Concepts of the Kingdom

There are two kingdoms in operation in the earth—the kingdom of God and the kingdom of darkness. All mind-sets, ideas, beliefs, and methods of operation fall under one of these categories; there is no gray area. The kingdom of darkness operates through a system the Word refers to as “the world.” It is a way of doing things that opposes the Word of God. The world system is based on the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 Joh
2:16) and is headed for destruction. Operating according to the dictates of the world positions you for failure and defeat. God desires that Believers switch “systems” so they can get consistent results from the kingdom of God.

The world system is governed by the spirit of selfishness and is ruled by Satan. Everything from the way relationships are conducted to finances is based on principles that are designed to steal, kill, and destroy. We were all born into this corrupt world system, and many of us were a part of it at one point; however, as Christians we are now a part of a new kingdom and, consequently, a new system of operation.

When we talk about kingdoms, there are a few key things to consider so that we can gain concept of how things work. There are some established principles about kingdoms that apply to both God’s kingdom and the kingdom of darkness. First, every kingdom has a king, and every king has dominion in his respective area of influence. Kingdoms have territories, as well as citizenship that is made up of people who are a part of that particular kingdom. Kingdoms have a constitution or set of rules that govern how the kingdom operates, as well as a government that involves hierarchy. Kingdoms also have armies that go to battle against other kingdoms when necessary.

Those who are born again are a part of God’s kingdom and are to no longer govern their lives according to the world’s system. Our King is Jesus and our constitution is the Bible, which contains the guidelines for how we are supposed to conduct ourselves in the kingdom of God. The government of heaven is comprised of Jesus, those who have made Him Lord of their lives, and angels, who make up God’s army. The territory that belongs to us is the entire earth. Though the enemy has gained a lot of territory for his purposes and agenda, our job is to take back what God originally intended for us to have by spreading the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Believers have a specific area of influence that will enable them to take territory for the kingdom of God. We each play a vital role. The gifts, callings, abilities, and strengths God has endowed each person with is designed to help establish and advance the kingdom. There are people in our immediate circle of family and friends who we have been called to minister to. And there are arenas God has called us to infiltrate for kingdom purposes. We are called to go out into the world, into the marketplace, and into the public sector to bring the reality of the kingdom to people so they can ultimately give their lives to the Lord.

Being effective for God’s kingdom will mean making some difficult decisions at times. The biblical account of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego is a great example of how choosing the kingdom of God over the world system results in deliverance, protection, and preservation. These three Hebrew men refused to bow down to the god of Nebuchadnezzar, even in the face of execution. They were thrown into a fiery furnace because they wouldn’t worship a false god, but God showed up in the fire and delivered them. The Bible says that not one hair on their heads was singed (Daniel 3:27).

Choosing God’s kingdom will mean saying no to the seduction and enticement of the world and turning away from the temporary pleasure of sin. In choosing God’s way of doing things, we will definitely face opposition and persecution. However, God will always deliver us and promote us when we trust Him.