Hebrews 11:6 - "And without faith it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him." (NRSV).
In our last posting, we looked at our faith and identified it as the target of our arch-enemy, Satan. In that, we saw how the enemy first attacks our minds; to then attack our hearts; to ultimately destroy our faith (trust, confidence) in God. Satan wants our faith, and we guard it by guarding our hearts and minds.
Now, the question can be asked, "Why does Satan want our faith?" Well, I believe the answer is found in our preceding verse, Hebrews 11:6, "And without faith it is impossible to please God..." Satan wants our faith because he does not want us to please God. For if we are pleasing God, then we are operating within the will of God; and if we are operating within the will of God, then we are flowing and navigating properly within the kingdom (rule, reign, will) of God; and if we are flowing and navigating properly within the kingdom of God, then our lives are shining lights, and people are seeing our good works and giving glory to our Father in heaven.
So, we see that faith is an important piece in our kingdom walk. Therefore, let us be strong in faith, even when we don't "feel" strong, for faith doesn't flow with feelings, but it rather feeds on the Word of God. And understand this as well, that faith counts when we don't see a way out. In other words, faith doesn't take its cue from what is seen, but rather from what is not seen; for as the Apostle Paul said in II Corinthians 4:18, "Because we look not at what can be seen but at what cannot be seen; for what can be seen is temporary, but what cannot be seen is eternal." (NRSV). Be encouraged in your faith (trust, confidence) in God. "The Faith Factor"
April 25, 2010
April 18, 2010
Words To Remember - "Another Lesson on the Kingdom of God"
Our key verse for this year and season of Order continues to be 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). The kingdom is key!
We said previously in one our postings titled, "The Factors of the Kingdom", that "Faith in God" was one of those factors of the kingdom. And by this we meant that, our ability to navigate properly and effectively within the kingdom of God, would be determined by our faith being grounded and anchored in God.
So, we see that faith in God is a crucial factor to our place within the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God. And with that said, we now turn to the subject of today's title, "Another Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
If there is another lesson that we can learn about the kingdom of God, it would be that Satan wants to rob us of our faith (trust, confidence) in God. II Peter 1:1 describes our faith in God as "precious"; I John 5:4 describes our faith in God as "victory"; and I Timothy 6:12 describes our faith in God as "a good fight." So, Satan knows that if he can rob us of our faith in God, then he can rob us something that is precious; something that is victorious; and something that is a good fight. If he can rob us of our faith in God, then he can ultimately rob us of both our effectiveness within the kingdom of God, and the effectiveness of the kingdom of God within us. That means that the rule, reign, and will of God's righteousness, peace, and joy will not be found in us, nor we in them.
So, how does Satan rob us of our faith in God? Well, I believe he starts with the mind. Satan, through everyday trials and temptations of life (i.e. financial challenges, family challenges, health challenges, job challenges, etc...), brings things to our minds for us to think on, so that these things in turn can consequently get into our hearts, and then ultimately rob us of our faith in God.
So, how then do we keep Satan from robbing us of our faith in God? Well, we need to guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (NRSV). The heart houses our faith. So, if we guard our hearts, then our faith in God will stay intact.
So, how then do we guard our hearts in order that our faith in God can stay intact? Well, I believe that is where the mind comes in. For if we watch what we allow our minds to think on, then we guard our hearts from evil, and consequently our faith in God remains intact. I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8 concerning our thought life, "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things." (NRSV). And in II Corinthians 10:4-5 he said, "For the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ." (NRSV).
So, we guard our faith by guarding our hearts, and we guard our hearts by guarding our minds. Let us therefore not allow Satan to rob us our faith in God, which is something that is precious; something that is victorious; and something that is a good fight. And let us not allow Satan to rob us of our faith in God, and consequently render our lives ineffective within the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God, and the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God within our lives. Guard the mind, guard the heart, guard the faith and be blessed in your life. "Another Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
We said previously in one our postings titled, "The Factors of the Kingdom", that "Faith in God" was one of those factors of the kingdom. And by this we meant that, our ability to navigate properly and effectively within the kingdom of God, would be determined by our faith being grounded and anchored in God.
