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Devotional

Day 1: Living as Citizens of a Different Kingdom

As followers of Jesus, our truest identity is not found in our nationality, culture, or political affiliation, but in our belonging to God’s kingdom. This means that while we live, work, and participate in the world around us, our deepest loyalties are shaped by Christ and His values. Living as “foreigners and exiles” can feel uncomfortable, but it is a reminder that we are called to be distinct—to speak and act with a “kingdom accent” that sets us apart. This distinctiveness is not about withdrawing from the world, but about being faithfully present, living in such a way that others notice something different about us.
When we embrace our kingdom identity, we become people who reflect God’s love, justice, and mercy in every area of life. Our words, actions, and even our disagreements are marked by the character of Christ. The world may not always understand or appreciate this difference, but our calling is to remain rooted in who we are in Jesus, letting His kingdom shape our priorities and relationships above all else.

“But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.” (1 Peter 2:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most feel the tension of being “different” because of your faith? How might God be inviting you to embrace your kingdom identity in that area today?

Day 2: Anchoring Our Hope Beyond Politics

It is easy to get swept up in the anxieties and divisions of the political world, especially when so much seems at stake. Yet Scripture reminds us that God is sovereign—His purposes will stand, no matter who holds earthly power. While we are called to participate responsibly in civic life, our ultimate hope is not in any leader, party, or system. When we forget this, we risk becoming anxious, divisive, or even idolatrous about politics, placing our trust in human solutions rather than in God’s unshakable kingdom.
Instead, we are invited to do our part—voting, advocating, praying—but always with the deep assurance that God remains on the throne. This perspective frees us from fear and empowers us to engage with humility and peace, knowing that our security rests in Christ alone. Our trust in God’s sovereignty allows us to be a non-anxious presence in a divided world, pointing others to the hope that does not disappoint.

“It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in man. It is better to take refuge in the Lord than to trust in princes.” (Psalm 118:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: When you feel anxious or frustrated about politics or current events, what would it look like to intentionally shift your trust back to God today?

Day 3: Courageously Pursuing Truth in a Noisy World

In a world filled with misinformation, half-truths, and spin, followers of Jesus are called to be people of truth. This means seeking out reliable sources, listening to perspectives beyond our own, and being willing to challenge falsehood—even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Pursuing truth requires humility: admitting when we are wrong, being open to correction, and valuing honesty over winning arguments.
Our commitment to truth should be evident in our conversations, our social media presence, and our willingness to hold leaders accountable. When we speak and live truthfully, we reflect the character of Jesus, who is Himself the Truth. Even when it costs us—whether in reputation, relationships, or comfort—choosing truth honors God and builds trust with others.

“Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out. Whoever winks the eye causes trouble, and a babbling fool will come to ruin.” (Proverbs 10:9-10, ESV)

Reflection: Is there a conversation or situation where you have been tempted to avoid the truth or stay silent? What step can you take today to pursue and speak truth with humility?

Day 4: Loving Across Divides

Jesus calls us to love our neighbors—including those who think, believe, or vote differently than we do. Genuine love begins with listening: being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. When we encounter views we don’t understand, it’s an opportunity to build bridges rather than walls.
Loving across divides means seeking understanding, showing kindness, and refusing to let differences become barriers to relationship. This kind of love is radical in a divided world, and it has the power to heal wounds and point people to the gospel. As we practice this love, we embody the heart of Christ, who welcomed and cared for all, regardless of background or belief.

“If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” (James 2:8-9, ESV)

Reflection: Who is one person in your life with whom you disagree or struggle to understand? How can you take a step toward listening and loving them today?

Day 5: Compassion in Action—Letting Prayer Move Us

A hallmark of kingdom living is compassion for the vulnerable—those who are overlooked, hurting, or in need. God calls His people to be advocates for justice, to support those in crisis, and to welcome the stranger. Our prayers should not be an excuse for inaction, but a catalyst for engagement. As we seek God’s wisdom, He may reveal blind spots where our political identity overshadows our kingdom calling.
The challenge is to respond in obedience, letting love, humility, and courage guide our steps. When we care for the vulnerable, we bear witness to the reign of Christ in a divided world. Our actions, rooted in prayer, can bring hope and healing to those who need it most.

“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” (Isaiah 58:6-7, ESV)

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show compassion to someone vulnerable in your community this week? Ask God to show you where He wants you to act.

Sermon Summary

of the Sermon**

In this sermon, we explored what it means to live as “kingdom first” people—followers of Jesus whose primary identity is rooted in God’s kingdom rather than any earthly nation or political system. Drawing from personal experience as a foreigner in Chile and from the teachings of 1 Peter 2, we reflected on how Christians are called to live as “foreigners and exiles” in the world, embodying the values of God’s kingdom even when they clash with the culture around us. The message challenged us to let our kingdom identity shape every area of our lives, including our engagement with politics, our pursuit of truth, our love for neighbors (even those we disagree with), and our care for the vulnerable. We were reminded that our ultimate trust is in God, not in political leaders, and that our actions—rooted in prayer, humility, and love—can point others to Jesus. The sermon concluded with an invitation to remember Christ’s sacrifice through communion, confessing our shortcomings and receiving grace to live out our kingdom calling.

