The Kingdom of God: Beyond the Gospels

We don't hear too much about the Kingdom of God outside of the gospels, but those few times are weighty and meaningful.

• Acts 14:21-22, “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” It's normal to have some tribulation, wrestle with demons, and fall flat on your face in the Christian walk. In fact, the disciples "strengthened the souls" of first century Christians by telling them that there would be trials! Jesus--the shining King of the universe with all power--was actually made perfect by the sufferings he endured (Hebrews 5:8-9). We are certainly no greater than our master. Let your faith be strengthened by your daily trials. Let even your failures and mistakes encourage you; that is the way we grow strong.
• Romans 14:16-18, "the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." Jesus did not usher in the Kingdom of God so that we would all eat right, dress right, and talk right. The design and purpose of us being snatched out of the world is to taste righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Our righteousness is secure in Christ, and we have the ability to live a good life through Him. We can also live peaceful lives; if we don't have peace, where are we? If you're not experiencing the joy of the Holy Spirit, then where are you living? If you're not being filled with righteousness, peace, and joy, then I suggest that you're not being filled with the Holy Spirit. We can have all of this, right here and now on earth; that's our inheritance. Luke 11:13 says, "If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him?"
• 1 Corinthians 4:18-20, "the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power." David wonders why he stands up and talks to us on Sunday. Too much of teaching is just teaching the mind. Teaching a mind is so hard, and often we forget even the most important things that we learn. The Kingdom of God is about power, not empty talk. Paul didn't talk to convince, but spoke with power that addressed the spirit, not the mind. We need to hear with the ears of the Spirit. Seek the power of God in your life, not just talk. Make this a regular part of your prayer life. 

How is your citizenship in the Kingdom of God impacting your week?