So, we see that faith in God is a crucial factor to our place within the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God. And with that said, we now turn to the subject of today's title, "Another Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
If there is another lesson that we can learn about the kingdom of God, it would be that Satan wants to rob us of our faith (trust, confidence) in God. II Peter 1:1 describes our faith in God as "precious"; I John 5:4 describes our faith in God as "victory"; and I Timothy 6:12 describes our faith in God as "a good fight." So, Satan knows that if he can rob us of our faith in God, then he can rob us something that is precious; something that is victorious; and something that is a good fight. If he can rob us of our faith in God, then he can ultimately rob us of both our effectiveness within the kingdom of God, and the effectiveness of the kingdom of God within us. That means that the rule, reign, and will of God's righteousness, peace, and joy will not be found in us, nor we in them.
So, how does Satan rob us of our faith in God? Well, I believe he starts with the mind. Satan, through everyday trials and temptations of life (i.e. financial challenges, family challenges, health challenges, job challenges, etc...), brings things to our minds for us to think on, so that these things in turn can consequently get into our hearts, and then ultimately rob us of our faith in God.
So, how then do we keep Satan from robbing us of our faith in God? Well, we need to guard our hearts. Proverbs 4:23 says, "Keep your heart with all vigilance, for from it flow the springs of life." (NRSV). The heart houses our faith. So, if we guard our hearts, then our faith in God will stay intact.
So, how then do we guard our hearts in order that our faith in God can stay intact? Well, I believe that is where the mind comes in. For if we watch what we allow our minds to think on, then we guard our hearts from evil, and consequently our faith in God remains intact. I'm reminded of what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:8 concerning our thought life, "Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise think about these things." (NRSV). And in II Corinthians 10:4-5 he said, "For the weapons of our warfare are not merely human, but they have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle raised up against the knowledge of God, and we take every thought captive to obey Christ." (NRSV).
So, we guard our faith by guarding our hearts, and we guard our hearts by guarding our minds. Let us therefore not allow Satan to rob us our faith in God, which is something that is precious; something that is victorious; and something that is a good fight. And let us not allow Satan to rob us of our faith in God, and consequently render our lives ineffective within the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God, and the kingdom (the rule, reign, and will) of God within our lives. Guard the mind, guard the heart, guard the faith and be blessed in your life. "Another Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
April 11, 2010
Words To Remember - "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God"
We declared by the Spirit of God that this year, 2010, would be a year and season of Order. It is a year in which God would begin bringing Order to His house, which is His people; for the people of God, comprise the house of God. In addition, in this season of Order, we said that a verse of emphasis would be Matthew 6:33, wherein the Lord Jesus said, "But strive first for the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." (NRSV). This verse speaks of priority and order, as it relates to the place and even the affect of the kingdom of God in our lives.
Now that we rehearsed the season of this year and the role that the kingdom of God has in it, we now turn to the subject title of this posting which is, "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God." Our verse for this subject title is Matthew 13:31-32, wherein the following is said: "He put before them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.'" From this verse, we gather "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God", and that is:
"GOD DOESN'T NEED A WHOLE LOT, TO DO A WHOLE LOT."
In the aforesaid verse, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God, to that of the mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds, but when it is planted, grows and becomes the greatest of shrubs, even to the point of being a place of lodging for the birds of the air. So then, we see that if there is anything that we can learn about the kingdom of God, it is that, "God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot." Now, this is quite different from the world's way of doing things, because it says that "You have to be qualified for this...", or "You have to know this person...", or "You have to have this much of something..." But God's way says, "Give Me the little, and I will make it a lot", and "Turn this over to Me, and I will turn it around for good." God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot. Remember, Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread and fed over five thousand people. Remember, only one hundred and twenty persons were in the upper room in Acts 2, but from that one hundred and twenty, three thousand souls were added to the church. Remember that from Abraham and Sarah, a nation was birthed. Remember that from Adam and Eve, a whole world was populated. And most of all, remember that from God's only Son, many sons were added into the kingdom of God. God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot.
