Introduction

Welcome, beloved, to this gathering of hearts and minds. I am thrilled to see each one of you here today, eager to delve into the rich tapestry of God's Word. There is an air of anticipation, a sense of unity, and a shared yearning to understand and experience more of God's Kingdom.

In the timeless words of R. C. Sproul, "The only way the kingdom of God is going to be manifest in this world before Christ comes is if we manifest it by the way we live as citizens of heaven and subjects of the King." It is our portion indeed, to gather the fullness of His Word, and today, we will be doing just that as we turn our focus to the Kingdom of God as revealed in Romans 14:17.

The apostle Paul writes, "For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit."

This is a profound truth that we are about to unpack together. What does it mean to be a part of God's Kingdom? How does this Kingdom citizenship shape our identity, our actions, our attitudes? And what are the benefits and provisions that come with this Kingdom citizenship?

These are the questions we will be addressing today. But before we do, let us invite the Holy Spirit to guide us, to enlighten our minds, and to open our hearts to the truths He wants to reveal to us.

Let us pray. Heavenly Father, we thank You for the privilege of gathering in Your name. We thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. We ask You now to open our eyes that we may see wonderful things in Your Word. Help us to understand and apply these truths to our lives. We pray that as we learn about our Kingdom citizenship, we would be inspired to live more fully for You. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

So, beloved, let's begin. Let's turn our hearts and minds towards the Kingdom of God, and see what treasures we might find. Let's allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, to teach us, to reveal to us the true nature of our Kingdom citizenship. Let's embrace the fullness of our birthright as believers, and let's discover together the benefits and provisions that come with being citizens of God's Kingdom.

And remember, as we embark on this study, the words of J.I. Packer, "The Bible is God's word to us, still fresh through all the ages. And if we read it and believe it, God will show us Himself, and ourselves, and how much He loves us."

This is the promise we hold onto, the promise that God will reveal Himself to us as we seek Him in His Word. So let's seek Him with all our hearts, and let's expect to encounter Him in a fresh and powerful way.

Believer's Birthright in the Kingdom

As we open the pages of God's Word, we find ourselves stepping into a realm that is both extraordinary and deeply personal. This realm, this Kingdom, is not a distant or abstract idea. It is a present reality, a living, breathing, dynamic space where God's rule is acknowledged and His presence is experienced. And as believers, we are not merely observers or visitors in this Kingdom. We are citizens. We are part of this Kingdom, and this Kingdom is part of us.

This citizenship is not something we earn or achieve. It is a birthright. It is part of our spiritual DNA, woven into the fabric of our identity when we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior. It is a gift, freely given by God, and it comes with benefits and provisions that are both profound and life-changing.

One of these benefits is righteousness. As citizens of God's Kingdom, we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ. This is not our own righteousness, based on our actions or achievements. It is a righteousness that comes from God, a righteousness that is perfect and complete.

This righteousness is a dynamic, ongoing process of transformation. As we live in God's Kingdom, as we walk with Him and learn from Him, we are continually being made more like Christ. We are being molded and shaped into His image, reflecting His righteousness in our thoughts, words, and actions.

Another benefit of our Kingdom citizenship is peace. This is the peace of God, which transcends understanding and guards our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. This peace is a deep, abiding sense of security and serenity, rooted in the knowledge of God's love and faithfulness.

This peace is an active, powerful force that influences our attitudes and responses. It enables us to face challenges with courage and confidence, knowing that God is with us, that He is for us, and that He is working all things together for our good.

Yet another benefit of our Kingdom citizenship is joy. This is not a fleeting emotion, dependent on our circumstances or moods. This is a deep, enduring joy that is rooted in our relationship with God. This joy is a wellspring of delight and gratitude, bubbling up from the depths of our souls and overflowing into every area of our lives.

This joy is not a solitary experience. It is a shared, communal reality that binds us together as the body of Christ. It is a joy that celebrates the goodness of God, the beauty of His creation, and the wonder of His love. It is a joy that sings, dances, laughs, and weeps, expressing the full range of human emotion in response to God's grace and mercy.

Finally, our Kingdom citizenship is characterized by the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is our guide, our teacher, our comforter, and our empowerer. He is the one who leads us into all truth, who convicts us of sin, who assures us of God's love, and who equips us for service. He is the one who makes the Kingdom of God a living reality in our lives.

Transition. Our Kingdom citizenship is a rich and multifaceted reality. It is a birthright that comes with profound benefits and provisions. It is a gift that transforms our identity and shapes our destiny. It is a privilege that calls us to live in a way that reflects the character and values of our King. And it is a journey that leads us deeper into the heart of God, revealing more of His love, His grace, and His glory.

Becoming a Citizen of the Kingdom

We now find ourselves standing at the threshold of a new understanding ... View this full PRO sermon free with PRO