The Greatest Kingdom

• We are Kingdom people now – strangers and aliens – not of this world
• Think pre-fall –– a Kingdom of chosen relationship
• A kingdom of relationship with God
• Looking forward to that day today
• The Kingdom of heaven is now in believers – we follow Him are being changed by Him and are committed to His mission

John 3:3–6 (NIV) — 3 Jesus replied, “Very truly I tell you, no one can see the kingdom of God unless they are born again.” 4 “How can someone be born when they are old?” Nicodemus asked. “Surely they cannot enter a second time into their mother’s womb to be born!” 5 Jesus answered, “Very truly I tell you, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. 6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit.

John 18:36–37 (NIV)

The Greatest King—His values –His vision sets the terms for this Kingdom

• Love properly understood is a person

• Agape love is a little different. It is no a feeling; it’s a motivation for action that we are free to choose or reject. Agape is a sacrificial love that voluntarily suffers inconvenience, discomfort, and even death for the benefit of another without expecting anything in return. We are called to agape love through Christ’s example

1 John 4:8 (NIV) — 8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.

Hebrews 1:1–3 (NIV).

1. Last week – love (relationship is the value system) of His Kingdom

   Matthew 22:37–40 (NIV) — 37 Jesus replied: “ ‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the first and greatest commandment. 39 And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ 40 All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”

   1 Corinthians 13:4–7 (NIV) — 4 Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. 5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. 6 Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 7 It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

2. The foundation of a Kingdom of love is humility

• Without humility, there is no relationship
• God hates pride because it kills relationship
• Colossians 3— a great passage to study

1 Peter 5:5–6 (NIV) — 5 In the same way, you who are younger, submit yourselves to your elders. All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, “God opposes the proud but shows favor to the humble.” 6 Humble yourselves, therefore, under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time.

1 John 2:15–17 (NIV) — 15 Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the Father is not in them. 16 For everything in the world—the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life—comes not from the Father but from the world. 17 The world and its desires pass away, but whoever does the will of God lives forever.

The King and humility – Philippians 2:1–11 (NIV)

1. Humility does not think less of yourself– it thinks of itself less.

• Love your neighbor as yourself
• There are too people here not just one
• The two have equal value before God

John 13:3–5 (NIV) — 3 Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. 5 After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

Try this: this week give confident service – service is good

2. Humility considers the interests of others: their ideas, their preferences, their gifts, and their well-being Try this: this week ask others their opinion then consider how others think about the subject

3. Humility serves others in action– not just as an idea

• Using your abilities and resources for service rather than dominance
• When you see a problem – step into being a part of the remedy.

Mark 9:35 (NIV) — 35 Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

4. Humility forgives because we know we need to be forgiven

• Because I remember I sin—make mistakes – and need God’s grace so I give it
• Before you deal with a wrong someone else has done to you –consider how Jesus deals with you when you do wrong

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) — 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

5. Humility is the key to wisdom – James 3:13–18 (NIV)

Are you a Kingdom culture builder or Killer? – Galatians 5:19–23 (NIV