Thrive in the Kingdom 2
Notes
Transcript
Thrive in the Kingdom
Thrive in the Kingdom
1 Thessalonians 2:12 (ESV)
12 we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
DT: When we embrace the will of God, we will thrive and glorify Him
Introduction
This verse encapsulates the essence of our Christian journey, calling us to thrive in the Kingdom of God. It is a profound reminder that our walk with Christ is not merely about survival but about flourishing in every aspect of our spiritual lives. This divine calling challenges us to rise above the ordinary, to seek a deeper connection with God, and to live out our faith with passion and purpose.
Transition: Let's begin by examining the first area where we are called to thrive: our walk with God.
I. Thrive in Your Walk
I. Thrive in Your Walk
Exposition:
Paul’s message to the Thessalonians emphasizes the profound importance of living a life in constant alignment with God’s will. This is not a passive or occasional alignment, but a deliberate and continuous effort to align our thoughts, actions, and desires with the heart of God. Our daily walk with God should be a vibrant reflection of His grace and love, evident in every aspect of our lives.
Word Study: Greek word for "walk" (περιπατέω - peripateō)
Usage: The word "peripateō" is used in Ephesians 4:1, where Paul urges believers to "live a life worthy of the calling."
Insight: The term "walk" implies continuous action and behavior. It's not a one-time act but an ongoing lifestyle.
Application: Emphasize how walking with God is a daily, continuous process that requires dedication and commitment.
When we truly live in alignment with God's will, His grace transforms us from within, leading to visible and tangible changes in our character and behavior. This transformation is not just for our benefit; it extends to those around us. By embodying God’s love and grace, we become agents of change, impacting our families, communities, and the world. Our lives, therefore, become testimonies of God's power and love, making a significant difference in both our personal journeys and the lives of those we encounter.
Scriptures:
1 I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called,
10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him: bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;
27 Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel,
Illustration:
Think of our walk with God as a long-distance race. Just as an athlete prepares and trains diligently, we must also prepare ourselves spiritually.
Application:
Set aside time each day for prayer and Bible study. This builds a strong foundation and keeps you rooted in God's word.
Look for opportunities to serve within your community, reflecting God’s love through your actions.
Transition: As we grow in our walk with God, we must also embrace the unique calling He has placed on each of our lives. This leads us to our next point: Thriving in our Call.
II. Thrive in Your Call
II. Thrive in Your Call
Exposition:
Paul urges us to embrace our divine calling with wholehearted commitment and dedication. Each one of us is uniquely crafted by God with a specific purpose and role in His Kingdom. This calling is not arbitrary; it is divinely ordained, tailored to our unique gifts, talents, and circumstances. Understanding and living out this call is not just a peripheral aspect of our faith, but it is central to our identity as believers.
Word Study: Greek word for "call" (καλέω - kaleō) (Kalountos)
Usage: This word is used in 2 Timothy 1:9, referring to God's calling to a holy life.
Insight: The word "kaleō" means to call or invite, indicating a personal invitation from God to fulfill a specific purpose. Application: God's call is both personal and purposeful, inviting each believer to participate in His divine plan.
Embracing our divine calling requires intentionality and discernment. It involves seeking God's guidance through prayer, immersing ourselves in His Word, and being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit. As we align ourselves with God's will, we begin to see our lives through the lens of His purpose. This alignment empowers us to act with conviction and clarity, knowing that our contributions, no matter how small they may seem, are significant in the grand tapestry of God's Kingdom.
Living out our calling is essential for thriving as believers because it infuses our lives with meaning and direction. When we operate within our God-given purpose, we experience a sense of fulfillment and joy that transcends the temporary pleasures of this world. Moreover, as we faithfully walk in our calling, we become conduits of God's grace and power, impacting others and advancing His Kingdom on earth. Therefore, embracing and living out our divine calling is not just beneficial for our spiritual growth; it is vital for the collective mission of the Church to be a light in a darkened world.
