Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Five

Let’s continue in Matthew as we trace Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of Heaven. He declared that whoever is least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptizer (11:2-15). How is that possible? From the beginning of time, Jesus said, the kingdom has suffered violence and the violent take it by force. Even though John was considered a prophet and God’s messenger he didn’t operate in New Testament principles as we do. Least refers to rank, influence, ability, authority, and power, therefore, a believer surpasses that of John. 

Why is that important? Because running parallel to the Kingdom of God (upper story) is the devil’s kingdom on earth (lower story) and he won’t let us reign without a fight. After entering into a kingdom relationship with God we simply must learn how to battle in the power and strength of His Spirit within us; that’s greater than John in ability, authority, and influence.

Matthew 13 records Jesus’ teachings on that topic; He told four parables on the beach and four in the house. As you read the Beach Parables (vs. 1-33, 36-43) notice the emphasis on the devil’s work depicted as conditions of our heart, birds (twice), and an enemy. Jesus is using these stories to predict and warn those who will listen with faith to the spiritual or upper story meaning.

The disciples questioned Jesus on His purpose for telling parables and His answer was that believers have the ability to know the secrets of the kingdom, however, without faith it’s impossible to understand the upper story or kingdom principles; kingship requires faith.

The Parable of the Sower and the Weeds both warn of the effects of the devil and the world on our hearts and lives. Surely there will be temptations and ungodly influences but it’s our responsibility to recognize those strategies and methods of the enemy and ‘take it forcefully’ by any means possible. It may be necessary to have hard conversations or separate ourselves from ungodly influences, at other times we stand in faith and prayer, and other times we fight the good fight by declaring God’s Word over the situation. It’s important to understand spiritual warfare and the weaponry we have at our disposal through Christ (Eph. 6).

The second two Beach Parables describe the enemy’s work in the fellowship of believers: a mustard seed and yeast. Both are warnings that during our progress, whether our individual or church life, the enemy will bring opposition. Jesus’ purpose in these parables is for us to be prepared for growth, even though it starts small, and stay alert to Satan’s strategies.

Jesus explained the upper story of the Sower and the Weeds exclusively to His followers so we would be spiritually prepared not only for this life but also the next. We are ‘good seed’ which are ‘sons of the kingdom’ and we will shine like the sun in the ‘kingdom of our Father’ (vs. 38-43). Practice shining now.

The Mind of Christ

Everyone seems to have an opinion about everything; ask anyone about any subject and they’ll give you their opinion. I have many opinions as well, however, I want to be known as someone who based her opinion on God’s Word: a spiritual perspective. My thoughts on a matter should be God’s thoughts; that’s having the mind of Christ.

The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct Him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Cor. 2:14-16

The Greek word translated mind in that verse can also mean perception, thinking, or understanding. It’s a great word that helps us understand that God’s plan for us as  image bearers is obtainable and worthy of our effort. To have the mind of Christ means we think like He thinks and base our thoughts on spiritual truths. He’s willing to reveal Himself to us, His children (Matt. 11:25), if we’d only ask.

Jesus spoke with His disciples in Luke 24:45 and opened their minds in order for them to understand the scriptures. He didn’t open their hearts or their spirits; He opened their minds. Understanding the Scriptures was foremost on Jesus’ heart and opening their minds was a precursor. I love it when my eyes and mind are opened to the scriptures. Haven’t you had one of those “ah ha” moments when you realize Jesus is speaking directly to you? Revelation of His Word is life-changing; your perspectives change and align with His.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:7 

If we want to walk in that kind of peace it will be vital to renew our minds in God’s Word every day. Breaking patterns of natural thinking that doesn’t line up with Scripture is challenging and will take spiritual discipline but it’s totally worth it.

Are there situations in your life right now that you can’t, in your natural mind, understand? God tells us to ask Him for revelation and His Spirit will open our eyes and minds so we can walk in His peace and not be shaken when the storms of life hit.

Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! For who has known the mind of the LORD? Or who has become His counselor? Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him? For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen. Romans 11:33-36 

But we have the mind of Christ.  

Part Four

It’s been established that God’s kingdom’s rule is forever but was introduced by John the Baptizer in Matt. 3:2,

“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”

It was prophesied that John would be the one to prepare the way for the first coming of Messiah, Son of David, and His kingdom reign (2 Sam. 7:12-13, 16) similar to believers preparing the way for the Second Coming and His final kingdom reign.

Matthew used the expression kingdom of heaven fifty-five times in his gospel account and with good reason; he was a Levite. Being an educated man with strict religious training the Romans undoubtedly forced him into public service; he became a tax collector. 

