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Whose Kingdom Do I Serve?

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. News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. Large crowds followed him wherever he went—people from Galilee, the Ten Towns, Jerusalem, from all over Judea, and from east of the Jordan River. MATTHEW 4:23-25 NLT

THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS ANYWHERE GOD’S WILL IS BEING DONE

…your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. MATTHEW 6:10 NIV

News about him spread as far as Syria, and people soon began bringing to him all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all. MATTHEW 4:24 NLT

TO FOLLOW JESUS IN HIS KINGDOM, I MUST:

BECOME AWARE OF HIS ACTIVE RULE IN THE WORLD TODAY

For they look, but they don’t really see. They hear, but they don’t really listen or understand. MATTHEW 13:13 NLT

Lord, you are always at work. Give me eyes to see how you are working in me, through me, and around me. Amen.

SURRENDER MY AGENDA IN ORDER TO FOLLOW HIS

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need. MATTHEW 6:33 NLT

ANNOUNCE IN WORD AND DEED THAT JESUS, THE HEALER, IS HERE FOR ALL PEOPLE

Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” MATTHEW 4:19 NLT

Wherever you live, work, and play, you take God’s kingdom authority with you.

My Notes

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a quiet place where you can spend time with God. Take a few deep breaths and ask God to help you calm your thoughts and emotions. When you are ready, invite God to guide your time of reflection. What do you believe about the Kingdom of God? How is God’s Kingdom different from the world you live in? How are His desires different from yours? Ask God to help you see these differences, then to picture Jesus as King over it all. What thoughts or feelings come to mind? Read Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT). Imagine what it would be like to be among the crowd that is seeing, hearing and following Jesus as he is preaching, teaching and healing. How do Jesus’ character, words and healings impact your perspective of God’s Kingdom? Be honest with God about the ways in which you’re living under both the authority and blessing of His Kingdom. Is there anything you’re trying to rule that you need to instead submit to God? Confess what you’re holding onto and invite God to heal those areas which you struggle to surrender. Finally, ask God what step of faith or obedience He’s inviting you to take so that you can experience His good and perfect will. Thank God for your time together, and ask Him to increase your awareness of His rule through this prayer: Lord, You are always at work. Give me eyes to see how You are working in me, through me, and around me. Amen.

Discussion Questions

For our Matthew series, we’re offering two options for discussing the sermon and Scripture. Choose option A or B to guide your group’s discussion time.

(A) The R.E.A.L. Bible Study Method:

1. Read the Passage. Start by reading Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT) out loud.

2. Explore the Theme. What is the main point or theme of the passage? What does this passage reveal about God and/or humanity?

3. Ask God. How do we apply this passage to our lives today? How might God be encouraging or challenging you?

4. Live It Out. What prayerful and specific action will you take based on this passage?

(B) Choose a couple of questions from each section below to discuss as a group:

  1. START HERE: What types of things do you think about when you’re going to be making a first impression on someone?
  2. START HERE: What is something or who is someone you’ve traveled far for, and how did that experience or person impact you?
  3. START HERE: How would you describe your kingdom right now? (What are your desires and the realities of the world you’re living in or want to live in?)
  4. KEEP GOING: Read Matthew 4:23-25 (NLT). What would it be like to be among the crowd while Jesus was preaching, teaching, and healing?
  5. KEEP GOING: What kind of King is Jesus? (Think about His character, purpose, and promises)
  6. KEEP GOING: What are the differences between your kingdom and God’s?
  7. KEEP GOING: What area of your life are you still trying to rule and what will it take for you to yield that to God?
  8. LIVE IT OUT: How could you become more spiritually self-aware of God at work in your life?
  9. LIVE IT OUT: What could you personally share with people about Jesus the Healer?