Recap
In the last session, we introduced the Kingdom of Heaven as a legitimate place where God is king. Those of us who are born again must diligently seek it, remembering that to enter, we must go through the narrow gate. Only a few will find this gate, and only those who do the will of the Father will enter.
Introduction
Matthew 22:1-14 The Parable of the Wedding Feast
This story proves that getting in is one thing, but staying in is a totally different thing. The attendee was cast out because he was not dressed right.
Will we be cast out of the kingdom for any reason? For faithlessness, disobedience, worldliness, for being fools or for being trouble makers, etc?
In this session, we’ll focus on Kingdom living—the things we should be aware of if we want to please God and maintain peace and unity in His house.
The problem of the lack of Reverence
The King of the heavenly Kingdom, our heavenly Father, is not our brother or our servant but the loving head of our household who sets the rules for our household. He is God. He resides outside the limitations of our realm. He is far superior and more excellent than we are. How the great men of Old prayed is a testament to the awe, reverence, respect and honour they had for God. Daniel started his prayer, “Lord, the great and awesome God, who keeps his covenant of love with those who love him and keep his commandments…” Daniel 9:4
Solomon started his prayer, “Lord, the God of Israel, there is no God like you in heaven above or on earth below—you who keep your covenant of love with your servants who continue wholeheartedly in your way.” 1 Kings 8:23
We often lack reverence because we don’t know God. God IS HOLY!
“Hallowed be Your name.” Because our Father is God, His name must be honoured and kept holy. We must use His name with fear and trembling and not blaspheme it or use it flippantly or for selfish reasons. Never take for granted the fact that He is our Father and forget that He is also our God and King.
Taking the name of the Lord in Vain:
“You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain” Exodus 20:7
Vain means: “producing no result; useless.”
An Interesting History lesson
Taking on the name of your lord is an old Eastern custom that came over into Western society under feudalism—a system of Government based on the rulers owning all the land. Property or estates were held in the name of the King by appointed Lords who lived and held their title to the land as long as their family was loyal to the king. They swore loyalty to the king, and those who lived and worked on their lands also swore loyalty for a lifetime of service to them. They took on the Lord’s name. Every baby born on those lands was given the Lord’s name.
They acted and had authority in the Lord’s name. In historical Caribbean society, we recall that, as descendants of predominantly African slave ancestors, our names were given to us by the Plantation owners/Lords of the Estates to whom our forefathers belonged. Everything was done in and was a reflection of His name.
We have lost the true meaning of this commandment by trivialising it and majoring in the literal calling/speaking out of the Name of the Lord. It is MORE about how we live to maintain the honour of the name. It means do not dishonour or disgrace the good name of your Lord.
2 Chronicles 7:14 “…if My people who are called by My name…”
Ephesians 3:14-15 “For this reason I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, from whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”
To do nothing that honours and glorifies the name of JESUS, of which we’re partakers, is evil.
Jesus is many things to us. He is friend, brother, shepherd, and Saviour but we must never lose sight of the fact that He is also Lord and King.
Lessons from Queen Esther
In their bed chamber Xerxes was her husband but when sitting on his throne or wearing his crown, to her he is king Xerxes. Wife in the bed chambers but subject before his throne.
We must know how and when to approach God in His different roles and capacities.
Father – We Run to and cry to Him, Abba, Abba, Father, Father. We’re born again by His Spirit and through faith in His name.
Husband – As the bridegroom to His bride, the church, our relationship with Jesus must be close and intimate. We’re bound to Him in a life long commitment that we must never break.
Lord and Master – We serve Him as Lord and work according to His instructions. He is the owner of the field where we work and is the One that sets our job description.
High Priest – The one who takes our concerns and argues our case before God the Judge.
King – We honour and obey the King and the laws of His Kingdom.
The problem of the lack of integrity
The lack of honesty in words and walking is rampant among Christians – this is unacceptable. Our word should match our deeds, and we should be honourable in all our dealings. Our behaviour should be our recommendation to others that we are of good character and should confirm that we indeed know Christ.
Why does a serpent symbolise the Devil?
Making Empty Promises
- Matthew 5:37 “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ For whatever is more than these is from the evil one.”
