Kingdom Principle’s for your Spiritual Growth
By Peter Salemi
Jesus Christ said that the Kingdom of God is “within” us. The rule of God is in our hearts and minds. When we apply the Kingdom principles in our life, the kingdom culture will affect not just US, but people in our lives, family, friends, and the world.
What is a kingdom? A kingdom is a “King’s” “Dominion.” It is the domain of a king and is the realm of his sovereignty. The Kingdom of God is not a democracy. It is a rule of one will-God’s will, not the will of many. The Kingdom of God is NOT ruling over this earth yet-this will happen at the second coming of Christ, however, the “…peace of God rule in your hearts,” (Col 3:15). God rules over his people in their hearts, a “measure of the rule which God hath distributed to us, a measure to reach even unto you.” (2 Cor 10:13). Portions of the Kingdom rule reigns in our hearts. Of course God’s judgments executed for sin, is only for governments to bring about (Rom 13:1-4; Ex 21:22). Christians are not ruling and reigning on earth with Christ yet, so these judgments for sin cannot be applied.
But God’s commandments, ordinances, Sabbaths, feasts etc.…are the portions that we must apply in our lives. God commandments are the way of salvation and, “in those [God’s commandments] is continuance, and we shall be saved.” (Isaiah 64:5). The King’s law is written in the hearts of believers (the Kingdom rule in us), and believers must follow them in order to enter into the Kingdom at his coming.
Paul wrote the, “For the kingdom of God is…righteousness, [God’s law Psalm 119:172] and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Rom 14:17). Jesus said, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness;” (Matthew 6:33). We must seek after the righteousness of God-the laws of the Kingdom and apply it to our lives and continue in God’s works of salvation. When this is applied, God’s spiritual kingdom lives in each and everyone of the believers in Christ.
The crucial key to continuing in God’s salvation is the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is by this that the law of God is written on our hearts, (Jer 31:33, Romans 5:5), and God’s rule is in our hearts and minds, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power [God’s Spirit].” (1 Cor 4:20). “The religion of the Lord Jesus is not in word - in human eloquence, excellence of speech, or even in doctrines; but in power, εν δυναμει, in the mighty energy of the Holy Spirit; enlightening, quickening, converting, and sanctifying believers;” (Clarke’s Commentary, emphasis added). Spirit begotten Christians need to led by the Spirit of God-lead them in this life and let the Spirit guide them into setting up the Kingdom of God in their lives, “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God.” (Rom 8:14). Spirit-filled Christians must look into the Bible and being “taught” by God through the Spirit (John 6:45; 14:26) and establish the Kingdom principles in their lives. Once this is done, one can be a “light to the world” and example of Kingdom culture so others can see it, convert, and practice it. If enough of Christians did this, this world would dramatically change.
Principles of the Kingdom of God
A Kingdom has a King and the King rules over a plot of land with its citizens. It also has laws by which it governs. This is the Kingdom of God which will come and rule over the people of this earth for 1000 years. (see Rev 20:4).
But Jesus also said that the Kingdom is “within” us as well (Luke 17:21). That the rule of God will rule and reign in our hearts which will translate to the outer world and God’s kingdom culture will be a light to your family, friends and people you interact with. To show people what kingdom life is and, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16). To glorify God so people will know that the Father is creator and to him belongs praise and worship along with his Son Jesus Christ!
The principles of the Kingdom Jesus has laid out for us to follow-the principles of the Kingdom-its constitution, qualities and lifestyle. Every kingdom including the Kingdom of God has its own unique principles, which must be duly observed by his citizens. A full understanding of the principles of the Kingdom of God empowers us to be good ambassadors at all times. As ambassadors of the Kingdom of God, let’s be bold to witness and express our love for God at all times. Be encouraged to exercise your authority in God via prayers and His Word.
Let’s examine some the principles of the Kingdom of God. Remember these in our meditations and put them into practice.
Entrance-The first principle of the Kingdom is repentance! “Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” (Mark 1:14-15). The Kingdom of God is holy, and sin is without (Rev 22:14-15). One must stop going their own way and go God’s way, “And he that overcometh, and keepeth my works unto the end, to him will I give power over the nations: And he shall rule them with a rod of iron; as the vessels of a potter shall they be broken to shivers: even as I received of my Father.” (Rev 2:26-27). The Law of God’s kingdom now rules the heart and mind of the converted Christian. One must repent, be Baptized and receive the Holy Spirit, to be begotten of God till eventually they are born, and enter the Kingdom of God “Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3). Until that time we are begotten, not yet born-the Kingdom is “within us” by the Spirit. Believers have repented, and we must live a life of overcoming, applying this principle of repentance. When we stumble and fall into sin, if we ask for forgiveness through the sacrifice of Christ, God will forgive us by his blood (see 1 John 1:7); and if we endure unto the end, then when the Kingdom does come we will enter. So practice this constantly-the principle of repentance, “For the kingdom of God is… righteousness,” (Rom 14:17), and the “fruits of your righteousness;,” (2 Cor 9:10) will be produced and enjoyed by you and others, and “shall not receive manifold more in this present time, [Kingdom within us] and in the world to come [the coming Kingdom at Christ’s coming] life everlasting.” These are the blessings of the “Kingdom,” (Luke 18:29-30).
