Understanding the Kingdom of God: Sovereignty and Authority
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new series focused on the Kingdom of God, a concept that Jesus mentioned 126 times in the four Gospels. Understanding the Kingdom of God is transformative; it changes our perspective on life, our reading of the Word, and our relationship with God. The Kingdom of God is not just a theological concept but a reality that governs all things. Psalms 103:19 tells us that God's kingdom rules over all, emphasizing His sovereignty and dominion.
Before delving into the Kingdom, it's crucial to understand the King. God is described as the "Ancient of Days" in Daniel 7, meaning He existed before time itself. Jesus, the Word, was with God from the beginning and through Him, everything was created. Jesus is the greatest of all time (GOAT) because He created even time itself. His reign is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting, as stated in Psalm 90:2 and Isaiah 44:6.
God's Kingdom is not a democracy; it is a monarchy where the King's word is law. Jesus was born King, and His word is final and unchangeable. This is illustrated in the story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar, where the King's decree could not be revoked. The Kingdom of God operates on principles and laws that are unchangeable, and understanding these is crucial for living a life aligned with God's will.
A Kingdom mindset means allowing the Word of God to influence our thoughts and actions, rather than the world around us. Jesus teaches us in Matthew 6:25-33 to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means understanding our role as citizens of the Kingdom, living in accordance with God's rule, and submitting to His lordship. When we do this, everything else we need will be provided.
As we continue this series, we will explore what it means to have a Kingdom mindset, to walk in Kingdom authority, and to live as citizens of God's Kingdom. This understanding will bring unity to the body of Christ, as the Word of God is the ultimate truth that unites us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Sovereignty of God: God's kingdom rules over all, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and dominion. Understanding this helps us to see that nothing is outside of God's control, and His reign is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting. This gives us confidence and hope in His ultimate authority over our lives. [03:02]
2. Jesus as the Eternal King: Jesus, the Word, existed from the beginning and through Him, everything was created. His reign is eternal, and He is the greatest of all time. Recognizing Jesus' eternal kingship helps us to submit to His authority and trust in His unchanging nature. [06:39]
3. The Unchangeable Word of the King: In a kingdom, the King's word is law and cannot be revoked. This principle is illustrated in the story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar. Understanding that God's word is final and unchangeable helps us to rely on His promises and live in accordance with His will. [19:50]
4. Kingdom Mindset: A Kingdom mindset means allowing the Word of God to influence our thoughts and actions, rather than the world around us. This mindset enables us to influence the world for God's Kingdom, rather than being influenced by it. [24:53]
5. Seek First the Kingdom: Jesus teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means understanding our role as citizens of the Kingdom, living in accordance with God's rule, and submitting to His lordship. When we do this, everything else we need will be provided. [29:54]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:39] - Introduction to the Kingdom Series
[03:02] - God's Sovereignty and Dominion
[04:41] - Understanding the King
[06:39] - Jesus as the Eternal King
[08:51] - The Eternal Reign of Jesus
[11:00] - The King of Glory
[12:55] - Expansion of God's Kingdom
[14:51] - Personal Submission to God's Rule
[16:19] - Keys to the Kingdom
[17:53] - Kingdom Concepts
[19:50] - The King's Word is Law
[21:18] - The Story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar
[23:03] - Unity in the Body of Christ
[24:53] - Kingdom Mindset
[26:38] - God's Priority vs. Man's Priority
[29:54] - Seek First the Kingdom
[31:47] - Living Righteously
[33:23] - Rightly Positioned in the Kingdom
[35:18] - Unity Through the Word of God
[36:52] - Closing Prayer and Encouragement
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Psalms 103:19 - "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all."
2. Daniel 7:9 - "As I looked, thrones were set in place, and the Ancient of Days took his seat. His clothing was as white as snow; the hair of his head was white like wool. His throne was flaming with fire, and its wheels were all ablaze."
3. Matthew 6:25-33 - "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith? So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Psalms 103:19, what does God's kingdom rule over?
