Devoted Kingdom Living - Volume Two - Pt.2

Lesson One - Summary and Questions to Consider

What does it mean to belong to a culture that is not of this world? That is the question at the heart of this lesson on "Devoted Kingdom Living." We explore the idea that the Kingdom of Heaven carries its own distinct culture, one that originates not from a group of people or a geographic location, but from a single person, Jesus Christ. Just as we recognize someone from another country by their speech, their customs, and their way of life, those who are born again carry the marks of a Kingdom that is invisible to the natural eye yet deeply real in spirit and experience. Drawing from John 1:1-13, we are reminded that in Christ is life, and that life is the light of humanity. This is not merely poetic language. It is a declaration that true life, wholeness, freedom of thought, and unending joy are not things we construct for ourselves but things we receive by drawing closer to the King. The closer we navigate toward that light, the more clearly we see both who we are and who we are becoming. This lesson challenges us to ask ourselves whether we are living as citizens of the Kingdom in a way that others can see and experience through us.

Kingdom Overview

Think of a time when you encountered someone from a very different cultural background. What was one thing that immediately identified them as being from somewhere other than where you were? What does that experience make you think about what it means to be identified as a citizen of God's Kingdom?

Key Takeaways

1. The Kingdom Has a Distinct Culture: The Kingdom of Heaven is not defined by a group of people but by one person -- Jesus Christ. His teachings, miracles, person, and manner of life all point to the culture of His Kingdom.

2. Citizens of the Kingdom Are Identifiable: Just as a foreigner is recognized by speech, dress, and customs, born-again believers should be recognizable by a lifestyle that reflects the culture of the Kingdom.

3. Jesus Is the Way, the Truth, and the Life: He is not simply a guide to the Kingdom; He is the Kingdom's culture embodied. Knowing Him more deeply means reflecting the Kingdom more fully.

4. Death Means Separation: God's warning to Adam in Genesis 2:17 was about separation. When we understand death as separation, we better understand what it means to have died to our former life and to be reconciled to God through Christ.

5. The Kingdom Culture Is Whole, Complete, and Final: Nothing in the Kingdom is broken, dysfunctional, or incomplete. As we grow closer to Christ, we experience this reality in increasing measure.

6. Spiritual Maturity Is About Drawing Closer to the Light: Growth is not measured by biblical knowledge alone or years in the church. It is measured by how closely we navigate toward Christ, the light, and how much that proximity transforms us.

Discussion Questions

Section 1: Understanding Kingdom Culture

The lesson described culture as "the collective lifestyles and conduct that distinguish people and their life context." Using that definition, how would you describe the culture of the Kingdom of Heaven in your own words?
The lesson used the image of a foreigner, someone recognized by accent, dress, and customs, as a picture of how believers should stand out in the world. In practical, everyday terms, what does that kind of distinction look like for you personally?
The lesson stated that the Kingdom "takes its origin from a Person and not a group of people." Why is it significant that the Kingdom's culture is rooted in Christ Himself rather than in a community or religious tradition?

Section 2: Jesus as the Center of Kingdom Culture

John 1:1-4 establishes that in Jesus is life, and that life is the light of people. How does understanding Jesus as the source of life rather than simply a teacher or example change how you approach your relationship with Him?
The statement was made in the lesson: "I don't have a truth; my truth is Jesus." In a culture that often says "speak your truth," how do you hold to the truth of Christ without being dismissive of others, while still remaining rooted in Him?
The lesson described Jesus as "The Path" rather than simply one who points to a path. What is the practical difference between following directions to a destination and following a person?

Section 3: Death, Separation, and New Life

The lesson defined death as separation. How does thinking of death in terms of separation rather than simply an ending help you understand what it means to have "died to your former life" as a believer?
Adam and Eve sewed fig leaves together after they sinned, attempting to solve an inner problem with an outward covering. What modern equivalents of fig leaves do people use to cover guilt, shame, or a troubled soul? Have you ever relied on any of these yourself?
The lesson identified three dimensions of death that Adam and Eve experienced: spirit, soul, and body, resulting in a broken humanity. How do you see that brokenness showing up in your own life, and where have you experienced God's restoration?

Section 4: Growing Into Kingdom Culture

The lesson stated, "Spiritual maturity takes shape in us as we navigate and begin to migrate closer to the light." What spiritual disciplines or habits have helped you draw closer to Christ in your own life?
The lesson noted that the closer we get to Christ, the more we begin to see the areas in ourselves that still need to be mended, not to shame us, but to grow us. Have you experienced this kind of holy awareness? What did it produce in you?
Colossians 3:1 calls believers to seek the things that are above, where Christ is. The lesson clarified that this is not about longing for a place but for a person. How does keeping your affection set on Christ rather than on a concept of Heaven change the way you live day to day?

Practical Applications

1. Examine Your Lifestyle as a Cultural Marker: Spend time this week reflecting on whether your daily habits, conversations, and decisions reflect the culture of the Kingdom. Identify one specific area where you sense the Lord calling you to align more closely with His character.

2. Meditate on John 1:1-14: Read this passage slowly each day this week. Each day, focus on one verse or phrase. Journal what the Holy Spirit brings to mind about who Jesus is and what it means that He is your life.

3. Study Your Homework Passage: Colossians 3 in its entirety. Read it with this question in mind: What does the Kingdom culture look like in practice, and where do I see it or its absence in my own life?

4. Identify a Fig Leaf: Honestly and prayerfully identify one thing you have been using as a covering for an inner wound or need. Bring it to God in prayer this week, asking him to be the source of healing rather than the substitute you have been reaching for.

5. Pray for Someone Not Yet in the Kingdom: The lesson reminded us that the Kingdom is veiled to those who have not yet believed, not because God is hiding it, but because the invitation has not yet been accepted or confirmed. Identify those people in your life in that place. Commit to praying for them daily this week and, where appropriate, being a visible expression of Kingdom culture to them.

Homework for Next Session

Read Colossians 3 in its entirety