Priorities-Jesus taught that the Kingdom should be sought “first” above all else (Matthew 6:33). Is God first in your life? “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.” (Matthew 10:37). If one prioritizes in his/her life the kingdom of God, then “all these things shall be added unto you.” (6:33); everything else will fall into place-Family, friends, job, business etc. The kingdom of Christ should be a prize above all earthly possessions (Mat 13:44-46). How you act and conduct yourself in this life, practicing the Kingdom “within” you is key on how you will also rank in the Kingdom. Jesus said, “Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:19). If one prioritizes the Laws of the Kingdom (no matter how big or small the law) in their life and teach others to do so, one will be ranked high or low in God’s kingdom. How you conduct yourself in this life God will judge what kind of responsibilities will be given in the Kingdom. Jesus said, “whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required:” (Luke 12:48). This principle of priority is crucial spreading the kingdom culture in this world. If one prioritizes the kingdom in their life, more will be given; God will determine how much responsibility one can handle due to how much we prioritize the kingdom, and this will translate into the Kingdom of God when Jesus sets it up on earth at his coming.
Growth-This principle of the Kingdom has been around since the beginning, “be fruitful and multiply.” (Gen 1:28). This is growth and development. One cannot be stagnant when one becomes a Christian. Believers are as “trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD” (Isaiah 61:3), spiritual growth and development is key to spreading the kingdom message in this world. Peter said we must “grow in grace and knowledge.” (2 Peter 3:18). Growing your inner being will translate to the outside world and will effect the people you are dealing with it has to! God says so, “For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” (Isaiah 55:10-11). Our spiritual growth is designed to produce fruit and grow so others can benefit as well as ourselves.
Jesus said The Kingdom of God is designed this way to grow and produce, “The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field:
“Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.
“Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.” (Matthew 13:31-33). The Kingdom of God enjoys exponential growth though it began as the size of a mustard seed. Just because you are the only one in your community or family with the Kingdom “within” you, and feel you cannot do what God expects of you-think again! God’s power of the Kingdom is within you, “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.” (1 Cor 4:20). “greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). So do not sell yourself short, the principle of growth and development is in you act on it.
Gathering-One of the major principles of the Kingdom of God is the gathering of the saints. Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away.” (Matthew 13:47-48). A large net, as used for deep-sea fishing, is cast into the sea and compasses a great number of fish of various kinds, good and bad, edible and unwholesome. Although the entire net full is drawn to the shore, the value of the catch is in the good fish, the rest being separated by a careful sorting and thrown away. As Peter and the others went out as “fishers of men,” so must we, however there was no guarantee that every person they caught would be of top spiritual quality. The gospel message attracts all kinds of people. Not everyone is truly converted and headed for the Kingdom. Simon Magus, in Acts the eighth chapter, is a good example of a person who was attracted by the power of the apostles (he was even baptized), but his motives were wrong. But with the Kingdom power “within” us we have the power to “draw” people-all kinds of people to us so they could hear the Gospel message-how people react to it is up to them. When we gather we can learn, edify, love, pray, feed off one another and encourage one another as we live this life. Gathering is one of the key components to keeping the Sabbath-“Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:25). The Kingdom principle of gathering is quite important in kingdom growth. Growth and gathering can be summed up into the basic principle of Sowing and Reaping.
Humility- Jesus said, “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 5:3). Those that come to God “poor in spirit” spiritually they have nothing to bring to the table-God puts in them spirituality. To humble oneself and let God work in them. “but to this man will I look, even to him that is poor and of a contrite spirit, and trembleth at my word.” (Isa 66:2). Setting aside all your preconceived ideas and beliefs and of course attached to these things is pride. Putting them all aside, humble and let God work in you. “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” (Eph 2:10). God imputes his righteousness in us-his spiritual guidelines and laws, “the law is spiritual:” (Rom 7:14). Let God work in you, swallow your pride and let God as the great potter mold you into a great and beautiful vessel that he can work with. (Jer 18:1-6)
We must approach God with a child like attitude of humbleness. A child’s mind is like a blank computer screen and the screen needs to be filled with information in order to for things to function. As the Bible says, “Moreover your little ones, which ye said should be a prey, and your children, which in that day had no knowledge between good and evil, they shall go in thither, and unto them will I give it, and they shall possess it.” (Deut 1:39). One must come before God like a child and one must let God fill him/her with his wisdom and spirituality. As Paul said, “God imputeth righteousness…” (Rom 4:6). God puts his righteousness in us by the spirit of God filling up the computer screen of our minds with knowledge. (Rom 5:5; Jer 31:33)
Jesus told his disciples that we must be humble as a little child to receive the kingdom. “Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
“Whosoever therefore shall humble himself as this little child, the same is greatest in the kingdom of heaven.” (Matthew 18:3-4). Humility is a vital principle of the kingdom. If one does not exercise this, “…Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.” (Mark 10:15).
So let’s “humble thyself before me?” (Ex 10:3) God says. Rely on him, ask in prayer for your needs, and pray also “thy kingdom come.”
If Christians realize that the Kingdom is “within” them, this world would look a lot different than it does today. When John says, “The Kingdom of heaven is at hand.” He implied that the kingdom of heaven is now available today in the Person of the King-Jesus! The Jewish religious leaders sought a physical kingdom, not a spiritual one-both is what the scriptures promise. So, one could say that the kingdom of heaven is a reality now in the present in the hearts of Christians who truly practice the kingdom principles in their lives and the “fruits of Righteousness” would be available to all!
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