Ayo Bello Memorial Baptist Church, Ilorin – Nigeria

Main Text: Psalm 1:1–3; Matthew 6:33
Central Truth

Kingdom living is not an occasional life we borrow for religious activities; it is the prescribed way of life for everyone who belongs to the King. Because we are God’s children, His way must become our way, His Word our delight, His Spirit our strength, and His purpose the direction of our lives.

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INTRODUCTION — FROM KINGDOM PRIORITIES TO KINGDOM LIFESTYLE

Last month, the Lord led us through the theme, “Pursuing Kingdom Priorities for All-Round Fulfilment.” From Matthew 6:33, we heard again the words of Jesus:

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

We learned that the Kingdom is God’s rule and reign through Christ. To seek the Kingdom is to bring our lives under the rule of the King and allow His will, His righteousness and His priorities to increasingly govern us.

But Kingdom priorities must eventually become a Kingdom lifestyle. What we truly value will ultimately influence how we live.

So, as we enter October, the question is no longer merely, “Do I know what God values?” We must also ask, “Am I living the kind of life that belongs to His Kingdom?”

God is calling His children into a definite way of life. Christianity is not a borrowed lifestyle that we put on when we come to church and remove when we return to our homes, businesses, professions and private lives.

Kingdom living is not a borrowed life; it is the prescribed life of God’s children.

Jesus said:

“If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.”
— Matthew 16:24

The Christ who saves us also calls us to follow Him.

This is why Scripture repeatedly speaks about a way, a path and a walk. Isaiah 35:8 speaks of “the Highway of Holiness.” Jesus speaks about the narrow way that leads to life (Matthew 7:13–14). Paul tells believers to “walk in the Spirit” (Galatians 5:16) and to “walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

There is a way that belongs to the Kingdom.

Psalm 1:1–3 introduces us beautifully to this way of life. It shows us a path we must reject, a path we must choose, a delight we must cultivate, and an outcome God produces.

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1. THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE HAS A PATH WE MUST REJECT- Psalm 1:1

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful.”

Interestingly, Psalm 1 begins the description of the blessed person by telling us how he does not live.

There are voices he will not allow to determine his convictions. There are paths he will not adopt as his own. There are positions in which he will not comfortably settle.

Notice the movement:

WALK → STAND → SIT

And alongside it:

COUNSEL → PATH → SEAT

What begins as counsel can become a path, and what becomes a path can eventually become a settled way of life. What repeatedly influences us can eventually begin to define us.

The Kingdom lifestyle therefore requires discernment concerning what influences us.

Who shapes the way we think? What informs our convictions? Where do we derive our understanding of success, marriage, money, sexuality, relationships, pleasure and purpose?

This does not mean Christians must withdraw from unbelievers. Jesus moved among sinners, loved them and called them to Himself. We have been sent into the world as witnesses.

But while we live among the world, the world must not become the authority that determines how we live.

Paul says:

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
— Romans 12:2

There is a difference between living in the world and allowing the world to determine the pattern of our lives.

The world may say, “Everybody is doing it.” Culture may redefine what is acceptable. Society may normalize what God condemns. Personal desire may tell us to do whatever makes us happy.

But the child of God asks a different question:

“What does my Father say?”

We belong to the King. Therefore, we cannot construct our lifestyle independently of the King.

The ungodly may choose to live without reference to God’s will, but those who belong to Christ cannot confess His lordship while deliberately choosing self-rule.

This reaches into our relationships, sexuality, speech, entertainment, business dealings, money, ambitions, attitudes and private conduct.

There is no part of the believer’s life where Jesus ceases to be King.

2. THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE HAS A PATH WE MUST CHOOSE- Matthew 7:13–14; Isaiah 35:8

Kingdom living is not merely about rejecting the wrong path. God calls us to walk in His way.

Jesus said:

“Enter by the narrow gate… because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.”
— Matthew 7:13–14

There are two ways in the teaching of Jesus. One is broad; the other is narrow. One accommodates the direction of the crowd; the other calls us to follow Christ.

The narrow way does not mean that we earn salvation through difficult living. Salvation is God’s gift received through faith in Christ. But the Christ who saves us becomes the Lord we follow.

Following Christ gives direction to life.

Isaiah 35:8 similarly speaks of “a highway… called the Highway of Holiness.” Scripture consistently presents the life of God’s people as a walk in God’s way.

Not every path is the King’s path.

There will therefore be moments when Kingdom living goes against popular culture. There will be occasions when obedience is inconvenient. There will be times when personal desire says one thing while God’s Word says another.

The broad way essentially says:

“Live as you please.”

The Kingdom way says:

“Live to please the King.”

Scripture says that Christ died:

“…that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.”
— 2 Corinthians 5:15

This is one of the fundamental changes that comes with belonging to Christ.

The controlling question of life can no longer simply be, “What do I want?”

It becomes:

“What pleases my King?”

This is why the Kingdom lifestyle is not negotiable for God’s children. We are not choosing Christianity from a menu of possible lifestyles. We have been called to follow Christ.

His way becomes our way.

His will takes precedence over our preference.

His Word becomes the final authority over our opinions.

His pleasure becomes more important than the applause of people.

Kingdom Truth

We cannot sincerely confess Jesus as King while insisting on being the final authority over the way we live.

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3. THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE MUST BECOME OUR DELIGHT, NOT MERELY OUR DUTY- Psalm 1:2

Psalm 1 now moves from what the blessed person rejects to what he embraces:

“But his delight is in the law of the LORD, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

This takes us deeper than outward behaviour.

God does not simply want people who reluctantly avoid evil while secretly wishing they could live like everyone else.

The Psalm says:

“His delight is in the law of the LORD.”

The Kingdom lifestyle reaches the heart.

God’s way must not merely become something we obey; increasingly, it becomes something in which we delight.

Jesus said:

“You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.”
— Matthew 22:37

Before Kingdom living becomes outward expression, there must be an inward affection for God.

We love the King; therefore, we increasingly love what the King loves.

We delight in Him; therefore, His Word becomes precious to us. His will becomes important to us. His priorities increasingly become our priorities.

There is a beautiful spiritual movement here:

LOVE FOR GOD → DELIGHT IN HIS WORD → MEDITATION ON HIS TRUTH → OBEDIENCE TO HIS WILL → KINGDOM LIVING

The Psalmist says that the blessed person meditates in God’s law “day and night.”

