Upright Kingdom: The Transformative Power of Faith

 

Summary

Boyd Hannold delivers a sermon titled "Upright Kingdom," where he explores the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven through the lens of Jesus' parables, particularly focusing on the parables of the leaven and the mustard seed. Hannold begins by examining the shortest parable of Jesus found in Matthew 13:33, which likens the Kingdom of Heaven to leaven hidden in flour until it permeates the whole batch. He emphasizes that the purpose of the parables in Matthew 13 is to reveal the nature of the Kingdom of Heaven.

Hannold discusses the various communities people are part of, such as work, home, school, and leisure, and the importance of sharing the gospel within these communities. He reminds the audience that it is God who causes the gospel to grow, using believers' testimonies to do so. The story of Jesus appearing to the disciples on the road to Emmaus serves as an example of how God opens people's eyes to the gospel and relies on the faithful to expand His kingdom.

The sermon warns against getting caught up in elaborate or allegorical interpretations of scripture, as was common among early church fathers. Hannold points out that the main message of the parables is the uncontrollable and expansive growth of the Kingdom of Heaven, similar to how a small mustard seed grows into a large tree.

Hannold further explains that the growth of the Kingdom of God is both powerful and unstoppable, and it requires action from either God or His disciples. He also revisits the parable of the Good Samaritan, emphasizing that the main point is the universal neighborliness expected of believers, which includes even those who are different or disliked.

The sermon also touches on the dual nature of the Kingdom's growth, both external and internal, and the role of believers in spreading the gospel. Hannold shares the story of Nate Caresi, whose missionary parents brought the gospel to Papua New Guinea, leading to the establishment of numerous churches, illustrating the unstoppable nature of the gospel.

Finally, Hannold reflects on the life of Bill Counterman, a former staff member whose love for Jesus was evident in his community involvement. The parable of the leaven is revisited, highlighting the significant influence a small amount of God's kingdom can have in the world.

Key Takeaways:

- The Kingdom of Heaven operates subtly but powerfully within the world, much like leaven in dough. This parable teaches us that the influence of God's kingdom may not always be immediately visible, but it is pervasive and transformative. As believers, we are called to be part of this hidden yet impactful work, trusting that God's purposes will ultimately be fulfilled. [22:38]

- God's role in the growth of the gospel is paramount, but He also calls upon His followers to be active participants in sharing their faith. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrates that while God opens eyes to the truth, He also uses the faithful to spread His message. This partnership in the gospel is a profound mystery and privilege for believers. [43:43]

- The parable of the Good Samaritan challenges believers to redefine their concept of neighborliness, extending love and compassion beyond cultural and religious boundaries. This parable is a call to action, urging Christians to embody the love of Christ to all, especially those who are marginalized or considered enemies. [25:10]

- The growth of God's kingdom is both internal and external, symbolized by the parables of the mustard seed and the leaven. While the mustard seed represents visible growth, the leaven signifies the unseen work of the gospel within hearts and communities. Both forms of growth are essential and demonstrate the comprehensive nature of God's redemptive plan. [34:56]

- The life of Bill Counterman serves as a testament to the impact one individual can have when they live out their faith in Jesus through community involvement. The parable of the leaven reminds us that even a small amount of influence can have a profound effect, encouraging believers to seize the opportunities God provides to spread His kingdom. [38:39]

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Upright Kingdom"

#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 13:33 - "He told them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.'"
2. Luke 10:25-37 - The Parable of the Good Samaritan
3. Luke 24:13-35 - The Road to Emmaus

#### Observation Questions
1. What is the main point of the parable of the leaven in Matthew 13:33?
2. How does the parable of the mustard seed, mentioned in the sermon, compare to the parable of the leaven? [30:03]
3. What role do believers play in the growth of the Kingdom of Heaven according to the sermon? [33:09]
4. How did the story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus illustrate God's role in opening people's eyes to the gospel? [43:43]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. In what ways does the parable of the leaven illustrate the subtle yet powerful influence of the Kingdom of Heaven in the world? [22:38]
2. How does the parable of the Good Samaritan challenge our understanding of who our neighbor is? [25:10]
3. What does the story of Nate Caresi's parents' missionary work in Papua New Guinea teach us about the unstoppable nature of the gospel? [41:15]
4. How can the life of Bill Counterman serve as an example for believers in their community involvement and spreading the gospel? [36:45]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the parable of the leaven. In what areas of your life can you be a subtle yet powerful influence for the Kingdom of Heaven? [22:38]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of sharing the gospel within our various communities. Identify one community you are part of (work, home, school, etc.) and discuss a specific way you can share your faith there. [42:34]
3. The parable of the Good Samaritan calls us to extend love and compassion beyond cultural and religious boundaries. Think of someone in your life who is different from you or whom you find difficult to love. How can you show them Christ-like love this week? [25:10]
4. The growth of God's kingdom is both internal and external. What are some internal changes you need to make to allow the gospel to work more effectively in your heart and life? [34:56]
5. Bill Counterman's life demonstrated the impact one person can have in their community. What specific actions can you take to be more involved in your community and spread the influence of God's kingdom? [36:45]
6. The story of the disciples on the road to Emmaus shows that God opens people's eyes to the gospel. How can you be more attentive to opportunities where God might be using you to open someone's eyes to the truth? [43:43]
7. The sermon mentioned the dual nature of the Kingdom's growth, both visible and invisible. How can you balance visible acts of faith with the unseen work of the gospel in your daily life? [34:56]

