The Kingdom of God: Our True Citizenship
Introduction
This sermon explores the concept of God’s kingdom as the ultimate solution to the world’s problems. The pastor emphasizes that Jesus came to establish a kingdom of grace, not a religion, and invites listeners to become citizens of this eternal kingdom. The message highlights the contrast between earthly kingdoms and God’s kingdom, stressing the importance of a personal relationship with Christ over mere religious practices.
🎥 Watch the Video
Main content teaching for the week📌 Click to watch the main teaching for the week!
Key Points:
- The greatest threat to the world today is misguided religion, not political or environmental issues
- Jesus preached about the kingdom of God, not a new religion
- God’s kingdom is not a physical territory but resides in the hearts of believers
- As citizens of God’s kingdom, we are called to be His ambassadors on earth
- The kingdom of God is not democratic; God’s word and will are supreme
- True citizenship in God’s kingdom comes through a relationship with Christ, not good works or correct doctrine
- Our mission as believers is to share the gospel of the kingdom with the world
Scripture Reference:
- Matthew 13 (Parables of the Kingdom)
- Luke 17:21 (“The kingdom of God is within you”)
- Matthew 24:14 (The gospel of the kingdom preached to all nations)
📖 Daily Reading Plan
Day 1: The Kingdom Within
Reading: Luke 17:20-21, Matthew 6:9-13
Devotional: Jesus taught that the Kingdom of God is not a physical place, but a spiritual reality that resides within us. As we read in Luke, “the kingdom of God is within you.” This profound truth invites us to look inward and cultivate God’s presence in our hearts. When we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done,” we’re asking God to establish His reign in our lives, transforming us from the inside out.
Reflect on areas of your life where you need to surrender more fully to God’s kingship. How can you make your heart a more welcoming place for His presence? Consider practical ways to align your will with God’s will today.
Day 2: Seeds of the Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 13:31-32, Galatians 5:22-23
Devotional: The parable of the mustard seed reminds us that God’s Kingdom often starts small but grows to have a tremendous impact. Like a tiny seed that becomes a large tree, the values and principles of God’s Kingdom, when planted in our hearts, can flourish and spread His influence through our lives and into our communities.
The fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians are manifestations of God’s Kingdom in us. Which of these fruits do you see growing in your life? Which ones need more nurturing? Ask God to help you cultivate these Kingdom qualities, starting with small, daily acts of love, joy, peace, and kindness.
Day 3: Citizens of a Heavenly Kingdom
Reading: Philippians 3:20-21, Colossians 3:1-4
Devotional: As believers, we have dual citizenship – we live on earth, but our true allegiance is to the Kingdom of Heaven. This perspective should radically alter how we view our lives and priorities. We’re called to be ambassadors for Christ, representing His Kingdom in everything we do and say.
Consider how your heavenly citizenship influences your daily decisions and interactions. Are there areas where worldly values have overshadowed your Kingdom perspective? Pray for wisdom to live as a faithful representative of God’s Kingdom, setting your mind on things above.
Day 4: The Kingdom of Grace
Reading: John 3:16-17, Ephesians 2:8-10
Devotional: The heart of God’s Kingdom is grace – unearned, undeserved love freely given to us through Jesus Christ. This grace is not just a theological concept, but a transformative power that reshapes our entire existence. We are saved by grace, sustained by grace, and called to extend this grace to others.
Reflect on moments when you’ve experienced God’s grace in your life. How has it changed you? Consider someone in your life who needs to experience God’s grace through you today. How can you be a channel of His unmerited love and kindness to them?
Day 5: Advancing the Kingdom
Reading: Matthew 24:14, Acts 1:8
Devotional: Jesus gave us a clear mission: to proclaim the gospel of the Kingdom to all nations. This isn’t just about geographical expansion, but about extending the influence of God’s love, truth, and grace into every aspect of human existence. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to be witnesses of Christ’s Kingdom, starting right where we are.
What opportunities do you have to share the good news of God’s Kingdom today? It might be through words, acts of service, or simply by living out Kingdom values in your daily life. Pray for boldness and wisdom to be an effective ambassador for Christ in your sphere of influence.
💬 Discussion Question
How might our lives change if we truly embraced the idea of being citizens of God’s kingdom first, before any earthly allegiance?
The sermon concludes with a call to share the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ as preparation for Christ’s return. How does this mission resonate with you, and what practical steps could you take to fulfill it?
The speaker suggests that good works and correct doctrine are not enough for salvation. How does this align with your understanding of faith, and what questions does it raise?
📣Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father,
We come to You with hearts open to Your eternal kingdom. Guide us to embrace Your love and grace, and help us live as ambassadors of Your truth. May Your kingdom reside in our hearts, shaping our thoughts and actions. Strengthen us to share Your good news and prepare us for the bright future You promise. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen..
📣 Call to Action
✅ Think about or write down: What stood out to you?
✅ Share: Invite someone to join this devotional!
✅ Prayer Requests: Need prayer? Let us know! 🙏 Submit Your Prayer Request
🔔 See you next week for another powerful devotional!
Watch Further Sermons CLICK HERE
📚 Small Group Guide
Our Bunbury Church Small Group Guide extends the weekly devotional into focused discussions, offering practical support and deeper exploration of God’s word for those eager to grow in Christ.