This does not merely mean having a Bible-reading schedule. It describes a life continually influenced and governed by God’s truth.

His Word begins to shape how we think, how we choose, how we respond, how we spend, how we speak, how we relate and how we live.

Our worship, prayer, study of Scripture and meditation are therefore not occasional religious activities squeezed into whatever time remains.

They become rhythms of a life that delights in God.

As oxygen is indispensable to physical life, fellowship with God and His Word must become indispensable to Kingdom living.

And there is something more we will consider next Sunday: this life cannot be lived by determination alone.

God has not merely given us His Word to show us the way; He has given us His Spirit to empower us to walk in that way.

“Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.”
— Galatians 5:16

That deserves fuller attention in our next encounter.

For today, we must settle this:

What is my delight? What continually occupies my heart and shapes my thinking?

Because eventually, what delights the heart directs the life.

Kingdom Truth

Kingdom living becomes more than duty when the King Himself becomes our delight.

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4. THE KINGDOM LIFESTYLE HAS A PREDICTED OUTCOME – Psalm 1:3

Having shown us the path the blessed person rejects and the life in which he delights, the Psalm now shows us what that person becomes:

“He shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that brings forth its fruit in its season, whose leaf also shall not wither; and whatever he does shall prosper.”

Notice the certainty:

“HE SHALL BE…”

The Psalm is no longer merely describing what this person does. It begins to describe what this person becomes.

He becomes like a tree.

Not something disconnected and temporary, but something planted, rooted, supplied, fruitful and enduring.

And the strength of the tree is not merely in the tree itself. Its secret is where it is planted and the source from which it continually draws.

Jesus gives us the same principle in John 15:

“Abide in Me, and I in you… He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit.”
— John 15:4–5

Kingdom living is impossible apart from continuing dependence upon God.

The life God requires must continually draw from the life God supplies.

Difficult seasons may still come. Kingdom living does not mean that believers will never experience pressure, loss, disappointment or suffering.

Jeremiah 17:7–8 uses similar imagery. The heat comes, yet the tree continues because its roots reach the water.

What a picture of the Kingdom life!

Kingdom living does not guarantee the absence of heat; it gives us roots that the heat cannot exhaust.

Psalm 1 also says the tree “brings forth its fruit in its season.”

A life genuinely rooted in God will eventually produce evidence of its source.

Then comes the remarkable statement:

“And whatever he does shall prosper.”

This is not a blank cheque guaranteeing that every personal ambition, investment, business venture or plan will succeed simply because we are Christians.

Remember the person being described.

His counsel has changed.

His path has changed.

His delight has changed.

His thinking is continually being shaped by God’s Word.

His “whatever” therefore belongs within a life increasingly ordered by God.

Biblical prosperity here is not God guaranteeing every personal desire. It is God establishing a life to become fruitful in the purpose for which He has planted it.

This connects directly with our annual theme:

WALKING IN DIVINE PERFORMANCE AND FULFILMENT

When God’s way becomes our path, God’s Word becomes our delight, and God Himself becomes our continual supply, we are positioned to become what He intends and to bear the fruit for which He has planted us.

We will return to Psalm 1:3 later in the month and examine more fully what it means to be planted, fruitful and flourishing.

For now, we receive the promise without trying to exhaust it:

There is fruit connected with the Kingdom lifestyle.

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CONCLUSION — THIS IS OUR WAY OF LIFE

As we begin October, God’s call is clear.

The Kingdom must move from being something we seek to becoming the reality by which we live.

Psalm 1 has introduced the journey.

There is a path we must reject.

There is a path we must choose.

There is a delight we must cultivate.

And there is an outcome God produces.

September called us to make the Kingdom our priority. October calls us to make Kingdom living our lifestyle.

Not Christianity on Sunday and another identity on Monday.

Not one standard in church and another in business.

Not one language among believers and another in private.

Not merely appearing to belong to the Kingdom while the heart remains governed by something else.

Jesus is King, and His rule must increasingly shape the whole of our lives.

During this month, we will continue to discover how the Word and the Spirit shape this life, how Kingdom living embraces the whole of our stewardship and purpose, and how a life planted in God becomes fruitful and flourishing.

INTRODUCTION

Jesus’ instruction in Matthew 6:33 is not merely a command to think about the Kingdom, but an invitation to make it the guiding principle of our everyday lives.

Knowing that we should put God’s Kingdom first is one thing; living it out practically is another. James 1:22 says: “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

HOW DO WE PRACTICALLY PURSUE KINGDOM PRIORITIES?

1. Start Each Day With God

Give God your first attention through prayer, Scripture and fellowship.

The Psalmist says: “My voice shalt thou hear in the morning, O LORD; in the morning will I direct my prayer unto thee, and will look up. (Psalm 5:3). Check also Psalm 143:8.

▪︎ Giving God the first minutes of your day is a practical application of making Him your priority.

2. Allow God’s Word To Shape Your Decisions

David said “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” (Psalm 119:105).

▪︎ God’s word guides our daily choices by acting as a clear source of truth, wisdom, and direction.

Before making major decisions, ask: “What does God’s Word say?”

▪︎ Career (Proverbs 16:3)

▪︎ Marriage and Relationships (2 Corinthians 6:14; Ephesians 4:2-3; Romans12:18)

▪︎ Finances or Business (Deuteronomy 8:18; Proverbs 21:5)

▪︎ Handling difficult conflicts (James 1:19; Proverbs 15:1)

▪︎ Surrendering personal logic to God’s standard leads to reliable choices. See Proverbs 3:5-6.

3. Evaluate Your Priorities Regularly

Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

Ask yourself:

▪︎ What receives most of my time?

▪︎ What receives most of my attention?

▪︎ What receives most of my resources?

▪︎ What occupies my thoughts most?

▪︎ What am I pursuing most passionately?

4. Use Your Gifts For God’s Kingdom

Apostle Peter said: “As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another…” (1 Peter 4:10)

▪︎ Your abilities, influence, knowledge and resources are opportunities for Kingdom impact.

5. Put God Into Every Area Of Your Life

Kingdom priority should affect:

Family + Career + Business + Finances + Ministry + Relationships + Time + Decisions

▪︎ The goal is not to have a “church life” and a separate “ordinary life.” The goal is to make the whole life Kingdom-centered.

Reflection Question: How can we ensure that our time, talents, finances and other resources are being used in ways that honour God and advance His Kingdom?

CONCLUSION

Kingdom priorities are pursued when God’s will becomes the standard by which we order our lives daily.