What does that phrase ‘at hand’ mean? Simply put, when something is in your hand it’s accessible, right at your fingertips. That’s what John was saying, “The invisible, heavenly, eternal kingdom of Dan. 2:44 was available, in God’s open-hand:

And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever. Daniel 2:44 

Being well-versed in Old Testament prophecy Matthew desired his people to realize Jesus was the One who made that heavenly kingdom accessible. Satan understood that prophecy so he tempted Jesus with the kingdoms of the world (Matt. 4:8), the lower story, but Jesus knew the upper, heavenly one was far greater.

His ministry began with Holy Spirit power (Luke 4:14) as He focused again on the entry point of kingdom living: repentance. It’s true for us as well, recognizing our sin and inability to change and, therefore, receiving His forgiveness is the gate code for the kingdom of heaven. Jesus immediately taught that whosoever would humble himself in that way, become poor in spirit, the kingdom (Matt. 5:3) would rightfully belong to them. He also reminded His listeners that persecution for doing what’s right went hand-in-hand with kingship. 

Not only that but whoever obeyed God (Matt. 5:19b) and taught others would be called great in the kingdom of heaven. However, it’s more than obeying the Ten Commandments like the Pharisees (vs. 20); Jesus taught that it was about the heart which must’ve been why He followed up with the Lord’s Prayer (6:9-13): Kingdom Come!

Jesus went on teaching that those who call Him Lord (7:21-23) and don’t obey prove they don’t know Him; it’s all about relationship. Even a Roman soldier was commended for his faith (8:5-13) and Jesus followed up with a reference to a special, heavenly table set for many in the final kingdom. I want a seat at that table so I follow His instructions, teach others, and develop my faith through intimacy with Him. It’s a good plan, don’t you think?

Why Me?

Everyone has issues; that’s just a fact of life. If you’re alive and breathing you’ll have trials and problems in life and may ask yourself, or God, “why me?” That question does you no good so you may want to adjust it to “how am I going to handle it?” Some of us are able to humble ourselves and cry out to God for help, however, there are Christians who still use their own strength and the situation just gets progressively worse. We wonder why God, who loves us so much, would allow this to happen to us, consequently, “Why me?” 

Here’s a novel approach, try viewing your trials with a different perspective: partnering with God. Let the situation you’re in bring Him praise and honor by the way you handle it. Let others see that you ‘walk the talk’ and are willing to die to yourself every day by not complaining or criticizing. Let your momentary trial take a back seat and focus on what God has for you in the midst of the difficult situation and press into it. 

1 Peter 4:13 Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in His suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing His glory when it is revealed to all the world.”

Trials will come, it’s a fact of life, but you don’t need to let our enemy, Satan, be the one on top of the mountain enjoying the view. Demonstrate that you are the overcomer that God has destined to take that rightful place. 

And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail, and you shall only go up and not down, if you obey the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, being careful to do them. Deuteronomy 28:13 ESV

Satan and everyone else will see that you’re triumphant when you depend on His strength and power in obedience. The Lord paid the highest possible price to give us that privilege: victory in Him. Valuing His life sacrificed in your place will move you from trial to trial in life but it will be in victory. Let’s learn by experience how to rule and reign with Him now so that when He returns we are ready to take our rightful place. 

By this is love perfected with us, so that we may have confidence for the day of judgment, because as He is, so also are we, in this world. 1 John 4:17 ESV

Do you have moments when you lament, “why me?” Flip that to an overcomer’s question, “why NOT me?” and allow God to prove to you that all things are truly possible.

But you should keep a clear mind in every situation. Don’t be afraid of suffering for the Lord. Work at telling others the Good News, and fully carry out the ministry God has given you. 2 Timothy 4:5 NLT

Part Three

The rule and reign of God is undeniable, therefore, Satan hates it. As the church and individual believers gain spiritual strength to overcome his methods the kingdom of darkness is weakened and that, my friends, is kingdom living. He hates that as well. 

Let’s look at kingship from our enemy’s perspective:

How you are fallen from heaven, O shining star, son of the morning! You have been thrown down to the earth, you who destroyed the nations of the world. For you said to yourself, ‘I will ascend to heaven and set my throne above God’s stars. I will preside on the mountain of the gods far away in the north. Isaiah 14:12-13

This fallen angel was given temporary authority on earth to show the hopelessness of his plan of kingship. Jesus called him the ruler of this world and Paul used the phrase prince of the power of the air (Eph. 2:2) but after the resurrection that power was annulled; believers are free of his control.

