Psalm 114 Exodus 14:19-31Exodus 15:1b-11, 20-21 Romans 14:1-12 Matthew 18:21-35

Key Verses:

Exodus 15:11 “Who is like you, O LORD, among the gods? Who is like you, majestic in holiness, awesome in splendor, doing wonders?

Romans 14:7 We do not live to ourselves, and we do not die to ourselves.

Key Words – Judgment, Forgiveness, Mercy, Reverence

Kingdom Principle: The King Rules & Reigns over the Kingdom – As servants of the King, we are subject to the King.

In our lives we are often expected to perform and to meet if not exceed others expectations. When this comes to living in the Kingdom of God, the King has made it clear that His ways are not our ways, and our thoughts are not His thoughts – yet we are called into obedience in reverence and awe for the holiness and splendor of the King is matched by no other. This is not how we raise our children: For many the obedience of their children is based on the fact that, if the children do not obey they will be punished. This type of obedience is short lived, because if the punishment is removed, there is little reason or need to obey. In the Kingdom of God – God has established His rule and reign on the foundation of Mercy and Grace, not Judgment and Punishment. Clearly understand that in God’s Kingdom there is not an absence of Judgment and Punishment, rather we learn that Mercy is the withholding of Judgment and Grace is the Forgiveness of Punishment.

If we begin with the understanding that our life is not our own, then performance is removed as an expectation and in its place, our service is an act of obedience. This obedience is not to prove ourselves or earn our spot, for our relationship with the King has been secured. Rather the obedience is an expression of reverence due to the awareness we have of the judgment and punishment that we have been saved from due to our Wonderful King’s gift of Mercy and Grace. Therefore: take a moment to reflect on what you do for others and why you do it? Are you hoping to be paid back? Also reflect on what you do for God and why do you do it?

For many of us much like parents using punishment to bring obedience in children use the same thinking and expect that obedience in our lives should bring reward. But in the Kingdom of God  – Obedience is its own reward. This is most clearly seen based on the motivations that move you to obedience.

Do you show up at work on time, because you love and honor your boss/work or do you fear punishment and the loss of your job?

Do you remain faithful to your spouse based on your love and devotion or the fear of loss and heartache of pain due to the consequences of actions?

Do you attend church on Sunday based on habit and expectations set by others or because this is an opportunity to serve others and honor the Lord in humble obedience?