PRAYERS

1. Father, help me to seek You first and early every day of my life.

2. O Lord, give me wisdom and discernment to make decisions that align with Your purpose.

3. In every area of my life, help me to seek Your direction before pursuing my own plans.

4. Father, make me a faithful steward of everything You have placed in my hands.

5. O Lord, help me to faithfully use my time, gifts, abilities, finances and opportunities for Your glory.

INTRODUCTION

God has given every believer the responsibility of living according to His Kingdom and His purposes. However, it is possible to become so occupied with work, family, finances, career, relationships, personal ambitions and the cares of life that the things of God gradually take a secondary place. When we allow this to happen, it comes with dire consequences.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN KINGDOM PRIORITIES ARE NEGLECTED?

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:25–32 addresses anxiety about food, clothing and material needs. He concludes by directing His followers toward the Kingdom.

When Kingdom priorities are displaced, several things can happen:

1. We Become Consumed By Material Things

Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” (Matthew 6:21).

▪︎  What we treasure becomes our ultimate focus, captures and eventually rules our heart.

2. We Give Room For Satan To Attack Our Treasures

Satan’s plan and ultimate aim is to capture our hearts and, he will employ every means possible to achieve his aim. See Genesis 3:6. Compare 2Corinthians 11:3.

 ▪︎ When satan knows where our focus is, he will attack such areas in order to gain access to our hearts.

3. We Become Anxious About Things God Has Promised To Provide

Matthew 6:31–32 shows that excessive concern about material needs can distract us from trusting God. Check Philippians 4:6,19; Hebrews 10:23.

4. We Can Lose Sight Of Our Divine Assignment

Haggai 1:5,6,9 presents a people who were busy building their own houses while neglecting God’s house.

▪︎ Their activities were not necessarily wrong, but their priorities were wrong.

▪︎ When we put personal interests above God’s Kingdom, our efforts may become unproductive and our lives may lose their proper focus.

5. We May Achieve Things Without Experiencing God’s Purpose

Success outside God’s purpose can become an empty achievement. This leads to insatiable search for success through greed and covetousness. Check Hebrews 13:5.

▪︎ Psalm 127:1 says: “Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.”

Reflection Guestions:

1. What are the signs that God’s Kingdom is gradually losing its place in a person’s life?

2. What can we learn from the people of Israel in Haggai 1:2–9 about misplaced priorities?

CONCLUSION

When Kingdom priorities are neglected, the consequences may not always be immediately visible. We may continue to be busy, successful and active, yet lose spiritual direction, become distracted from God’s purpose, and gradually weaken our relationship with God. May this not be our experience in Jesus’ name.

PRAYERS

1. Merciful Father, have mercy on me and deliver me from every consequence of not making You the priority in any area of my life.

2. Father, help me to give You Your rightful place in my life.

3. O Lord, deliver me from every distraction, anxiety and worldly pursuit that is taking my attention away from You and Your purposes.

4. Heavenly Father, wherever my passion for You has grown cold or my commitment to Your Kingdom has weakened, restore me.

5. O Lord, reorder my priorities according to Your will. Give me wisdom to know what deserves my time, attention and resources.

6. In this assembly O Lord, we choose Your Kingdom above every other priority. Let all our plans and doings be aligned with Your purpose and will for Your Church.

Central Truth

What Christ forms within us must become visible through us—not to draw attention to ourselves, but to reveal the character of our King and bring glory to our Father.

INTRODUCTION — FROM FORMATION TO EXPRESSION

Last Sunday, as we began considering Manifesting Kingdom Priorities, our emphasis was on what happens within us. Jesus first described the character of Kingdom people in the Beatitudes before declaring, “You are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13, NKJV). We learned that before Kingdom priorities can be manifested through us, the character and values of the King must increasingly be formed within us.

But Jesus does not stop with salt. He immediately says:

“You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” — Matthew 5:14, NKJV

The emphasis now moves from formation to expression—from what Christ is doing in us to what Christ intends to reveal through us.

Notice the progression: “You are…” → “cannot be hidden” → “Let your light so shine” → “that they may see” → “and glorify your Father.”

Kingdom life moves from identity to visibility, from visibility to influence, and from influence to God’s glory.

I. KINGDOM LIFE MUST BECOME VISIBLE THROUGH US- Matthew 5:14–15

Jesus declares, “You are the light of the world.” This tells us something about both who we are and the extent of our influence.

Jesus Himself said, “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12). Christ is the source of our light. Paul therefore says, “For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8, NKJV).

We are light in the Lord. We have no independent light apart from Christ. But what He has placed within us is intended to become visible through us.

Jesus does not say we are merely the light of our church, locality or nation. He says “the light of the world,” just as He previously called us “the salt of the earth.” God is concerned about our character, but also about our circle of impact and influence.

Wherever we find ourselves on the earth, we remain Kingdom people. Light must remain light in Nigeria and anywhere else in the world. Our “world” includes wherever God has positioned us—our family, business, office, school, profession, neighbourhood and community.

Our environment is therefore not an excuse to let God down.

John 1:5 says, “And the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it” (NKJV). Darkness does not give light permission to stop shining. Indeed, darkness is where light is most needed.

Daniel could remain faithful in Babylon. Joseph could remain godly in Egypt. Our environment may create pressure, but it must not redefine who we are in Christ.

Jesus adds another powerful picture:

“A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.”

A city on a hill is conspicuously visible. This speaks of the magnitude of our identity in Christ and the extent of our witness. Paul similarly says that believers should “shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

Kingdom life is not hide-and-seek Christianity. Our lives are communicating something about the Christ we profess.

Kingdom Truth: Wherever God places us, we remain His light. Darkness around us is not permission to become darkness; it is the environment in which our light must shine.

II. KINGDOM CHARACTER MUST BECOME TANGIBLE THROUGH GOOD WORKS- Matthew 5:15–16

Jesus continues:

“Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand…” — Matthew 5:15

Light has a purpose. God did not give us new life in Christ merely for a private religious experience. What He has formed within us must become evident through us.

Therefore Jesus says:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works…” — Matthew 5:16

Notice: “SO SHINE.”

God is interested not merely in whether we claim to have light, but in how our lives shine.

And people are to see our “good works.” Not merely our Christian vocabulary, church attendance or profession of faith. Kingdom character must become tangible.

Love within becomes loving action. Mercy becomes a merciful response. Integrity becomes honest dealings. Self-control becomes restraint when provoked. Brotherly kindness becomes practical care. Godliness governs both our private and public choices.

