TEXT:

‘Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven’ (Matthew 6:10)

THOUGHT:

The Kingdom of God is revealed on earth in two ways. The Kingdom that now is – spiritually, and the one that is to come – literally. We are to pray for the latter to happen, but we live according to the spiritual principles of the Kingdom of God until that takes place.

In Part 1, we studied how a person has to be born again to become a citizen of the Kingdom of God. ¹ Also the many barriers that must be overcome, such as ignorance about the Kingdom of God, personal wealth, education, wrong lifestyles and having a form of religious behaviour, but not having a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ.

Part 2 focuses on what place we give the Kingdom of God in our lives, and the power of that Kingdom in evangelism and everyday living.

3. The Position the Kingdom of God demands in our lives

• It should take priority – ‘Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness’ (Matthew 6:33).

When the disciples were worried about meeting the needs of everyday living, Jesus said, ‘Seek first the Kingdom of God’ and everything else would be taken care of by their Heavenly Father. The Kingdom of God is not a last resort but takes first place.

• There is a need for commitment – ‘Jesus said to him, “No one, having put his hand to the plough, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God”’ (Luke 9:62).

Christians need to keep going, not look back. So many advertisements cry out, “No commitment, end it whenever you want!” Lack of commitment now runs right through society. For many, loyalty is a thing of the past. Not so long ago, churches could rely on the commitment of its members, but it’s become almost like supermarket shopping. Get what you want from this store and get the rest from somewhere else.

“What’s in it for me?” is a disease that is weakening many churches. That type of attitude is alien to the one shown by the first Christians. ‘They continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers’ (Acts 2:42). Instead Christians should be asking, “How can I serve?”

• Learn to persevere in spite of opposition

From family and friends

 “Yes,” Jesus replied, “and I assure you that everyone who has given up house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the Kingdom of God, will be repaid many times over in this life, and will have eternal life in the world to come” (Luke 18:29-30 NLT).

In Pilgrim’s Progress, Christian left his wife and children behind when they refused to come with him to flee the City of Destruction and reach the Kingdom of God. How it must have hurt him to do that. Thank God they all followed at a later date, but he had to go on alone despite their opposition.

From persecution

‘They encouraged them to continue in the faith in spite of all the persecution, reminding them that they must enter into the Kingdom of God through many tribulations’ (Acts 14:22 TLB).

‘God will use this persecution to show his justice and to make you worthy of his Kingdom, for which you are suffering’ (2 Thessalonians 1:5 NLT).

From demonic powers

 It may be flesh and blood that carry it out, but the Bible says, ‘We are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places’ (Ephesians 6:12 NLT).

Whatever the opposition or the opportunity to give up on your faith, do not yield to that temptation for one minute! ‘We are not like those who turn away from God to their own destruction. We are the faithful ones, whose souls will be saved’ (Hebrews 10:39 NLT).

4. The Power of the Kingdom of God we belong to – ‘For the kingdom of God is demonstrated not in idle talk but with power’ (1 Corinthians 4:20 NET).

Kingdoms often put on a show of strength to deter would be challengers. A weak kingdom offers no real security to its citizens. Either it compromises to fall into line with the will of other greater powers or it is conquered. Not so with the Kingdom of God. It is eternal and almighty. There is no power on earth or of the devil that is stronger.

• Power to defend

‘In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [draw your strength from Him and be empowered through your union with Him] and in the power of His [boundless] might’ (Ephesians 6:10 AMP).

Paul encouraged the Ephesian Christians with this truth. He went on to describe the armour that the Christian has, including the shield of faith to put out all the fiery darts of the wicked one. ²

• Power to deliver

‘But if I am casting out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you’ (Matthew 12:28 NLT). People were amazed at how Jesus cast out demons saying, ‘“What a word this is! For with authority and power He commands the unclean spirits, and they come out”’ (Luke 4:36). Even demonic possessions that had tormented people for years were dealt with in a second! Even when the disciples found they could not help a father with a demon-possessed son, Jesus could and He did! ³

• Power to demonstrate

‘The crowds found out where he was going, and they followed him. He welcomed them and taught them about the Kingdom of God, and he healed those who were sick’ (Luke 9:11 NLT). That was Jesus but what about the Christian? ‘He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick’ (Luke 9:2).

He has given us His name and His name works as if He is there in person. ‘Through faith in the name of Jesus, this man was healed—and you know how crippled he was before. Faith in Jesus’ name has healed him before your very eyes’ (Acts 3:16 NLT).

What a wonderful kingdom the Kingdom of God is. It is not about rules, regulations and conformity. It is ‘Righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit’ (Romans 14:17).

We do not submit to God’s kingdom out of fear, but in response to His love. ‘He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love’ (Colossians 1:13).

Whether you need to prioritise the Kingdom of God in your life or draw help from its unlimited resources, the time to act is now!

Endnotes:

¹ John 3:3-5

² Ephesians 6:13-17

³ Mark 9:14-29