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Key Takeaways

1. Kingdom Identity Transcends Earthly Allegiances As followers of Jesus, our core identity is as citizens of God’s kingdom, not defined by our nationality, culture, or political affiliation. This means that while we participate in the world around us, our deepest loyalties and values are shaped by Christ. Living as “foreigners and exiles” can feel uncomfortable, but it is a reminder that we are called to be different—to speak and act with a “kingdom accent” that sets us apart. This distinctiveness is not about withdrawal, but about faithful presence and witness.
2. Trust in God, Not in Political Systems The Bible repeatedly teaches that God is sovereign and His purposes will prevail, regardless of who holds political power. While we are called to participate responsibly in civic life, our hope is not in any leader or party. When we forget this, we risk becoming anxious, divisive, or even idolatrous about politics. Instead, we are invited to do our part—voting, advocating, praying—but always with the deep assurance that God remains on the throne and His kingdom will not be shaken.
3. Pursue and Speak the Truth, Even When It’s Costly Kingdom people are called to be lovers of truth in a world where misinformation and spin are common. This requires humility and diligence: seeking out reliable sources, listening to perspectives beyond our own, and being willing to challenge falsehood—even when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable. Our commitment to truth should be evident in our conversations, our social media presence, and our willingness to hold leaders accountable. In doing so, we reflect the character of Jesus, who is Himself the Truth.
4. Love Your Neighbor—Especially Those Who Differ from You Jesus’ command to love our neighbors includes those who think, believe, or vote differently than we do. Genuine love begins with listening: being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. When we encounter views we don’t understand, it’s an opportunity to build bridges rather than walls. By seeking understanding and showing kindness, we embody the radical love of Christ, which has the power to heal divisions and point people to the gospel.
5. Care for the Vulnerable and Let Prayer Lead to Action A hallmark of kingdom living is compassion for the vulnerable—whether that’s supporting mothers in crisis, welcoming refugees, or advocating for justice at every level of society. Our prayers should not be an excuse for inaction, but a catalyst for engagement. As we seek God’s wisdom, He may reveal blind spots where our political identity overshadows our kingdom calling. The challenge is to respond in obedience, letting love, humility, and courage guide our steps, so that our lives bear witness to the reign of Christ in a divided world.

Bible Study Guide

**Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living as “Kingdom First” People**

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### Bible Reading

- **1 Peter 2:11-12**
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.”

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### Observation Questions

In 1 Peter 2:11-12, what words does Peter use to describe the identity of Christians in the world?
According to these verses, what is the purpose of living “such good lives” among those who don’t share our faith?
In the sermon, what personal story did the pastor share to help us understand what it feels like to be a “foreigner” or “exile”?
What are some of the specific areas of life the sermon mentioned where our “kingdom first” identity should show up?

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### Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Peter calls Christians “foreigners and exiles”? What does that say about how we relate to the culture around us?
The sermon talked about having a “kingdom accent” that sets us apart. What might that look or sound like in everyday life?
How does trusting in God’s sovereignty (instead of political leaders or systems) change the way a Christian might respond to political tension or division?
The sermon challenged us to love our neighbors, especially those who disagree with us. Why is this so important for our witness as followers of Jesus?

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### Application Questions

The sermon said our “kingdom identity” should shape every area of our lives, including politics, truth-telling, and how we treat others. Is there an area where you feel tension between your faith and the culture around you? How do you handle that?
Think about your conversations (in person or online) about politics or current events. Would others notice a “kingdom accent” in the way you speak? What might need to change?
The message encouraged us to seek out truth, even when it’s uncomfortable. Are there sources of information or habits you need to adjust to be more committed to truth?
Loving neighbors who think or vote differently can be hard. Can you think of someone in your life who fits that description? What is one practical step you could take this week to listen to or show kindness to them?
The sermon highlighted caring for the vulnerable as a mark of kingdom living. Is there a group or individual in your community who is vulnerable or overlooked? What is one way you could get involved or support them?
The pastor said prayer should lead to action, not just be an excuse for inaction. Is there something you’ve been praying about where you sense God is nudging you to take a step? What might that step look like?
During communion, we were invited to confess where we’ve fallen short and receive grace. Is there a specific area where you need God’s forgiveness or help to live out your “kingdom first” calling this week? How can the group support you in that?

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Sermon Quotes

“As followers of Jesus, our true citizenship is in God’s kingdom. We are no longer Americans first, or Germans first, or South Africans first. We are kingdom people first, and our national or political identity comes in after that.”

“Life changes when you know you’re living in a land that is not truly your home. As ‘kingdom first’ people, we will often find ourselves at odds with the values and priorities of the culture around us.”

“If we want people to see the kingdom, we need to be the kingdom—to embody the kingdom, to live out the values of the kingdom. That’s our mission as ‘kingdom first’ identity people.”

“Kingdom first people put their ultimate trust in God, not in political leaders and parties. No matter who is in power, Jesus is still on the throne, and God’s will is ultimately going to get done.”

“We should vote as our Christ-informed conscience leads us, but we need to remember that, regardless of the outcome of any election, God is still in control and we can trust that God will get His work done.”

“As kingdom first people, we should value the truth and do the work required to seek it out. That means getting out of our echo chambers and consulting credible sources—not just what we see on our preferred news channel or social media feeds.”

“In pursuing and loving the truth, we will speak with a kingdom accent. We must be willing to call out lies—even if they support the causes we feel strongly about—and demand that our leaders speak the truth clearly.”

“One way we love our neighbor is by being quick to listen to them, not becoming angry when we see things differently. Getting angry with people you don’t understand does not lead to Godly results.”

“Kingdom first people care for the vulnerable in our local neighborhoods. We are called to look after orphans, widows, refugees, and anyone in distress, embodying compassion and kindness in tangible ways.”

“If we can truly interact with others in a way that is loving, humble, and kind, then God’s Spirit can help His ‘kingdom first’ people truly be the conscience of whatever nation they happen to live in.”

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