Kingdom Prep

In America, we have little firsthand understanding of what it means to live in a kingdom. Our nation was founded, in large part, through a rejection of what our founders saw as the unbearable rule of an unjust and uncaring king. Although our books and movies are filled with stories of kings and kingdoms, there is very little in our everyday culture that allows us to relate personally to life under a king. Even our executive leadership is intentionally limited by time and elections so that no leader can hold an enduring, unquestioned position of authority. As a result, it can be easy for us to think in simple terms: kingdom = bad; democratic republic = good.

We have certainly been blessed by this great venture in liberty. Yet perhaps the very best form of government could still be a kingdom—if the king were of unquestionable character, perfectly loving, and completely committed to the care and well-being of his people. For such a king to fully exercise his reign, however, there would need to be people who willingly embraced his rule: loving, devoted, and loyal subjects who would represent his heart, carry out his plans, and demonstrate the fruit of his accomplished work.

Before Jesus fully began His public ministry, a way was being prepared for the arrival of the King and His Kingdom. Through the preaching of John the Baptist, hearts were being called back to God and His ways through repentance. Though the entire nation did not respond, there was a softening of hearts among ordinary people throughout the land. A people were being prepared to receive Jesus as the Son of God and the promised Messiah. The Messiah they had been waiting for would be received in an atmosphere of faith and belief, where His works could be recognized and embraced. Even during the week leading to His crucifixion, there was a visible representation of loyal subjects welcoming and celebrating the arrival of their King.

The Kingdom proclaimed by both John and Jesus has indeed come through the triumph of the Cross and the sacrificial blood of Jesus. Its reign, however, was never to be confined to the Jewish people or to the geographical boundaries they occupied. This Kingdom was established in the hearts and lives of people wholly devoted to Jesus as their Messiah and reigning King.

Even now, a way is being prepared for His Kingdom through the preaching of the Gospel and the turning of hearts and lives toward Him. Every time His ways are honored, the way is made clearer for the works of the King of Kings to be demonstrated in triumph over the kingdom of darkness. His Kingdom advances through people who love Him, trust Him, submit to His reign, and faithfully represent Him.

It is in and through the hearts and lives of His people that His Kingdom comes and His will is done. And He shall reign forever and ever.

Notes

To have a Kingdom:

Must have a King
People devoted to Him and His ways

For Jesus’ coming, the way had to be made level and smooth so salvation could be seen.

Luke 3:3-18 (NLT) 3 Then John went from place to place on both sides of the Jordan River, preaching that people should be baptized to show that they had repented of their sins and turned to God to be forgiven. 4 Isaiah had spoken of John when he said, “He is a voice shouting in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the LORD’s coming! Clear the road for him! 5 The valleys will be filled, and the mountains and hills made level. The curves will be straightened, and the rough places made smooth. 6 And then all people will see the salvation sent from God.’”

Speaking to God’s people that safety is only from fruit of repentance

7 When the crowds came to John for baptism, he said, “You brood of snakes! Who warned you to flee the coming wrath? 8 Prove by the way you live that you have repented of your sins and turned to God. Don’t just say to each other, ‘We’re safe, for we are descendants of Abraham.’ That means nothing, for I tell you, God can create children of Abraham from these very stones. 9 Even now the ax of God’s judgment is poised, ready to sever the roots of the trees. Yes, every tree that does not produce good fruit will be chopped down and thrown into the fire.”

Revelation of needed change - necessary part of repentance

10 The crowds asked, “What should we do?” 11 John replied, “If you have two shirts, give one to the poor. If you have food, share it with those who are hungry.” 12 Even corrupt tax collectors came to be baptized and asked, “Teacher, what should we do?” 13 He replied, “Collect no more taxes than the government requires.” 14 “What should we do?” asked some soldiers. John replied, “Don’t extort money or make false accusations. And be content with your pay.”

Transformation in Christ - the ultimate repentance - place of safety.

15 Everyone was expecting the Messiah to come soon, and they were eager to know whether John might be the Messiah. 16 John answered their questions by saying, “I baptize you with water; but someone is coming soon who is greater than I am—so much greater that I’m not even worthy to be his slave and untie the straps of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire. 17 He is ready to separate the chaff from the wheat with his winnowing fork. Then he will clean up the threshing area, gathering the wheat into his barn but burning the chaff with never-ending fire.” 18 John used many such warnings as he announced the Good News to the people.

