"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 direction of the Spirit of God, we have been on a journey through the kingdom of God. Our journey has taken us from "The Kingdom Factor" to "Factors of the Kingdom" to "Ways of the Kingdom", and now to "The King of the Kingdom." For the most important part of a kingdom is the king; without the king, there would be no kingdom. So, that is why we now turn our attention to that of "The King of the Kingdom."
In Romans 10:9-10, we see these words authored by the Apostle Paul, "because if you confess with your lips that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For one believes with the heart and so is justified, and one confesses with the mouth and so is saved." (NRSV). It is imperative for us to understand the significance of Paul's declaration that Jesus is Lord, especially in the context of his day.
In Paul's day, the Roman Empire was the governing force of the known world, and the head of the Roman Empire was the emperor or Caesar. Lordship, which entailed deity as well as kingship, was attributed to the emperor by the people of the land, insomuch that the cultic act of emperor worship was a practice of that day. So, Paul knowing this, makes the bold declaration not that the emperor is Lord, but rather that Jesus is [the] Lord, thus ascribing not only deity, but kingship to Him. Therefore, to confess Jesus as Lord is to declare Him as both God and King. Jesus is "The King of the Kingdom!" God the Father rules and reigns through His Son, Jesus! Paul says it like this in Philippians 2:9-11, "Therefore God also highly exalted him and gave him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." (NRSV). And the Psalmist says in Psalm 24:7-10, "Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is the King of glory? The LORD, strong and mighty, the LORD, mighty in battle. Lift up your heads, O gates! and be lifted up, O ancient doors! that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory? The LORD of hosts, he is the King of glory." (NRSV).
Jesus is the King of kings and the Lord of lords! He is "The King of the Kingdom!"
March 21, 2010
March 15, 2010
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.
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.
March 08, 2010
Words To Remember - "Factors of the Kingdom" Part II
"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). This verse has been and continues to be our key verse in this season of Order.
In our last posting, we began looking at what we call "Factors of the Kingdom", in which we explored certain things that influence how we ultimately are able to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God. The first thing we mentioned as a factor of the kingdom,was that of the Spirit of God. In this, we looked at Zechariah 4:6, wherein the Word of the LORD came to Zerubbabel saying, "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts." We need the power of the Spirit of God in order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God.
The second thing we mentioned as a factor of the kingdom was that of the Word of God. In this, we looked at John 6:63, wherein Jesus said these words, "...The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." To walk by the power of the Spirit of God, means to walk in line with the Word of God. For the Spirit of God and the Word of God do not contradict one another, but rather agree with one another. We need to walk in line with the Word of God in order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God.
Now the third factor, which brings us to Part II of our title, "Factors of the Kingdom", is Faith in God. In John 14:1, Jesus said the following, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." In order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God, we must have faith in God. To do God's will; to allow His rule to rule, and His reign to reign in our lives, takes walking by faith in God. For our natural mind/flesh does not want to do God's will; it does not want to allow His rule and reign to actually rule and reign, so that is why it takes faith to ultimately submit to God's rule, God's reign, God's will, God's kingdom for our lives. If we are going to navigate properly and effectively within the kingdom of God, we must have faith in God. "Factors of the Kingdom."
In our last posting, we began looking at what we call "Factors of the Kingdom", in which we explored certain things that influence how we ultimately are able to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God. The first thing we mentioned as a factor of the kingdom,was that of the Spirit of God. In this, we looked at Zechariah 4:6, wherein the Word of the LORD came to Zerubbabel saying, "...Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts." We need the power of the Spirit of God in order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God.
The second thing we mentioned as a factor of the kingdom was that of the Word of God. In this, we looked at John 6:63, wherein Jesus said these words, "...The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." To walk by the power of the Spirit of God, means to walk in line with the Word of God. For the Spirit of God and the Word of God do not contradict one another, but rather agree with one another. We need to walk in line with the Word of God in order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God.
Now the third factor, which brings us to Part II of our title, "Factors of the Kingdom", is Faith in God. In John 14:1, Jesus said the following, "Do not let your hearts be troubled. Believe in God, believe also in me." In order to navigate effectively within the kingdom of God, we must have faith in God. To do God's will; to allow His rule to rule, and His reign to reign in our lives, takes walking by faith in God. For our natural mind/flesh does not want to do God's will; it does not want to allow His rule and reign to actually rule and reign, so that is why it takes faith to ultimately submit to God's rule, God's reign, God's will, God's kingdom for our lives. If we are going to navigate properly and effectively within the kingdom of God, we must have faith in God. "Factors of the Kingdom."