Scriptures:
9 who saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,
28 And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
Illustration:
Consider the story of Moses. Initially reluctant and feeling inadequate, he eventually embraced his call to lead the Israelites out of Egypt. Despite his fears, God equipped him for the task and used him mightily. Similarly, in our modern context, we may feel unprepared or fearful, but God equips us for the tasks He has called us to.
Application:
Take time to identify your spiritual gifts and talents. Engage in activities and ministries that align with these gifts.
Don’t let fear or doubt hold you back. Trust that God will equip you for the tasks He has called you to.
Seek opportunities for learning and growth, whether through Bible studies, workshops, or mentoring.
Transition: Understanding and living out our calling is crucial, but we must also remember that our ultimate aim is to bring glory to God. This brings us to our final point: Thriving in God’s Glory.
III. Thrive in God’s Glory
III. Thrive in God’s Glory
Exposition:
Paul reminds us that our ultimate goal is God's glory, the supreme purpose that undergirds every aspect of our Christian life. Thriving in God's glory means living in such a way that our lives become a beacon of His magnificence and splendor. This is not merely about outward appearances or actions but involves an inward transformation that radiates God's presence in all that we do.
Word Study: Greek word for "glory" (δόξα - doxa)
Usage: The term "doxa" is frequently used in the New Testament to describe the glory of God.
Insight:"Doxa" encompasses the idea of honor, splendor, and magnificence. It reflects God's inherent worth and the visible manifestation of His divine nature.
Application: Stress the importance of living in a way that reflects and honors God's glory, making His presence known in the world.
To thrive in God's glory is to embody His attributes—love, holiness, justice, mercy, and grace—in our daily lives. It involves a conscious effort to let His light shine through us, impacting the world around us in profound and tangible ways. This means being vessels of His love, extending grace and compassion to others, and upholding righteousness and truth in all our dealings.
Moreover, thriving in God's glory requires a posture of humility and surrender. It is recognizing that our strengths, achievements, and successes are ultimately rooted in His divine power and purpose. As we decrease, allowing God to increase in our lives, His glory becomes more evident to those around us. This selfless living not only glorifies God but also draws others to Him, as they witness the transformative power of His presence in our lives.
Living for God's glory also means participating in His mission, using our gifts and resources to advance His Kingdom. It is about making a difference in our communities, workplaces, and families by being ambassadors of Christ. Whether through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or standing for justice, our actions should point others to the greatness of God.
In essence, thriving in God's glory is a lifelong pursuit, a daily commitment to reflect His character and honor His name. As we strive to live in a manner worthy of His calling, we fulfill our highest purpose and experience the fullness of life that God intends for us.
Scriptures:
18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.
17 For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison,
10 And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.
Illustration:
A lighthouse stands tall, its light piercing through the darkest storms to guide ships to safety. Similarly, our lives should be beacons of God’s glory, guiding others towards Him through our actions and testimonies.
Application:
Focus on God’s ultimate plan and glory, rather than temporary troubles.
Share your experiences of God’s goodness and grace, encouraging others in their faith.
Engage in service and kindness that reflect God’s love to the world.
Personal Testimony:
There have been moments in my ministry where God’s glory shone through the darkest situations. Seeing lives transformed by His grace is a powerful testament to His glory.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we conclude, let us be reminded that thriving in the Kingdom of God requires intentionality in our walk, commitment to our call, and a focus on God’s glory.
May we strive to live lives worthy of God, who has called us into His kingdom and glory. As we do, let us point to Jesus, our Savior, who died, was buried, and rose again for our salvation.
Together, let us build our future with faith, commitment, and unity. Amen.
My brothers and sisters, as we go forth today, let’s walk worthy of our calling, fulfilling our divine purpose, and reflecting God's glory in all we do. For we are His chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, called to declare the praises of Him who called us out of darkness into His wonderful light. So, let’s thrive and let our lives shout His praises from the rooftops. In Jesus' mighty name, amen!