Devotional

Day 1: Subtle Influence, Transformative Impact
The Kingdom of Heaven works quietly within our lives, much like leaven in dough, transforming us and the world around us in profound ways. This hidden influence is a testament to the power of God's kingdom to change hearts and societies from the inside out. [22:38]

Luke 13:20-21 - "Again he asked, 'What shall I compare the kingdom of God to? It is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into about sixty pounds of flour until it worked all through the dough.'"
Reflection: In what ways can you be an agent of God's subtle yet transformative influence in your daily interactions?

Day 2: Divine-Human Partnership in Gospel Growth
The growth of the gospel is a divine initiative that flourishes through human participation. As followers of Christ, we are invited to join in this sacred endeavor, sharing our faith and witnessing the unfolding of God's plan in the lives of others. [43:43]

1 Corinthians 3:6-7 - "I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."
Reflection: How can you actively participate in the growth of the gospel today, trusting that God will provide the increase?

Day 3: Redefining Neighborliness
The call to love our neighbors extends beyond familiar faces and comfortable circles, challenging us to show compassion to those who are different from us. This radical love mirrors the heart of Jesus and is a hallmark of the Kingdom of Heaven. [25:10]

Luke 10:36-37 - "Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, 'The one who had mercy on him.' Jesus told him, 'Go and do likewise.'"
Reflection: Who is someone you find difficult to love as a neighbor, and what is one step you can take to extend Christ-like compassion to them?

Day 4: Unseen Growth, Unstoppable Kingdom
The Kingdom of God grows in ways that are not always visible to the naked eye, yet its progress is relentless and all-encompassing. Believers are called to trust in the unseen work of the Spirit as the gospel takes root in hearts and communities. [34:56]

Mark 4:26-28 - "He also said, 'This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how.'"
Reflection: What are some unseen areas in your life where you need to trust God for growth, and how can you nurture those areas with faith and patience?

Day 5: Individual Impact, Collective Transformation
The influence of a single life dedicated to Jesus can ripple through a community, sparking a collective transformation. Each believer carries the potential to be a catalyst for change, embodying the gospel in word and deed. [38:39]

Matthew 5:14-16 - "You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house."
Reflection: How can you live out your faith in a way that positively impacts your community, and what is one tangible action you can take this week to do so?

Quotes

"We can help in the wild expansion of the kingdom of God by being faithful because remember this, the leaven must come in contact with the dough for the power to be unleashed." [45:07] (Download)

"Their eyes were opened; they didn't open their eyes. They just heard the gospel and God opened their eyes. He's the one that's going to do the work and produce the growth." [44:27] (Download)

"What's a better time of year than to be reminded that we have the gift of all gifts that we can give to people, and eventually, yes, it's not just us—there is a God who makes this thing grow." [42:34] (Download)

"This guy was in everything that God put him in that community like leaven in that pile of flour, and he began to infect all of it, and all of them knew that he was who he was because he loved Jesus." [38:39] (Download)

"Although sometimes the kingdom of God works invisibly, it is evident to all once it starts to change people's lives. There are no boundaries if we are faithful to speak and live the gospel in our various communities." [40:37] (Download)

"Will you hide your faith or will you let yourself be hid by God into the various communities of people in need that you occupy? Will you hide your faith or will you let yourself be hidden by God, be put noticeably in these various communities in need of the gospel?" [41:53] (Download)

"It's the gospel, the story of Jesus and the cross, it's his work on the cross that changes people's lives. It's meeting the Risen Savior that changes people's lives." [35:35] (Download)

"God doesn't do it from Heaven; he's provided us with this, but then he uses us to get out into the flour and to make a difference, so it doesn't happen on its own, we have to be the ones that take it out there." [35:35] (Download)

"The Kingdom of Heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour till it was all leavened. It has something to do with expansion and growth, almost uncontrollably, where a small beginning leads to a big ending." [30:03] (Download)

"The point of the parable is singular: everybody is your neighbor. And most parables have one simple point to them." [26:59] (Download)

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?