We were “created in Christ Jesus for good works” (Ephesians 2:10). The life God creates within us should produce something visible.

This calls for consistency. God has not called us into showmanship, fake Christianity or double living. There should not be one life in church, another at work, and another in the marketplace.

It is one life under one King.

Yet there is an important distinction between Matthew 5:16 and Matthew 6:1. Matthew 5 says people should see our good works, while Matthew 6 warns against doing charitable deeds “to be seen by them.”

There is no contradiction. The issue is motive.

Matthew 6 condemns doing good so that we receive people’s praise. Matthew 5 calls us to live such genuinely transformed lives that people see the fruit and glorify God.

One says, “Look at me.”
The other causes people to say, “Look at what God has done.”

KINGDOM MANIFESTATION IS VISIBILITY WITHOUT VANITY.

Kingdom Truth:

Kingdom character becomes Kingdom witness when what Christ has formed within us becomes tangible through the way we live.

III. KINGDOM MANIFESTATION MUST ULTIMATELY GLORIFY GOD- Matthew 5:16

Jesus concludes:

“…that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” — Matthew 5:16, NKJV

Here is the ultimate purpose of Kingdom manifestation: God must receive the glory.

The conclusion of my life as a child of God must not be my greatness. My life should direct attention beyond myself to Christ.

John the Baptist understood this when he said:

“He must increase, but I must decrease.” — John 3:30, NKJV

We are not to steal the show from God. The more our lives manifest the Kingdom, the clearer Christ should become.

This is also the mind of Christ: “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:5, NKJV). Christ’s life was marked by humility and obedience, not self-exaltation.

Jesus says:

“By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples.” — John 15:8, NKJV

Fruitfulness and God’s glory belong together.

Therefore, wherever God places us, the question should be: “How can Christ be glorified through my life here?”

In our business, let Christ be glorified. In our profession, let Christ be glorified. In our family, let Christ be glorified. Among our friends, let Christ be glorified. Even when nobody is watching, let Christ be glorified.

We are in the world, but we are not to derive our identity and values from the world (John 17:14–18). We put off the old life and put on the new (Ephesians 4:22–24), and that new life becomes visible.

The movement is clear:

LIGHT SHINES → PEOPLE SEE → GOOD WORKS TESTIFY → GOD IS GLORIFIED.

Kingdom Truth: The highest purpose of our influence is not to make much of ourselves, but to make Christ visible and bring glory to our Father.

CONCLUSION — LET YOUR LIGHT SO SHINE

Today we must ask:

“What can my world see of Christ through me?”

Our world is the circle of our influence—our home, workplace, business, school, marketplace, neighbourhood and community. Wherever God places us, we must live one consistent Kingdom life.

No church version and marketplace version. No public Christianity covering a contradictory private life. One Lord, one Kingdom, one consistent life.

May people encounter our lives, see the evidence of Christ, and ultimately give glory to our Father.

Final Charge

Wherever God has placed you, let Christ be seen through you. Let your character support your confession, let your works confirm your witness, and let your influence direct people—not to you, but to your Father in heaven.

Supporting Text: 2 Peter 1:5–8; Galatians 5:22–25; Matthew 6:33

Central Truth: Before Kingdom priorities can be manifested through us, the character and values of the King must increasingly be formed within us.

INTRODUCTION

Our journey this month has moved from understanding the Kingdom to understanding its priorities. Last Sunday, 2 Peter 1:5–8 showed us some of the qualities that should characterize God’s children—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love. Peter said these things must be “in you, and abound” (v.8).

Today we take the next step: How do we manifest these Kingdom priorities?

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 5 gives us the starting point. Before He says, “Ye are the salt of the earth” and “Ye are the light of the world,” He first describes the character of Kingdom people (Matthew 5:3–12). The order is important: before manifestation comes formation. What God wants to reveal through us, He first desires to form within us.

I. KINGDOM MANIFESTATION BEGINS WITH WHO WE ARE BECOMING

In Matthew 5:3–12, Jesus describes people whose lives are being shaped by the rule of God. They are poor in spirit; conscious of their dependence upon God. They hunger and thirst after righteousness; they desire what pleases God.

They are merciful, pure in heart and peacemakers. And when following Christ becomes costly, they remain faithful.

Jesus is not merely giving us a list of admirable behaviours.

He is describing Kingdom character: what begins to happen within people who are genuinely living under the rule of the King.

This connects directly with 2 Peter 1:8: “If these things be in you, and abound…” Before faith, virtue, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love can consistently appear through us, they must increasingly become realities within us.

That is why Kingdom manifestation cannot simply be external performance.

We may learn Christian vocabulary, church behaviour and even public expressions of spirituality while the heart remains largely unchanged. But Jesus said, “A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things” (Matthew 12:35). What is being formed within will eventually affect what comes out.

The Holy Spirit therefore does not merely empower us to do things for God; He produces the character of Christ within us.

Galatians 5:22–23 calls love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance “the fruit of the Spirit.” Fruit grows from life within before it becomes visible outside.

If love is growing within, it will eventually affect how we treat difficult people. If self-control is within, it will appear when we are provoked or tempted. If mercy is within, it will affect how we respond when somebody fails. If godliness is within, it will govern us even when nobody is watching.

Therefore, the first question in manifesting Kingdom priorities is not, “What am I showing people?” It is, “What is Christ forming in me?”

Kingdom Truth: We cannot consistently manifest through our lives what we are refusing to allow Christ to form within our hearts.

II. KINGDOM CHARACTER MUST MAKE US DISTINCT WHERE GOD HAS PLACED US

After describing Kingdom character, Jesus says, “Ye are the salt of the earth” (Matthew 5:13).

Notice that Jesus says “Ye are.” Salt first speaks about identity before influence.

Salt makes a difference because of its distinctive quality. That is why Jesus immediately warns about salt losing its savour. The issue is whether Kingdom people will retain the distinctiveness that belongs to people under God’s rule.

We live in the world, but the world must not determine our values. Paul says, “Be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind” (Romans 12:2).

The pressure around us is toward conformity; God’s work within us is toward transformation.

Therefore, when dishonesty becomes normal, Kingdom righteousness should make us truthful.

When corruption becomes profitable, Kingdom virtue should produce integrity.

When uncontrolled desires are celebrated, Kingdom self-control should distinguish us.

