Kingdom Characteristics
‘Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you.’ Philippians 4:4-9
What do we think of when we think of the Kingdom of God? Perhaps it is King Jesus’ infinite power or imagining what it will be like when He returns. Perhaps we think of the changes we see - or want to see - in society around us: the hungry fed, the addicted being released, the sick healed, the homeless finding safe shelter and true community.
“The Kingdom is here among you,” Jesus said. Yet he also emphasised that the Kingdom is not yet revealed fully, when speaking of His return.
Paul lived with that tension - proclaiming the Kingdom is here in power and also living with persecution and trouble, longing for the time when Jesus returns as King to complete the coming of the Kingdom.
In verses 4-9 Paul sets out what the Kingdom life looks like in practice, here and now. It might not seem very dramatic and can be summarised as joy, gentleness and peace instead of fear.
These characteristics were seen in Jesus when on earth. They show us what it looks like to live as disciples. And, by His Spirit, Jesus wants to work them into our lives here on earth. As we choose to live this way we find the Holy Spirit gives us the power and energy to do so. He produces joy and gentleness and peace in us as we make right choices and pray. And prayer means giving thanks as well as asking!
Even though seemingly not dramatic, this sort of lifestyle is radical and counter-cultural.
All around us people are complaining. But we are called to rejoice. Paul rejoiced even in prison in Philippi and he was in prison again when writing this letter.
Gentleness is rare in society generally - in fact most people think they have to push themselves forward to get on in life. But we are called to live with strength under control (which is really the definition of gentleness).
People around us are anxious about their security, whether health, money or relationships … or all of them. But we are called to rest secure in God’s peace.
This is beyond understanding because it does not depend on the circumstances we see with human eyes. It depends on what is happening in the spiritual dimension, which is more real that this physical world. That is why Paul then urges us to keep our minds focused on what is good and to keep doing what we have seen in the lives of disciples who are further on in the journey.
- Chris Horton
Inward prayer: Lord, help us to pray in all the different circumstances we find ourselves: big prayers about Your purposes and little prayers about our circumstances, with thanks and praise.
Outward prayer: Lord, please reveal Yourself to the colleagues, neighbours, family members and friends that I meet today. Let them see You in my character.
What do we think of when we think of the Kingdom of God? Perhaps it is King Jesus’ infinite power or imagining what it will be like when He returns. Perhaps we think of the changes we see - or want to see - in society around us: the hungry fed, the addicted being released, the sick healed, the homeless finding safe shelter and true community.
“The Kingdom is here among you,” Jesus said. Yet he also emphasised that the Kingdom is not yet revealed fully, when speaking of His return.
Paul lived with that tension - proclaiming the Kingdom is here in power and also living with persecution and trouble, longing for the time when Jesus returns as King to complete the coming of the Kingdom.
In verses 4-9 Paul sets out what the Kingdom life looks like in practice, here and now. It might not seem very dramatic and can be summarised as joy, gentleness and peace instead of fear.
These characteristics were seen in Jesus when on earth. They show us what it looks like to live as disciples. And, by His Spirit, Jesus wants to work them into our lives here on earth. As we choose to live this way we find the Holy Spirit gives us the power and energy to do so. He produces joy and gentleness and peace in us as we make right choices and pray. And prayer means giving thanks as well as asking!
Even though seemingly not dramatic, this sort of lifestyle is radical and counter-cultural.
All around us people are complaining. But we are called to rejoice. Paul rejoiced even in prison in Philippi and he was in prison again when writing this letter.
Gentleness is rare in society generally - in fact most people think they have to push themselves forward to get on in life. But we are called to live with strength under control (which is really the definition of gentleness).
People around us are anxious about their security, whether health, money or relationships … or all of them. But we are called to rest secure in God’s peace.
This is beyond understanding because it does not depend on the circumstances we see with human eyes. It depends on what is happening in the spiritual dimension, which is more real that this physical world. That is why Paul then urges us to keep our minds focused on what is good and to keep doing what we have seen in the lives of disciples who are further on in the journey.
- Chris Horton
Inward prayer: Lord, help us to pray in all the different circumstances we find ourselves: big prayers about Your purposes and little prayers about our circumstances, with thanks and praise.
Outward prayer: Lord, please reveal Yourself to the colleagues, neighbours, family members and friends that I meet today. Let them see You in my character.
2 Comments
Christ in His Kingly Character
Thank for a great ending to our 21 days fast.
I am in full agreement with your prayer for myself too in Jesus name. Amen!
Let us focus on the goal ahead and our rewards is great.