- James 5:12 “But above all, my brethren, do not swear, either by heaven or by earth or with any other oath. But let your “Yes” be “Yes,” and your “No,” “No,” lest you fall into judgment.”
There are three groups of individuals that people do not believe when they make promises.
- A salesman: Story of ‘No more nails’.
- A politician
- A Christian
and…
- I am adding a GenZ, i.e. any youngster below 30 years old.
Matthew 21:28-31 ‘“But what do you think? A man had two sons, and he came to the first and said, ‘Son, go, work today in my vineyard.’ 29 He answered and said, ‘I will not,’ but afterwards he regretted it and went. 30 Then he came to the second and said likewise. And he answered and said, ‘I go, sir,’ but he did not go. 31 Which of the two did the will of his father?”
Great men and women aren’t those who quickly say ‘YES’ but those who can say ‘NO.’
Talk is Cheap
Matthew 7:21-22 “Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Many will say to Me in that day, ‘Lord, Lord…”
Luke 6:46 “But why do you call Me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do the things which I say?”
Let our behaviour and living do the talking
1 Thessalonians 2:4-12 “10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe…”
I’d rather see a sermon than to hear one any day.
I’d rather one would walk with me than merely show the way.
The eyes are better pupils and much more willing than the ear.
Fine counsel is confusing but examples are always clear.
The best of all the teachers are those who live their Creeds
for, to see the good put into action is what everybody needs,
I’ll soon learn how to do it if you’ll let me see it done.
I can watch your hand in action but your tongue too fast may run
and the lectures you deliver may be very wise in truth
but I’d rather get my lesson by observing what you do
for all may misunderstand you in the high advice you give
but there’s no misunderstanding about how you act and how you live.
Arguments can never speak louder than life!
The problem of the lack of social graces
Clueless Christians – are tactless and have no diplomacy, speak out of turn, comment on matters that are not their business, embarrass others, are blunt and coarse, embarrass themselves and others with too much information [usually personal details that should instead be kept private], reveal other people’s business without their permission, etc. Notice that these all have to do with talking too much.
“In the multitude of words there wanteth not sin: but he that refraineth his lips is wise.
Where there is a multitude of words, evil is present.” Proverbs 10:19
“The mouth is set on fire from hell.” James 3:
“Set a watch over my mouth. Oh God, guard the door of my lips.” Proverbs
Understanding Timing
“Everything Has Its Time. To everything, there is a season, A time for every purpose under heaven:” Ecclesiastes 3:1
Timing is vital. Even well-meaning behaviour can backfire if it is poorly timed.
Practical examples-
“He who blesses his friend with a loud voice, rising early in the morning, It will be counted a curse to him.” Proverbs 27:14
“He who blesses his neighbour with a loud voice early in the morning, It will be counted as a curse to him [for it will either be annoying or his purpose will be suspect].” AMP
“Don’t wake up your neighbours early in the morning with a shout of “Good morning!” They will treat it like a curse, not a blessing.” ERV
“Seldom set foot in your neighbour’s house, Lest he become weary of you and hate you.” Proverbs 25:17: “Tap go a people yaad!” Jamaicanised version
“A man has joy by the answer of his mouth and a word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Proverbs 15:23
“The Lord God has given Me The tongue of the learned, That I should know how to speak A word in season to him who is weary” Isaiah 50:4
Read the room – What would Jesus Do?
Pay attention to your surroundings and pick up the clues about what is going on.
Are you dressed appropriately?
Are you in the right crowd? Is it dangerous?
Do the activities clash with your beliefs/values?
Is it formal or casual?
Are dignitaries present?
How do you address them?
Are there less fortunate people around? How do you put them at ease?
Are there jobs that need to be done? Are there people who need assistance?
The problem of not understanding boundaries
Proverbs 22:28 “Do not remove the ancient landmark which your fathers have set.”
2 Samuel 1:20 “Tell it not in Gath, Proclaim it not in the streets of Ashkelon— Lest the daughters of the Philistines rejoice, Lest the daughters of the uncircumcised triumph.”
David understood boundaries and knew that one should “touch not the Lord’s anointed” (1 Chronicles 16:22) even after they’ve turned away from God. David knew he had overstepped his bounds and was deeply convicted for cutting off the hem of Saul’s robe.
