The Mystery of Christ in You: Discovering the Upside-Down Kingdom š
Opening Supplication (Aligning Our Hearts) Lord Jesus, King of Glory, we begin by honoring Your name and seeking the truth of Your nature. Our Father in heaven, hallowed be Your name. We confess that without Your Spirit, we cannot receive the deep truths of Your Word, for they are spiritually discerned (1 Corinthians 2:14). We pray that Your Kingdom come, and Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Let the mystery of "Christ in you, the hope of glory" (Colossians 1:26ā27) be unveiled in our hearts today. Lead us not into the temptation of self-reliance, but deliver us from the evil of building our own kingdom. May our study be a moment of genuine surrender to You, the Anointed King. Amen. 1. Christ: The Anointed King of Glory The word "Christ" is not Jesusā last name; it is His title. It means the Anointed Oneāthe rightful King and heir to the Kingdom. - When Peter declared, "You are the Christ," he received that revelation directly from the Father (Matthew 16:16ā17). - Glory is always connected to Kingship. Christ in you is the King of Glory. - We remember the prophecy that the Kingdom established by God's own hand "shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever" (Daniel 2:44ā45). When the King lives in you, His indestructible Kingdom does too. 2. The Subcontrary Nature of the Kingdom š The Kingdom operates entirely opposite to the worldās expectations. A. The Servant King In the world, greatness is measured by dominance. Jesus showed us that the greatest must become like the youngest, and "he who governs as he who serves" (Luke 22:26ā27). Our authority comes from serving. B. Entering as a Child The Kingdom does not open to the experts. Jesus said, "Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 18:3ā4). It opens through trust, surrender, and dependence. 3. The Call to Voluntary Surrender š God seeks voluntary surrender and worship (Romans 12:1).