NATURE  OF  THE  KINGDOM  OF  GOD

 

 

There are three general meanings to the biblical Kingdom of God. 

 

1.              It may refer to the realm over which God reigns supreme as the King. (Psm. 95:3; 24:10; 47:2-3; II Chron. 20:6) 

2.              It may refer to the people over whom the King reigns.  In Revelation 5:10 those who are redeemed are a Kingdom because they share the reign with the King.  (Ref. Rev. 1:5-6; 20:6)

3.              It is the actual reign or rule of the King itself. (Psm. 103:19)

 

Many people do not understand the nature of the Kingdom of God.  The Pharisees asked when God's Kingdom would come.  Our Lord Jesus Christ explained, "The Kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, 'See here!' or ''See there!'  For indeed, the Kingdom of God is within you." (Lk. 17:20-21) The Kingdom of God is not like an earthly kingdom with geographical boundaries.  Instead, it begins with the work of God's Spirit in people's lives and in relationships.  Still today we must resist looking to organizations, institutions or programs for evidence of the progress of God's Kingdom. Instead, we should look for what God is doing in people's hearts.  The Kingdom of God is a spiritual kingdom.  When Jesus was taken to trial before the Roman governor Pilate He answered clearly: "My Kingdom is not of this world.  If My Kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My Kingdom is not from here." (Jn. 18:36) The apostle Paul wrote: "For the Kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit ." (Rom. 14:17)


The Kingdom of God is the kingship of the Lord Jesus Christ. (Eph. 5:5) Demons are called "rulers of the darkness of this age ." (Eph. 6:12)  The Lord Jesus Christ said: "But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, surely the Kingdom of God has come come upon you." (Mt. 12:28)  When we received Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, the One True God " has delivered us from the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom  we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins." (Col. 1:13-14)


Our Lord Jesus Christ preached: "But seek the Kingdom of God, and all these things (daily necessities) shall be added to you.  Do not fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the Kingdom." (Lk. 12:31-32)  Seeking the Kingdom of God means making Jesus (Yahshua) the Lord and King of your life.  He must control every area - your work, play, plans and also relationships.  Is the Kingdom only one of your many concerns, or is it central to all you do?   Are you holding back any areas of your life from God's control?  As Lord and Creator, He wants to help provide what you need as well as guide how you use what He provides.   Place our Lord Jesus Christ the center of your life and you will have the Kingdom of God within you.