February 28, 2010
Words To Remember - "Factors of the Kingdom"
Continuing in our key verse, during this year and season of Order, Matthew 6:33---"But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NRSV).
We last posted "The Kingdom Factor", in which we looked at how the kingdom of God (rule, reign, and will of God), and particularly what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God, has an influence on the quality and success of our lives. And as I said before, when I say quality and success, I am not speaking of money, fame, or fortune, but rather the state of our souls. For Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" So, the real issue in the success of lives is the success of our souls; and this success is only achieved in the kingdom of God being placed first in our lives.
Now that we have established that the kingdom of God is a factor in the quality and success of our lives, we now look at factors that teach us on how we are to operate in the kingdom so that we can ultimately have this quality life; thus the title "Factors of the Kingdom."
The first factor of the kingdom is the Spirit of God. We look at Zechariah 4:6, wherein the prophet said, "He said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'" In order for us to strive first for the kingdom of God, and consequently see quality and success in our lives, we are to rely and depend upon the power of the Spirit of God. No matter what opposition (whether internal or external) we may be facing that would try to keep us from striving first for the kingdom of God, we must remember that God is on our side, and that He, by His Spirit, will level every mountain that will try to keep us from fulfilling His will for our lives.
The second factor of the kingdom is the Word of God. We look at John 6:63, wherein Jesus said, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." When we are relying and depending upon the Spirit of God, then we will be led to walk and live by the Word of God. For the Spirit of God will not lead us to do anything that is contrary to the written Word of God. We as believers must be rooted and grounded in the Word of God so that we, with all our spirituality, will not become goofy in the house of God. Therefore the Word of God is a key factor in operating properly in the kingdom, and thus seeing true quality and success in our lives. "Factors of the Kingdom."
We last posted "The Kingdom Factor", in which we looked at how the kingdom of God (rule, reign, and will of God), and particularly what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God, has an influence on the quality and success of our lives. And as I said before, when I say quality and success, I am not speaking of money, fame, or fortune, but rather the state of our souls. For Jesus said in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" So, the real issue in the success of lives is the success of our souls; and this success is only achieved in the kingdom of God being placed first in our lives.
Now that we have established that the kingdom of God is a factor in the quality and success of our lives, we now look at factors that teach us on how we are to operate in the kingdom so that we can ultimately have this quality life; thus the title "Factors of the Kingdom."
The first factor of the kingdom is the Spirit of God. We look at Zechariah 4:6, wherein the prophet said, "He said to me, 'This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts.'" In order for us to strive first for the kingdom of God, and consequently see quality and success in our lives, we are to rely and depend upon the power of the Spirit of God. No matter what opposition (whether internal or external) we may be facing that would try to keep us from striving first for the kingdom of God, we must remember that God is on our side, and that He, by His Spirit, will level every mountain that will try to keep us from fulfilling His will for our lives.
The second factor of the kingdom is the Word of God. We look at John 6:63, wherein Jesus said, "It is the spirit that gives life; the flesh is useless. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life." When we are relying and depending upon the Spirit of God, then we will be led to walk and live by the Word of God. For the Spirit of God will not lead us to do anything that is contrary to the written Word of God. We as believers must be rooted and grounded in the Word of God so that we, with all our spirituality, will not become goofy in the house of God. Therefore the Word of God is a key factor in operating properly in the kingdom, and thus seeing true quality and success in our lives. "Factors of the Kingdom."
February 21, 2010
Words To Remember - "The Kingdom Factor" Part II
Resuming our discussion on "The Kingdom Factor", we look again at our key verse of scripture found in Matthew 6:33, wherein Jesus says the following: "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NRSV).
By the kingdom of God being a factor, means that it has an influence on the outcome of the quality and success of our lives. In other words, what we choose to do or choose not to do with the kingdom of God, will determine the outcome of the quality and success of our lives. Now, understand that when I say, "quality and success...", I am not speaking of money, fame, or fortune, but rather, I am speaking of the success of our souls. For Jesus says the following in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Thus, true success and quality of life is to be able to say, "It is well with my soul"; and this ability is only found in Jesus and seeking first His kingdom (His rule, reign and will) and His righteousness. "The Kingdom Factor."
By the kingdom of God being a factor, means that it has an influence on the outcome of the quality and success of our lives. In other words, what we choose to do or choose not to do with the kingdom of God, will determine the outcome of the quality and success of our lives. Now, understand that when I say, "quality and success...", I am not speaking of money, fame, or fortune, but rather, I am speaking of the success of our souls. For Jesus says the following in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" Thus, true success and quality of life is to be able to say, "It is well with my soul"; and this ability is only found in Jesus and seeking first His kingdom (His rule, reign and will) and His righteousness. "The Kingdom Factor."
