Restoration and Redemption: Our Role in God's Kingdom

 

Summary

In the beginning, when Adam disobeyed God and ate the forbidden fruit, he inadvertently handed over dominion of the Earth to the devil. This act is why the devil is referred to as the god of this world. During Jesus' temptation in the wilderness, the devil offered Him all the kingdoms of the world, a claim he could make because Adam had relinquished his authority. The Bible, therefore, is a narrative of reclaiming what was originally given to Adam. It is a story of restoration and redemption, aiming to reestablish God's comprehensive rule on Earth.

Our lives are not just about existing; they are about advancing God's cause in history. We are called to be active participants in this divine narrative. God has given us the authority to rule, and He respects our choices, whether they lead to good or bad outcomes. The essence of our rule is determined by whose word we choose to listen to and follow. This is a profound responsibility and a divine partnership. We are not alone in this journey; God desires to work through us to manifest His kingdom on Earth. Our choices, actions, and whom we choose to obey play a crucial role in this divine plan.

Key Takeaways:

- Adam's disobedience resulted in the devil becoming the god of this world, highlighting the profound impact of our choices. This narrative reminds us that our decisions can have far-reaching consequences, affecting not just our lives but the world around us. We are called to be mindful of whom we listen to and the paths we choose. [00:10]

- The Bible is a story of reclamation and restoration, aiming to reestablish God's rule on Earth. This narrative invites us to participate in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing that our lives have a purpose beyond mere existence. We are part of a larger story, one that seeks to restore what was lost. [00:22]

- Our lives are meant to advance God's cause in history, not just to be lived for personal gain. This perspective challenges us to view our daily actions and decisions as contributions to a divine mission. We are called to be active participants in God's work, shaping history according to His will. [00:38]

- God respects our choices, allowing us to rule for good or bad, underscoring the importance of free will. This respect for our autonomy is a testament to God's love and trust in us. It is a reminder that our choices matter and that we have the power to influence the world positively or negatively. [00:54]

- The rule we exercise is determined by whose word we choose to follow, highlighting the importance of discernment. In a world filled with competing voices, we are called to listen to God's word and align our lives with His truth. This discernment is crucial for living a life that advances God's kingdom. [00:54]

Youtube Chapters:

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Adam's Disobedience and Its Consequences
[00:22] - The Bible's Narrative of Reclamation
[00:38] - Living with Purpose
[00:54] - The Power of Choice and Rule

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Genesis 3:6-7 - Adam and Eve's disobedience and the fall.
2. Luke 4:5-7 - The devil's temptation of Jesus in the wilderness.

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Observation Questions:
1. What was the consequence of Adam's disobedience according to the sermon? How did it affect the dominion of the Earth? [00:10]
2. During Jesus' temptation, what did the devil offer Him, and why was he able to make such an offer? [00:10]
3. How does the sermon describe the Bible's narrative in relation to Adam's original authority? [00:22]
4. What role does human choice play in God's plan according to the sermon? [00:54]

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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of the devil being the "god of this world" influence the way believers view their role in the world? [00:10]
2. In what ways does the Bible's narrative of reclamation and restoration challenge believers to live with purpose? [00:22]
3. How does the sermon suggest that believers can actively participate in advancing God's cause in history? [00:38]
4. What does the sermon imply about the relationship between free will and divine partnership? [00:54]

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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did it align with advancing God's cause rather than personal gain? [00:38]
2. In what areas of your life do you feel you have relinquished authority, and how can you reclaim it in alignment with God's will? [00:22]
3. How can you be more discerning about the voices you listen to in your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure you are following God's word? [00:54]
4. Think of a situation where your choice had a significant impact on others. How did it reflect your responsibility in God's plan? [00:54]
5. Identify a specific way you can contribute to God's redemptive plan in your community this week. What action will you take? [00:38]
6. How can you better recognize and resist temptations that aim to divert you from God's purpose for your life? [00:10]
7. Consider a time when you felt God was working through you. How did that experience shape your understanding of divine partnership? [00:54]

Devotional

Day 1: The Consequences of Adam's Choice
Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden had profound implications, not only for himself but for all of humanity. By choosing to eat the forbidden fruit, Adam inadvertently transferred dominion of the Earth to the devil, who is now referred to as the god of this world. This act serves as a powerful reminder of the far-reaching consequences of our choices. Our decisions can impact not only our own lives but also the world around us. We are called to be mindful of whom we listen to and the paths we choose, as these choices can either align us with God's will or lead us astray. [00:10]

"For if, because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ." (Romans 5:17, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent decision you made that had unintended consequences. How can you seek God's guidance to make choices that align with His will in the future?


Day 2: The Story of Reclamation and Restoration
The Bible is a grand narrative of reclamation and restoration, aiming to reestablish God's rule on Earth. This story invites us to participate in God's redemptive plan, emphasizing that our lives have a purpose beyond mere existence. We are part of a larger story, one that seeks to restore what was lost through Adam's disobedience. As we engage with this narrative, we are reminded that our lives are not just about personal gain but about advancing God's kingdom and being part of His divine mission. [00:22]

"And I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways can you actively participate in God's story of restoration today? Consider one specific action you can take to contribute to His redemptive plan.


Day 3: Living with Purpose
Our lives are meant to advance God's cause in history, not just to be lived for personal gain. This perspective challenges us to view our daily actions and decisions as contributions to a divine mission. We are called to be active participants in God's work, shaping history according to His will. By aligning our lives with God's purpose, we find true fulfillment and meaning, knowing that we are part of something greater than ourselves. [00:38]

"For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." (Ephesians 2:10, ESV)

Reflection: Reflect on your daily routine. How can you incorporate actions that advance God's kingdom and align with His purpose for your life?


Day 4: The Power of Choice and Rule
God respects our choices, allowing us to rule for good or bad, underscoring the importance of free will. This respect for our autonomy is a testament to God's love and trust in us. It is a reminder that our choices matter and that we have the power to influence the world positively or negatively. As we exercise this power, we must be mindful of the responsibility that comes with it and strive to make choices that reflect God's love and truth. [00:54]

"I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live." (Deuteronomy 30:19, ESV)

Reflection: Consider a choice you are facing today. How can you ensure that your decision reflects God's love and truth, and what steps can you take to seek His guidance in this matter?


Day 5: Discernment in Following God's Word
The rule we exercise is determined by whose word we choose to follow, highlighting the importance of discernment. In a world filled with competing voices, we are called to listen to God's word and align our lives with His truth. This discernment is crucial for living a life that advances God's kingdom. By choosing to follow God's word, we align ourselves with His will and become effective instruments in His divine plan. [00:54]

"Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path." (Psalm 119:105, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a specific area in your life where you struggle to discern God's voice. What practical steps can you take to better hear and follow His guidance in this area?

Quotes

"when Adam disobeyed and ate of the fruit he turned the Earth over to the devil the Bible says and so the devil became the God of this world that's why when Jesus was tempted with the devil in the wilderness the devil said if you worship me I will give you all the kingdoms of this world the reason the devil could tell Jesus I could give it to you is cuz Adam gave it to me so guess what the Bible is all about reclaiming what God originally gave to Adam that's what the Bible is all about history is all about that's what your life is all about the visible manifestation of the comprehensive rule of God you're not just living a life to live a life you're living a life to advance a cause a cause of God in history but he will not do it apart from you because he said let them Rule and they can rule for good or for bad and I will respect their rule the rule will be determined by whose word you listen to" [00:00:10]

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Transcript
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