Operating within the Kingdom of God on earth

In the previous lesson we have learned about the Understanding the Kingdom of God is the government of God, and Jesus said the kingdom of God is within you once you are born-again. Once you are born-again you have a new spirit, within our new spirit you have the Holy Spirit, and you have the Kingdom of God within you via the Holy Spirit. Once we make a decision to receive Jesus as our Lord and Saviour we no longer belong to ourselves, and according to 1 Corinthians 6:19, our body becomes the temple of the Holy Spirit. However, you still have the flesh that is a member that is within our body.

(When a person becomes born-again they must realize there is the outward body of the man and within its member there something called the flesh that wants to do what it has always done and there is the inward man the real you that want to do things that are pleasing to God.)

As Christians, we must become knowledgeable of the Word of God. It is imperative that we become knowledge of “What thus saith the Lord”, see through knowledge you gain strength. (See Proverbs 24:5, Hosea 4:6,7).      

Once a person become born-again, there are some things that we need to do before joining any area of the ministry of help, (Choir, Ushers, Greeters, and etc.) This is a continual process for the rest of your Christians life. 

According to Romans 12:1-2; (NLTV) “And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. 2 Don’t copy the behaviour and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

As you can see just from these two scriptures there are some things that as an individual that we must do, see God has done the hard part in giving us a brand new spirit, and we have inside help, the Helper, the Comforter, and the Teacher in the person of the Holy Spirit.

Galatians 5 states and we have listed the works of the Human Spirit, and the works of the flesh. The focus of the Christian’s life is following after the Holy Spirit (within the Human spirit) as He leads you, and not to listen to or give into the flesh. (See Galatians 5:17-25)

The key to operating in the kingdom of God is Peace. Peace comes to us in two forms, both of which will be discussed.

First type of peace that we are most familiar with, the Peace that the world has to offer which is in the natural.  A state of tranquility or quiet a freedom from civil disturbance,  a state of security or order within a community provided for by law or custom, freedom from disquieting or oppressive thoughts or emotions, harmony in personal relations.

The world in which we live says to know peace we must either: go someplace (head to the Bahamas, Hawaii), buy something (a luxury car which shuts out the harshness of the world), or ingest something (get a prescription for a sedative).

Second type of peace is Hebrew word SHALOM; which Occur 236 times within the Holy Scriptures, and as you can see listed, it take 20 words in the natural to define the peace of God; that includes completeness, wholeness, peace, health and healing, welfare, safety, salvation, deliverance, soundness, tranquility, prosperity, perfectness, fullness, rest, harmony (unity), absence of agitation or discord, total well-being (all things intact, nothing missing)In the midst of a stressful life, most people are looking for peace. State of tranquility/quietness, freedom from confusion!

The peace we crave is what Jesus offers is more than that…It is something that Only Jesus can give, Jesus tells us that it is HIS peace that He gives to us. He alone has the authority to extend this peace. It is unique to Him.

Three Stage of Peace

1. Peace with God - Because of what Jesus had done - Romans 5:1; “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”
2. Peace of God - Romans 14:17; “For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” All kingdom expression is love. Colossians 3:15;
3. The God of Peace – Is to be manifested from your life Romans 16:20; “And the God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.” The forgiver is within you, Jesus. When you allow Jesus as your forgiver go to that area that is causing frustration. Jesus allows the river of peace.

Who is the Source of true Peace? (John 14:27)This peace is not found in worldly, religious meditation, drugs, and achievements, the peace that we yearn for is something that can only be found in Christ. It may be that the very reason you are here today is because you know that you need something for your life. You know there is an emptiness ... you know you need something.

How Do We Get This Peace? (Romans 5:1) Is it really possible to live in continual peace? To the world, that seems like such an impossible goal to reach. Yet the heart of man yearns to experience peace. Almost continually we hear accounts in the news about different organizations or governments that are trying to bring peace between conflicting groups and nations. People all over the world want to live in peace, not turmoil.

We can have peace with each other - The peace of the Lord is a peace that restores relationships. All throughout the New Testament we see barriers being lifted between people: Jew, Gentile, black or white, slave, free, male, and female. We all are seeking to glorify Him in our lives. We are not competing with each other we are working with each other. See only through Jesus Christ can we have peace with God, and we can have the peace of God. (See 2 Thessalonians, James 3:16)

His peace keeps our hearts and minds free of confusion and helps us live victoriously. (See Philippians 4:7-8)

God’s name is peace, Jehovah Shalom, The Lord my peace and Wholeness” (Judges 6:24, Matthew 11:28-29, John 14:27), the God of peace, and “the God of Peace shall bruise the satan under your feet” (See Romans 16:20).

The Prince of peace is infinitely more powerful and effective than contending and striving in prayer with an anxious, and troubled spirit, Peace is Power.  

Jesus routine: Jesus as the head of His body would not require you to do something that He didn’t do. (See John 14:12). Whether we realize it or not we all have a routine, but we are to follow Jesus routine because He was a model (example), son. Jesus came to show us how man being led by the Holy Spirit can walk the face of the earth and demonstrate the devil defeat and live in total victory while here on earth. If you examine the four gospels Jesus never called a person to receive him, Jesus did call for the people to follow Him, meaning to do what He did.

