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SIGNIFICANCE OF KINGDOM OF GOD WITHIN YOU

  • Writer: Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
    Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
  • Dec 14, 2024
  • 4 min read

Today’s reading:

Luke 17:20-37

“Nor will they say, ‘See here!’ Or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you (in your hearts) and among you (surrounding you)”. (v. 21 Amp)

The word “the Kingdom of God” is used in both the Old and New Testament books, also known as “the Kingdom of the Son”, “the Kingdom of Heaven”, “My Father’s Kingdom”, and so on. The central theme of Jesus’ preaching when He was on earth was about the Kingdom of God. He taught his disciples and the followers in general, all about this kingdom, extensively recorded in the Gospels, and especially in the book of Matthew in which three chapters are devoted (5-7). Jesus spoke at length about the principles, attributes, characteristics and the benefits (promises) of the Kingdom of God.


In our Today’s reading in v20, the Pharisees who did not believe in Jesus and his messages asked him when the Kingdom of God would come. Jesus’ response is in v21, that it is not here or there but within them. This statement connotes that it was in their hearts and among them. This actually was referring to Jesus himself, who is expected to be (alive) in their hearts and also was being seen physically among them. This explanation is strengthened in vs 22-37, where He went on to enlighten his disciples about his second coming as the Son of Man. Not only was He representing the Kingdom then, but also going to in the future. The three Gospels in the scripture have extensively recorded the life of Jesus, the kingdom of God, while on earth and how man can become a part of the Kingdom.  They also record how to inherit it at his second coming. In John 3:16, it is said that God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, Jesus, to it, that whoever believes in him should not perish, but have eternal life. This is the invitation for salvation. Whoever accepts it becomes born again, and automatically becomes a part of the kingdom of God, Jesus Christ. He becomes a believer. The scripture confirms in John 14:20, Col. 1:27, Gal. 2:20 that Jesus is in (within) you if you are his believer.


The significance of Jesus, the Kingdom of God, being within you as a believer is this: Jesus walked this earth and showed mankind himself as the kingdom of God, in teaching, preaching, character and attributes. If this Jesus lives in you after you accepted him, then logically, you should display his character and attributes as you live your life today on earth. Furthermore, you are expected to proclaim his second coming as He had taught extensively, and also carry out his command to go into the world to preach the gospel and make disciples (Mk. 16:15-18). We are given the “Great Commission” so that the kingdom of God – Jesus, when He returns will be filled with saved souls, who will reign with him in his coming (future) kingdom on earth (Rev. 11:15-18; 21:1-3). Some of the characteristics and attributes expected to be exhibited by believers include: being poor in spirit, meek, mourn for sin, hunger and thirst for righteousness, be merciful, be a peace maker, endure persecution, be a light in the world, forgive, not swear, be truthful, be generous, do not judge, be considerate, be heaven conscious and manifest the “Fruit of the Spirit” (Gal. 5:22-23, Rom. 14:17).


If you do not already belong to Jesus, the Kingdom of God, here is another opportunity. Once you accept Jesus’ sacrifice of forgiving your sin as you confess them to him, and you repent of them, and thereby, accept him as your Lord and Saviour, you are born again, become a believer. Jesus begins to live in you and also the Holy Spirit, who will begin the process of sanctification. You become washed clean of your sins and live a Christ-like life that pleases God. As Jesus lives in you now, in the future when He returns, you will live and reign with him in his coming kingdom.

                                                                        CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI



To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud; “Father, I acknowledge my sin against you. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord,”.

If you said the prayer, Congratulations!  Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident pastor, priest or reverend.



Prayer:

  1. Father, thank you for the gift of your Son Jesus to the world.

  2. Precious Lord, we thank you for living in us as believers, help us to manifest your character in the world.

  3. Father, help us to live in such a way that we will inherit Your kingdom with Jesus at last.

  4. Father, help the church to bring souls into Your kingdom through Jesus.

  5. Father, deliver our nation from all sorts of perversion, so that your kingdom will be brought to it through Jesus.

 
 
 

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