Building the Kingdom: Creating a Healthy Culture Through Christ
Pastor Hunter Bingham
October 6, 2024
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Introduction & Welcome
Our mission is to build disciple missionaries who love the Pomodoro Valley.
We follow Jesus together to love our neighbors and cities.
Invite everyone to join in this vision.
Key announcements:
Foster the City support friend orientation today after the gathering. Speak with Hannah or Pastor Michael if interested.
Group leader training coming up for those interested in starting new groups.
Pastor Hunter will be hosting a conversation on October 27th for those interested in learning more.
Opportunities to serve in Basecamp classrooms, student ministries, and media—sign up online.
Transition to Sermon: Building the Kingdom Series
We are continuing our series, Building the Kingdom.
As Christians, our task is not a one-time decision, but an ongoing partnership with God to bring His kingdom into every area of our lives.
Today’s focus is on the importance of creating a healthy culture within our relationships as we pursue the kingdom together.
Toxic Work Culture as an Illustration
Many have experienced toxic work environments—gossip, devaluing people, lack of integrity.
Statistics show that unhealthy work environments contribute to mental health struggles for many employees.
In contrast, God calls us to a different way of relating to one another as we build His kingdom.
Creating a Kingdom Culture in Our Relationships
Main Point: As disciple missionaries, we are to create a healthy culture by relating to one another in the purpose and posture of Jesus.
We are not only to focus on the task of building the kingdom but also on how we relate to each other in the process.
Relating well to each other is essential for the mission.
Scripture Focus: Ephesians 4:17-32
Paul writes to the early Christian community, teaching them to relate differently because of their new life in Christ.
Ephesians 4:17-24: Put off the old self and be renewed in the spirit of your mind, putting on the new self created in the likeness of God.
The old way of living—self-centered, deceitful, destructive—is no longer acceptable for followers of Jesus.
Practical Applications from Ephesians 4
Paul gives five practical steps for how we are to relate to one another in this new kingdom culture:
Honesty: "Put away falsehood, let each of you speak the truth with his neighbor" (v. 25).
Jesus models radical honesty, and we are called to be truthful with one another.
Handling Anger: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger" (v. 26).
Anger signals something important but should lead to reconciliation, not further conflict.
Work for Good: "Let the thief no longer steal, but let him labor... to share with those in need" (v. 28).
Instead of taking, we are called to contribute, serve, and share.
Build Up with Words: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up" (v. 29).
Our words have the power to build up or tear down; we are called to speak life.
Kindness and Forgiveness: "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you" (v. 32).
Christ’s forgiveness empowers us to forgive others, breaking the cycle of bitterness and hostility.
The Power of a New Life in Christ
New Mind: We have a renewed perspective in Christ, understanding our identity and purpose through the gospel.
New Heart: God has given us new desires to follow Him and love others.
New Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out these new ways of relating to one another.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Relationships
We are called to listen to the Holy Spirit and not harden our hearts.
The Holy Spirit guides us, convicts us, and empowers us to live in healthy, reconciled relationships.
Practical Reflections for Solid Rock Church
As we build the kingdom, we must prioritize both our task and how we relate to one another.
How we love and serve one another as a community is a witness to the world of the gospel’s transformative power.
This requires ongoing honesty, reconciliation, service, and forgiveness in our daily interactions.
Closing Prayer and Worship
Pray for God’s guidance as we pursue these kingdom relationships.
Invite the music team to lead in worship as a response to the message.
Encourage reflection on how each person can take practical steps to live out these principles in their own life.
Biblical References
Ephesians 4:17-18: "Now I say this and testify in the Lord that you must no longer walk as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their minds. They are darkened in their understanding, alienated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them, due to their hardness of heart."
Ephesians 4:22-24: "Put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires, and be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and put on the new self, created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness."
Ephesians 4:25: "Therefore, having put away falsehood, let each one of you speak the truth with his neighbor, for we are members one of another."
Ephesians 4:26-27: "Be angry and do not sin; do not let the sun go down on your anger, and give no opportunity to the devil."
Ephesians 4:28: "Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need."
Ephesians 4:29: "Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear."
Ephesians 4:30: "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Ephesians 4:31-32: "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
Reflection Questions
How can you actively contribute to building a culture of honesty and openness within your community or workplace, reflecting the way Jesus relates to us in truth?
In moments of anger or frustration, how can you invite God into the situation to ensure that your response reflects reconciliation rather than creating further division?
Reflect on a time when you felt the urge to take rather than give in your relationships or community. How can you shift toward a mindset of serving and generosity, as Jesus exemplifies?
How do your words influence those around you? Are they building others up, or could they be causing harm? How might you use your speech to offer grace and encouragement in your daily interactions?
Forgiveness can be difficult, especially in moments of hurt. How has God’s forgiveness of you shaped the way you approach forgiving others? What steps can you take to extend forgiveness this week?
Daily Activities
1. Practicing Honesty:
Activity: This week, identify one relationship where you haven’t been fully honest. Schedule a time to have an open, transparent conversation with that person. Share something you’ve been holding back in a loving and constructive way.
Application: This exercise is designed to help you practice the radical honesty that Jesus modeled, fostering deeper and more authentic relationships. As you open up, trust that God is guiding you to live out your faith in truth.
2. Resolving Conflict Before Sunset:
Activity: If you are experiencing unresolved tension or conflict with someone, take action to address it before the day ends. Whether through a phone call, text, or face-to-face conversation, seek to clear up misunderstandings and reconcile.
Application: This activity follows Paul's command to not let anger fester. By addressing conflict quickly, you will be living out a lifestyle of peace, showing love and humility in your relationships.
3. Serving Others Generously:
Activity: This week, find one tangible way to serve someone in your community, whether it's offering time, money, or help. Look for opportunities to share what you have with someone in need, such as a neighbor, co-worker, or stranger.
Application: This activity shifts your mindset from "taking" to "giving." By serving others, you mirror Christ’s generosity and create a kingdom-centered culture where the needs of others are prioritized.
4. Speaking Words of Life:
Activity: For the next week, commit to only speaking words that build others up. Consciously avoid gossip or negative speech. Make it a goal to give at least one encouraging word to someone each day, either at work, home, or church.
Application: Your words have the power to bring life or harm. By speaking positively and avoiding corrupting talk, you are actively participating in building a healthy, grace-filled environment in your relationships.
5. Extending Forgiveness:
Activity: Think of someone in your life whom you need to forgive. Take time in prayer to release bitterness and, if appropriate, reach out to that person to offer forgiveness. If a conversation isn’t possible, write a letter or pray a blessing over them.
Application: Jesus calls us to forgive as He forgave us. This activity helps you move beyond bitterness and restore broken relationships, freeing you to live in the grace and love that God offers.
