08/07/2017
THE KING AND THE KINGDOM
In every kingdom there is a king such as in earthly kingdom and the kingdom of heaven even the nations of the world are also under the influence of kings. No matter the size of a kingdom there are people that are under the authority of the ruling king. As evidence, the scripture states categorically that Satan is the king of a fallen world. Man, in his created state is a king and if we do not believe this we shall be dethroned and die like mere men. Hence, there is a need for the display of our power and authority to reign as kings. People will submit to the lordship of the King in us just as the King’s subjects do. This is also the reason why the Lord Jesus was heralded by John the Baptist as a messiah, the most holy, most powerful. The scripture describes Him as the king of kings “a great king with dominion, authority, glory and all people, nations, and tongues worship Him that seats upon the throne.
Dying like a mere man is as a result of choice and defiance to the King’s instructions. It is a common saying that he who takes heed to a king’s call shall escape his wrath but any one that is defiant to his rule and call shall fall under his sword. The fall of Adam and Eve has had far reaching adverse consequences, not only to themselves but to the whole world. Since then, the fallen world has been under satanic influence and authority.
Apostle Paul describes the sobering reality of the lives of those outside the kingdom in a manner similar to Apostle John. He states that the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. Man now has the tendency to live according to the course of this world indulging in the desires of the flesh.1John5:19.Eph.2:1-3 says “And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lust of our flesh, indulging the desire of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.”
The course of this world means the trends, the values, ways and perspective of the fallen world under the influence of the evil one who is referred as “the prince of the power of the air.’ Apostle John teaches us not to love the world nor things in the world. Do not love the world nor the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the father is not in him. The world is passing away, and also its lusts: but the one who does the will of God lives forever. Eternity is sure and can be guaranteed if we live according to God’s will and precepts .We need to forsake all the lustful desire of the flesh to embrace the sure foundation and be established by faith and in complete submission to His will and accept the Kingdom values of our Lord Jesus Christ.
What then will endure when values of the world and the world will be destroyed?2Pet3:10. Only Gods kingdom and His Word will stand.
The kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost, Rom14:17 describes kingdom of GOD as one that is not primarily of “eating and drinking” but righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Eating and drinking represent the preoccupation of the fallen world. This reminds us of the warning of the Lord Jesus Christ concerning His coming like in the days of Noah and Lot that men are preoccupied with eating ,drinking, buying, selling, planting, building and engaging in marriages.lk17:26-28.The fallen world under the influence of Satan gave us out to a relentless pursuit of the worldly values and goals of earthly riches by all means such as fame, success, power, status and authority which are outward achievements that have no eternal value if attained in an unrighteous manner.
The only way out is to choose not to lose heart but be ready to renounce all the desires of this fallen world and fleshly pleasures. So that we do not allow them to have dominion over us, we must search our consciences daily and cleanse our ways by keeping to God’s word which is our manual for living and greatness. Our relentless pursuit of worldly gains will amount to nothing and all will be left to those who do not know how you acquired it. Godliness and contentment is great gain, not the world.
We must pursue the kingdom of God with our whole heart and trust in His word; just as a man who found a treasure will sell all he has to purchase it, yielding to him daily and acknowledge Him in all our ways to direct our steps. And as we do these we would have peace and fullness of joy.
The kingdom of God demonstrates the power of God in righteousness and right doing by the holy spirit. The Holy spirit is a gift from God to all who call on Him with a right heart. Choose to live right today by confessing your sins and asking for the gift of righteousness through our Lord Jesus Christ. Put your hand in His hand and let him lead you back into His Kingdom to partake in the fruit of righteousness which is in the garden for you and anyone who believes in Him. The Spirit says come on to Him and do not Harden your heart today as He knocks at the door of your heart.
Accept the new way, the new life, and a sure way of salvation to thy soul.
God bless you.
PORTERS HOUSE FOUNDATION FOR AFRICAN MISSIONS-
