Seeking the Kingdom First

Our part is to seek it; His part is to give it. If you have received Him as King, then He intends for you to live in His Kingdom. He makes it available now—not in some far-off place but right here. Christ invites you to enter and live in His Kingdom right now and to make it a reality in your life.

Becoming a Citizen of His Kingdom

You are saved to become a citizen of His Kingdom, to live in it, experience its spiritual benefits and promises, and to serve Jesus as Lord. Who has ever heard of a kingdom without people who dedicate their lives to it?

You continue to live on earth, contributing to society and serving Him in a dark world. This does not mean you will not have difficulties, tests, and trials.

Spiritual Battles and His Strength

Followers of Jesus are involved in a spiritual battle against temptation and spiritual powers. This is not a flesh-and-blood war but a spiritual conflict. There will be battles to fight, but God has promised to be with us. When Christ is Lord, we can live daily in His presence and have His strength to overcome the trials of life.

When a person receives God’s new life into their lives, it changes them.

The Principles of His Kingdom

Jesus taught His followers the principles of His Kingdom. (Matthew 5). These principles are much higher and bigger than rules. They provide the energy for living in the Kingdom and are the evidence of it.

They are principles, not laws. Laws are rules that come from principles, which formulate them. Principles are like “keys” that govern the laws. If I give you my keys, you would then have access to everything that I have.

In a similar way, Jesus gives the keys of His Kingdom to those who love and obey Him. (Matthew 16:19). They are the keys to every treasure and heavenly promise of God.

Experiencing the Kingdom Within

When you receive Jesus as King and let Him live in you, you will experience the principles of the Kingdom flowing through your life and changing you.

The Kingdom of God comes into us. It is not by keeping outward regulations but in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit as we trust in Jesus. (Romans 14:17).

The Holy Spirit changes us as we take on the nature of Jesus, and His “nature” grows in us. There are nine “fruits of the Spirit” mentioned in scripture that change us from the inside out. (Galatians 5:22-23).

Growing in His Nature

It is not us trying to change, but God changing us from within. God forms a new nature in us. It takes time to grow, and we need to feed the new nature that God has given us.

We do this by reading and “digesting” the Word of God, by praying, receiving teaching, and in fellowship and communion with fellow believers. This is what the first followers of Jesus did right from the very start. (Acts 2:42).

Blessings of Obedience

Those who obey God in this way are blessed by Him. He wants us to be delivered from sin, cleansed from addictions and their consequences, and to live as His child. He wants us to have lasting peace and joy as we live in obedience to His Word and Spirit. He wants us to be filled with His Spirit.

The Beauty of His Kingdom

His Kingdom is a beautiful place in which to live, far more beautiful than anything else on earth, and Jesus is the King of Peace. He offers His Kingdom to us, and those who are determined to have it press into it. (Luke 16:16).

It should be sought with determination and commitment. Those who seek it may experience setbacks and even persecution, but it is worth it, for it is the only life that is worthwhile.

Evidence of the Kingdom

We will have an abundant entrance into the everlasting Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ as the virtues of Christ’s own divine nature—such as love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, humility, and self-control—grow in us. (2 Peter 1:11). These are the evidences of God’s Kingdom.

The Water of Eternal Life

Many people, young and old, are lonely, empty, and discouraged, desperately seeking meaning and fulfilment in their lives. Only Christ gives the “water of eternal life,” which fully satisfies our every need. (John 4:13-14).

When the life of Jesus comes into us, we are able to share it with others. He gives us the “keys” of His Kingdom so that we can enjoy it and also make it available to others.

Declaring the Kingdom

He came to open the Kingdom to the lost. The very first thing He said in Mark’s Gospel was, “Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand.” (Mark 1:15).

He declared the Kingdom to the poor and needy, healed the sick and broken-hearted, and delivered those bound by Satan.

Every time He healed the sick or did a miracle, He reached into the future Kingdom age and released its dynamics into the present age to bring healing, deliverance, and life. He superimposed the future age upon this age.

Sharing His Kingdom

He uses those who believe in Him to do the same. (Matthew 10:5-8). With His authority, they can share His Kingdom with those who need help, bringing hope and life to prisoners lost in sin. (Mark 16:15-18).

The Gospel of God’s Kingdom has the power to save sinners and change communities and nations. The Gospel is the only hope for a lost world, not philosophies or religions, and we have the responsibility to share it to all who are willing to listen.

Join me as we continue on a journey through “A Life of Faith.”

Thy Kingdom Come:

Episode 5: God’s Kingdom Will Fill the Earth