Kingdom’s Territory

Kingdom Territory

For a functioning kingdom, there needs to be a king, his ways, and people, but there will also be the territory where the king’s authority is carried out. He cannot just dictate his requirements beyond established boundaries into another’s jurisdiction. And, for someone to be affected by the king's ways, they must enter into his realm so they can participate in them there. An effect may be made far beyond its borders, but the kingdom will be most effective for those who have ventured to the territory where only the king’s preferences are in place.

When Pilot asked Jesus whether or not He was a king, Jesus responded that His kingdom was not earthly. This must have relieved any concerns about a revolutionary movement, but it also indicated that His kingdom would not look exactly like an earthly one. Its king was about to depart physically from the earth. His ways would be written in hearts. And, His realm would include people from all over the planet while not venturing beyond certain boundaries that are not geographic. While Jesus was on the earth, there was an indication of where the boundaries of His kingdom would lie as His power and authority were severely inhibited in the territory of His upbringing. He declared the reason for this as unbelief based on familiarity with him from childhood. As great as He was as the Son of God, the only people who benefited from His position and power were those who believed in Him. He could not impose His ways on the ruling authorities of Rome or those of the temple. Only those who repented of their own ways and submitted to His could enter into His transforming influence. The realm He established in His earthly ministry is still represented in His kingdom today. He makes all things possible for all who enter the territory of belief in Him and rest from their own ways

Kingdom’s Territory – Belief

Belief evidence – Rest/Authority

Belief – Kingdom’s Territory

Believing for the Kingdom

Mark 1:15 (NKJV) 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.”

Coming to God in His kingdom requires the passport of belief.

Hebrews 11:6 (NKJV) 6 But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.

Being in Israel did not equal being in His kingdom.

Matthew 8:10-12 (NKJV) 10 When Jesus heard it, He marveled, and said to those who followed, “Assuredly, I say to you, I have not found such great faith, not even in Israel! 11 And I say to you that many will come from east and west, and sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob in the kingdom of heaven. 12 But the sons of the kingdom will be cast out into outer darkness. There will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.”

Jesus could not function outside of belief.

Mark 6:4-6 (NLT) 4 Then Jesus told them, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown and among his relatives and his own family.” 5 And because of their unbelief, he couldn’t do any miracles among them except to place his hands on a few sick people and heal them. 6 And he was amazed at their unbelief. Then Jesus went from village to village, teaching the people.

Korah’s kingdom failure, but his sons’ lesson

Numbers 26:10 (NLT) 10 But the earth opened up its mouth and swallowed them with Korah, and fire devoured 250 of their followers. This served as a warning to the entire nation of Israel.

Belief’s Rest

In the kingdom – belief has trust in His/rest form ours

Isaiah 28:12 (NKJV) 12 To whom He said, “This is the rest with which You may cause the weary to rest,” And, "This is the refreshing"; Yet they would not hear.

By entering the kingdom territory - rest

Isaiah 30:15 (NKJV) 15 For thus says the Lord GOD, the Holy One of Israel: “In returning and rest you shall be saved; In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” But you would not,

Promise of rest in belief

Hebrews 4:1-3 (NLT) 1 God’s promise of entering his rest still stands, so we ought to tremble with fear that some of you might fail to experience it. 2 For this good news—that God has prepared this rest—has been announced to us just as it was to them. But it did them no good because they didn’t share the faith of those who listened to God. 3 For only we who believe can enter his rest. As for the others, God said, “In my anger I took an oath: ‘They will never enter my place of rest,’” even though this rest has been ready since he made the world.

In the territory of the King- rest

Matthew 11:28-30 (NKJV) 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."

Authority

Where there is belief, there is kingdom authority.

Mark 9:23 (NKJV) 23 Jesus said to him, “If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes.”

In Belief Kingdom access – spiritual authority

Mark 16:17-18 (NLT) 17 These miraculous signs will accompany those who believe: They will cast out demons in my name, and they will speak in new languages. 18 They will be able to handle snakes with safety, and if they drink anything poisonous, it won’t hurt them. They will be able to place their hands on the sick, and they will be healed.”

Kingdom authority is given for the purpose of serving.

Matthew 20:25-28 (KJV) 25 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them. 26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; 27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: 28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.