When bitterness seems justified, Kingdom mercy should shape our response. When greed defines success,

Kingdom priorities should govern our attitude toward money. When hatred divides people, the love and peace of Christ should become evident through us.

Joseph demonstrates this beautifully. He was living in Egypt when Potiphar’s wife tempted him, but his response was, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). Egypt was around Joseph, but his consciousness of God governed what was within Joseph.

Daniel likewise lived and served in Babylon, yet his enemies could find no occasion against him because he was faithful (Daniel 6:4).

This is what Kingdom distinctiveness means. We can live in Babylon without allowing Babylon to determine what lives in us.

And this must go beyond Sunday worship. Jesus did not say, “Ye are the salt of the church.” He said, “Ye are the salt of the earth.” The Kingdom character formed within us must travel with us into our homes, businesses, offices, schools, relationships and communities.

A Christian businessperson manifests Kingdom priorities through integrity. A worker manifests them through faithfulness even when nobody is supervising. A young person manifests them by maintaining godly convictions under peer pressure.

A husband or wife manifests them through faithfulness, patience, love and forgiveness. Wherever God places us, the priorities of our King should go with us.

This does not mean becoming self-righteous or withdrawing from people. Salt cannot influence what it never touches. Jesus Himself lived among sinners without becoming governed by their sin. Kingdom distinctiveness is therefore not isolation from people; it is Christlike presence without conformity to ungodly values.

The question becomes very practical: What difference does my presence make in the environment where God has placed me?

Kingdom Truth: We manifest the Kingdom when the values of our King remain visible in us even where those values are unpopular, inconvenient or costly.

CONCLUSION

Manifesting Kingdom priorities begins from within. Jesus first describes Kingdom character, then He declares, “Ye are the salt of the earth.”

Therefore, the King must rule within us, His character must be formed in us, and His values must distinguish us wherever He places us.

Before we move next to “Ye are the light of the world,” let us ask ourselves:

What is Christ forming within me? And in what area am I becoming more influenced by the values around me than by the priorities of my King?

Let the King rule within you, let His character be formed in you, and wherever He places you, remain distinctly His.

KINGDOM WITHIN → CHRISTLIKE CHARACTER → DISTINCTIVE LIVING

Central Truth

Kingdom life is God’s rule becoming visible in His children. God has given us in Christ what we need for this life; therefore, we must know His priorities, diligently pursue them, and allow them to become increasingly evident in the way we live.

INTRODUCTION — THE KINGDOM MUST BECOME OUR WAY OF LIFE

Last Sunday, we established that the Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign through Christ. Therefore, the Kingdom is not merely something we are waiting to enter someday; it is God’s rule shaping the lives of His children now.

Jesus said, “Seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness” (Matthew 6:33). But we cannot deliberately pursue what we do not know. If we are to seek the Kingdom, we must know what the King values and the kind of life He desires from us.

In 2 Peter 1:3–8, Peter shows us three important truths: God has provided what we need for Kingdom living; we must diligently pursue the qualities He values; and these qualities must increasingly become part of who we are.

Simply put:  KNOW THE KING’S PRIORITIES → PURSUE THEM → LIVE THEM.

Let us therefore consider what Kingdom living requires of us.

I. GOD HAS GIVEN US WHAT WE NEED FOR KINGDOM LIVING- 2 Peter 1:3–4

Peter begins with a remarkable statement:

“According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness…” (v.3).

Notice that Peter does not begin with our ability. He begins with “His divine power.”

Before verse 5 tells us what we must pursue, verse 3 tells us what God has provided.

Kingdom living is not simply a human attempt to become morally better. God does not call His children to live the life of Christ and then leave them without divine provision for that life.

Peter says He has given us “all things that pertain unto life and godliness.” Paul expresses a similar truth when he says that God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in Christ (Ephesians 1:3).

Our sufficiency is found in Christ.

Christ is not merely the example standing before us; Christ is also the life dwelling within us. Paul speaks of “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27; cf. Romans 8:9–10).

Therefore, if Christ is in us, the expected life is increasingly the life of Christ expressed through us.

PARTAKERS OF THE DIVINE NATURE

Verse 4 takes us further. Peter says that through God’s precious promises we become “partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.”

This does not mean that Christians become God or share God’s divine essence. Rather, through our new life in Christ, we participate in the life God gives, so that His moral character is increasingly reflected in us- II Cor.5:17

Notice Peter’s contrast:

ESCAPING THE CORRUPTION OF THE WORLD → PARTICIPATING IN THE LIFE THAT COMES FROM GOD.

Colossians 1:13 says God has “delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”

We have crossed over. Our spiritual position has changed; therefore, our pattern of life should increasingly change.

The world may be ruled by lust, pride, selfishness, greed, hatred and uncontrolled desires, but these must no longer define those who have come under the rule of Christ.

KINGDOM TRUTH: God has not only brought us into His Kingdom; He has given us in Christ what we need to live as people of His Kingdom.

II. WE MUST KNOW AND DILIGENTLY PURSUE THE KING’S PRIORITIES-2 Peter 1:5–7

Having established divine provision, Peter now introduces human responsibility:

“And beside this, giving all diligence, add to your faith…” (v.5).

Here is the balance: VERSE 3 — GOD HAS GIVEN.VERSE 5 — WE GIVE ALL DILIGENCE.

Grace does not produce carelessness. Divine provision does not cancel human responsibility.

We do not pursue these virtues in order to become God’s children. We pursue them because we are God’s children.

Philippians 2:12–13 holds these truths together: God works in us, and we respond to His working.

So when Jesus says, “Seek ye first” (Matthew 6:33), and Peter says, “giving all diligence,” Scripture teaches us that Kingdom living requires intentional pursuit.

But what exactly should we pursue? Peter identifies the priorities.

• FAITH — CONFIDENCE IN AND DEPENDENCE UPON GOD

Faith is foundational. We come to God through faith, and “the just shall live by faith” (Romans 1:17). Faith says, “I trust God, I trust His Word, and I order my life on the basis of that trust.”

But faith must not remain barren, it must keep growing.

• VIRTUE — MORAL EXCELLENCE

Virtue is the commitment to what is morally excellent and pleasing to God. Because I belong to Christ, my conduct should increasingly reflect Christ.

When Faith asks, “Do I believe Christ?”; Virtue asks, “Is my life becoming consistent with the Christ I believe?”

