Radical Commitment: Living as Citizens of God's Kingdom
Summary
In today's gathering, I shared a personal journey of transformation and the profound impact of truly living a life dedicated to Jesus Christ. Reflecting on my past, I recounted my time as a football player at Clemson University, where my identity was deeply rooted in the sport. However, a career-ending injury left me bitter and questioning my purpose. It was during this period of disillusionment that I encountered a genuine man of God, Coach Timmy Renfro, whose life exemplified the teachings of Christ. His authenticity and unwavering faith inspired me to seek a deeper relationship with Jesus, leading to my conversion on April 12, 1987.
This transformation was not merely about securing a place in heaven but about surrendering every aspect of my life to Christ—my words, my finances, my time. I emphasized the importance of not just wanting a "heaven ticket" but becoming radical followers of Jesus, fully committed to His teachings and His kingdom. This commitment requires us to live by God's law, as outlined in the Bible, and to be faithful in all circumstances, whether in times of abundance or in the wilderness.
I also highlighted the significance of understanding the Bible's narrative from Genesis to 2 Kings, illustrating how God's people repeatedly faced consequences for their disobedience. This historical context serves as a reminder that obedience to God is paramount and that our lives should reflect His holiness. The journey through these scriptures underscores the need for us to be distinct from the world, living lives that are imitable and inspiring to others.
In closing, I challenged everyone to examine their relationship with God. Are we truly living as citizens of His kingdom, obeying His laws, and contributing to His work on earth? It's not enough to claim faith; our actions must align with our beliefs. I urged everyone to commit to knowing God's word deeply, as it is through this understanding that we can discern His will and effectively change the world for His glory.
Key Takeaways:
- Authenticity in faith is crucial. Observing a genuine man of God can inspire transformation. Our lives should be imitable, reflecting Christ's teachings in every aspect. [38:29]
- True commitment to Jesus involves surrendering all aspects of life, not just seeking assurance of heaven. This means dedicating our words, finances, and time to His service. [40:03]
- Understanding biblical history, from Genesis to 2 Kings, reveals the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living by God's law. This historical context is vital for spiritual growth. [42:50]
- Faithfulness in all circumstances, whether in abundance or wilderness, is essential. God uses these experiences to prepare us for greater purposes. [53:47]
- Being a citizen of God's kingdom requires obedience to His laws and active participation in His work. Our actions must align with our faith, demonstrating our commitment to His kingdom. [01:04:45]
YouTube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[35:01] - Rivalry and Reflections
[36:11] - Bitterness and Transformation
[37:38] - Encountering a Man of God
[38:29] - Imitating Christ
[40:03] - Total Surrender to Jesus
[41:11] - Commitment and Challenges
[42:50] - Biblical Obedience
[45:18] - Lessons from Job
[47:59] - The Ten Commandments
[49:09] - Building God's Kingdom
[50:24] - The Holiness of God
[51:57] - The Wilderness Experience
[53:47] - Faithfulness in Trials
[55:43] - Obedience and Consequences
[56:33] - Psalms and Preparation
[58:35] - Joshua's Leadership
[01:00:01] - The Cycle of Judges
[01:02:07] - The Demand for a King
[01:03:24] - Kingdom Citizenship
[01:04:45] - Bearing Spiritual Fruit
[01:05:40] - David's Consequences
[01:06:55] - Solomon's Wisdom
[01:12:15] - Invitation to Commitment
[01:15:01] - Call to Repentance
[01:16:45] - Closing Prayer and Commitment
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. 1 Corinthians 11:1 - "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ."
2. Leviticus 11:44 - "For I am the Lord your God. Consecrate yourselves therefore, and be holy, for I am holy."
3. Deuteronomy 28:1-2 - "If you fully obey the Lord your God and carefully follow all his commands I give you today, the Lord your God will set you high above all the nations on earth."
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Observation Questions:
1. What was the personal transformation story shared by the pastor, and how did it lead to a deeper relationship with Jesus? [38:29]
2. How does the pastor describe the difference between wanting a "heaven ticket" and being a radical follower of Jesus? [40:03]
3. What historical context from Genesis to 2 Kings was highlighted to emphasize the importance of obedience to God? [42:50]
4. How does the pastor illustrate the significance of faithfulness in both abundance and wilderness experiences? [53:47]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. In what ways does the pastor suggest that observing a genuine man of God can inspire personal transformation? [38:29]
2. How does the pastor's story of surrendering all aspects of life to Jesus challenge common perceptions of faith? [40:03]
3. What lessons can be drawn from the biblical history of disobedience and its consequences, as discussed in the sermon? [42:50]
4. How does the pastor's emphasis on faithfulness in trials relate to the broader theme of spiritual growth and preparation? [53:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life. Are there areas where you are seeking a "heaven ticket" rather than fully committing to being a radical follower of Jesus? What steps can you take to change this? [40:03]
2. Consider someone in your life who exemplifies genuine faith. How can you learn from their example and apply it to your own spiritual journey? [38:29]
3. How can you incorporate a deeper understanding of biblical history into your daily life to enhance your spiritual growth? [42:50]
4. Think about a recent trial or wilderness experience you have faced. How did you respond, and what might you do differently in the future to remain faithful? [53:47]
5. Identify one specific area of your life where your actions do not align with your faith. What practical steps can you take this week to bring them into alignment? [01:04:45]
6. How can you actively participate in God's work on earth, demonstrating your commitment to His kingdom in your community? [01:04:45]
7. Choose one aspect of your life—words, finances, or time—and make a plan to surrender it more fully to Jesus this week. What will that look like in practice? [40:03]
Devotional
Day 1: Authenticity in Faith
Authenticity in faith is crucial for spiritual transformation. Observing a genuine man of God can inspire transformation. Our lives should be imitable, reflecting Christ's teachings in every aspect. Authenticity in faith is not just about outward expressions but involves a deep, personal commitment to living out the teachings of Jesus Christ. It requires a life that is consistent with the values and principles found in the Bible, demonstrating integrity and sincerity in all actions. When others see this authenticity, it can inspire them to seek a deeper relationship with God, as they witness the transformative power of genuine faith. [38:29]
"Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor." (Romans 12:9-10, ESV)
Reflection: Who in your life exemplifies authentic faith, and how can you learn from their example to deepen your own relationship with Christ today?
