In our current series, we are exploring what it means to be a Kingdom Person. Oursermon today is titled Kingdom Power, and our sermon verse is clear on this power
For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power. —1 Corinthians 4:20 ESV
Today, we’re going to consider how God’s kingdom is displayed in power. We will use the 17th chapter of Luke to identify 3 aspects of Kingdom Power.
The power of the kingdom is displayed when we understand.. .
1. The kingdom is among us – vs. 20-21
Being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, he (Jesus) answered them, “The kingdom of God is not coming in ways that can be observed, nor will they say, ‘Look, here it is!’ or ‘There!’ for behold, the kingdom of God is in the midst of you.” —Luke 17:20-21 ESV
Notice Jesus’ answer, the kingdom of God was not coming in the way the Pharisees were expecting.
It’s a good reminder for us, often God is at work or reveals Himself in ways we don’t consider or expect.
Part of Kingdom Power was identified in the model prayer Jesus spoke of:
Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. —Matthew 6:10 ESV
One way God’s will is displyed on earth is… In us! Jesus tells us that the kingdom of God is within us, which is a reference to God’s divine presence within the life of the believer.
It’s interesting to note that the phrase “the kingdom of God is within you” could also be translated “the kingdom of God is among you.”
In other words, there is not only an individual application to be made here, but a corporate or congregational application to be made too.
Paul reminds us that
We are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love. —Ephesians 4:15b-16 ESV
In a world in chaos and turmoil, there is no more powerful testimony to the power of the kingdom than God’s people, from different walks of life, committed to working through differences, and walking together in harmony and unity.
The power of the kingdom is displayed as we continue in the transformation of our minds into being more like Jesus. That involved setting our self focus aside and living for Jesus.
2. Bring the influence of kingdom to others –
And as he (Jesus) entered a village, he was met by ten lepers, who stood at a distance and lifted up their voices, saying, “Jesus, Master, have mercy on us.” When he saw them he said to them, “Go and show yourselves to the priests.” And as they went they were cleansed —Luke 17:11-14 ESV
Jesus met people where they were and addressed their perceived needs as a means to address their real, most pressing needs…that being new life through Him.
Likewise, as we take on the role of a servant, we can represent Christ to others and through our Jesus focused attitude and actions.
“As long as there is a human being who does not know Jesus Christ, I am his debtor to serve him until he does.” —Oswald Chambers
The power of the kingdom is displayed as we serve others in the name of Christ.
As we commit to living under the Lordship of Christ and serving others in His name, not only do we experience the positive and powerful influence of the kingdom in our lives and share that with others, but we see the power of the kingdom is also displayed as we …
3. Watch others come into the kingdom
Then one of them, when he saw that he was healed, turned back, praising God with a loud voice; and he fell on his face at Jesus’ feet, giving him thanks. Now he was a Samaritan. Then Jesus answered, “Were not ten cleansed? Where are the nine? Was no one found to return and give praise to God except this foreigner?” And he said to him, “Rise and go your way; your faith has made you well.” —Luke 17:15-19 ESV
Living under the Lordship of Christ not only brings the positive and powerful influence of the kingdom into my life; but has a positive and powerful example of the kingdom to the lives of others around me.
We should not only want to employ the method of serving others, but we must also want to proclaim the message of Jesus. What message did Jesus proclaim?
Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” —Mark 1:14b-15 ESV
Repent and Believe! Like the 10 lepers we heard about earlier, not everyone will take advantage of the opportunity to acknowledge Jesus as their Lord, but we must remain faithful to share the Gospel.
We will see some come to Christ and lives changed for Christ! And when that happens, The power of the kingdom is displayed for all to see.
So does Kingdom Power sound like what you need to be walking in?
Kingdom power is not about our power, but about our submission and surrender to Him and then HIS power working through us!
Today, let’s commit to living under the Lordship of Christ; serving others in His name; and sharing the Good News at every opportunity and in every divine appointment the Lord provides.