• KNOWLEDGE — UNDERSTANDING GOD’S TRUTH AND WILL

We cannot intentionally pursue God’s will while remaining ignorant of God’s truth. Kingdom people must know what pleases the King.

But Peter immediately follows knowledge with self-control.

• SELF-CONTROL — BRINGING OUR DESIRES UNDER GOD’S RULE

Knowledge alone does not produce maturity. Paul warns that “knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth” (1 Corinthians 8:1).

We can know Scripture and still have an uncontrolled tongue, temper, appetite, sexuality, pride or emotions.

Therefore, Kingdom knowledge must become governed living. What I know about God must begin to control how I live before God.

• PERSEVERANCE — REMAINING FAITHFUL UNDER PRESSURE

This is more than passive waiting. It is steadfast endurance—continuing with God when obedience becomes difficult (James 1:2–4).

Self-control helps me say NO to what pulls me away from God’s will.

Perseverance helps me keep saying YES to God when faithfulness becomes difficult.

• GODLINESS — LIVING WITH REVERENCE TOWARD GOD

Godliness is a life consciously oriented toward God.

Its governing question is: “Does this please my King?”

That question begins to shape our choices, relationships, ambitions and conduct.

• BROTHERLY KINDNESS — GENUINE AFFECTION AND CARE FOR OTHERS

True godliness cannot leave us harsh and indifferent toward people.

Brotherly kindness expresses itself through compassion, mercy, patience, forgiveness and practical care for one another (1 John 4:20; Colossians 3:12–13).

• LOVE — SEEKING GOD’S GLORY AND THE TRUE GOOD OF OTHERS

Love brings the qualities together.

Jesus identified loving God wholeheartedly and loving our neighbour as ourselves as the great commandments (Matthew 22:37–40). Paul says, “the greatest of these is charity” (1 Corinthians 13:13).

Look again at what the King values:

FAITH → VIRTUE → KNOWLEDGE → SELF-CONTROL → PERSEVERANCE → GODLINESS → BROTHERLY KINDNESS → LOVE.

We should not force Peter’s list into a rigid staircase, but its order is instructive.

Faith is foundational. Knowledge must be governed by self-control. Self-control must endure under pressure. Perseverance must remain God-centred. Genuine godliness must affect how we treat one another. And everything finds its fullest expression in love.

These are not decorations for exceptional Christians. They are Kingdom priorities expected in the lives of God’s children.

III. THE KING’S PRIORITIES MUST BE IN US AND INCREASING IN US- 2 Peter 1:8

Peter now gives us an important test of Kingdom living:

“For if these things be in you, and abound…”

Notice two expressions:  “IN YOU.”  VS  “ABOUND.”

• THEY MUST BE “IN YOU” — INWARD REALITY

Peter does not say these virtues should merely be around us.

Church may be around us. Scripture may be around us. Christian language and Christian activities may surround us.

But Peter says, “If these things be IN YOU…”

Kingdom life is an inside-out life, inward-outward

Jesus said, “out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh” (Matthew 12:34). Peter himself speaks about “the hidden man of the heart” rather than merely outward adornment (1 Peter 3:3–4).

Outward behaviour without inward transformation can become religious showmanship.

But what is genuinely formed within us will naturally begin to express itself through us.

• If love is within, it will appear in how we treat people.
• If self-control is within, it will appear when we are provoked.
• If brotherly kindness is within, it will appear when somebody needs mercy.
• If godliness is within, it will affect what we do even when nobody is watching.
• If perseverance is within, difficulty will not easily drive us away from Christ.

INSIDE PREDICTS OUTSIDE IN KINGDOM LIVING.

God does not merely want us to look like Kingdom people. He wants His character formed within us.

KINGDOM TRUTH: Kingdom virtues are not costumes we wear before people; they are qualities Christ forms within us that become visible through us.

• 2. THEY MUST “ABOUND” — INCREASING GROWTH

Peter does not stop with presence:

“…if these things be in you, AND ABOUND…”

God desires progress, not mere presence.

Our love should grow.

Our knowledge should deepen.

Our self-control should strengthen.

Our perseverance should develop.

Our godliness should become more evident.

Our kindness should increase.

Peter later commands: “But grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18).

Also, Paul similarly acknowledged that he had not already attained perfection but continued pressing forward (Philippians 3:12–14).

Therefore, the question is not merely: “Are these qualities present in my life?”

It is also:  “Are they increasing in my life?”

Being a Christian for many years does not automatically equal spiritual maturity. We must ask: How much of Christ is increasingly being formed and expressed in me?

• 3. INWARD GROWTH MUST PRODUCE OUTWARD FRUITFULNESS

Peter says that if these things are in us and abound, they keep us from being “barren nor unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v.8).

Here Kingdom priorities connect with divine fulfillment.

A fulfilled Christian life is not merely a life with more possessions, achievements or favourable circumstances.

A FULFILLED KINGDOM LIFE IS A FRUITFUL KINGDOM LIFE.

Jesus said, “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit” (John 15:8).

The movement is therefore:

CHRIST WITHIN → KINGDOM CHARACTER WITHIN → INCREASING GROWTH → OUTWARD FRUITFULNESS.

This is Kingdom living.

CONCLUSION — KNOW, PURSUE AND LIVE THE KING’S PRIORITIES

II Peter 1:3–8 has shown us three things:

1. God has PROVIDED what we need for Kingdom living.
2. We must DILIGENTLY PURSUE the qualities the King values—faith, virtue, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly kindness and love.
3. And these qualities must be IN US, ABOUND IN US, and produce FRUIT THROUGH US.

This is what it means for God’s Kingdom to rule our lives.

Therefore, our prayer should be:

“Lord, let Your Kingdom rule in me. Let what You value become what I value, what You desire become what I pursue, and the character of Christ become increasingly visible in the life I live.”

Central Truth for Learning

We cannot rightly pursue a Kingdom we do not understand. To seek God’s Kingdom first is to bring our lives under His rule and make His will, His righteousness, and His priorities our governing pursuit.

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INTRODUCTION — FROM EMPOWERMENT TO KINGDOM PURSUIT

Throughout August, we emphasized, “Empowered for Divine Fulfilment.” We learned from Acts 1:8 that God’s work requires God’s power. Last Sunday, as we considered Acts 1:8 alongside 1 Corinthians 12:7–11, we were reminded that we cannot live the Christian life effectively in human strength.

