π Kingdom First: Believer’s Authority, Righteous Living & Real Victory π
π Kingdom First: Believer’s Authority, Righteous Living & Real Victory π
Key Points
- The speaker taught that there is no transition without opposition, emphasizing that believers must understand God's expectations when accepting Him as personal Lord and Savior.
- Believers are called to live and walk in victory, which includes having victory in finances, as Christians should not remain broke or in debt but rise from mediocre lifestyles.
- Operating under authority requires submission to God and His Word, and believers cannot live double lives while expecting God's blessings.
- Matthew 6:33 was referenced to explain that believers should seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, prioritizing spiritual growth over material things.
- Faith was defined as heaven's currency and described as deep trust and belief in God, comparing it to how children ask their parents questions.
- Righteousness involves being moral, just, and right in relationship with God and others, following God's divine standards including honesty and fulfilling duties.
- Divine laws are principles and moral standards established by God that cannot be violated, compared to a house foundation that must not be touched.
- Believers are commanded to be holy and set apart, demonstrating their faith through conduct and character rather than just carrying Bibles.
- Psalms 106:3 was cited to emphasize that those who practice righteousness at all times, not just Sundays, are blessed people.
- Social experiments were referenced showing people claiming money that wasn't theirs while saying "God bless you," illustrating dishonesty among those claiming faith.
- Personal integrity examples were shared, including returning extra money and putting shopping carts back, as demonstrations of righteous living.
- 1 John 3:7-8 was read to clarify that those who practice righteousness are righteous, while those who sin are of the devil.
- Current economic issues were discussed, including 42 million Americans on food assistance and the need for able-bodied people to work rather than depend on government benefits.
- The sermon concluded with warnings about taking life seriously, making good decisions, and the importance of personal responsibility in marriage and parenting.
Summary
Biblical Foundation and Teaching Series
Scripture reading from Second Corinthians chapter 5 verses 11-17 established the foundation for the teaching
- Prayer for wisdom, knowledge, understanding and revelation was offered
- Teaching series on Believer's Authority was introduced as the main topic covering identity, dominion and character
- Emphasis was placed on God being a God of order rather than allowing anything goes mentality.
Believer's Identity and New Creation
Identity must be founded in Christ who makes believers new creations
- All things from the past have passed away and new things begin with Christ
- Believers are called to let go of the past and only look back to remember where God brought them from
- Testimony should glorify God for deliverance from previous lifestyles including substance abuse, foolish behavior, and social media bullying.
Victory and Prosperity in Believer's Life
Every believer is called to live and walk in victory rather than mediocrity
- Victory must manifest in finances as believers cannot remain broke or in debt
- Believers are supposed to reign and govern on earth because everything belongs to their Father
- False prosperity teaching that requires giving money to God in order to receive money was rejected
- True giving should come from gratitude rather than being forced or manipulated.
Authority and Submission Requirements
Operating under authority causes everything to align and become a blessing
- Full operation in authority requires being under authority through submission to God and His Word
- God must move in believers' lives when they submit to God and His Word
- Double life living prevents God's blessing as believers cannot ask for blessings while engaging in shady activities.
Kingdom of God Principles
Matthew 6:33 teaches believers to seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness
- Spiritual growth and God's will must be prioritized above material things
- Actions speak louder than words in demonstrating kingdom priorities
- Daily practices should begin with thanking God rather than focusing on material needs first.
Faith as Heaven's Currency
Faith is defined as deep trust and belief in God similar to relying on oxygen
- Believers must depend on God completely for bailing them out, showing up, and being a father
- Faith moves the heart of God as demonstrated by biblical examples in Hebrews chapter 11
- Questioning God's methods when He promises blessings shows lack of faith.
Righteousness and Moral Standards
Righteousness involves being moral, just, and right in relationship with God and others
- Living according to God's moral and divine standards includes honesty, integrity, and following divine law
- God demands holiness as stated in 1 Peter 1:16 requiring believers to be set apart
- Divine laws are unchangeable principles and moral standards established by God.
Practical Righteousness in Daily Life
Believers must not steal, lie, cheat, or engage in dishonest practices
- Honesty should be demonstrated even in small matters like returning extra change or admitting uncertainty
- Respect for others' time and property reflects Christian character
- Mature relationships avoid game-playing and manipulation tactics.
Contemporary Cultural Challenges
Celebrities and public figures thanking God while promoting corruption was criticized
- Educational institutions honoring individuals whose lyrics promoted violence, drugs, and immoral behavior was condemned
- Cultural acceptance of behaviors that contradict biblical standards represents rebellion against God
- God's standards remain unchanged regardless of cultural shifts or personal feelings.
Financial Responsibility and Work Ethics
SNAP benefits system supporting 42 million Americans was discussed as unsustainable
- Healthy individuals capable of work should not rely on government assistance indefinitely
- Comparison between 1950s families with fewer possessions but greater happiness versus modern families with more items but increased stress
- Materialism and hoarding behavior contribute to societal problems and personal debt.
Personal Accountability and Life Planning
Chaos in life results from not allowing God to have control
- Five and ten-year life planning is essential as time continues moving forward
- Personal decisions have consequences that must be accepted rather than blamed on external factors
- Quote about being born looking like parents but dying looking like decisions emphasizes personal responsibility.
Next Steps
Believers need to examine their lives to understand why God's hand may not be moving in their situations
- Implementation of practical righteousness in daily activities and financial decisions is required
- Preparation for potential economic challenges including establishing food assistance programs may become necessary
- Focus on spiritual growth and submission to God's authority should take priority over material pursuits.
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