A Tale of Two Kingdoms
9/22/2024
Jesus once met with a high-level government official. In that exchange, we get an insight into His understanding of the differences between the kingdoms of this world and the Kingdom of God. Join us for part 3 of The US of America, where we will discover the differences between the Kingdom of the Sword and the Kingdom of our Lord.
Passage
John 18:33-36
The Kingdom of the ##Sword##
What the Bible tells Christians about living as citizens of this world:
- ##Submit## to those in authority. (1 Peter 2:13)
- Honor the ##king## (1 Peter 2:17)
- ##Obey## ##the## ##laws## of the land when they are not in conflict with the commands of God. (Romans 13:1; Titus 3:1; 1 Peter 2:13-17; Acts 5:29)
- ##Pray## for our leaders and seek to live in peace (1 Timothy 2:1-3)
The Kingdom of the ##Cross##
Small Group Questions
Use this outline for personal reflection, as a couple or family devotion, or with a small group.
HANGOUT
What is civil disobedience, and is it ever appropriate? If so, when? Can you give contemporary and biblical examples of justified civil disobedience?
HEAR
Read Daniel 1
- (Verses 1-5) What is the historical context for this chapter? Based on these verses, what do we already know about Daniel and his friends?
- (Verses 6-14) What were the Babylonians attempting to do to Daniel and his friends? Does modern culture and civil governments still practice this sort of thing today? If so, how? How did Daniel respond? What did God do for Daniel and his friends (v. 9)?
- (Verses 15-21) What was the outcome of Daniel’s refusal to ignore God’s commands? How did Daniel’s response show respect for the king and a commitment to obey God? What lessons does this offer us today?
Read Daniel 3
- (Verses 1-12) What line did Nebuchadnezzar cross with his mandate to worship the image he created? How did the Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to this overreach? How do we know when an earthly ruler has exceeded their rightful authority, and how should we respond?
- (Verse 13-18) Why was the king furious? How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego respond to the king’s threats? What does their response tell us about their faith in God?
- (Verses 19-30) How did Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s faith impact the king and all of Babylon? What lessons should we learn from Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego’s act of civil disobedience?
- Who was the fourth man in the furnace? How does this story compare to Jesus’ arrest, crucifixion, and resurrection?
HUDDLE
Are you being pressured to compromise your faith? If so, how? How are you responding? What will you do to have the faith of Daniel in the face of social and political pressure? Talk about it, invite accountability, and take time to pray together.
Daily Reading
As you read each passage, look for connections to this week’s sermon and small group discussion. Invite the Holy Spirit to be your teacher as you seek Him with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength.
- Day 1: Daniel 1
- Day 2: Daniel 2
- Day 3: Daniel 3
- Day 4: Daniel 4
- Day 5: Daniel 5
- Day 6: Daniel 6
- Day 7: 1 Peter 2
Think Deeper
- What does it mean to exercise “power over” someone?
- How did Jesus turn the earthly power structures upside-down?
- Do you function more within the power structures of this world or according to the example of Jesus?
Suggested Reading
The Myth of a Christian Nation, by Greg Boyd
Not In It to Win It, by Andy Stanley
Before You Vote: Seven Questions, David Platt
Check out these and other books from our suggested reading list at https://bit.ly/AspireSMB.