February 14, 2010
Words To Remember - "The Order Of Love"
Continuing in the spirit and message of this year and season of Order on this Valentine's Day, we turn to the book of Mark 12:28-34, wherein we see a dialogue taking place between Jesus and an unnamed scribe about the first/greatest commandment. The text reads as follows: "One of the scribes came near and heard them disputing with one another, and seeing that he answered them well, he asked him, 'Which commandment is the first of all?' Jesus answered, 'The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these. Then the scribe said to him, 'You are right, Teacher; you have truly said that 'he is one, and besides him there is no other'; and 'to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the strength,' and 'to love one's neighbor as oneself,'---this is much more important than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices.' When Jesus saw that he answered wisely, he said to him, 'You are not far from the kingdom of God.' After that no one dared to ask him any question." (NRSV).
We see in the preceding verses that the order of love is God first. When Jesus was posed with the question of which commandment was first, He quoted the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ("Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might."- NRSV). In order for us to love properly, we must love God first. And we are to love Him with everything in us; in other words, we are to be totally consumed with interest, regard and devotion to Him.
However, notice that Jesus did not stop with just saying that we must love God, but He afterward included loving our neighbor as ourself. Jesus quoted this from Leviticus 19:18 ("You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD." - NRSV). Jesus connected the spiritual with the practicle. Our love for God will be expressed in our love for one another. As I John 4:20 says, "...for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen." And I John 5:1 says, "...and everyone who loves the parent loves the child." We are to love people, just like we already love ourselves. "The Order of Love."
Happy Valentine's Day!
We see in the preceding verses that the order of love is God first. When Jesus was posed with the question of which commandment was first, He quoted the Shema from Deuteronomy 6:4-5 ("Hear, O Israel: The LORD is our God, the LORD alone. You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might."- NRSV). In order for us to love properly, we must love God first. And we are to love Him with everything in us; in other words, we are to be totally consumed with interest, regard and devotion to Him.
However, notice that Jesus did not stop with just saying that we must love God, but He afterward included loving our neighbor as ourself. Jesus quoted this from Leviticus 19:18 ("You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against any of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the LORD." - NRSV). Jesus connected the spiritual with the practicle. Our love for God will be expressed in our love for one another. As I John 4:20 says, "...for those who do not love a brother or sister whom they have seen, cannot love God whom they have not seen." And I John 5:1 says, "...and everyone who loves the parent loves the child." We are to love people, just like we already love ourselves. "The Order of Love."
Happy Valentine's Day!
February 07, 2010
Words To Remember - "The Kingdom Factor"
Continuing in the spirit of the last five titles shared, and in the overall word for this year and season, "Order In The House", we now look more closely at the kingdom of God, and how it acts as a factor in the quality of our lives. In this, we look again at Matthew 6:33, wherein the Lord Jesus says, "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NRSV).
In speaking of "The Kingdom Factor", it behooves us to first define the word "factor." Whereas "factor" can be defined several ways, however, for our subject matter, we will utilize the definition that says the following: "Something that contributes to or has an influence on the outcome of something." Therefore, in light of the aforesaid definition of "factor", and uniting it with the term "the kingdom" (of God), we see that what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God contributes to and has an influence on the outcome of the quality of our lives.
So, if we strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then the outcome is, "and all these things will be given to you as well." However, if we choose not to strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then the outcome may not necessarily mean that we will not obtain "things" (for remember that Jesus says in Matthew 6:32, "For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things..."), it's just that with the obtaining of those "things", we may end up losing our soul. For Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (KJV).
So, let us allow the "The Kingdom Factor" to be a benefit in our lives, and not an adverse one. For it is what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God that will have an influence on the outcome of the quality of our lives.
In speaking of "The Kingdom Factor", it behooves us to first define the word "factor." Whereas "factor" can be defined several ways, however, for our subject matter, we will utilize the definition that says the following: "Something that contributes to or has an influence on the outcome of something." Therefore, in light of the aforesaid definition of "factor", and uniting it with the term "the kingdom" (of God), we see that what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God contributes to and has an influence on the outcome of the quality of our lives.
So, if we strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then the outcome is, "and all these things will be given to you as well." However, if we choose not to strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, then the outcome may not necessarily mean that we will not obtain "things" (for remember that Jesus says in Matthew 6:32, "For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things..."), it's just that with the obtaining of those "things", we may end up losing our soul. For Jesus says in Matthew 16:26, "For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, but loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?" (KJV).
So, let us allow the "The Kingdom Factor" to be a benefit in our lives, and not an adverse one. For it is what we do or do not do with the kingdom of God that will have an influence on the outcome of the quality of our lives.
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