The Unshakable Kingdom: God's Sovereignty and Our Calling

 

Summary

The Kingdom of God is a profound and eternal reality that transcends the rise and fall of earthly kingdoms. Throughout history, from Mesopotamia to modern times, kingdoms have risen and fallen, yet the Kingdom of God remains unshaken. This divine kingdom is not contingent upon human power or wisdom but is orchestrated by God, who intervenes in history to fulfill His purposes. The Kingdom of God is built upon the blood of Jesus Christ and the repentance of believers, making it the most significant and enduring kingdom.

In the narrative of history, God uses both willing and unwitting servants to accomplish His will. Figures like Alexander the Great, though not followers of the true God, were used to prepare the world for the spread of the Gospel. Similarly, nations like the United States and Britain have been blessed when they aligned with God's principles, treating God as God, men as men, and the Gospel as the good news for all. However, when nations deviate from these principles, they face decline.

The Kingdom of God was the central theme of Jesus' ministry, yet even His closest disciples struggled to grasp its full meaning. Ironically, it was a thief on the cross and a Roman centurion who first recognized the true nature of Jesus and His kingdom. This highlights that the Gospel is not confined to any one nation or people but is a message for all humanity.

The Reformation principles of sola gratia, sola Scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria remind us of the foundation of our faith. We are chosen by God's grace, not by our merit, and our faith is an acceptance of God's acceptance of us. As we commemorate the Reformation, we are called to live for God's glory, serving Him with devotion and spreading the Gospel to all nations. The Kingdom of God is unshakable, and as its citizens, we are to live in alignment with His will, not our ambitions.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Eternal Kingdom of God: Earthly kingdoms rise and fall, but the Kingdom of God remains eternal and unshaken. It is built on the blood of Jesus and the repentance of believers, making it the most significant and enduring kingdom. This divine kingdom transcends human power and wisdom, orchestrated by God to fulfill His purposes. [04:19]

2. God's Sovereignty in History: Throughout history, God has used both willing and unwitting servants to accomplish His will. Figures like Alexander the Great and nations like the United States have been instruments in God's plan, demonstrating that His sovereignty extends over all human affairs. [08:54]

3. The Gospel for All Nations: The Kingdom of God is not confined to any one nation or people. The Gospel is a message for all humanity, as demonstrated by the thief on the cross and the Roman centurion who recognized Jesus' true nature. This universality calls us to spread the Gospel to all nations. [18:36]

4. Reformation Principles: The Reformation principles of sola gratia, sola Scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria remind us of the foundation of our faith. We are chosen by God's grace, not by our merit, and our faith is an acceptance of God's acceptance of us. [25:23]

5. Living for God's Glory: As citizens of the unshakable Kingdom of God, we are called to live for His glory, serving Him with devotion and spreading the Gospel. Our lives should align with His will, not our ambitions, as we witness to His truth in the world. [27:20]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:40] - Introduction and Background
- [01:23] - Reformation 500 Events
- [02:02] - The Rise and Fall of Kingdoms
- [03:07] - God's Intervention in History
- [04:19] - The Significance of God's People
- [05:32] - Handel's Messiah and God's Glory
- [06:28] - God's Sovereignty Over Kingdoms
- [07:33] - Alexander the Great's Role
- [08:54] - God's Use of Unwitting Servants
- [09:33] - The Role of the United States
- [11:21] - Lessons from British History
- [13:40] - Understanding the Kingdom of God
- [16:51] - The Robber's Insight
- [19:39] - The Foundation of the Kingdom
- [21:16] - The Focus of God's Plan
- [25:23] - Reformation Principles
- [27:20] - Living for God's Glory

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Kingdom of God

Bible Reading:
1. Daniel 2:44 - "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever."
2. Matthew 6:33 - "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
3. Revelation 11:15 - "Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, 'The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he shall reign forever and ever.'"