Repentance:

Requires Light/Revelation
Turning from
Turning to
Becoming new

Wherever Jesus went there was a Light demanding repentance.

Matthew 4:12-17 (NLT) 12 When Jesus heard that John had been arrested, he left Judea and returned to Galilee. 13 He went first to Nazareth, then left there and moved to Capernaum, beside the Sea of Galilee, in the region of Zebulun and Naphtali. 14 This fulfilled what God said through the prophet Isaiah: 15 “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, 16 the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.” 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”

By turning to Christ - we’ve entered the Kingdom of Light

Colossians 1:13-14 (TLB) 13 For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son, 14 who bought our freedom with his blood and forgave us all our sins.

The defining of and aligning of powers

Luke 11:20-23 (NLT) 20 But if I am casting out demons by the power of God, then the Kingdom of God has arrived among you. 21 For when a strong man is fully armed and guards his palace, his possessions are safe— 22 until someone even stronger attacks and overpowers him, strips him of his weapons, and carries off his belongings. 23 “Anyone who isn’t with me opposes me, and anyone who isn’t working with me is actually working against me.

To be in the Kingdom of light is to have threats from the darkness

Matthew 11:12-13 (NLT) 12 And from the time John the Baptist began preaching until now, the Kingdom of Heaven has been forcefully advancing, and violent people are attacking it. 13 For before John came, all the prophets and the law of Moses looked forward to this present time.

In the Revelation/Reception of Christ

Matthew 16:18-19 (NLT) 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.”

The simplest necessary understanding - the Greater One is within

1 John 4:4 (TPT) 4 Little children, you can be certain that you belong to God and have conquered them, for the One who is living in you is far greater than the one who is in the world.

Listening/Responding to God is only beginning at new birth

Hebrews 12:25-29 (TPT) 25 Make very sure that you never refuse to listen to God when he speaks! For the God who spoke on earth from Sinai is the same God who now speaks from heaven. Those who heard him speak his living Word on earth found nowhere to hide, so what chance is there for us to escape if we turn our backs on God and refuse to hear his warnings as he speaks from heaven? 26 The earth was rocked at the sound of his voice from the mountain, but now he has promised, “Once and for all I will not only shake the systems of the world, but also the unseen powers in the heavenly realm!” 27 Now this phrase “once and for all” clearly indicates the final removal of things that are shaking, that is, the old order, so only what is unshakeable will remain. 28 Since we are receiving our rights to an unshakeable kingdom we should be extremely thankful and offer God the purest worship that delights his heart as we lay down our lives in absolute surrender, filled with awe. 29 For our God is a holy, devouring fire!

Established in the Kingdom

1 Corinthians 15:58 (TPT) 58 So now, beloved ones, stand firm and secure. Live your lives with an unshakable confidence. We know that we prosper and excel in every season by serving the Lord, because we are assured that our union with the Lord makes our labor productive with fruit that endures.

Overview:

For a there to be a kingdom, there must be a king.
A king without a loyal following is just a position on a path to nowhere.
For the Kingdom of Light to come, a way had to be made in hearts turned to serving the Lord.
The preaching of John the Baptist was essential for the core spirit of faith across the land to receive Jesus’ ministry.
The coming of Jesus’ Kingdom is still in need of preaching and turning of hearts away from darkness to His Light.
Making a way for Him establishes superior dominance over the kingdom of darkness.
True freedom and liberty are only found in the service of Jesus, the Messiah.
Listening to His voice and continually adjusting to His will forms a foundation that cannot be shaken in the greatest of quakes.

Prayer:

Father, I have found a reign of peace and safety in the Light Your presence that turns my heart from even considering the ways of darkness in the world. As I remain here, make my heart and life be a part of the way for Your kingdom’s arrival in others. Be my King and my Lord and let there be a growing Spirit of faith as I join together with Your body to do Your works and complete Your mission as Sovereign. I long to know and honor You more and enable the shining of Your glory in the darkness. Make Your way to hearts through me.

Declarations:

I have been brought out of the kingdom darkness into the reign of Light in Christ.
My heart is ever listening to the voice of God and committed to pleasing Him in all I do and say.
As He abides in me in this way, the One who is in me is far greater than the kingdom of darkness.
My passion it to make way for His Kingdom through my own devotion and the preaching of repentance as Good News.
I am established in full, unshakeable confidence as the way to the Kingdom is proclaimed and demonstrated through me.