The Difference Between the World and the Kingdom of God

We live in a world that constantly bombards us with messages about success, popularity, wealth, and self-fulfillment. From advertisements to social media to career ambitions, we are told that our worth is defined by how much we have, how many people admire us, and how far we can get ahead. But Jesus offers something radically different. He offers a kingdom not of this world.

In the sermon “The Difference Between the World and the Kingdom of God,” Joshua Chabeda walks us through what it truly means to live by kingdom values in a world that pulls us in the opposite direction. It is not just about rejecting culture. It is about choosing a new identity. A new mission. A new allegiance.

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Two Competing Systems

The world and the kingdom of God operate by completely different rules. One is driven by pride, status, and self. The other is defined by humility, surrender, and love.

The world says: Build your name.The kingdom says: Die to self.

The world says: Be served.The kingdom says: Serve others.

The world says: Hold onto your life.The kingdom says: Lose your life for Christ and you will find it Joshua uses Jesus’ conversation with Pilate in John 18:36 to make it clear. Jesus says

My kingdom is not of this world.” If it were, His followers would have fought to prevent His arrest. But they did not, because He came to establish a different kind of kingdom.

Kingdom Identity

One of the most powerful parts of the message is the challenge to examine where our identity comes from. Too many Christians are saved but still thinking like the world. We say we follow Jesus but chase the same goals as everyone else. We live with fear, anxiety, and comparison because we are measuring ourselves by worldly standards.

But in the kingdom, your worth is not based on your job, your relationship status, or your possessions. It is based on who God says you are.

You are chosen.You are loved.You are forgiven.You are sent.

When you live from that identity, everything changes. You stop competing. You stop comparing. You start living with peace and purpose.

A New Way to Think

Romans 12:2 tells us not to conform to the pattern of this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. This is not a one-time event. It is a daily battle to choose kingdom thinking over worldly lies.

The world says: Get even.The kingdom says: Forgive.

The world says: You are the center.The kingdom says: God is the center.

Joshua highlights that many people want the benefits of the kingdom without surrendering to the King. But you cannot have kingdom peace while living by worldly principles. You must choose which kingdom you belong to.

Countercultural Faith

Following Jesus will make you look different. It will cost you something. People may not understand your decisions. You might lose popularity or opportunities. But what you gain is far greater.

You gain freedom.You gain peace.You gain eternal life.

Joshua shares how he used to live for the approval of others. It left him empty and exhausted. But when he started living for God’s approval, he found true joy. That is the power of countercultural faith. It is bold. It is risky. But it is deeply fulfilling.

Be In the World, Not Of It

Jesus prayed in John 17 that His disciples would not be taken out of the world, but protected from the evil one. We are called to live in the world but not be of it.

This means we do not isolate. We engage. But we do so with kingdom values. We work, serve, love, and lead with integrity, humility, and compassion. We do not blend in. We shine.

Joshua emphasizes that God has placed you exactly where you are your school, job, city not by accident. You are there to be a light. To represent heaven on earth. To show people a better way.

Eternal Focus

Another key theme in the sermon is keeping an eternal perspective. The world teaches us to focus on what is temporary. The kingdom teaches us to invest in what is eternal.

The world says: Live for today.The kingdom says: Live for eternity.

The choices you make today shape your forever. Are you sowing into things that will last beyond this life? Are you prioritizing your relationship with God, your calling, and your impact on others?

When you fix your eyes on eternity, you stop stressing over what does not matter. You stop chasing things that fade. You start focusing on what will last forever.

Radical Obedience

Living for the kingdom requires radical obedience. Not just on Sundays, but every day. Not just in the big decisions, but in the small ones.

Obedience means choosing honesty when it would be easier to lie.Choosing purity when temptation is strong.Choosing generosity when it would be easier to hold back.Choosing prayer when distractions are loud.

Jesus is not just Savior. He is King. And kings have authority. If we want kingdom power, we must submit to kingdom rule.

Final Encouragement

There is a difference between the world and the kingdom. One leads to destruction. The other leads to life. You must choose which one you will build your life upon.

Will you chase the temporary or live for the eternal? Will you follow the crowd or follow the King?

This message is not just a reminder. It is a call to action. A call to wake up. To stop blending in. To start living bold, kingdom-centered lives.

You were not made to fit in. You were made to stand out.

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