Kingdom Culture: Part Four
What does kingdom culture look like? Most of the time it’s a paradox: seems ridiculous but true. For example, Jesus said, “love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”; that seems ridiculous but nonetheless true. He also taught that we must die to live, bless when we’re insulted, and greatness equals servanthood. All of those statements, and there are more, are counter-cultural: two cultures in opposition.
It’s clear there are two kingdoms running parallel: God’s and Satan’s. It’s the responsibility of a believer to operate in God’s, that means your life should look like a paradox: ridiculous but true.
Before going to the cross Jesus declared:
The time for judging this world has come, when Satan, the ruler of this world, will be cast out.
John 12:31
Later, Paul wrote:
You used to live in sin, just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God.
Ephesians 2:2
And the apostle John:
We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one. 1 John 5:19
A sin-free life is impossible, however, we can follow His lead and let our life reflect His Kingship even though Satan’s kingdom or the world’s ways are tempting:
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear: sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility, quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition, dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these. Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Galatians 5:19-21
Did you find yourself in that list? I certainly did but don’t be discouraged: be encouraged! Kingdom Culture is part of our inheritance, you didn’t earn it, but it’s accessible when you chose to live in its principles: repentance and forgiveness. God understands that we sometimes yield to the sinful nature but He’s not looking to punish us; He forgives us. Now that’s counter-cultural.
Walking in the power of the Spirit means that you’re empowered to reject sin and the ways of the world. The Holy Spirit’s power gives us the ability and authority to walk away from Satan’s kingdom and press into God’s.
… since then the good news of the kingdom of God is preached, and everyone forces his way into it. Luke 16:16b
When we learn through practice to reject Satan’s temptations we get stronger and our life reflects God’s, becoming His image bearers. We’ve learned to use His authority residing in us to just say, “NO!”
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
Get violent against your enemy and walk in God’s Kingdom Culture today.
Comments are closed.