2. In Daniel 7:9, how is God described when He is referred to as the "Ancient of Days"?
3. What does Jesus instruct us to seek first in Matthew 6:33, and what will be the result of doing so?
4. How many times does Jesus mention the Kingdom of God in the four Gospels? [01:39]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God's kingdom to rule over all things, and how does this understanding impact our view of God's sovereignty? [03:02]
2. How does recognizing Jesus as the "greatest of all time" (GOAT) influence our submission to His authority and trust in His unchanging nature? [06:39]
3. In what ways does the story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar illustrate the unchangeable nature of the King's word? [19:50]
4. How can adopting a Kingdom mindset, as described in the sermon, change the way we interact with the world around us? [24:53]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled to trust in God's sovereignty. How can the understanding that God's kingdom rules over all (Psalms 103:19) give you confidence and hope in His ultimate authority over your life? [03:02]
2. Jesus is described as the "Ancient of Days" and the creator of time itself. How does this perspective help you trust in His eternal reign and unchanging nature, especially during uncertain times? [04:41]
3. The sermon emphasized that the King's word is law and cannot be revoked. How can you apply this principle to your daily life by relying on God's promises and living in accordance with His will? [19:50]
4. Jesus teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. What practical steps can you take this week to prioritize God's Kingdom in your life, and how might this change your daily decisions and actions? [29:54]
5. The sermon mentioned the importance of having a Kingdom mindset. Identify one area of your life where you have been influenced more by the world than by God's Word. What changes can you make to allow the Word of God to influence your thoughts and actions in that area? [24:53]
6. How can understanding your role as a citizen of God's Kingdom help you live in accordance with God's rule and submit to His lordship? Share a specific example of how this understanding might change your behavior or decisions. [29:54]
7. The sermon highlighted the unity that comes from the Word of God. How can you contribute to unity within the body of Christ by focusing on the ultimate truth of God's Word, especially in times of division? [23:03]
Devotional
Day 1: The Sovereignty of God
Description: God's kingdom rules over all, emphasizing His absolute sovereignty and dominion. Understanding this helps us to see that nothing is outside of God's control, and His reign is eternal, from everlasting to everlasting. This gives us confidence and hope in His ultimate authority over our lives. God's sovereignty means that He is the supreme ruler of the universe, and everything that happens is under His control. This truth can be both comforting and challenging. It comforts us because we know that nothing happens by chance and that God has a purpose for everything. It challenges us because it requires us to trust in God's plan, even when we don't understand it.
When we recognize God's sovereignty, we can rest in the assurance that He is in control, even in the midst of chaos and uncertainty. This understanding helps us to surrender our worries and fears to Him, knowing that He is working all things for our good and His glory. As we meditate on God's sovereignty, let us be reminded of His faithfulness and His unchanging nature. [03:02]
Psalm 103:19 (ESV): "The Lord has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all."
Reflection: Think of a situation in your life where you feel out of control. How can you trust in God's sovereignty and surrender this situation to Him today?
Day 2: Jesus as the Eternal King
Description: Jesus, the Word, existed from the beginning and through Him, everything was created. His reign is eternal, and He is the greatest of all time. Recognizing Jesus' eternal kingship helps us to submit to His authority and trust in His unchanging nature. Jesus is not just a historical figure; He is the eternal King who reigns over all creation. His authority is unmatched, and His kingdom is everlasting. This truth calls us to acknowledge His lordship in every area of our lives.
When we understand that Jesus is the eternal King, we are invited to submit to His authority and follow His lead. This means aligning our lives with His teachings and seeking to live in a way that honors Him. As we grow in our relationship with Jesus, we learn to trust in His wisdom and guidance, knowing that He has our best interests at heart. Let us commit to recognizing Jesus as our eternal King and living in obedience to His word. [06:39]
Colossians 1:16-17 (ESV): "For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you struggle to submit to Jesus' authority? How can you begin to surrender these areas to Him today?
Day 3: The Unchangeable Word of the King
Description: In a kingdom, the King's word is law and cannot be revoked. This principle is illustrated in the story of Daniel and King Nebuchadnezzar. Understanding that God's word is final and unchangeable helps us to rely on His promises and live in accordance with His will. God's word is powerful and authoritative. When He speaks, His words are final and cannot be altered. This truth gives us confidence in His promises and assurance that His plans will come to pass.
As we study God's word, we are reminded of His faithfulness and the certainty of His promises. This understanding encourages us to live in obedience to His commands and to trust in His guidance. Let us commit to immersing ourselves in God's word, allowing it to shape our thoughts and actions. As we do so, we will experience the transformative power of His unchangeable word in our lives. [19:50]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV): "So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it."
Reflection: How can you make God's word a more central part of your daily life? What steps can you take to ensure that you are living in accordance with His unchangeable word?