Jesus said to His disciples, “Receive ye the Holy Ghost” (John 20:22), and later they were to be “endued with power from on high” (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). The Holy Spirit works in us to produce the life and character of Christ (Galatians 5:22–25), and He empowers us for witness and service (Acts 1:8; 1 Corinthians 12:7).

But as we enter September, there is a necessary question:

Empowered for what? What should occupy the life of a Spirit-empowered child of God?

Jesus answers:

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” — Matthew 6:33

The Holy Spirit does not empower us for spiritual exhibition. He empowers us to live Christ, manifest Christ, serve Christ, and pursue the priorities of Christ.

So, understand the trend:

HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERMENT → KINGDOM LIVING → DIVINE FULFILLMENT.

Our focus this month is “Pursuing Kingdom Priorities for All-Round Fulfillment.” But before we can pursue Kingdom priorities, we must understand the Kingdom itself.

A Kingdom that is not understood cannot be intentionally pursued.

Jesus devoted much of His teaching to the Kingdom. He preached the Kingdom (Mark 1:14–15), explained its mysteries through parables (Matthew 13:10–11), demonstrated its power (Matthew 12:28), taught His disciples to pray for its coming (Matthew 6:10), and commanded them to seek it first (Matthew 6:33).

Therefore, our question this morning is:

What is the Kingdom of God, and what does living in that Kingdom entail?

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A. UNDERSTANDING THE KINGDOM — GOD’S RULE AND REIGN

Key Scriptures: Mark 1:14–15; Matthew 6:9–10; 12:28; Luke 17:20–21; Colossians 1:13

When we hear “Kingdom of God,” our minds can immediately go to heaven—the place we expect to enter when our earthly journey is over. That is part of our future hope, but it does not fully explain what Jesus meant when He spoke about God’s Kingdom.

When Jesus began His public ministry, He declared:

“The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.” — Mark 1:15

The word translated kingdom (basileia) fundamentally carries the idea of kingship, rule, reign and royal authority.

So a simple working definition is:

The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign through Christ—received by those who submit to the King, expressed through transformed lives, and awaiting its complete manifestation when Christ returns.

1. The Kingdom begins with the King

There can be no kingdom without a king.

The angel told Mary concerning Jesus: “The Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David: And he shall reign…” — Luke 1:32–33

Jesus is not merely a religious teacher whose advice we consider. He is King and Lord.

After His resurrection, He declared, “All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth” (Matthew 28:18). Paul says that ultimately every knee will bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord (Philippians 2:9–11).

Therefore, seeking the Kingdom begins with our response to the King.

Jesus asked: “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord, and do not the things which I say?” — Luke 6:46

We cannot genuinely seek His Kingdom while continually resisting His authority.

You cannot separate the Kingdom from the King. And you cannot sincerely pursue the Kingdom while refusing the King’s rule.

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2. The Kingdom means God’s will becoming our way of life

Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” — Matthew 6:10

Notice the relationship: YOUR KINGDOM COME → YOUR WILL BE DONE.

Where the King rules, the King’s will is done.

Therefore, the Kingdom must first become real within us before it can be expressed through us.

God wants to rule:

• our thoughts and desires,
• our relationships and families,
• our money and possessions,
• our careers and ambitions,
• our decisions and priorities,
• our bodies, time and abilities.

• Paul captures this surrender in Romans 12:1–2: present your bodies to God and allow your minds to be transformed so that you may discern and live His will.
• This is where Kingdom Christianity becomes personal.
• Joseph lived this principle when temptation came. He refused Potiphar’s wife, saying, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9). His immediate consideration was not convenience, pleasure or personal advantage, but what God desired.
• Daniel demonstrated the same Kingdom consciousness when he “purposed in his heart that he would not defile himself” (Daniel 1:8).
• These men lived before Jesus preached Matthew 6:33, but they illustrate the principle: God’s will take priority over personal convenience.

Kingdom Truth:
We cannot continually pray, “Thy Kingdom come,” while insisting, “My will be done.”

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3. The Kingdom is present now, although its fullness is still coming

Jesus said: “If I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.” — Matthew 12:28

Paul says that the Father has: “…translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.” — Colossians 1:13

So the Kingdom is not merely something we will enter someday. Through Christ, we have already come under God’s saving rule.

Yet Jesus still taught us to pray, “Thy kingdom come” (Matthew 6:10), and Scripture points toward the day when Christ will finally defeat every opposing authority, including death (1 Corinthians 15:24–26), and His reign will be openly manifested (Revelation 11:15).

Therefore:

The Kingdom has come in Christ.
The Kingdom is being expressed through His people.
The Kingdom will be manifested in fullness when Christ returns.

We are citizens of that Kingdom now, and therefore we are expected to live its life now (Philippians 3:20; Colossians 1:13).

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B. PURSUING THE KINGDOM — THE KING’S PRIORITIES BECOME OUR PRIORITIES- Matthew 6:19–33; 22:37–40; 23:23; 2 Peter 1:5–8

Having understood what the Kingdom is, Jesus now says: “Seek ye first…” — Matthew 6:33

Understanding must lead to pursuit.

1. “Seek” speaks of deliberate and continuing pursuit

Everyone is seeking something: 

Some seek money. Others seek recognition, marriage, career advancement, security, comfort, influence or possessions. Many of these things are legitimate concerns. But Jesus confronts us with a deeper question:

What is the master pursuit of your life?: In Matthew 6:31–32, Jesus speaks about food, drink and clothing. He does not deny that we need them. In fact, He says:

“Your heavenly Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things.” — Matthew 6:32

Then He says, “But seek ye first…” Jesus is establishing an order of priority.

The unbelieving world makes earthly necessities and possessions its consuming pursuit. The disciple is to make God’s Kingdom the governing pursuit and trust the Father concerning life’s necessities.

Therefore: We must not spend our lives pursuing what Jesus promised to add while neglecting what He commanded us to seek.

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2. “First” means the Kingdom governs every other priority

Seeking the Kingdom first does not simply mean, “Pray first thing in the morning, then spend the rest of the day doing whatever you want.”

First means priority, supremacy and governing importance.

God is not merely one item among many on our lives’ agenda. His rule determines how every other part of life should function.

A young person seeking the Kingdom asks, “Lord, what kind of person do You want me to become?” before merely asking, “Which career will make me successful?”

A businessman or professional asks, “How can I honour Christ here?” and not merely, “How much can I gain?”

A parent asks not only, “How can my children become successful?” but, “How can they know, love and serve Christ?”

