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Living As Family of the King
Kingdom Life -Bethel Church, June 25, 2017
Reviewing our identity
Romans 8:14-17
For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.
- Because God our King reveals to us as Father…
we are his children, and we are family
Colossians 2:12–13
For you were buried with Christ when you were baptized. And with him you were raised to new life because you trusted the mighty power of God, who raised Christ from the dead. You were dead because of your sins and because your sinful nature was not yet cut away. Then God made you alive with Christ, for he forgave all our sins.
- In our new life we are children of the King
John 1:11–13
He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God.
- We live the kingdom life as family of the King
The question for us today:
HOW do we live the kingdom life as family?
Deuteronomy 6:7-9 (NLT)
Repeat them again and again to your children. Talk about them when you are at home and when you are on the road, when you are going to bed and when you are getting up. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders.Write them on the doorposts of your house and on your gates.
- How does this passage describe the kingdom way of life?
- What new things was God asking his followers to do?
- How much of this new way of life happens by accident?
Being intentional means recognizing God as King, this kingdom life (this story) as God’s story, and accepting God’s invitation to live his kingdom life together.
Rhythm #1: Bless
Outdo one another in showing love - be intentional
Romans 12:9-10
Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.
-This is a simple as a smile, a kind word, holding a door
-We might do this already for selfish reasons
-Kingdom life intentionally puts the focus is on God
- Those whom we bless don't think we are great…
they think God is awesome!
Rhythm #2: Eat Together
Acts 2:46-47
Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.
When we eat we:
-We recognize our need
-We rely on something other than ourselves to meet that need
-Whether plant or animal, something died to meet our need
-Eating together is sharing life in the midst of our need
Rhythm #3: Listening
John 14:16–17 (NLT)
And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth.
- Who are we listening to?
- Who is the loudest voice in you life?
- Is it God or something else?
- We also need to listen to one another
Phil 2:1-4 (NIV)
Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.
How can we know one another joys, hurts, problems, victories if we don’t take time to listen?
Rhythm #4:Enjoy
Romans 12:10,13-15 (NIV)
Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves…Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
- Living the kingdom life is intentionally enjoying others
Living out the rhythms of kingdom life with the King’sfamily
Bless
How can you be intentional about seeing our kingdom family?
Who is someone you can speak words of encouragement to today?
How can you bless someone by a physical act today?
Eat
Can you grab a meal with a kingdom family member this week?
What does it look like for you to offer hospitality?
What does it look like for you to accept hospitality?
Listen
Who is the loudest voice in your life?
What does it look like for you to listen to God?
What does it look like for you to listen to your kingdom family?
What can you do this week to improve you listening?
Enjoy
What do you enjoy doing?
Invite a kingdom family member(s) to join you in that activity
What does it look like for you to celebrate someone?