Juxtaposition is a descriptive word that means Satan’s hopes of a kingdom run side by side with God’s kingdom. It’s a perfect word picture which explains why we always have opposition. That’s why Jesus declared to us:

From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has suffered violence, and the violent take it by force. Matthew 11:12 

What does it look like for believers to forcefully take back the kingdom in our lives? It’s learning how to use Holy Spirit power to stand against the the wiles of the devil (Eph. 6:11) and effectively use our one weapon: the sword of the Spirit, the Word of God. It’s actually alive, active and sharp (Heb. 4:12) always producing fruit and accomplishing the promises of God (Is. 55:11). Our lower story of life on earth can be transformed into an upper story of kingdom living through the Spirit. The true kingdom of God is not eating and drinking but by righteousness, peace, and joy in Him (Rom. 14:17). Jesus reminds us,

Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word (rhema) that comes from the mouth of God. Matthew 4:4

Kingship demands that we make a stand against the enemy’s opposition by understanding his strategies, declaring God’s Word, surrounding ourselves with other believers, and developing our relationship with Him through prayer. With those Spirit-strategies we keep the devil under our feet where he belongs until that final day when His Kingship, the rule and reign of God, is fully recognized: it’s here, but also, not yet.

Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father after destroying every rule and every authority and power. For He must reign until He has put all His enemies under His feet. The last enemy to be destroyed is death. For ‘God has put all things in subjection under his feet.’ 1 Corinthians 15:24-27a

Clear Thinking

Jesus and the apostles Peter and John all encourage us to pay attention to our thoughts because they lead to words … your mouth gives you away:

“You brood of vipers! How can you speak good, when you are evil? For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks. The good person out of his good treasure brings forth good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure brings forth evil. I tell you, on the day of judgment people will give account for every careless word they speak, for by your words you will be justified, and by your words you will be condemned.”

Matthew 12:34-37 

That should give you reason to pause for a moment and reflect on the words you speak. Now, I know that we can filter our words and look pretty good when things are going smoothly, however, what are your words like when you get angry, frustrated, or disappointed? That’s what comes into your heart first. 

A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.

Gentle words are a tree of life; a deceitful tongue crushes the spirit.

The heart of the godly thinks carefully before speaking; the mouth of the wicked overflows with evil words. Proverbs 15:1, 4, 28 

Jesus encourages us to do several things to keep our thinking clear and our heart pure: repent quickly and forgive quickly. God knows that we miss the mark in holiness every day, sometimes every hour, but He’s also waiting to forgive us when we look at ourself honestly, desire to change, and repent of our weaknesses. That’s music to His ears and it brings lasting change. In the same way, when someone offends you, it’s vital for you to forgive them. Forgiveness brings peace to your heart and gives the devil no place to plant seeds that’ll grow into bitter roots. Your success in these two actions, repentance and forgiveness, will show you what’s in your heart and help you to walk blameless before Him … but it takes desire first and then self-control.

So think clearly and exercise self-control. Look forward to the gracious salvation that will come to you when Jesus Christ is revealed to the world. 1 Peter 1:13 

And now, dear children, remain in fellowship with Christ so that when he returns, you will be full of courage and not shrink back from him in shame. 1 John 2:28 

Let’s continue to prepare ourselves and our families for the Return of Christ, regardless of when it happens, so that we have the assurance that we’ll stand strong before Him. Our marriages need this, our children and grandchildren need this, and our churches need this. Repent and forgive quickly: make this your goal in life.

Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 

Part Two

We recognized last week that God’s desire in creation was to be mankind’s King. He knew it was the best way and leads to the higher life or kingdom living.

As we peruse the Old Testament we find God’s chosen leaders right from the beginning: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Moses, and Joshua. After they entered the Promised Land the leadership began to fall apart since they were not respected or obeyed. Even though God’s leaders had roles of influence and control over His people, eventually they wanted more.

When we look at the book of Judges we see the result of no leadership in the lower story: 

In those days there was no king in Israel. Everyone did what was right in his own eyes.

When Yahweh wasn’t recognized as King and they didn’t have an earthly king, we see the result. We mustn’t forget that the Jewish people wanted a king (lower story) but not a heavenly One (upper story); they wanted to be like other nations (1 Sam. 8:5-7). They realized kingdom living belonged to them, anticipated the Promised King, Messiah, but were mistaken in their type of king. Consequently, God sent the prophet Samuel to anoint Saul as the first earthly king of Israel, per their request. Whenever we put our trust in man we’re disappointed because no man compares to God as King of our lives.    

As Saul began his reign it seemed everything was going well until the enemy entered the picture to destroy the kingship. We must never forget that Satan also has a kingdom, it’s invisible as well, and he demands total control. Jesus declared:

You say I am empowered by Satan. But if Satan is divided and fighting against himself, how can his kingdom survive? Luke 11:18

Saul was soon tormented by demons, his kingship threatened Satan’s control, that eventually overpowered him. Scripture is clear:

Wrath is cruel, anger is overwheming, but who can stand before jealousy? Pv. 27:4

For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

James 3:16 

When God finally had enough of Saul’s poor leadership He chose a young man named David to reign over His people. Even though he was a good man Satan’s temptations got the better of David and he also fell into sin as did his son Solomon. Again, Satan’s delegated authority over the earth will not be threatened for long since he is the prince of demons (Luke 11:15).

