Message Notes

The Kingdom of God

Becoming a Fully Functioning Citizen of the Kingdom
August 8, 2004

 

How Do I Become a Fully Functioning Citizen of the Kingdom of God?

1) See the Big Picture!

Matthew 13:31-33 He told them another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field. ³²Though it is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."
³³He told them still another parable: "The kingdom of heaven is like yeast that a woman took and mixed into a large amount of flour until it worked all through the dough."

 

Luke 17:20-21 Once, having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, "The kingdom of God does not come with your careful observation, ²¹nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you."

 

1 Thessalonians 5:17-21 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come!

 

2 Corinthians 4:7 But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us.

 

Ephesians 2:10 For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.

 

Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. ¹⁶In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.

 

As a believer, it’s not about “What is in it for me?” It’s about “What can I do to serve the King?” I am called to KNOW GOD and to make Him known while serving Him.

 

2) Seek to Connect with the King Constantly

          -Read the Bible

          -Pray

          -Listen and Obey

3) Constantly yield my life to God

Luke 9:23-24 Then he said to them all: "If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. ²⁴For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me will save it.

 

Ephesians 5:15-18 Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise but as wise, ¹⁶making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. ¹⁷Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. ¹⁸Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.

 

4) Identify and do something about what is holding you back

Psalm 119:59 I have considered my ways and have turned my steps to your statutes.

 

Some Possibilities: Fear, Ignorance, Laziness, and Disobedience

 

Romans 3:23 …for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

 

A prayer to begin a real relationship with God: Dear God, I want a real relationship with you. I realize that I have sinned against you and been my own boss.  I turn from my sin to you, and ask you to forgive me.  Jesus, I know that you died for me and rose again.  So I ask you into my life, as my leader. I accept the forgiveness that you freely give. Thank you for dying for me.  Help me now to live for you. Amen.