Paul the apostle understood boundaries Acts 23:5 KJV “Then said Paul, I wist not, brethren, that he was the high priest: for it is written, thou shalt not speak evil of the ruler of thy people.”
Issues must be worked out between married couples. Parents, family members or friends must not get involved or take sides. If they are not aware of their boundaries, you should tell them.
Young, fit, able-bodied adults are responsible for themselves and should not be a burden to others or the church. They must get a job and earn so they can take care of themselves and help those who are less able.
1 Timothy 5:1-2 “Do not rebuke an older man, but exhort him as a father, younger men as brothers, 2 older women as mothers, younger women as sisters, with all purity. 3 Honor widows who are really widows.” Something needs to be said, but are you the one who should say it?
The Church is filled with imperfect people. Even our leaders are not perfect, so when there are issues of conflict in the Church, don’t gossip with the unsaved or embarrass your church leader, church brother, or sister. Family issues must be resolved within the family.
1 Corinthians 6:1 “Dare any of you, having a matter against another, go to law before the unrighteous, and not before the saints?”
Place boundaries / Draw the line:
All relationships have to be managed, or else we will constantly be in trouble with people who are, by definition, complex and hard to understand. We can read people’s minds.
Using the circle method-
Inner Circle→Outer circle
We place people in our lives according to the level of intimacy/trust/accountability we share with them.
Parents
Inlaws
Friends
Church brethren
Associates
Work colleagues
Using the Hierarchy Method
We place people in our lives according to how they meet our needs. We have to be able to define and separate roles and contexts. If you don’t understand and practice these ethical boundaries, then lines become blurry, and people begin to ‘cross the line’. They will say and do things that are out of order. Familiarity breeds contempt. Know the time and place.
Friends may have access to your private life at levels that work staff must not have.
There are levels of access that your partner will have that your friends should not have. Thus, friends begin to get between you and your partner. God loves everybody, but only a very few have been numbered among His friends.
God, King and Master – Worship, reverence, honour and obedience.
Jesus, Bridegroom, Shepherd and Friend – Love, commitment, dedication, loyalty and honesty.
Holy Spirit, Omni-present-God, Paraclete-[ Wonderful Counsellor, Advocate], friend.
Reverence – Approach with fear and deference to honour greatly
- How we approach God in prayer
- How we represent God in public
Worship – Worship is today redefined to mean singing.
Biblical worship is PROSKUNEO`- to BOW DOWN and KISS the FEET. It is to prostrate oneself in total submission and adoration to God when we encounter His Manifest presence.
Keywords to remember
Privacy – some things must be kept between you and God, you and your partner, you and your children, you and the person who confides in you etc., but this value is lost in our social media age
Honour –
Respect –
Consideration – how would you feel, what will happen as a result?
Imposition – inserting your values or opinions unto others
TMI – too much information, over-sharing
Time and Place –
Dignity – prophesying off the mic to protect dignity
Confidentiality – Keeping matters private
Manipulation/Control/Abuse
Group Activity – The heart of the matter is that it is a pure heart that matters.
Titus 1:15 “Unto the pure all things are pure: but unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure; but even their mind and conscience is defiled.”
Say how these scenarios are breaking ethical rules.
Scenario 1 A young, single woman meeting privately to counsel an older married man who’s at odds with his wife. She is not a trained counsellor but is just trying to help out a friend.
Scenario 2 A church sister’s daughter got married. For financial reasons, the daughter and her husband came to live with her single mother. Whenever the daughter has differences with her husband, the mother speaks up to defend her daughter.
Scenario 3 A really spiritual Christian gets up early every morning and prays aloud in tongues for at least an hour. He can be heard from a distance down the road. You can always know when he gets home from work because the whole community can hear the loud religious music he’s playing.
Scenario 4 You have a ‘friend’ who is always embarrassing you by correcting you in public. They say they do it because they love the truth.
Scenario 5 A church sister confided in you privately, asking you to pray for her because she is struggling with stealing. She said she would go into people’s houses and take little things. She doesn’t steal big things. Out of concern for her, you share it with your prayer group, telling everyone who is having the struggle.