Transforming Paradigms: From Empire to Kingdom Mindset
Summary
Today, we explored the concept of paradigms, particularly focusing on the contrast between the empire and kingdom paradigms. A paradigm is essentially a framework or set of beliefs that shape how we perceive and interact with the world. Many of our paradigms are formed in childhood and can be deeply ingrained, but they can shift through intentional decision and transformation. The empire paradigm is rooted in human understanding and is characterized by self-reliance, productivity, and the belief that one must earn everything, including God's love. This mindset often leads to chaos and destruction, both in the secular world and within religious contexts.
In contrast, the kingdom paradigm is based on God's truth and grace. It emphasizes selflessness, surrender, trust, and partnership with God. The kingdom mindset teaches that God's love is not earned but freely given through the grace of Jesus Christ. This grace transforms us from within and works through us to bring about God's kingdom in the world. Jesus exemplified the kingdom paradigm during His arrest and trials, choosing to surrender to God's will rather than resorting to violence or self-preservation. His actions were guided by clarity of purpose and a deep trust in God's plan.
We are called to deconstruct our empire paradigms and allow God to reconstruct a kingdom paradigm within us. This transformation requires a decision to repent, believe, and follow Jesus, trusting Him enough to put His teachings into practice. It is not a one-time event but a lifelong journey of partnering with the Holy Spirit to become more like Christ. As we embrace this new way of thinking, we experience the blessings of eternal life and the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace.
Key Takeaways:
- Paradigms shape our worldview and actions. The empire paradigm is based on self-reliance and earning, while the kingdom paradigm is rooted in God's grace and truth. Shifting from empire to kingdom requires intentional transformation and a decision to trust God. [02:39]
- The kingdom paradigm emphasizes God's grace, which works in us to bring salvation and transformation. Unlike the empire mindset, which focuses on earning, the kingdom mindset is about partnership with God and living out His values of selflessness and trust. [05:36]
- Jesus demonstrated the kingdom paradigm during His arrest and trials by surrendering to God's will rather than fighting back. His actions were guided by clarity of purpose and trust in God's plan, showing us the power of living with a kingdom mindset. [16:23]
- Embracing the kingdom paradigm involves deconstructing our old ways of thinking and allowing God to renew our minds. This process is ongoing and requires us to choose to trust Jesus and put His teachings into practice daily. [19:26]
- Trusting Jesus is a transformative journey that calls us to move beyond mere belief to actively living out His teachings. This journey involves making intentional choices to align our lives with the kingdom paradigm and experience the fullness of life in Christ. [24:09]
Youtube Chapters:
[00:00] - Welcome
[02:39] - Understanding Paradigms
[04:23] - Empire Paradigm Explained
[05:36] - Kingdom Paradigm of Grace
[07:01] - Religion vs. Relationship
[08:18] - Partnership with God
[10:49] - Jesus' Arrest and Trials
[13:35] - Peter's Turning Point
[15:13] - Jesus' Kingdom Response
[16:23] - Authority and Surrender
[17:07] - Clarity in Calling
[18:19] - Jesus' Kingdom Mindset
[19:26] - Deconstructing Empire Paradigm
[20:41] - Trusting Jesus
[22:19] - Lifelong Transformation
[24:09] - Choosing to Trust
[26:41] - Three Choices for Transformation
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Isaiah 53:7 - "He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before its shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth."
2. Philippians 2:5-8 - "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross."
3. Ephesians 4:22-24 - "You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; to be made new in the attitude of your minds; and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness."