Day 2: Total Surrender to Jesus
True commitment to Jesus involves surrendering all aspects of life, not just seeking assurance of heaven. This means dedicating our words, finances, and time to His service. Surrendering to Jesus is a radical act of faith that goes beyond mere belief. It involves a conscious decision to place every part of one's life under His lordship. This includes how we speak, how we manage our resources, and how we spend our time. Such surrender is not a one-time event but a daily choice to prioritize God's kingdom over personal desires. It challenges believers to live with intentionality, ensuring that every action aligns with the teachings of Christ. [40:03]
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me.'" (Luke 9:23, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
Day 3: Understanding Biblical Obedience
Understanding biblical history, from Genesis to 2 Kings, reveals the consequences of disobedience and the importance of living by God's law. This historical context is vital for spiritual growth. The Bible provides numerous examples of how disobedience leads to negative consequences, while obedience brings blessings. By studying these narratives, believers can gain insight into God's character and His expectations for His people. This understanding encourages a life of obedience, not out of fear, but out of love and reverence for God. It highlights the importance of aligning one's life with biblical principles to experience the fullness of God's promises. [42:50]
"Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine." (Exodus 19:5, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you faced consequences for disobedience. How can you use that experience to motivate a more obedient walk with God today?
Day 4: Faithfulness in Trials
Faithfulness in all circumstances, whether in abundance or wilderness, is essential. God uses these experiences to prepare us for greater purposes. Life is filled with both moments of plenty and times of scarcity, and each presents unique challenges to one's faith. Remaining faithful during trials is a testament to one's trust in God's sovereignty and goodness. These experiences are not wasted; they are opportunities for growth and preparation for future responsibilities in God's kingdom. By maintaining faithfulness, believers demonstrate their reliance on God, allowing Him to work through them in powerful ways. [53:47]
"Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness." (James 1:2-3, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a current trial you are facing. How can you choose to remain faithful and trust in God's greater purpose for this situation?
Day 5: Kingdom Citizenship
Being a citizen of God's kingdom requires obedience to His laws and active participation in His work. Our actions must align with our faith, demonstrating our commitment to His kingdom. Citizenship in God's kingdom is not passive; it demands active engagement in His mission on earth. This involves living according to His commandments and contributing to the advancement of His kingdom through service, evangelism, and discipleship. Believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ, representing His values and priorities in every aspect of life. This commitment is a reflection of one's allegiance to God and His eternal kingdom. [01:04:45]
"But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." (Philippians 3:20, ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's work today, demonstrating your citizenship in His kingdom?
Quotes
I gave my life to Jesus. Every aspect of it. My mouth, my wallet, my time. I just wanted to change the world for King Jesus. And so many people, you don't really want a relationship with Christ. You just want to make sure you get to go to heaven. [00:40:03] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
You see, what I've come to find out, speaking all the time, is that people want just enough of Jesus to get into heaven, but they don't want to give their life to him. And what we need to understand as we get going through the word of God is that God doesn't budge. He doesn't make deals. [00:42:50] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
We don't allow Jesus to dictate our circumstances. We allow our circumstances to dictate our relationship with Jesus. In other words, long as everything's good, kids are good, marriage is good, money in the bank. I love Jesus. But let a road bump come in life, which we all go through. [00:53:47] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
God's given you your law and we should be living this holy be holy be different than the rest of the world that's why it says in Leviticus 11 44 read this with me it says for I'm the Lord your God consecrate yourself so far and be holy for I am holy. [01:00:01] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because Jesus said, I'll know you by the fruit you bear. And the fruit that you bear, understand, when an apple tree bears fruit, the apple doesn't eat it. The tree doesn't eat the apple. So anything that's coming off of you spiritually isn't for you. It's for other people. [01:04:45] (13 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
When you fall radically in love with Jesus, and it ain't about a heaven ticket, you can't wait to follow the law because you understand you are a citizen, and you want to help get the kingdom of heaven back here on earth where it's supposed to be, and you'll pay your tithes, not because you have to, but because you want to. [01:06:55] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
How do you fall? Deeper in love with God? through the word Social media ain't gonna do nothing for you. I Ain't saying look at the phone sin now. I look at my phone. That's after I've spent a great deal of time in the word with God I fell radically in love with Jesus April 12 1987 and with that comes Falling in love with the Word of God. [01:12:15] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Because you don't have a deal with God Are you paying the taxes so that the protection of the provision can be? No, I'm good pastor I'm good. You don't mean gotta have a deal. No, you don't I compare salvation to a lot like pregnancy Either you are or you're not There ain't no in -between Have you ever given everything to him? Because that is what he expects complete total obedience. [01:15:01] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
I'm not obeying the law. I'm not obeying the law. I'm not obeying the law. I'm just saying that I should, the way that I should. And this morning, I need to repent and make a commitment to Christ that I will. Raise your hand right where you are very quickly, please. See the hands? [01:16:45] (11 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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