Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
Plan for: Thanksgiving | Advent | Christmas
To explore the privileges and responsibilities that come with being citizens of God's Kingdom, emphasizing the need to seek His Kingdom first and trust in His provision.
Good morning, family! I am so glad to see each and every one of you here today, because we are about to dive into a topic that's near and dear to my heart - Living in God's Kingdom, The Privileges and Responsibilities of Kingdom Citizenship.
Opening Scripture Reading – Our guide for today's sermon comes from Luke 12:29-32. Let's turn there together: "And do not set your heart on what you will eat or drink; do not worry about it. For the pagan world runs after all such things, and your Father knows that you need them. But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom."
Isn't that something? Our Father has been pleased to give us the kingdom. Not just any kingdom, but His Kingdom. This brings to mind a quote by the esteemed Christian author, A.W. Tozer: "The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One." We are the citizens of this divine Kingdom, bestowed with privileges, yet also entrusted with responsibilities.
Living in God's Kingdom is a state of being that we, as believers, are invited to experience here and now. The Kingdom of God is not a physical location, but a spiritual realm where God's authority is absolute and His presence is palpable. It's a place where His will is done perfectly, just as Jesus taught us to pray in Matthew 6:10, "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
A. When we accept Christ as our Savior, we are granted citizenship in this Kingdom. We are no longer foreigners or outsiders, but sons and daughters of the King. This is a profound privilege. We are not merely subjects in this Kingdom, but heirs, as Paul reminds us in Romans 8:17, "Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ." Our status as citizens of God's Kingdom is not based on our merit or worthiness, but solely on God's grace and love.
B. Living in God's Kingdom means we are under the protection and provision of the King. Just as the scripture from Luke 12:29-32 assures us, we don't need to worry about our basic needs. Our Father knows what we need and He is more than capable of providing for us. We can trust Him to take care of us, not because we've earned it, but because He loves us and has promised to do so.
C. However, living in God's Kingdom is not just about receiving blessings. It's also about aligning our lives with the values and principles of the Kingdom. It's about seeking first the Kingdom of God, as Jesus instructs us in Matthew 6:33. This means prioritizing God's will above our own desires, pursuing righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as Paul outlines in Romans 14:17. It's about living in a way that reflects the character of our King.
D. Living in God's Kingdom also means we are part of a community. We are not isolated individuals, but members of a body, interconnected and interdependent. We are called to love, serve, and support one another as we collectively represent God's Kingdom on earth. We are to be salt and light in the world, demonstrating the love and grace of our King to those around us.
E. Moreover, living in God's Kingdom involves a dynamic relationship with our King. It's not a static or passive state, but an active and ongoing interaction with God. It's about abiding in Him, drawing near to Him, and growing in our knowledge and love of Him. It's about hearing His voice, following His lead, and participating in His work.
F. Living in God's Kingdom is a journey, a process of transformation. It's about becoming more like our King, reflecting His image more accurately, and embodying His values more fully. It's about growing in faith, hope, and love, and bearing the fruit of the Spirit. It's about becoming the people God created us to be, fulfilling the purposes He has for us, and experiencing the abundant life He offers us.
Pastor – Share a personal story that illustrates what it means to live in God's Kingdom.
The privileges of Kingdom Citizenship are vast and profound ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO
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