A. CHANGE OF AUTHORITY
We have been freed from the control of Satan and are now embraced by a completely new authority—the Lord Jesus Christ.
As a believer begins to mature in this new life with the Lord, he quickly realizes that true fulfillment in God’s Kingdom comes from maintaining a proper RELATIONSHIP WITH JESUS.
This is emphasized in Ephesians 1:17 and Philippians 3:10. At the outset of our journey with God, this relationship manifests in two distinct ways:
1. Saviour
The primary relationship we can establish with Jesus begins here. We cannot truly understand God as our Father or Friend until we first experience a revelation of Jesus as our Savior—the One who sacrificed Himself for us and liberated us from the grasp of Satan’s realm. Jesus has delivered us from:
a. God’s Judgment 1Thessalonians 1:10; 5:9; Romans 5:9.
b. Satan’s Power Acts 26:18; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 2:14; 1John 3:8.
c. Our Own Selves Philippians 3:19; 2Corinthians 5:15; Titus 3:3-6; 1Peter 1:18.
“Although he was a son … he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” Hebrews 5:8-9. See also Hebrews 2:10; 2Timothy 1:10.
2. Lord
Recognizing Jesus as our Savior opens the door to God’s kingdom, but our relationship with Him doesn’t stop there. Once we enter His Kingdom, that relationship evolves significantly.
We come to know Him not just as Savior, but as Lord—our Lord! In His Kingdom, He reigns as King. (Colossians 2:6)
“Therefore, I tell you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed’; and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit” 1Corinthians 12:3.
See also John 13:13; Romans 1:4; 1Corinthians 8:6; 1Corinthians 4:5.
Upon entering the Kingdom of Light, we experience the fulfillment of our true purpose: a loving relationship with the Lord.
Consequently, when we allow Jesus to take the lead in our lives, His authority guides us from the turmoil of sin into a state of divine order and tranquility. Refer to Colossians 2:9-10 and 1 Corinthians 8:6 for more insight.
B. THE MODEL CITIZEN
“Let your attitude toward life be that of Christ Jesus himself … ” Philippians 2:5. Jesus, though King of the Kingdom, became a servant. He is the example of what the true citizen of His Kingdom is like.
“You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’ and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you” John 13:13-15. Read also John 13:5-17; Matthew 20:26-28; Luke 22:27.
C. SUBJECTS OF THE KING
As members of Christ’s Kingdom, we engage in a Master-servant relationship with Him, as mentioned in Matthew 6:24. Jesus came to fulfill His Father’s will, as stated in Hebrews 10:5-9.
Throughout His daily life, He exemplified what it means to live according to the values of the Kingdom: prioritizing a life that pleases God (Ephesians 5:8-10).
We are called to adopt a servant heart, just as He did. While many Christians may shy away from the idea of servitude because it seems to imply superiority and inferiority, the Bible presents us with four intriguing paradoxes:
1. In Slavery, There Is Freedom
“But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves to God, the benefit you reap leads to holiness, and the result is eternal life” Romans 6:22. Read also verses 16-23; 12:1; 1Corinthians 7:22; 2Corinthians 7:22; 2Corinthians 3:17; Ephesians 6:6-7; 1Peter 2:16.
2. In Being a Servant, There Is Greatness
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted” Matthew 23:11-12. See also 20:26-27; Mark 9:35; 10:43; John 12:26.
3. In Humility, There is Exaltation
“Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 18:14. See also Luke 18:14; Proverbs 29:23; James 4:10; 1Peter 5:5-6; Matthew 19:30.
4. In Submission, There is Authority
The Roman Centurion, a military commander responsible for over 100 soldiers, grasped this principle when he approached Jesus.
“… I did not even consider myself worthy to come to you. But say the word, and my servant will be healed. For I myself am a man under authority, with soldiers under me. I tell this one, ‘Go’ and he goes; and that one ‘Come,’ and he comes. I say to my servant, ‘Do this,’ and he does it” Luke 7:7-8.
The centurion understood the significance of authority because he was himself under authority, which allowed him to exercise it effectively and to willingly submit to Jesus’ authority.
For further context, refer to verses 1-10 and James 4:7. In the kingdom of God, the essence of our lifestyle is defined by a posture of SUBMISSION and OBEDIENCE TO GOD.
This concept is reinforced in Matthew 12:50, Ephesians 6:6, Hebrews 13:21, 1 John 2:17, and 1 Thessalonians 4:1. We submit to God’s will not out of reluctance, fear, or obligation, but rather with a sincere willingness.
a. Because Of All God Has Done For Us. Romans 12:1; Ephesians 4:1; Titus 3:4-7.
b. Because in Doing so We find Fulfilment. Psalms 40:8.
c. Because of Love. John 14:15; 1John 5:3.
D. FRUIT OF THE KINGDOM
“For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his children, encouraging, comforting and urging you TO LIVE LIVES WORTHY OF GOD, who calls you into His kingdom and glory” 1Thessalonians 2:11-12. See also 2Thessalonians 1:5.
In Matthew 21:43, Jesus said that the Kingdom would belong to those who
“produce its fruit.” The fruit of the Kingdom is explained in a number of scriptures:
• Love, Joy, Peace. Galatians 5:22-23.
• Goodness, Righteousness, Truth. Ephesians 5:9; James 3:13-17.
• Righteousness, Peace and Joy. Romans 14;17; Hebrews 12:1.
Since we were created by God, we were also made for His Kingdom and its lifestyle.
The fruit of the Kingdom is simply the natural outworking of the miracle of the new birth that the Holy Spirit has performed in us. See Galatians 5:22.
Our responsibility as citizens of God’s kingdom is to live like the people we now are! 1Peter 2:11.
“We also pray that your outward lives, which men see, may bring credit to your master’s name, and that you may bring joy to his heart” Colossians 1:10 Phillips translation. See also Colossians 2:6; Ephesians 4:1; 6:8-10.
