by Denis Beausejour

Series: Kingdom Life

Message Outline

Series Message 5:
The Economy of the Kingdom

Text: Matthew 26:6-13; Eph. 4:11-16; Acts 2:44-45

Series theme verse: "Change your life. God's kingdom is here....Keep company with me and you'll learn to live freely and lightly." (Matthew 4:17b, 11:30, The Message)

Kingdom Life series goals:

• Learn to think, act and be like Jesus - Matthew 5:48
• Live His radical love for God and for people - Matthew 22:37-39
• Going beyond the elementary teachings about Jesus - Hebrews 6:1
• Be like The Rabbi - spread his “yoke”, live his rhythm - Matthew 11:28-30
• Moving to maturity, by His confidence & His power - Acts 1:8
• Becoming the chosen royal priesthood - 1 Peter 2:9, Ephesians 3:20-21
• Ushering in the fullness of the Kingdom - Matthew 6:10
  Remember: Jesus believes we can become like him!

Remember: Jesus believes we can become like him!
 
Today's introduction & theme:
So far, we have seen that the Kingdom of God is a mostly invisible subversive revolution based on sacrificial love that brings freedom, even freedom from death. The King is the risen Lord Jesus and his Kingdom includes heaven and the domains of those on earth who are his true subjects. These true subjects of the Kingdom are those from every nation and race that have given their lives, hearts and loyalty to follow Jesus. The Kingdom of God operates 24-7 and is not confined to Sunday mornings. The Kingdom has a mission, a rhythm, and a way of life - where greatness is achieved in humility and service.
 
Today we will talk about the economy of the Kingdom. It is not an economy based on buying and selling, but rather one based on giving and receiving. Kingdom subjects voluntarily lay down their possessions and capabilities for the benefit of others and for the glory of God (see Acts 2:42-47) The economy of the Kingdom is not socialist, communist, or capitalist - rather, it reflects the unlimited resources and generosity of a great and awesome God who has defined himself by living as a selfless sharing community of three.
 
The Father, Son and Holy Spirit have defined the Kingdom economy by asking us to give and receive as freely as they do - both from our possessions and our gifts - being free and lavish with all we have and all we are!

Focus Passage: Matthew 26: 6-13 - Giving all that we have!

Context: Jesus is on his way to the Cross, and in the first part of Chapter 26 Matthew records three brief episodes before the Last Supper:
1) the religious leaders plotting to kill Jesus;
2) the anointing of Jesus in Bethany; and
3) the betrayal of Jesus by Judas.
The anointing of Jesus by Lazarus' sister Mary is one of the most powerful, symbolic, generous and lavish examples of love in the Bible. Mary literally pours out her gift, full of value and meaning, in Jesus' honor.  
 
 
1. The lavish gift is poured out liberally (vv. 6-7)

2.  The disciples criticize the "waste" (vv. 8-9)

3.  Jesus sets the record straight (vv.10-12)

4.  The Messiah's rewards last for ever (vs. 13)

The economy of the Kingdom in Ephesians 4:11-16 - Giving all that we are!
Paul teaches leaders to prepare and equip every believer to use their gifts so that we can all grow into the fullness of Christ. No only that, but as we learn to become interdependent and receive the gifts of others, we grow together as a Body as each part does it's work.

Kingdom Life Shape - The Pentagon
 
1. Apostles
2. Prophets
3. Evangelists
4. Pastors
5. Teachers
  
How does the amazing picture of Acts 2:44-45 find practical application today at MCC?   

Application questions for reflection and sharing in small groups:

1. Have you ever made a gift that was of similar relative value to Mary's anointing of Jesus? How did you feel? Were there any critics of your action at that time?

2. Do you know your spiritual gifts? Please list them below. How do you currently use these gifts?
 
3. Have you noticed any changes over time in your spiritual gifts? What do you think prompted the changes?
 
4. In which aspect of your life are you experiencing most growth right now? How is God using people to help you grow spiritually?
 
5. How are you helping others around you to grow spiritually? How has this affected the use of your gifts? How about your possessions? Share ideas with your group.

For parents:

1. Do your kids know their spiritual gifts? Please share some examples.
 
2. How have you helped your kids learn to be generous? Please share ideas with each other.
 
3. How can your home become more of an "incubator" for you and your kids to learn giving of ourselves to each other with our gifts and our possessions?

Memory Verse for this Week:

Matthew 5:19 He replied, "The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them. Whoever has will be given more, and he will have an abundance. Whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken from him. NIV

Resource for further study:

1.  The Irresistible Revolution, by Shane Claiborne
2.  Simply Christian, by Tom Wright
3.  The Treasure Principle, by Randy Alcorn

Preview reading for next week's message:

Mark 12:41-44
Matthew 19:16-30
Matthew 13:44