An elderly believer does not conclude that Kingdom usefulness has ended. Psalm 92:14 says, “They shall still bring forth fruit in old age.” Prayer, wisdom, encouragement, generosity, and godly example remain Kingdom investments.

Kingdom living means every season of life falls under the King’s priorities.

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3. Kingdom priorities are the things God values

What, then, occupies the heart of the King?

Scripture gives us the answer.

Jesus emphasizes love for God and neighbour (Matthew 22:37–40), righteousness (Matthew 6:33), justice, mercy and faithfulness (Matthew 23:23), reconciliation (Matthew 5:23–24), forgiveness (Matthew 6:14–15), servanthood (Mark 10:43–45), care for others (Matthew 25:34–40), and making disciples (Matthew 28:18–20).

These are Kingdom priorities.  This is where we must examine our passions.

What Christ loves must increasingly become what I love.
What Christ values must become what I value.
What Christ pursues must increasingly become what I pursue.
Christ’s priorities must become my priorities.

Jesus said:

“For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.” — Matthew 6:21

The question is therefore not merely, “Do I attend church?” It is, “Does what matters to God increasingly matter to me?”

CONCLUSION — WHAT ARE WE SEEKING?

Beloved, Jesus is not merely asking whether we know the phrase “Kingdom of God.”

He is asking us:

What are you seeking?
What occupies your heart?
What controls your decisions?
What receives your best energy?
What determines what you call success?
What matters most to you?

If the Kingdom is God’s rule, then seeking the Kingdom means allowing the King to rule.

If the Kingdom expresses God’s will, then seeking the Kingdom means making His will our pursuit.

If the Kingdom has priorities, then seeking the Kingdom means making what matters to God matter to us.

And if the King has promised to care for His children, then seeking the Kingdom means pursuing Him while trusting Him with the additions.

So our journey this month begins with five movements:

UNDERSTAND → SUBMIT → PURSUE → PRACTISE → TRUST

Understand the Kingdom — know the rule, will and priorities of God.
Submit to the King — allow Christ to govern every area of life.
Pursue His priorities — love what He loves and value what He values.
Practice His righteousness — turn Kingdom teaching into daily living.
Trust the King — depend upon His power and leave the additions with the Father.

Personal Examination

Before we pray, let every one of us ask:

“If God’s Kingdom is truly first in my life, what area of my life is still resisting the rule of the King?”

And perhaps another:

“What am I presently pursuing that has become more important to me than what matters to Christ?”

Final Charge

When the King has first place, His will becomes our pursuit, His priorities become our passion, His character becomes our lifestyle, His power becomes our sufficiency, and His purpose becomes our fulfillment.

SOME MAJOR HINDRANCES TO MANIFESTATION OF DIVINE EMPOWERMENT (CONTD)

3. WORLDLY LIVING & CARNALITY

You cannot be filled with the Spirit and be filled with the world at the same time (Check Ephesians 5:18).

▪︎ Apostle Paul said that the flesh fights against the Spirit (Galatians 5:17) “For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh.”

▪︎ He also says in Romans 8:7-8  “The carnal mind is enmity against God”

▪︎ Imagine two people fighting to drive one car.

▪︎ Carnality means a strong focus on the physical needs, desires, and passions of the body rather than on spiritual things.

▪︎ The Corinthians had gifts but were carnal, so the power was limited (See 1Corinthians 3:1-3).

▪︎ The remedy is to walk in the Spirit daily (Galatians 5:16).

4. DISOBEDIENCE

Disobedience blocks the flow of the Spirit. 

▪︎ To obey is better than sacrifice (1Samuel 15:22)

▪︎ Partial obedience is still disobedience. Saul lost the kingdom because of partial obedience (1 Samuel 15:1-3,9,14-15,22-23)

▪︎ When you disobey God either totally or partially, power waits.

▪︎ The remedy is prompt obedience, even in small things.

5: FEAR AND INTIMIDATION

Fear is the opposite of faith. Faith cannot operate where fear exists, and vice versa.

▪︎ Fear is a spirit that prevents you from stepping out in power.  It shuts the mouth and paralyzes the hand. 2 Timothy 1:7 says “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.”

▪︎ The 10 spies saw giants and their hearts melted (Numbers 13:32-33). Compare verse 30.

▪︎To Intimidate means to frighten or threaten someone, usually to make them feel nervous, lose their confidence, or do something they do not want to do. It makes a chistian to chicken out where courage is required. Like in the case of the 10 spies.

▪︎ The remedy is to be strong in the Lord (Ephesians 6:10). Speak the Word of faith in confidence: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” (Philippians 4:13).

6: LACK OF PRAYER AND TARRYING

This makes us try to operate in our own strength. 

Acts 4:31 says: “And when they had prayed, the place was shaken; and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit.”

▪︎ Jesus Christ told His disciples in Luke 24:49: “…tarry in the city of Jerusalem, until you are endued with power from on high.”

▪︎ To tarry is to stay somewhere longer than expected or to delay leaving. We must learn to tarry in God’s presence(in prayer).

▪︎ A prayerless christian lives as a powerless person.

▪︎ The remedy is to devote yourself to prayer and the Word (Acts 6:4).

7: WRONG MOTIVE AND PRIDE

Power is for God’s glory, not ours. 

▪︎ If the motive for wanting power to manifest is wrong, it will not.

▪︎ Simon the sorcerer wanted power for fame and money (Acts 8:18-21).

▪︎ Wrong motives can hinder prayers from being answered. James 4:3 says: “You ask and do not receive, because you ask amiss.”

▪︎ The remedy is to seek first the kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. Share a time when you felt the power of God was blocked. What would you say was the cause?

2.  How can we create an atmosphere in our home where the Spirit/Power can manifest freely?

CONCLUSION

As christians with the Holy Spirit in us, we carry divine power, which is meant to help us fulfil the purpose of God for our lives. However, we must be mindful of these hindrances, so that we can operate in the full capacity of the power we carry. May God help us so to do in Jesus’ name.

PRAYERS

1.  Father, forgive me of every sin that has grieved Your Spirit.

2.  Lord, break every spirit of fear, doubt and pride in my life.

3.  Holy Spirit, I surrender to You. Empower me afresh for my assignment.

4.  Let every power holding back my manifestation be destroyed in Jesus’ name.   

FINAL DECLARATION

“Holy Spirit, I repent of every hindrance; Today, I choose to walk in obedience; Fill me afresh; Let Your power manifest in my life, for divine fulfillment in Jesus name.”