In the Kingdom of My Lord
A Sermon based on
the Hymn by Robert C. Welch
Introduction:
“In the Kingdom of My Lord” is a hymn of quiet commitment and joyful
labor in the service of Christ. It reminds us that we do not work alone
nor in vain. The song celebrates the privilege of being a servant in the
greatest Kingdom of all time—God’s eternal kingdom, established by
Christ and purchased with His blood. Every word reminds us that life in
the kingdom is not about power, wealth, or prestige—it is about
faithfulness, service, and heavenly hope. As Colossians 1:13 declares,
God has “delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into
the kingdom of the Son of His love.” This hymn affirms our identity, our
mission, and our eternal inheritance—all “in the kingdom of my Lord.”
Stanza 1: “I am
a worker for the Lord; I serve Him every day…”
This stanza opens with purpose. We are not idle believers—we are workers
(John 9:4). Just as Jesus labored while it was day, we too serve God
daily, letting our light shine before men (Matthew 5:16). The Christian
is not a spectator in the church, but a laborer in the vineyard. Our
work is not to be sporadic or seasonal, but daily, humble, and devoted.
We serve out of love—not duty alone—because our King is worthy.
Stanza 2:
“Sometimes I weep with bitter tears; my heart is filled with pain…”
Here the song shifts to reflect the reality of struggle and sorrow in
kingdom living. Being in the Lord’s kingdom does not exempt us from
grief. In fact, our tears often come from caring deeply—for the lost,
the suffering, and even for our own failures. Yet, the Christian is not
alone in his sorrow. Jesus wept (John 11:35). And God bottles our tears
(Psalm 56:8). This verse reminds us that our pain does not remove us
from the kingdom—it’s part of walking faithfully within it.
Stanza 3: “I do
not know what lies ahead, but this I surely know…”
Faith is not knowing every detail of the road, but trusting the One who
leads. Proverbs 3:5–6 tells us to trust in the Lord and lean not on our
own understanding. Even when the future is unclear, the Christian walks
with confidence because we know the One who holds the future. This
stanza teaches trust and surrender. It echoes the confidence of Paul,
who declared, “I know whom I have believed” (2 Timothy 1:12).
Chorus: “In the
kingdom of my Lord, I am happy and secure…”
The chorus bursts with assurance. To be in the kingdom is to have
everything the world cannot offer—joy, security, identity, and hope. In
Christ’s kingdom, we are never truly alone, defeated, or forgotten. Our
King reigns with love and justice. Romans 14:17 describes this kingdom
as “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” As long as we
remain in the kingdom, our soul is anchored, our joy is steady, and our
future is eternal.
In the Kingdom
of My Lord Sermon Outline:
Stanza 1 –
Faithful Daily Labor
-
We are workers
for Christ: John 9:4
-
Let your light
shine daily: Matthew 5:16
-
Serving in
humility: Luke 17:10
Stanza 2 –
Sorrow and Struggle in the Kingdom
-
Tears of
compassion: John 11:35
-
God sees our
pain: Psalm 56:8
-
Strength through
sorrow: 2 Corinthians 12:9
Stanza 3 –
Trusting Through the Unknown
-
Trust in the
Lord, not self: Proverbs 3:5–6
-
Confidence in
God’s leading: Romans 8:28
-
“I know whom I
have believed”: 2 Timothy 1:12
Chorus – Joyful
Security in the Kingdom
-
Peace and joy in
the Holy Spirit: Romans 14:17
-
Safe in the arms
of the King: Psalm 91:1–2
-
Christ’s kingdom
is unshakable: Hebrews 12:28
Call to Action:
Are you in the kingdom of the Lord? The kingdom is not a future promise
only—it is a present reality for the obedient. Jesus said we must be
born of water and the Spirit to enter (John 3:5). In Acts 2:38, Peter
commanded, “Repent and be baptized… for the remission of sins.” When we
obey, the Lord adds us to His church—the kingdom (Acts 2:47; Colossians
1:13). If you’ve wandered, come home. If you’re weary, find rest. If
you’re seeking purpose, serve in the kingdom of your Lord. There is no
higher calling, no safer place, no greater reward.
Scripture
Reference List:
Colossians 1:13 – We are transferred into the kingdom of Christ
John 9:4 – We must work while it is day
Matthew 5:16 – Let your light shine before others
Luke 17:10 – Servants serve humbly, expecting nothing in return
John 11:35 – Jesus wept with compassion
Psalm 56:8 – God records our tears
2 Corinthians 12:9 – God’s grace is sufficient in weakness
Proverbs 3:5–6 – Trust in the Lord with all your heart
Romans 8:28 – All things work together for good
2 Timothy 1:12 – I know whom I have believed
Romans 14:17 – The kingdom is righteousness, peace, and joy
Psalm 91:1–2 – God is our refuge and fortress
Hebrews 12:28 – We receive a kingdom that cannot be shaken
John 3:5 – Born of water and Spirit to enter the kingdom
Acts 2:38 – Repent and be baptized
Acts 2:47 – The Lord adds the saved to His church
Song Author
Credit:
Robert C. Welch, a
gospel preacher and hymn writer, composed both the lyrics and melody of
“In the Kingdom of My Lord.” His writing reflects a deep love for the
church and for faithful service in the Lord’s kingdom. The hymn has been
widely used among churches of Christ.
Song History:
“In the Kingdom of My Lord” became popular in the mid-20th century among
congregations seeking to reinforce the joy and responsibility of
Christian service. Its heartfelt message, rooted in everyday Christian
living, continues to resonate today as a reminder that peace, purpose,
and promise are found only within the Lord’s kingdom.
Prepared by
David Hersey of the church of Christ at Granby, MO
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