The Apostle of Christ didn’t get save until John 20:22; “And when he had said this, he breathed on them, and saith unto them, Receive ye the Holy Ghost:”

This was after Jesus resurrection, and the Apostle they didn’t receive the baptism of the Holy Spirit until the day of Pentecost. In Romans 10:9-10; we see that you must receive Jesus as your Lord and Saviour. See Scriptures References: Mark 1:9-12, Matthew 14:23 Mark 1:35-39, Luke 6:12; John 5:19b; John 8:38; Acts 10:38.

1. Peace of God Governs: “Today peace ruled in circumstances and with people” Colossians 3:15 – “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also ye are called in one body; and be ye thankful.”
2. Peace of God Guides: “Make all decision from a place peace.” (Colossians 3:15 AMP). Let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually)
3. Peace of God Gathers: “For the saved and the unsaved.” Shoes of peace (Ephesians 6:15)  “The God of peace shall bruise Satan under your feet” (Romans 16:20) Proclaim peace (Romans 10:15), The bond of peace Ephesians 4:3.
4. Peace of God Guards: “Internal protection and external victory.”– “The peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:7. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind (imagination) is stayed on you because he trusts in you. (Isaiah 26:3) The God of peace will crush the enemy beneath your feet. Romans 16:20;
5. Peace of God Grounds: “It is through practice!” “For the kingdom of God is righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost. Romans 14:17; These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world. John 16:33; But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.

The Enemies of Peace:

There is no peace now for two reasons: the opposition of Satan and the disobedience of man. The fall of the angels and the fall of man established a world without peace. Satan and man are engaged with the God of peace in a battle for sovereignty. (See James 3:16 “giving place to the devil) (See 1 Thessalonians 13:33)

1. Sin is rebellion, and creates strife and distance between our heavenly Father and us. As a result, we feel the conviction of sin, and our peace evaporates.
2. Unbelief When we doubt God’s promises, uncertainty and fear replace our confidence that He will supply all our needs (See Philippians 4:19).
3. Mistreatment Although criticism from others may threaten our peace, no one can take it unless we give it up. Instead of believing people’s unkind or false words, we can choose to hold on to God’s peace.
4. Worry (Anxiety, fear) is projecting tomorrow’s cares upon today results in worry and anxiety, but Jesus said, “Do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (See Matthew 6:34).

        If these were to be banished, we should infallibly enjoy perpetual peace.

Some Keys to ensure that you walking in Peace:

If you are struggling to find peace, you are not alone. Consider the following scriptural advice to help you find, or regain, our missing peace!

1. Change your focus. The Bible instructs us to fix "our eyes on Jesus, who leads us and makes our faith complete" (Hebrews 12:2). As we change our focus -- off of our problems and onto the Lord -- His peace will fill our lives.
2. Change your circumstances. Sometimes it is necessary to take a break from the things that trouble us, even for brief periods of time. Even great men and women of God have at times experienced times of devastating discouragement (1 Kings 19:3-5; 2 Corinthians 4:7-10). Try altering your physical setting for a short time. Also, take a close look at your lifestyle. You may be lacking peace simply because you are not following God's pattern for rest.
3. Change your attitude. Are you facing a difficult situation? The Bible says, "Whatever happens, keep thanking God because of Jesus Christ. This is what God wants you to do" (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Begin to thank God right now and soon you will experience His peace in the midst of the storm.

Summary

Jesus wants to give us peace in every storm, however, in order to have this peace, we must truly understand the gift of peace and have a relationship with the Prince of Peace. If you don’t have a relationship with peace, you will have a relationship with the storms of life. Storms will come, but they don’t have to overcome you. Jesus said; “Peace be still”  because He would not allow peace to leave them, once we know the power of peace, no matter what storm or situation satan tries to bring into your life if he can’t rob you of your peace and the storm will not affect you. 

The Bible began with peace in the Garden of Eden and closes with peace in eternity. Jesus becomes the peace of all who place their faith in Him. Peace can now reign in the hearts of all those who are His heirs. The peace of Christ is also an unending source of strength in the midst of difficulties.

The work of God begins with peace. Peace is the internal serenity that only God can give. Peace is love in repose, with no borrowing of tomorrow’s troubles today. Troubles are not absent. Rather, God is present! When the Holy Spirit has not been grieved the dove of peace is able to alight on the heart. Has peace become more and more a way of life for you this year?

The peace of Christ is a great resource in helping us to know the will of God. Colossians 3:15 says, "Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful." Paul is urging the Colossians to so depend on the peace of Christ that it becomes an umpire in the decisions they have to make in life. Do you have a problem, or a decision to make? Let the peace of Christ make that decision for you.

If you have examined a planned action in the light of God's Word--and His Word does not forbid you from going ahead with it if you can do it and retain the peace of Christ in your heart, then do it with the confidence it is God's will. But if you find you do not have a sense of peace and God's blessing about it, don't do it. Don't try to rationalize about your decision; you may find it makes good sense from the rational point of view. But will it rob your soul of rest and peace? Do you have a sense of confidence that God is in this? If you don't have peace, it is probably the wrong thing to do. Let Christ's peace be the umpire that makes the calls. That is how we are to govern our behaviour.

If you have a personal relationship with Christ, He is your peace and has promised never to leave nor forsake you. If you bring everything to Him in prayer with thanksgiving, His peace will surround and protect you through every situation (Philippians 4:6-7). If you’ll simply look to Him, read His Word, and watch Him work in your life, your heart will be calm—even when your circumstances are anything but.

  For addition information on

"Understanding of the Kingdom of God"

      “Yoking Up with Jesus and Kingdom of God Government”

   www.clmpublication.info