Sunday Re Cap (13th June 2010)

The Kingdom Of God

Mat 6:33 Jesus said "seek ye FIRST the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and ALL things shall be added to you".

What are “ALL things”. Are they just blessings and prosperity? In fact, Jesus also said a man is not measured by the substance and riches that he possesses. Luke 12:15-23. There are many people in the world that are very rich and are miserable (Luke 18:24). Mark 19:24; and also Luke 8:14 (In fact this is considered one of the mysteries of the KOG); Mark 10:23;

So what is the Kingdom of God? And where is it?

The Bible says in Mt 16:19 and Lk 12:32 "It is the good pleasure of the Father to give us this Kingdom" and Jesus said, "The Kingdom of God is within you". Lk 17:20-21

This is how Paul describes the Kingdom of God. He says that the Kingdom of God is RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST! Rom 14:17. Meaning a man or a woman who possesses these possesses the Kingdom of God!

So do we have the Kingdom of God? Let's take a closer look at the 3 elements of the KOG.

1. RIGHTEOUSNESS
So what is Righteousness? It is not right doing but right standing with the Father. Phil 3:9 (AMP). Rom 5:17 also says that righteousness is a gift. A gift cannot be earned nor can it be paid for; It needs to be received. 2 Cor 5:21 We are the RIGHTEOUSNESS OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS!

2. PEACE
The first thing that Jesus did when He appeared to the disciples was he said "Peace be with you". Jesus also said "Peace I give unto you, not as the world gives, but MY peace I give unto you".
How do we allow that peace to guard our hearts? Be anxious for NOTHING! Phil 4:4-7

3. JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST
John 15:11 That MY JOY might remain in you and that your JOY might be FULL!"
Mt 28:8 One of the first emotions that filled the heart of the disciples when they departed from the tomb was GREAT JOY!
Neh 8:10 It is the JOY OF THE LORD that is our strength!
John 16:20 Your sorrow will be turned into JOY!
John 16:24 ASK! That your JOY may be full!
John 17:13 Joy fulfilled in us

Difference between Joy and happiness. Happiness is based on outward circumstances (What others do, what we do, what happens to us and others) but Joy is based on what Christ has DONE on the cross!

The Kingdom of God is where JESUS is KING. When we live under the LORDSHIP of Christ and HIS finished work, we allow Jesus to be KING and begin to enjoy ALL things. These are RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE AND JOY IN THE HOLY GHOST. Begin to focus on these gifts. Not our failures, weaknesses, our past life. As we do this we truly reign in LIFE as kings!

Samuel Hari @ GROW BM