The basic declaration of faith for the Christian is “Jesus is Lord” (Romans 10:9). This flies in the face of the declaration that “Caesar is Lord” at the heart of the Roman Empire during the time of the New Testament. What did it mean to live in God’s kingdom then and what does it mean now? We will look at Philippians as a kingdom citizenship guide and also explore guidance from Colossians on seeing the Church as a replacement of the Greco-Roman polis.
Romans 10:9; 14:17-18; Philippians 3:20; Colossians
SERMON OUTLINE
“ For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’” (Romans 14:17)
I: Life in God’s Kingdom by the Spirit
- Life in the Spirit (Romans 14:17-18)
- The surprisingly blessed life (Matthew 5:2-12)
- The obedient and fruitful life (Galatians 5:13-26)
We: Life Together in God’s Kingdom by the Spirit
- The community that takes on Christ’s kingly character (Ephesians 4:14-16)
- The community that takes on Christ’s servant character (Philippians 2:1-11)
They: Kingdom Mission with the Spirit
- Word: The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Acts 1:8)
- Deed: The Great Commandment (Matthew 22:34-40
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- What has been one significant change in your life since you became a follower of Jesus? How has that changed your relationships with others?
- This week we continue our series “The Kingdom of God” by looking at how we live the kingdom life with God individually and corporately. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word.
- Read Romans 14:17-18. What do you think the Apostle Paul’s marvelous description of life in God’s kingdom means?
- There are two character descriptions of life in God’s kingdom for the individual. The first is the Beatitudes, in which Jesus’ reflects on who is truly “blessed” by God. Read Matthew 5:2-12. What do you think Jesus is saying about the blessed life?
- Another description of the individual life in God’s kingdom by the power of the Holy Spirit is found in Galatians 5:13-26. Read that text and then describe the nature of life. What role do we play? What role does the Holy Spirit play?
- What do you find most difficult about living the kingdom life with God? How could you grow based on what we have just read?
- The kingdom life is not just about individuals but about God’s community, the church. Read Ephesians 4:14-16 and Romans 8:28-30, then discuss what the goal for the church is.
- The character of Christ is to mark Christ’s church, but so are other things. After reading Philippians 2:1-11, discuss how else the church should mirror Christ?
- How well do you think the church reflects these truths from Ephesians 4 and Philippians 2? How well do you think you reflect these truths? How might we grow?
- The church is called to move out on mission with God. Read Matthew 28:18-20 and Acts 1:8. Describe the mission of the church according to these Scripture passages.
- The church not only proclaims the message of the kingdom but also displays the message of the kingdom. Read Matthew 22:34-40 and reflect on how this instruction of Jesus connects with our kingdom mission. You may also want to read Matthew 25:31-46.
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you learned through this study.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize Romans 14:17 this week.
- Take time to pray through the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:2-12) or the fruit of the Spirit this week (Galatians 5:22-26). As you read the passage, let the Holy Spirit bring attention to different aspects of the passage or your life. Ask God to form your life to look more like His in one or more areas.
- Watch Richard J. Foster’s talk, “Casting a Vision,” about spiritual formation in the kingdom of God.
- If you are interested in a deeper understanding of life in the kingdom of God, read Dallas Willard’s book, The Divine Conspiracy: Rediscovering Our Hidden Life in God.