Day 4: Kingdom Mindset
Description: A Kingdom mindset means allowing the Word of God to influence our thoughts and actions, rather than the world around us. This mindset enables us to influence the world for God's Kingdom, rather than being influenced by it. Having a Kingdom mindset means that we prioritize God's values and principles over the values and principles of the world. It means that we seek to align our thoughts, attitudes, and actions with God's word, allowing it to shape our worldview.
When we adopt a Kingdom mindset, we become agents of change in the world. We are called to be salt and light, influencing those around us with the truth of God's word. This requires intentionality and a commitment to living out our faith in practical ways. As we cultivate a Kingdom mindset, we will see the impact of God's word in our lives and in the lives of those around us. [24:53]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What are some practical ways you can cultivate a Kingdom mindset in your daily life? How can you ensure that God's word is influencing your thoughts and actions?
Day 5: Seek First the Kingdom
Description: Jesus teaches us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. This means understanding our role as citizens of the Kingdom, living in accordance with God's rule, and submitting to His lordship. When we do this, everything else we need will be provided. Seeking first the Kingdom of God means prioritizing our relationship with Him above all else. It means that we seek to live in a way that honors Him and reflects His character. This requires a commitment to pursuing righteousness and aligning our lives with His will.
When we seek first the Kingdom, we trust that God will provide for our needs. This doesn't mean that we will never face challenges or difficulties, but it means that we can have confidence in God's provision and care. As we prioritize our relationship with God, we will experience the peace and fulfillment that comes from living in alignment with His purposes. Let us commit to seeking first the Kingdom of God and trusting in His provision for our lives. [29:54]
Matthew 6:33 (ESV): "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
Reflection: What does it look like for you to seek first the Kingdom of God in your daily life? How can you prioritize your relationship with God and trust in His provision?
Quotes
### Quotes for outreach
1. "This is one of those not just concepts but realities that once we fully grasp I believe it changes everything. It changes our whole perspective on things, our whole perspective on life. It changes even the way that we read the word of God and have an understanding and a depth and a knowledge of the kingdom." [01:39] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "We don't allow the world around us to influence our mindset. We allow the word to influence our mindset which then in turn we influence the world around us. That's a kingdom mindset." [24:53] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Seek the kingdom first. Understand what the kingdom is. Understand, understand I need to have a kingdom mindset in this time of division, where we are so divided. It is time that the body of Christ, the church of Christ, the church of God rises up and comes together with a kingdom first mindset that unites us around the word of God, which is the one truth." [35:18] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Jesus is the goat. The greatest of all time. Not Tom Brady. Not Michael Jordan. Jesus is the goat. He's the greatest of all time. He's the greatest of all time. He's the greatest of all time. Because he created all. Even time itself. Jesus is the goat. The greatest of all time." [08:51] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Seek the kingdom and his righteousness, and then everything else will be added to you. Everything you need, everything that dominates your thoughts right now, you don't have to worry about any of that stuff. And it's not just your most basic, basic essentials. That's not how God operates." [33:23] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for members
1. "The keys to the kingdom is access to the authority, which is the governing power of the rule of God, right? We're given a simple definition of the kingdom is the rule of God. We're doing some teaching today, okay? So bear with me here. We got to set some things up as we continue on." [17:53] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In a kingdom, the king's word is law, which means it overrules everything else. The king's word overrules everything else. Now, there can be other local authority figures that are put in place to try to implement law, but the king's word supersedes all of that, okay? So his word is law, and his word is final. It's final, which also means this. The king doesn't go back on his word. He doesn't go back on it. He can't go back on his word. He does not go back on his word." [19:50] (50 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What unites us, the word of God, is far greater than the differences that distinguish us. Notice I use the word distinguish not divide. Differences distinguish us and that's okay. That's okay. I don't want to get into that right now but that's okay. The word of God unites us and it's far greater than the differences that distinguish us." [23:03] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "To be rightly positioned within the kingdom of God, the very first thing is that you have submitted yourself to his kingdom. To his lordship over your life. You are living in accordance with his rule and his will for your life. It's the first thing to understand. Seeking the kingdom and seeking his righteousness, being in right standing, being rightly positioned within the kingdom of God first is that you have submitted to his lordship over your life." [33:23] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "We have to understand that we have one truth, and it's the word of the king. It's the word of God, and I don't want to get into it too much today, but we all have different realities, different truths that have been forged by our experiences, by things that we have gone through in life, by culture, by upbringing, by all kinds of different things and situations that each one of us has experienced that has forged our reality, right?" [21:18] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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