Faith Talk - October 27, 2024
Sunday: October 27, 2024
Series: Faith and Politics
Sermon: Faith and Politics: Living for an Unshakeable Kingdom
Series: Faith and Politics
Sermon: Faith and Politics: Living for an Unshakeable Kingdom
Scripture
Hebrews 12:25-29 – See to it that you do not reject the one who speaks. For if they did not escape when they rejected him who warned them on earth, even less will we if we turn away from him who warns us from heaven. His voice shook the earth at that time, but now he has promised, Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens. This expression, “Yet once more,” indicates the removal of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what is not shaken might remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.
Summary
Today we continued in our series, Faith and Politics. The message explored how an understanding of our call to live for an eternal kingdom gives us direction and peace during this election season. We examined Hebrews and God’s instructions for how to live for an unshakeable kingdom despite the uncertainty of our times.
In the book of Hebrews, we find strong encouragement for followers of Jesus Christ to live for something greater, something more lasting than this present world. We are called to live for the kingdom of God, His everlasting rule and reign.
Today’s passage showed us that in order to live for an unshakeable kingdom, we must:
1. Be Attentive to God Speaking (Hebrews 12:25)
God once spoke to His people through the Old Testament prophets, but now, in these last days He has spoken through His Son Jesus Christ. We must listen to Jesus and obey Him as we follow the Word of God.
2. Be Prepared for God’s Shaking (Hebrews 12:26-27)
When Christ returns and God judges all of creation, He will remove the temporary, created things in the earth and the heavens and leave only that which is eternal. The material things of this world will perish, yet the kingdom of God will remain. We should prepare for this shaking by making sure we have entered the kingdom of God by faith. Then as followers of Jesus, we must invest our lives in what is eternal.
3. Be Thankful for God’s Gift (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Receiving the unshakeable kingdom by faith in Jesus Christ should cause followers of Christ to be a thankful people. Our proper response to God’s gift of salvation is worship with our lives. Therefore, we should prioritize our lives around God’s purposes, serving Him with reverence and awe.
In the book of Hebrews, we find strong encouragement for followers of Jesus Christ to live for something greater, something more lasting than this present world. We are called to live for the kingdom of God, His everlasting rule and reign.
Today’s passage showed us that in order to live for an unshakeable kingdom, we must:
1. Be Attentive to God Speaking (Hebrews 12:25)
God once spoke to His people through the Old Testament prophets, but now, in these last days He has spoken through His Son Jesus Christ. We must listen to Jesus and obey Him as we follow the Word of God.
2. Be Prepared for God’s Shaking (Hebrews 12:26-27)
When Christ returns and God judges all of creation, He will remove the temporary, created things in the earth and the heavens and leave only that which is eternal. The material things of this world will perish, yet the kingdom of God will remain. We should prepare for this shaking by making sure we have entered the kingdom of God by faith. Then as followers of Jesus, we must invest our lives in what is eternal.
3. Be Thankful for God’s Gift (Hebrews 12:28-29)
Receiving the unshakeable kingdom by faith in Jesus Christ should cause followers of Christ to be a thankful people. Our proper response to God’s gift of salvation is worship with our lives. Therefore, we should prioritize our lives around God’s purposes, serving Him with reverence and awe.
Discussion
- Share what stood out to you most from today’s sermon. How will you apply it to your life?
- Share some concerns you have had in this political season and as you anticipate the upcoming election. How does remembering the message of the gospel give you peace of mind?
- Discuss how your priorities in life might change if you regularly viewed yourself as a temporary resident on earth and a citizen of God’s unshakeable kingdom.
- Share some things you have to be thankful for related to God’s work in your life.
Pray Together
Father, as we consider Your sovereign power and control of all things, we take comfort. We thank You that we don’t have to fear the uncertainties of the upcoming election or the future of our country. Please help us to take refuge in You, knowing that You’ve called followers of Christ into an unshakeable kingdom. Please use us to carry the message of the gospel to others, that You would bring them into the kingdom as well. Amen.
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