got to get down to the truth. [00:30:08] (28 seconds) #FoundationOnSolidRock

You can't mix light with darkness. Paul said that. What fellowship has light with darkness? It actually has none. If we turned off all of the lights in this room, which apparently seems to be trying to happen, if we turned off all the lights in this room and made it totally dark, how many know all you got to do is bring a light in here, and when you do, the light, it doesn't mix with the darkness. How many know it dispels the darkness? When you speak truth, it doesn't mix with darkness. The ideologies, the thinking of this world, come on, it doesn't mix with the darkness. It brings people into the light. Are you with me? It brings people into the light. [00:46:30] (46 seconds) #KingdomKeysNotCulture

We're the ones who are supposed to be, we're supposed to know the truth. We're supposed to stand for truth. We're supposed to be speaking the truth in love. Amen? We're to be salt and we're to be light, Matthew 5. Salt influences and salt preserves. Come on. When we speak truth, come on, it influences the lives of others. It preserves the truth of God's kingdom. The light, we're the light. The light only shines when we're speaking that truth in love. And the light shines in the darkness. People need to hear the truth. They need to know the truth so they can be set free just like you've been set free. And we are the ones who are to be the pillar, the foundation, of truth, speaking that truth to a lost and dying world. Amen? A world that's living in darkness and we have the light. Everybody say, we have the light. [00:49:42] (61 seconds) #ChurchPillarOfTruth

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