Observation Questions:
1. What does the sermon suggest about the permanence of the Kingdom of God compared to earthly kingdoms? [04:19]
2. How does the sermon describe God's intervention in history through figures like Alexander the Great? [08:54]
3. According to the sermon, who were the first individuals to recognize the true nature of Jesus and His kingdom? [18:07]
4. What are the two foundational elements of the Kingdom of God as mentioned in the sermon? [19:39]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon illustrate the concept of God's sovereignty over human history, and what implications does this have for our understanding of current world events? [06:28]
2. In what ways does the sermon challenge the notion that the Gospel is confined to a specific nation or people? [18:36]
3. How do the Reformation principles mentioned in the sermon (sola gratia, sola Scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, soli Deo gloria) shape our understanding of faith and salvation? [25:23]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the role of repentance in becoming a citizen of the Kingdom of God? [20:07]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you witnessed or experienced the rise and fall of a "kingdom" in your life (e.g., a job, relationship, or personal goal). How did this experience shape your understanding of the eternal Kingdom of God? [02:02]
2. The sermon mentions that God uses both willing and unwitting servants to fulfill His purposes. Can you identify a situation in your life where you felt used by God, even if you were unaware at the time? [08:54]
3. How can you actively participate in spreading the Gospel to all nations, as emphasized in the sermon? What steps can you take this week to share the message of Jesus with someone from a different cultural background? [18:36]
4. The sermon highlights the importance of living for God's glory. What specific changes can you make in your daily routine to align more closely with God's will rather than your own ambitions? [27:20]
5. Consider the Reformation principles discussed in the sermon. How can you incorporate these principles into your personal faith journey, and what impact might this have on your relationship with God? [25:23]
6. The sermon suggests that the Kingdom of God is built on the blood of Jesus and the repentance of believers. How does this understanding influence your view of salvation and your role in God's kingdom? [19:39]
7. Reflect on the sermon’s message about the universality of the Gospel. How can you ensure that your faith community is welcoming and inclusive to people from all nations and backgrounds? [18:36]

Devotional

Day 1: The Unshakable Kingdom of God
The Kingdom of God is an eternal reality that stands firm despite the transient nature of earthly kingdoms. Unlike human empires that rise and fall, God's Kingdom is built on the sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the repentance of believers. It is not dependent on human power or wisdom but is orchestrated by God to fulfill His divine purposes. This Kingdom is the most significant and enduring, transcending all human history and offering a hope that is unshakable. As believers, we are called to recognize the eternal nature of this Kingdom and align our lives with its values. [04:19]

Hebrews 12:28-29 (ESV): "Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire."

Reflection: In what ways can you align your daily life with the values of God's eternal Kingdom, rather than the fleeting priorities of earthly kingdoms?


Day 2: God's Sovereignty in Human History
Throughout history, God has demonstrated His sovereignty by using both willing and unwitting servants to accomplish His will. Figures like Alexander the Great and nations such as the United States have played roles in God's divine plan, showing that His sovereignty extends over all human affairs. This understanding calls us to trust in God's control over history and our lives, knowing that He can use any situation or person to fulfill His purposes. As we reflect on this, we are reminded of the importance of aligning ourselves with God's principles to be instruments of His will. [08:54]

Daniel 2:21 (ESV): "He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding."

Reflection: How can you trust in God's sovereignty in a current situation in your life, and what steps can you take to align yourself with His purposes?


Day 3: The Universality of the Gospel
The Kingdom of God is not limited to any one nation or people; it is a message for all humanity. This is exemplified by the thief on the cross and the Roman centurion who recognized Jesus' true nature. The Gospel's universality calls us to spread its message to all nations, transcending cultural and national boundaries. As believers, we are challenged to embrace this inclusive vision and actively participate in sharing the Gospel with those around us, regardless of their background. [18:36]

Acts 10:34-35 (ESV): "So Peter opened his mouth and said: 'Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'"

Reflection: Who in your life might be outside your usual circle that you can share the Gospel with, and how can you take a step towards doing so today?


Day 4: Foundations of Faith in Reformation Principles
The Reformation principles of sola gratia, sola Scriptura, sola fide, solus Christus, and soli Deo gloria remind us of the foundation of our faith. We are chosen by God's grace, not by our merit, and our faith is an acceptance of God's acceptance of us. These principles call us to live for God's glory, grounded in the truth of Scripture and the work of Christ. As we reflect on these foundations, we are encouraged to deepen our understanding of our faith and live in a way that honors God. [25:23]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV): "For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast."

Reflection: How can you incorporate the principles of the Reformation into your daily spiritual practices to deepen your relationship with God?


