Ministering: Rev. Enoabasi Inyang
Text: Luke 10:30-35 (NLT)
Jesus preached more on the Kingdom of God than on any other topic. The central figure of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation is a King (God) who has sons – not servants – but adopted sons who are part of a royal family; a royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9).
The Bible also talks about a kingdom ruled by this King.
The task of everyone in this kingdom is to colonize other territories for the kingdom. God’s will is to extend the kingdom of heaven to the earth, so the earth becomes a colony of heaven. We are heavenly beings sent to earth to dominate the earth (Genesis 1:28) and establish the kingdom of heaven here on the earth. We are to reflect the values of our kingdom (heaven) on the earth.
The characteristics of God’s Government:
1. Justice and Righteousness. These are the foundations of God’s reign.
2. Mercy and compassion (Hebrews 4:16).
3. Eternal and Unshakable – Forever. (Matthew 5:18, Genesis 1:1)
The values of the Kingdom of God also include Love, Humility, Forgiveness, Peace, Faith, Truth, Servanthood and Holiness. The fruit of the Spirit enumerates the values of the Kingdom of God. Reevaluate your christianity based on these values.
The kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:21), that means we have the ability to be creative in our authority over the area of jurisdiction that we live in.
When we pray “Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done” (Matthew 6:10), we think we’re being futuristic but the Kingdom of God is already here – in our hearts. We are the ones to perpetuate the kingdom to other people. We were made out of the earth and God inputed his kingdom into us. His kingdom in us is ‘treasure in earthen vessels’ (II Corinthians 4:7).
We have the potential to defeat evil; to overcome Satan’s rule on the face of the earth and restore creation to what it originally is.
When Jesus began teaching, he always declared “the Kingdom of heaven is near/now”
Emmanuel (God with us) causes us to be the kingdom of God here on earth.
Luke 10:30-35: The Story of the man attacked by bandits addresses Christians who are pious in church but are unhelpful to people outside.
The Priest and the Levite were more concerned about their religious purity and their safety.
We think so much of our safety (like the priest and the levite) but forget sacrifice. If Jesus didn’t sacrifice himself for us where would we be?
Expanding the kingdom will not happen when we all stay in our comfort zones.
We should be able to forget some of the traditions of our religion and be of help to other people.
Religious rites and purity should not be placed above the life of another person.
John 13:34-35 – It’s the love you show that determines if you’re a follower of Jesus. Do not treat another person’s suffering as an inconvenience.
James 2:15-17 – It is not enough to only pray for your brother who is in need. Do something about their need.
It is by kindness that we expand the kingdom.
Against love, kindness and compassion, there is no law or argument (Galatians 5:22,23).
Don’t let your circumstance stop you from showing love.
1 Kings 17:12-15 (KJV) – Elijah and the widow of Zarephath – God will turn your circumstance around when you step out in faith. Your cruse of oil will not run dry.
When you give to the poor you lend to God (Proverbs 19:17) and God doesn’t owe anyone. He always gives back much more.
The kingdom is in need of expansion. Reach everyone with kindness and love. We need to show enough love to make someone come into the kingdom.
Coming to church is good but being a Christian out there is so much better.
When we disregard people based on tribe, tongue, status, etc we prove we’re not Christians (Luke 6:32-36).
Pray for God’s goodness on people who have hurt you. Serve even people you feel are undeserving and see God’s hand at work in your life.