---
Observation Questions:
1. What are the key differences between the empire and kingdom paradigms as described in the sermon? [04:23]
2. How did Jesus demonstrate the kingdom paradigm during His arrest and trials? [15:13]
3. According to the sermon, what role does God's grace play in the kingdom paradigm? [05:36]
4. What does the sermon suggest is necessary for shifting from an empire paradigm to a kingdom paradigm? [19:26]
---
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the concept of grace in the kingdom paradigm challenge the idea of earning God's love, as seen in the empire paradigm? [07:01]
2. In what ways does Jesus' response to His arrest and trials illustrate a kingdom mindset, and how does this contrast with an empire mindset? [16:23]
3. What does it mean to deconstruct an empire paradigm and reconstruct a kingdom paradigm in one's life, according to the sermon? [19:26]
4. How does the sermon describe the ongoing nature of transformation in adopting a kingdom paradigm? [22:19]
---
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your own life: Are there areas where you find yourself operating from an empire mindset rather than a kingdom mindset? How can you begin to shift this perspective? [04:23]
2. Jesus demonstrated trust and surrender during His trials. How can you practice surrender in a current situation where you feel the need to control the outcome? [15:13]
3. The sermon emphasizes the importance of partnership with God. What is one practical step you can take this week to deepen your partnership with God in your daily life? [08:18]
4. Consider the role of grace in your life. How can you better embrace the concept of grace, both in receiving it from God and extending it to others? [05:36]
5. The sermon talks about the lifelong journey of transformation. What is one area of your life where you feel God is calling you to grow, and what steps can you take to respond to that call? [22:19]
6. How can you actively choose to trust Jesus in a specific area of your life where you currently struggle with doubt or fear? [24:09]
7. Identify a specific belief or habit that aligns with the empire paradigm. What is one action you can take this week to begin deconstructing that belief or habit and replacing it with a kingdom mindset? [19:26]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
---
Day 1: Shifting Paradigms: From Empire to Kingdom
The paradigms we hold shape our worldview and actions. The empire paradigm is characterized by self-reliance and the belief that everything, including God's love, must be earned. This mindset often leads to chaos and destruction. In contrast, the kingdom paradigm is rooted in God's grace and truth, emphasizing selflessness, surrender, and trust. Shifting from an empire to a kingdom mindset requires intentional transformation and a decision to trust God. This shift is not merely a change in thought but a profound transformation of the heart and mind, aligning oneself with the values of God's kingdom. [02:39]
"For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, 'He catches the wise in their craftiness,' and again, 'The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile.'" (1 Corinthians 3:19-20, ESV)
Reflection: What is one belief or mindset you hold that is rooted in self-reliance? How can you begin to shift this belief towards trusting in God's grace today?
Day 2: Embracing Grace: The Kingdom Paradigm
The kingdom paradigm emphasizes God's grace, which works in us to bring salvation and transformation. Unlike the empire mindset, which focuses on earning, the kingdom mindset is about partnership with God and living out His values of selflessness and trust. This grace is not something we can earn; it is a gift freely given through Jesus Christ. As we embrace this grace, we are transformed from within, allowing God's love to flow through us and impact the world around us. This transformation is a journey of learning to live in partnership with God, trusting Him to guide and shape our lives. [05:36]
"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me." (2 Corinthians 12:9, ESV)
Reflection: In what area of your life do you struggle to accept God's grace? How can you open yourself to receive His grace more fully today?
Day 3: Jesus' Example: Surrender and Trust
Jesus demonstrated the kingdom paradigm during His arrest and trials by surrendering to God's will rather than fighting back. His actions were guided by clarity of purpose and trust in God's plan, showing us the power of living with a kingdom mindset. Jesus' example teaches us that true strength lies in surrender and trust, not in self-preservation or violence. By following His example, we learn to live with a clear sense of purpose, trusting in God's plan even when it leads us through difficult circumstances. [16:23]
"And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross." (Philippians 2:8, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you find it difficult to surrender to God's will? What steps can you take to trust Him more in this area?
Day 4: Deconstructing the Empire Paradigm
Embracing the kingdom paradigm involves deconstructing our old ways of thinking and allowing God to renew our minds. This process is ongoing and requires us to choose to trust Jesus and put His teachings into practice daily. It is a journey of transformation that calls us to let go of self-reliance and embrace a life of faith and trust in God. As we deconstruct the empire paradigm, we make room for God's truth to reshape our thoughts and actions, leading us to live more fully in His kingdom. [19:26]
"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." (Romans 12:2, ESV)
Reflection: What is one thought pattern or habit you need to deconstruct to align more closely with the kingdom paradigm? How can you begin this process today?
Day 5: Trusting Jesus: A Transformative Journey
Trusting Jesus is a transformative journey that calls us to move beyond mere belief to actively living out His teachings. This journey involves making intentional choices to align our lives with the kingdom paradigm and experience the fullness of life in Christ. It is a lifelong process of growth and transformation, as we learn to trust Jesus more deeply and follow Him more closely. As we choose to trust Him, we open ourselves to the blessings of eternal life and the fruits of the Spirit, such as love, joy, and peace. [24:09]
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths." (Proverbs 3:5-6, ESV)
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are hesitant to trust Jesus fully? What practical steps can you take to deepen your trust in Him today?