So what has God told you to do that may seem impossible, because you may not have the resources in the natural, or at least according to that of the world's standard? What has God placed in your spirit to do, but because of what was said to you by the world, you became discouraged and gave up? Well, God wants you to know that He is still the same God yesterday, today, and forever; and all He needs from you is a "YES", and with that "YES", He can do a lot in and through your life. For God specializes in taking the small things and making them into great things. So remember, God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot. Just give Him your "YES", and watch Him make something that will turn out to be the greatest and the best. "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
Now that we rehearsed the season of this year and the role that the kingdom of God has in it, we now turn to the subject title of this posting which is, "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God." Our verse for this subject title is Matthew 13:31-32, wherein the following is said: "He put before them another parable: 'The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed that someone took and sowed in his field; it is the smallest of all the seeds, but when it has grown it is the greatest of shrubs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.'" From this verse, we gather "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God", and that is:
"GOD DOESN'T NEED A WHOLE LOT, TO DO A WHOLE LOT."
In the aforesaid verse, Jesus likened the kingdom of heaven/kingdom of God, to that of the mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds, but when it is planted, grows and becomes the greatest of shrubs, even to the point of being a place of lodging for the birds of the air. So then, we see that if there is anything that we can learn about the kingdom of God, it is that, "God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot." Now, this is quite different from the world's way of doing things, because it says that "You have to be qualified for this...", or "You have to know this person...", or "You have to have this much of something..." But God's way says, "Give Me the little, and I will make it a lot", and "Turn this over to Me, and I will turn it around for good." God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot. Remember, Jesus took two fish and five loaves of bread and fed over five thousand people. Remember, only one hundred and twenty persons were in the upper room in Acts 2, but from that one hundred and twenty, three thousand souls were added to the church. Remember that from Abraham and Sarah, a nation was birthed. Remember that from Adam and Eve, a whole world was populated. And most of all, remember that from God's only Son, many sons were added into the kingdom of God. God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot.
So what has God told you to do that may seem impossible, because you may not have the resources in the natural, or at least according to that of the world's standard? What has God placed in your spirit to do, but because of what was said to you by the world, you became discouraged and gave up? Well, God wants you to know that He is still the same God yesterday, today, and forever; and all He needs from you is a "YES", and with that "YES", He can do a lot in and through your life. For God specializes in taking the small things and making them into great things. So remember, God doesn't need a whole lot, to do a whole lot. Just give Him your "YES", and watch Him make something that will turn out to be the greatest and the best. "A Lesson on the Kingdom of God."
April 04, 2010
Words To Remember - "The Road To Resurrection"
I Corinthians 15:3-4 says, "For I handed on to you as of first importance what I in turn had received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the scriptures, and that he was buried, and that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the scriptures." (NRSV).
On this Easter day, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His resurrection we see: hope, joy, and victory. However, before we see a resurrection, we see death and burial. Before we see hope, we see hopelessness; before we see joy, we see sorrow; and before we see victory, we see defeat. Jesus did not begin at resurrection, but rather there was a path in which he traveled to arrive there, hence our title caption, "The Road To Resurrection."
Jesus' road to resurrection, I believe, involved at least three things:
1) Humility:
In Philippians 2:5-8, we see these words by the Apostle Paul, "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus humbled himself before the will of God.
2) Suffering:
In I Peter 2:23, we see these words by the Apostle Peter, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus suffered for the will of God.
3) Commitment:
In Luke 23:46, we see these words, "Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commend (commit) my spirit.' Having said this, he breathed his last." (NRSV). And in I Peter 2:23 again, we see, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but entrusted (committed) himself to the one who judges justly." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus committed Himself to the will of God.
