Words To Remember - "Ways of the Kingdom"

"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (Matthew 6:33 - NRSV).

Under the overarching umbrella of this year and season of Order, we continue to explore the depths and riches of the Kingdom of God.  Our last two sessions took us to explore the "Factors of the Kingdom", of which we identified as the Spirit of God, the Word of God, and Faith in God.  Now in this session, we are going to explore the "Ways of the Kingdom."

In looking at the "Ways of the Kingdom", we look at some ways and characteristics that are indicative amongst those who are within the Kingdom of God.  We will list three things, which are by no means considered to be exhaustive, but can most definitely be considered to be a good start.

The first way or characteristic of the kingdom is that of Right Living.  In I Thessalonians 4:3-7, the Apostle Paul says the following:  "For this is the will of God, your sanctification:  that you abstain from fornication; that each one of you know how to control your own body in holiness and honor, not with lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God; that no one wrong or exploit a brother or sister in this matter, because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we have already told you beforehand and solemnly warned you.  For God did not call us to impurity but in holiness." (NRSV).  Here we see plainly that God's will (remember His "will" is one of the expressions of His kingdom) is for His people to live right; and Paul here particularly addresses the issue of sexual purity.  This is just as relevant for us today as it was for the Church in the 1st century; for with all of the many ministers and people of God who have and are still falling in this area, it is of utmost importance that we with grace and truth continue to teach and exemplify God's standard of right living.  Kingdom people live right.

The second way or characteristic of the kingdom is that of a Right Attitude.  In I Thessalonians 5:16-18, we see the Apostle Paul again; however, this time saying the following:  "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you."(NRSV).  Here we see again plainly God's will for our lives, but this time we see it as it pertains to our attitude.  Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks have to do with our attitude.  We should constantly have a rejoicing attitude; we should constantly be in an attitude of prayer; and we should constantly keep an attitude of thanksgiving.  Rejoicing, praying, and giving thanks is the will of God for our lives.  Kingdom people have a right attitude.

The third way or characteristic of the kingdom is that of a Right Testimony.  In I Peter 2:13-15, we see the following words from the Apostle Peter:  "For the Lord's sake accept the authority of every human institution, whether of the emperor as supreme, or of governors, as sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to praise those who do right.  For it is God's will that by doing right you should silence the ignorance of the foolish."(NRSV).  Here again, we see plainly God's will for our lives, and in this context it pertains to our testimony.  When we are good citizens in our land, not troublemakers, but rather peacemakers, we are then positioned to silence anyone who would attempt to accuse us for wrong doing.  For although they are really trying to ridicule and disdain our faith, under the guise of saying we troublemakers to society, our testimony of being peacemakers will silence their voices, and they will in turn see our good works and glorify our Father in heaven.  Kingdom people have a right testimony.