Colossians 1:11-14 New Living Translation
11 We also pray that you will be strengthened with all his glorious power so you will have all the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, 12 always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. 13 For he has rescued us from the kingdom of darkness and transferred us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who purchased our freedom and forgave our sins.
ITS NOT OF THIS WORLD
John 18:34-35 New Living Translation
34 Jesus replied, “Is this your own question, or did others tell you about me?”
35 “Am I a Jew?” Pilate retorted. “Your own people and their leading priests brought you to me for trial. Why? What have you done?”
John 18:36 New Living Translation
36 Jesus answered, “My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom. If it were, my followers would fight to keep me from being handed over to the Jewish leaders. But my Kingdom is not of this world.”
THE KINGDOM IS OUR FIRST PURSUIT
Matthew 6:31-34 New Living Translation
31 “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’ 32 These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. 33 Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
34 “So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
IT WORKS DIFFERENTLY
Matthew 4:23 New Living Translation
23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
Matthew 5:3-11 New Living Translation
3 “God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
4 God blesses those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 God blesses those who are humble,
for they will inherit the whole earth.
6 God blesses those who hunger and thirst for justice,
for they will be satisfied.
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
8 God blesses those whose hearts are pure,
for they will see God.
9 God blesses those who work for peace,
for they will be called the children of God.
10 God blesses those who are persecuted for doing right,
for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs.
11 “God blesses you when people mock you and persecute you and lie about you and say all sorts of evil things against you because you are my followers.
Sermon Questions
- Colossians 1:11-14 speaks of being “strengthened with all His glorious power” and being “rescued from the kingdom of darkness.” How does understanding that you have been transferred into God’s Kingdom impact the way you approach challenges and difficulties in your life?
- In John 18:36, Jesus says, “My Kingdom is not of this world.” What does it mean for us today to live with a mindset focused on God’s Kingdom rather than earthly concerns? How does this shape your daily decisions and priorities?
- Matthew 6:33 tells us to “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else.” What are some practical ways you can pursue God’s Kingdom first in your everyday life? What distractions or worries tend to compete with this pursuit, and how can you address them?