Day 5: Living for God's Glory
As citizens of the unshakable Kingdom of God, we are called to live for His glory, serving Him with devotion and spreading the Gospel. Our lives should align with His will, not our ambitions, as we witness to His truth in the world. This calling challenges us to examine our priorities and ensure that our actions reflect our commitment to God's Kingdom. By living for His glory, we become effective witnesses of His love and truth to those around us. [27:20]

1 Corinthians 10:31 (ESV): "So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life where you can more intentionally live for God's glory, and what practical steps can you take to make this change today?

Quotes

"In the last 2,500 years, we see kingdom go, kingdom come, kingdom rise up, and kingdom fall down. Never on repeat above this. So from the West to the East, from the Mesopotamian to China, Japan, all kingdoms rise up and fall down again. When they rise up, it's so glorious, when they go down, so miserable. And this is repeat and repeat again in the human history." [00:01:51]

"We see God is always interrupting the history, and the kingdom are not in contingent. All kingdoms are raised up by the sinners and all the sinners who have obtained the power as a ruler of one regime, they all will think they are the most important people, and they used their own will to persecute the people of God. But we see, God never forsake His people." [00:03:22]

"We praise God for God is working in human history, is entrapping human wisdom and human arrogance. That is the reason only the kingdom of God is forever and ever. In all the hymns and all the Christian songs, one of the most important song is by Handel's Messiah. He is King of kings, and Lord of Lords, Hallelujah chorus, and Hallelujah chorus must be sung in England, not in German." [00:05:11]

"Likewise, we see American, United States is raised up by God, and by people who use one boat called 'Mayflower.' This is the difference between Canada and United States. Canada has not this kind of boat but Uniteds have this boat, and this boat is to determine the destination and the fate of United States." [00:09:34]

"United States is now eroded by the consumerism and the shopping mall-ism, and the secularism, but we should thank God, because the top political people are still influenced by the Augustine and his philosophy. Influenced by Calvin and his understanding of state, church and all kind of policy. And this is, by the grace of God, United States still become the leading country in the world." [00:10:01]

"When these three things is done by any country, that country must be blessed by the Lord. Since the 1215, from a very small island country, Britain growing to become the biggest Empire in the world because Magna Carta. When Magna Carta appears it limit the power of the king and try to treat men as men to treat God as God and England is blessed by the Lord." [00:11:21]

"The kingdom of God is the most important topic preached by Jesus when He was ministering in this world three and a half years. But I want to ask you a question, Jesus keep preaching the kingdom of God with metaphor, with the illustrations, and with all kind of teachings, three and a half years, preaching the kingdom of God, kingdom of God, kingdom of God." [00:14:06]

"So, the first man who understands the kingdom of God is a robber. The first man among all the nations who understand Jesus is the Son of God, is the centurion. It is irony to Christianity, but we should admit that is the way. Gospel is not be monopolized by a nation. The gospel is for all the nations, amen?" [00:18:14]

"It means the power of God reign over His people, and the kingdom of God is the built upon two things. The first: blood of Jesus Christ. You are the Christ, and you are the one as a Lion of Judah, and becomes the Lamb of God, unblameable lamb of God. The holy lamb of God, and you was crucified on the cross, with your blood, you purchase your people from all nations, all tongues, and all territory in the world to become the people of God, and present them to God." [00:19:31]

"By grace alone, we are selected, we unconditionally elected, we are the people of God. We praise God that we become the people elected by God. Somebody asked me 'Why you become a Christian?' I do not want to answer as ordinary people. May somebody bring the gospel to me, somebody introduce me to the church, when I say what do you mean?" [00:21:22]

"Faith is the acceptance of acceptance. When I wrote on this, the first I do not understand. And I think it over and over. Finally, I understand how deep is the definition of faith by Martin Luther. Faith is acceptance of acceptance. What does it mean? It means that I should accept one fact, and that fact is God already accept me as His children." [00:23:18]

"We should serve Him, live for Him, and glorify Him according to His will. Not according to our ambition. Not according to our mind or our planning. We should always glorify Him and serve Him and witness Him and preach gospel to all over the world. When Britain stopped to send a lot of missionary, Britain declined. When Americans stop to send missionary, Americans declined." [00:26:48]

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Transcript
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