Now, just like our Lord implemented humility, suffering, and commitment on His road to resurrection, we too, must do the same. Although ours is not for our sins, because Jesus did that for us, but as His followers, we must do as it is written in I Peter 4:1, which says, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin)." (NRSV).
Therefore, on our road to resurrection...on our road to hope, joy, and victory, we must:
1) Humble ourselves before the will of God:
I Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." (NRSV).
2) Suffer for the will of God:
I Peter 4:19 says, "Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good." (NRSV).
3) Commit ourselves to the will of God:
II Timothy 1:12 says, "And for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted (committed) to him." (NRSV).
Resurrection...hope, joy, and victory, came to our Lord as He journeyed faithfully on the road to resurrection; and it will come to us too, if we stay on the path that involves humility before; suffering for; and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "The Road To Resurrection."
On this Easter day, we celebrate the resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In His resurrection we see: hope, joy, and victory. However, before we see a resurrection, we see death and burial. Before we see hope, we see hopelessness; before we see joy, we see sorrow; and before we see victory, we see defeat. Jesus did not begin at resurrection, but rather there was a path in which he traveled to arrive there, hence our title caption, "The Road To Resurrection."
Jesus' road to resurrection, I believe, involved at least three things:
1) Humility:
In Philippians 2:5-8, we see these words by the Apostle Paul, "Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death-even death on a cross." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus humbled himself before the will of God.
2) Suffering:
In I Peter 2:23, we see these words by the Apostle Peter, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but entrusted himself to the one who judges justly." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus suffered for the will of God.
3) Commitment:
In Luke 23:46, we see these words, "Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commend (commit) my spirit.' Having said this, he breathed his last." (NRSV). And in I Peter 2:23 again, we see, "When he was abused, he did not return abuse; when he suffered, he did not threaten; but entrusted (committed) himself to the one who judges justly." (NRSV). On His road to resurrection, Jesus committed Himself to the will of God.
Now, just like our Lord implemented humility, suffering, and commitment on His road to resurrection, we too, must do the same. Although ours is not for our sins, because Jesus did that for us, but as His followers, we must do as it is written in I Peter 4:1, which says, "Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves also with same intention (for whoever has suffered in the flesh has finished with sin)." (NRSV).
Therefore, on our road to resurrection...on our road to hope, joy, and victory, we must:
1) Humble ourselves before the will of God:
I Peter 5:6 says, "Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, so that he may exalt you in due time." (NRSV).
2) Suffer for the will of God:
I Peter 4:19 says, "Therefore, let those suffering in accordance with God's will entrust themselves to a faithful Creator, while continuing to do good." (NRSV).
3) Commit ourselves to the will of God:
II Timothy 1:12 says, "And for this reason I suffer as I do. But I am not ashamed, for I know the one in whom I have put my trust, and I am sure that he is able to guard until that day what I have entrusted (committed) to him." (NRSV).
Resurrection...hope, joy, and victory, came to our Lord as He journeyed faithfully on the road to resurrection; and it will come to us too, if we stay on the path that involves humility before; suffering for; and commitment to our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. "The Road To Resurrection."
March 28, 2010
Words To Remember - "Knowing the King 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).
Last week we identified Jesus as "The King of the Kingdom"; and in that we saw that to confess Jesus as Lord, is to confess Him not only as God, but also as King, thus our declaration that Jesus is "The King of the Kingdom."
So, now that we have identified "The King of the Kingdom" as Jesus, we now turn our attention to "Knowing the King of the Kingdom." In this, we look at Philippians 3:3-11, wherein the Apostle Paul says, "For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh---even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead."---NRSV.