Quotes
1. "Paradigms can shift, but it takes a decision on your part and a transformative journey. You might remember there's a story in the Bible that Jesus is talking about and he uses this illustration called about old wineskins. He says you can't put new wine into an old wineskin. And he was talking about the kingdom and that you can't just put the kingdom, the kingdom mindset, the kingdom way of thinking, the kingdom way of living into the old religious pattern of thinking because it will blow it up." [00:02:49] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Empire is a paradigm built on the idea that you can't put new wine into an old wineskin. And so this is kind of what got me on human understanding and experience. At its best, empire is the best humanity can do apart from God. But the sad part is, at its worst, empire expresses itself in the darkest of human depravity. Right? I mean, it can get pretty ugly. Empire, listen to this, empire is a paradigm of productivity and productivity." [00:03:49] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In empire thinking, I earn and therefore deserve everything that I can acquire. Key values in empire paradigm are, self, power, security, wealth, and the list goes on. Kingdom is a paradigm built on God's truth and wisdom, right? Kingdom is a paradigm of grace. The Bible teaches us that God's grace is the work of God. God's grace is the work of God, right? The work of God in us and the work of God through us. It's the grace of God that brings us salvation." [00:05:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "And so we're thinking about this idea that paradigm of kingdom is this idea that God's work transforms us. And the key values of kingdom paradigm are selflessness, surrender, trust, generosity, partnership. The list can continue, but I'm going to stop there. And we see that empire paradigm in the world and in religion, like I said a minute or a little earlier, in both places, it is destructive. It is destructive. It is destructive. It is destructive. It is destructive. It is destructive and produces chaos, and it robs us of hope and life that Jesus came to give." [00:06:16] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Matter of fact, those aren't bad things. In kingdom, we do those same things. But it's why we do those things. See, in empire thinking, we do those things because we want to get close to God. In kingdom thinking, we know that the cross of Christ, the blood of Jesus, makes us close to Christ. That God loved us first, and that's why he sent his son Jesus. And so what we realize is we do those same things not to earn God's love, but rather in partnership with him, we want to be in a transformative process." [00:07:43] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Kingdom says to us that God loved us and sent his son, and that the blood of Christ is the power of forgiveness and reconciliation, and we are loved and we are already close to God because of the grace, the grace of God, or the work of God, the work of Jesus. kingdom is opposed to earning but it's not opposed to effort it's not about productivity but rather partnership." [00:09:00] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "I think also Peter had a very similar situation, right? If you're familiar with Jesus' arrest, remember what happens? They're coming up there, Judas kisses Jesus, and they're coming to arrest Jesus, and what's Peter do? Peter, pulls his sword and cuts a dude's ear off, and what's Jesus do? He reaches down, he picks up the ear, and he puts it back on the man's face, and he tells Peter, if you live by the sword, you're going to die by the sword." [00:13:15] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Because it was at this point that Jesus's clarity and how he responded in a kingdom mindset was so different than what everyone else was expecting. Not only was he arrested, but he faced a religious court of lies and false testimony. They hit him, and they spit on him. They did all kinds of bad things to Jesus, and he also faced two different public judges, and he didn't fight back. He surrendered to God's will, sacrificed his life for all humanity." [00:14:45] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We don't always have the clarity on a specific calling like Jesus had, but here's something I know or something God has been teaching me. God will always give us clarity we need. God will always give us the clarity we need for the calling that He gives. It was out of that clarity that Jesus endured the arrest and the trials from a kingdom paradigm. It was God's grace at work both in Jesus and through Jesus." [00:17:07] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "You see, kingdom paradigm begins with a decision to repent, believe, and follow Jesus. We have to choose to orient our minds and our hearts away from self and towards God. We have to choose to believe Jesus, we have to believe Jesus enough to trust him. We have to choose to follow him by putting his words and words into our hearts. We have to choose to believe Jesus enough to trust him. Ways into practice. Listen, I think it's important that it's not just believing in Jesus here." [00:20:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained only on this specific sermon. Do you have any questions about it?