Blog - More on the Kingdom of God
More on the Kingdom of God
Last week, we saw that Jesus brought the kingdom of God with Him as He came to earth in human form. He brought the love, truth, restoration and all that is God’s kingdom.
He told His followers that the kingdom was in them and around them. They watched the repentance, healing, and miracles that followed.
1. The questions are, how do we live in this kingdom? How do we seek it and find it? Jesus knew the peoples’ needs and their hearts. He spoke plainly to them and to us about how to go about our earthly lives while connected to the kingdom of God.Jesus talks about a life of faith that focuses on God and His provision, His love and care for us, and the elimination of worry.
Matthew 6:31-34 NIV
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
2. The traditional prayers could be long and hard to understand. Jesus simplifies prayer into direct communication with God that includes the kingdom in its framework:
Worship
Invitation of God’s kingdom and God’s will
Submission
Petition
Repentance
Protection
Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
3. Paul encourages the Roman church (and us) to keep our eyes on God and His kingdom instead of being continuously wrapped up in daily, temporal needs; the kingdom is more than any earthly thing. Righteousness, peace, and joy are the fruit and benefit of living in accordance with the kingdom of God.
Romans 14:17-18 NIV
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
4. The temporary things of this world will indeed pass away, and what will be left is God, His Word, and His kingdom. All unnecessary things will be shaken off, and the real will remain.
Hebrews 12:26-29 NIV
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Q: What distracts you from keeping your eyes on God and faith in Him?
Q: How can you apply these Scriptural truths to your life today?
Prayer: Father, we love You and appreciate all You are and all You have given us. You have given us everything we would need for a victorious life. We ask for Your grace to keep our eyes on You, to trust You for everything, and to follow You all the days of our lives, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Questions? Email me at lauriemccarty@wellspring.net
Last week, we saw that Jesus brought the kingdom of God with Him as He came to earth in human form. He brought the love, truth, restoration and all that is God’s kingdom.
He told His followers that the kingdom was in them and around them. They watched the repentance, healing, and miracles that followed.
1. The questions are, how do we live in this kingdom? How do we seek it and find it? Jesus knew the peoples’ needs and their hearts. He spoke plainly to them and to us about how to go about our earthly lives while connected to the kingdom of God.Jesus talks about a life of faith that focuses on God and His provision, His love and care for us, and the elimination of worry.
Matthew 6:31-34 NIV
31 So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
2. The traditional prayers could be long and hard to understand. Jesus simplifies prayer into direct communication with God that includes the kingdom in its framework:
Worship
Invitation of God’s kingdom and God’s will
Submission
Petition
Repentance
Protection
Matthew 6:9-13 NIV
9 “This, then, is how you should pray:
“‘Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
10 your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.’
3. Paul encourages the Roman church (and us) to keep our eyes on God and His kingdom instead of being continuously wrapped up in daily, temporal needs; the kingdom is more than any earthly thing. Righteousness, peace, and joy are the fruit and benefit of living in accordance with the kingdom of God.
Romans 14:17-18 NIV
17 For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, 18 because anyone who serves Christ in this way is pleasing to God and receives human approval.
4. The temporary things of this world will indeed pass away, and what will be left is God, His Word, and His kingdom. All unnecessary things will be shaken off, and the real will remain.
Hebrews 12:26-29 NIV
26 At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” 27 The words “once more” indicate the removing of what can be shaken—that is, created things—so that what cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe, 29 for our “God is a consuming fire.”
Q: What distracts you from keeping your eyes on God and faith in Him?
Q: How can you apply these Scriptural truths to your life today?
Prayer: Father, we love You and appreciate all You are and all You have given us. You have given us everything we would need for a victorious life. We ask for Your grace to keep our eyes on You, to trust You for everything, and to follow You all the days of our lives, in the name of Jesus. Amen.
Questions? Email me at lauriemccarty@wellspring.net