In the aforesaid verses, we see the Apostle Paul above all else wanting to know Christ Jesus his Lord (King). But didn't Paul already "know" Jesus, after all, he was one of the greatest, and probably the most influential of the apostles in the 1st Century; so how could he say that he wanted to "know" Christ Jesus? Well, Paul's knowledge of Jesus went beyond a head knowledge and went into a heart and experiential knowledge that ultimately was demonstrated in and through his life. Paul wanted to have a continuous knowledge of Jesus that would result in a continuous changed life, and that is how we should want to know Jesus our Lord (King).
Now, if we are going to know Jesus, there are at least three things that are going to take place in our lives; and they are as follows:
1) Surrender (to Jesus). We must surrender our lives daily, if we are going to continually know Jesus. The Apostle Paul was surrendered to Jesus, that is why he could say that he wanted to know Jesus. Knowing Jesus, requires surrender to Jesus.
2) Fellowship/Prayer (with Jesus). We must continually be in fellowship/prayer with Jesus, if we are to continually know Jesus. For how can we know someone if we never or hardly ever communicate with them; and that is what prayer is, communion and communication with God. Therefore, we should make it a habit to fellowship/pray with Jesus daily. Knowing Jesus, requires a life of fellowship/prayer.
3) Word (of Jesus). We must continually be in the Word of God, if we are to continually know Him. We should make it a habit to read the Word of God daily, so that not only our head knowledge of Jesus increases, but more importantly our heart and experiential knowledge of Him increases to the point that our lives demonstrate His life. Knowing Jesus, requires a life of being in His Word.
Last week we identified Jesus as "The King of the Kingdom"; and in that we saw that to confess Jesus as Lord, is to confess Him not only as God, but also as King, thus our declaration that Jesus is "The King of the Kingdom."
So, now that we have identified "The King of the Kingdom" as Jesus, we now turn our attention to "Knowing the King of the Kingdom." In this, we look at Philippians 3:3-11, wherein the Apostle Paul says, "For it is we who are the circumcision, who worship in the Spirit of God and boast in Christ Jesus and have no confidence in the flesh---even though I, too, have reason for confidence in the flesh. If anyone else has reason to be confident in the flesh, I have more: circumcised on the eighth day, a member of the people of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew born of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless. Yet whatever gains I had, these I have come to regard as loss because of Christ. More than that, I regard everything as loss because of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things, and I regard them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, if somehow I may attain the resurrection from the dead."---NRSV.
In the aforesaid verses, we see the Apostle Paul above all else wanting to know Christ Jesus his Lord (King). But didn't Paul already "know" Jesus, after all, he was one of the greatest, and probably the most influential of the apostles in the 1st Century; so how could he say that he wanted to "know" Christ Jesus? Well, Paul's knowledge of Jesus went beyond a head knowledge and went into a heart and experiential knowledge that ultimately was demonstrated in and through his life. Paul wanted to have a continuous knowledge of Jesus that would result in a continuous changed life, and that is how we should want to know Jesus our Lord (King).
Now, if we are going to know Jesus, there are at least three things that are going to take place in our lives; and they are as follows:
1) Surrender (to Jesus). We must surrender our lives daily, if we are going to continually know Jesus. The Apostle Paul was surrendered to Jesus, that is why he could say that he wanted to know Jesus. Knowing Jesus, requires surrender to Jesus.
2) Fellowship/Prayer (with Jesus). We must continually be in fellowship/prayer with Jesus, if we are to continually know Jesus. For how can we know someone if we never or hardly ever communicate with them; and that is what prayer is, communion and communication with God. Therefore, we should make it a habit to fellowship/pray with Jesus daily. Knowing Jesus, requires a life of fellowship/prayer.
3) Word (of Jesus). We must continually be in the Word of God, if we are to continually know Him. We should make it a habit to read the Word of God daily, so that not only our head knowledge of Jesus increases, but more importantly our heart and experiential knowledge of Him increases to the point that our lives demonstrate His life. Knowing Jesus, requires a life of being in His Word.
March 21, 2010
Words To Remember - "The King 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 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!"
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 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.
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