What do these lower stories have to do with us? I believe these men serve as reminders that God must remain on our life’s throne with total reign as King (upper story). When we allow the enemy to usurp His authority it yields God’s kingdom to him and surrendering to temptations completes the cycle. Here’s our answer:

Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and He will give you everything you need. Matthew 6:33

My Father’s Business

Part Two

Last week I discussed Jesus’ discipleship program and how He sat under the religious leaders of the day listening and asking questions; Jesus was our example of having the heart-attitude of a disciple. A disciple is one who learns and follows the teachings of another and the Another in this case is God, the Father. Jesus was about the affairs of His Father; their concerns were the same, showing love to people. Our God holds His prized possession, the ones He made in His very own image, in high esteem. Believers are His children as much as Jesus is His Son and we belong to the same family. 

Before He went to the cross He prayed to His Father about that relationship:

I am in them and You are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that You sent Me and that You love them as much as You love Me. John 17:23 NLT

Eighteen years after His discipleship training under the rabbis was completed Jesus began His public ministry. That’s a long program but He was about His Father’s business (Luke 2:49) or His Father’s assignment. 

So Jesus said, “When you have lifted up the Son of Man on the cross, then you will understand that I AM He. I do nothing on My own but say only what the Father taught Me. John 8:28 NLT

What do you suppose was included in Jesus’ discipleship program?

• Studying Torah, the first five books of the Old Testament, which show God’s way of life or kingdom living for His chosen people.
• Learning scripture- memorizing and being reminded of His Father’s promises.
• Old Testament prophecies- finding Himself in the prophetic scriptures and knowing He was their fulfillment.
• Becoming familiar with the writings and enjoying them (Psalms).
• Listening to the great rabbis expound on life through homilies, life-lessons, and teachings.
• Surrounding Himself with good teachers of sound doctrine.
• Question and answer format- He was able to ask the right questions as well as give the right answers. He gave and probably received more clarity on kingdom living.

This 18 yr. preparation period prepared Him for God’s business or assignment:

Teaching

Preaching

Healing

Deliverance

Bringing the Kingdom of God to earth.

Giving proof or evidence that He was God.

I want to encourage you again this week to consider your personal discipleship program. Are you following the same pattern for spiritual growth as your Divine Example? If you are then you can expect God to prepare you for ministry as well. As He sent out His followers in the beginning He is sending us out as well; we just have to be sensitive to what His assignment is for the day.

Jesus sent out the twelve apostles with these instructions …  Matthew 10:5a NLT

He sends out believers in His Name every day to live out the gospel by loving and helping people. That’s what He would do.

God’s original plan for creation was that His masterpiece, mankind, would experience royalty on His earth living as kings and queens. The whole idea behind this monarchy was that we had the right to rule and reign over our inherited land; God is the King of all kings and He rightfully delegated dominion to us.

The heavens are the LORD’s heavens, but the earth He has given to the children of man. Psalms 115:16 

Then God said, “Let us make man in Our image, after Our likeness. And let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.”

And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the sea and over the birds of the heavens and over every living thing that moves on the earth.” Genesis 1:26, 28 

Dominion. We get that word from the Latin dominus meaning lord, master, or ruler. God intended His creatures to be lord over their inherited land, the earth, as He is Lord over all of creation; it was to be a mirror-image, a cameo, of kingship.

The LORD has established His throne in the heavens, and His kingdom rules over all. Psalms 103:19

The LORD is King forever and ever;  Psalms 10:16a 

For the LORD, the Most High, is to be feared, a great King over all the earth. Sing praises to our King, sing praises! For God is the King of all the earth … Psalms 47:2, 6b-7a

The LORD sits enthroned over the flood; the LORD sits enthroned as King forever. Psalms 29:10

Unfortunately, sin entered this drama and changed things temporarily but Jesus’ heart was still for us to rule and reign with Him, in fact, He often instructed us to preach the ‘gospel of the kingdom’ to the world. 

And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people. Matthew 4:23

… but He said to them, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns as well; for I was sent for this purpose.” Luke 4:43

 (Jesus said) “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” Matthew 24:14

Do you see it? Jesus said His purpose was to give us back our kingdom authority when heaven intersects or overlaps with earth:

Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:10

We’ll be exploring this topic of kingship until Resurrection Sunday when we celebrate Jesus’ first step back into royalty and wait for that final one: His return.