The Kingdom, part 3
"The Kingdom" Part 3
1. King
2. Kingdom
3. Citizens
4. Kingdom Living
God's kingdom referred to as an "upside down kingdom."
1 Samuel 16:7 [NLT], But the Lord said to Samuel, "Don't judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart."
Matthew 20:25-28 [NLT], But Jesus called them together and said, "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 26 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must by your servant, 27 and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. 28 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many."
"The way up...is down."
1 Corinthians 1:26-29 [NLT], Remember, dear brothers and sisters, that few of you were wise in the world's eyes or powerful or wealthy when God called you. 27 Instead, God chose things the world considers foolish in order to shame those who think they are wise. And he chose things that are powerless to shame those who are powerful. 28 God chose things despised by the world, things counted as nothing at all, and used them to bring to nothing what the world considers important. 29 As a result, no one can ever boast in the presence of God.
God always leads, build and advances His kingdom in accordance with His divine nature and character.
God's divine nature and character consist of...
Love Righteousness Life Insight Justice
Joy Boldness Sacrifice Discernment Healer
Peace Courage Service Knowledge Freedom
Patience Integrity Humility Understanding Honor
Kindness Holiness Generosity Partnership Consistency
Goodness Purity Truth Grace Steadfastness
Faithfulness Integrity Faith Mercy Authority
Gentleness Confidence Power Unity Redeemer
Self-control Encouragement Wisdom Acceptance Restorer
Luke 12:32 [NKJV], ...for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
God's kingdom is also revealed by who He is not.
We are caught in between two kingdoms.
WORRY!
"God doesn't worry, so worry can't be a part of His kingdom."
"What are you worried about today?"
• finances
• physical health
• relationship
• another's decisions
• uncertain future
• another's expectations
• change
• another's view
"All worry is cloaked in the fear of the unknown."
Our worries are nothing more than a distortion of reality that causes our minds to be preoccupied and distracted.
Extends lengths of worry can cause...
• depression
• anxiety
• migraines
• ulcers
• digestive issues
• high blood pressure
• heart attacks
• sleeping disorders
• physical wear and tear
• relational conflict
"What does God want you to do about your worries?"
Matthew 6:19-33 [NLT], "Don't store up treasure here on earth, where moths eat them and rust destroys them, and where thieves break in and steal. 20 Store up treasures in heaven, where moths and rust cannot destroy, and thieves do not break in and steal. 21 Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. ...24 No one can serve two masters. For you will hate one and love the other; you will be devoted to one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and be enslaved to money. 25 That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life - whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn't life more than food, and your body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren't you far more valuable to him than they are? 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? 28 And why worry about your clothing? Look at the lilies of the field and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for wildflower that are here today and thrown into the fire tomorrow, he will certainly care for you. Why do you have so little faith? 31 So don't worry about these things, saying, 'What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?' 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need."
1. Let go of what we can't control
1 Peter 5:7 [NLT], Give all your worries and cares [anxieties] to God, for he cares for you.
2. Reminded He cares
Philippians 4:19 [NASB], "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus."
3. Be grateful
"When our worries begin to disappear, our faith will take over."
4. See above our circumstance
5. Walk in peace
Philippians 4:6-9 [NLT], Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. 7 Then you will experience God's peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus. 8 And now, dear brothers and sisters, one final thing. Fix your thoughts on what is true, and honorable, and right, and pure, and lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise. 9 Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me - everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.