THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
PART ONE
NATURAL VS SPIRITUAL
The Bible, from Genesis to Revelation, focuses on the plan of salvation for God's children.
It’s a spiritual book written in a natural dialogue. We will study what is written in the natural while discerning its spiritual interpretations.
The focus of this study is on the kingdom of heaven. It’s divided into three parts.
The first study which we will begin with is subtitled: Natural vs. Spiritual;
The second: Responsibility;
The third: Divine Rulership.
“But the natural man receives not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.”
Let’s start this study with a short story.
Tom was born and raised in this world called earth. He had never been to Heaven but growing up he often heard about it. Because he had never experienced Heaven, little was factually known. As a child his parents took him to church and told him about this spiritual place called Heaven and about the God that created all that is seen and unseen. The spiritual seed of God’s Word was being planted. However, due to his environment and natural tendencies, his attention was primarily directed toward his immediate surroundings.
During Tom’s young adulthood, he experienced an adverse incident. His life took a turn for the worse. During this time, he begins to reflect on the spiritual teachings he had received in his youth. He was moved in his spirit to pray about his situation and seek guidance from the Lord. He discussed his recent experience with a close friend. His friend encouraged him and told him simply that God can do all things. That Jesus is our help in times of trouble. The friend invited Tom to attend church with him. The invitation was accepted.
While at church the alter call was given. Tom was moved in his heart to answer the call. After he accepted the call, the doors to the kingdom of heaven opened for him, marking the start of Tom’s spiritual journey.
The world, which is not a spiritual home to us, acknowledges only the physical aspects that belong to it. We all live in our physical bodies, and we are subject to engage in activities driven by our physical desires because of the sinful nature we were born with. However, humanity was not created to engage in selfish, sinful activities.
“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. .”
As humans we were created as spiritual/human beings. Man didn’t become a living soul until God, who is Spirit, breathe “into man” the breath of life. We are spiritual beings. However, because Adam & Eve chose death over life, the flesh (natural) over the spirit (Spiritual), humanity can only identify with the natural world ruled by sin and death.
“But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ died for us even though we were sinful.”
Our Heavenly Father never gave up on his creation. Jesus the Christ, God manifested in the flesh, was born into this world to save humanity from their sins. However, there are two scriptures that must be understood about salvation.
First. “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not from yourself it is the gift of God. Not by work so that no one can boast."
You play no role in your salvation. God’s Spirit calls you according to John 6:44; Romans 8:29. You do have the responsibility of answering the call.
Secondly. “Workout your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
Once saved we have a responsibility to walk in our spiritual nature and deny the lust of our natural fleshly nature, which is also called the carnal. Once we have been saved adjustments must start to take place. We are now in the kingdom of heaven. Let’s now begin to discern the spiritual from the natural.
The first time we are introduced to this new kingdom is by John the Baptist.
“Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
All born-again believers belong to a spiritual inward kingdom.
John the Baptist is not just speaking of repentance from our sinful nature, but from the old mindset that we were born with. That which we had learned in the natural by our five senses. In the above verse John, the Baptist is telling the Children of Israel that a new kingdom is coming on the scene. One that they are not familiar with. They're not familiar with it because it's not a natural kingdom but a spiritual one.
The people of Israel, who were God’s chosen people, had become religiously and politically minded by adding religious traditions to the Mosaic law. God’s mercy and kindness towards the people was not seen among the Pharisees and Sadducees who were the two major religious groups in Israel at that time. Pharisees were more religious minded (keeping the rituals and the traditions of the mosaic law) while the Sadducees were more politically minded and did not believe in the resurrection. Both were high-minded. Thinking more highly of their positions than their purpose. Both groups were focusing on the natural instead of the spiritual. They were divided in their religious thoughts and didn’t get along very well.
Scriptural references:
1 Corinthians 2:14 KJV; 1 John 2:15,16; Romans 5:8;
Ephesians. 2:8,9; Romans 10:9 Philippians 2:12.
Other reference:
2 Timothy 2:15; Refer. Matthews 3:1
Refer. Mark 7:7-9.
Refer. Matthew 3:4-9; Luke 20:27.
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
You Must be Born Again
Turn to John 3:3,5,6 – Reading from the New International Version (NIV).
Nicodemus, a Pharisee and member of the Jewish council, came to Jesus at night and said.
V.3 "I know you are a teacher come from God and the miracles you do God must be with you."
Yahshua which is Hebrew for Jesus which is Latin and means the Savior. He is mentioned as a prophesied figure in the Old Testament to the Jewish people.
“For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace."
"Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even forever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.”
Isiash 9:6,7
Nicodemus knew the kingdom would be rule by God. He thought it would be restored on earth and incorporated by God’s people the children of Israel. However, he as well as all the religious rulers and the people of Israel were looking for a natural (earthly) kingdom to be restored. The earthly nation of Israel would not be declared a nation until 1948.
Introduction of the Spiritual
Introduction of the spiritual
V.5 Jesus answered, “I tell you; no one can enter the kingdom of God unless they are born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to the flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to the spirit.
Jesus makes it clear that the kingdom he is speaking of is not an earthly or fleshly kingdom. You must be born again by the Spirit of God. During natural birth, humans give birth to human offspring. This isn’t the case in spiritual birth. Only the Spirit can give birth to God spiritual offspring.
V.6. The thing that has been born from the physical body is a physical body, and the thing that has been born from the Spirit is a spirit.
Jesus is letting Nicodemus know that this is a spiritual kingdom not an earthly one. In Luke 17:20-21, some Pharisees approached Jesus to inquire about the arrival of the kingdom of heaven. Jesus told them they were looking for an earthly kingdom and would not find it because God’s kingdom is a spiritual kingdom and dwells within.
This is where the spiritual and the natural man gets entangled. Once again Man was created a spiritual/human being. Once humanity fell into sin and death, the mind of humanity was plunged into the darkness of sin. The natural man could not receive the things of the Spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual mind of man was hidden in the voidness of darkness.
Refer. 1 Corinthians 2:14
“As it is written, No one is acceptable to God! Not one of them understands or even searches for God. They have all turned away and are worthless. There is no person who does right. Their words are like an open pit and their tongues are good only for telling lies. Each word is as deadly as the fangs of a snake. Their mouths are filled with nothing but cursing and bitterness. These people quickly become violent. Wherever they go they leave ruin and destruction. They don't know how to live in peace. They don't even fear God.”
Romans 3:10-18
Humans originate in a physical environment, perceiving the material world primarily through mental faculties and sensory experience. We are born into a world filled with those things that are contrary to spiritual truth, God’s Word. We are unable to comprehend God’s Word because our five senses naturally gravitate to what is seen and not to that which is unseen. The spirit of this world, evil spirits, control our five senses through the lust of the flush, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life.
As born-again believers: “What we have received is not from the spirit of this world, but the Spirit who is from God, so that we may understand what God has freely given us.”
1 Corinthians 2:12-14 BBKJV
Jesus, the Son of God died to free us from the spirit of death. To resurrect us out of darkness back into his marvelous light. To free our minds so that we may know what his good and perfect will is. To walk once again in the spiritual image and likeness that he created us in. Through grace, we have entered his Spiritual kingdom where the children of Light reside. If we believe in Jesus, who is the Word of God, the Holy Spirit will open our eyes once again to his spiritual truth.
“This is what we speak, not in the words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by Spirit, explaining spiritual realities with Spirit-taught words.”
1 Corinthians 2:13 Refer - Gal 5:16,17: Eph 2:8,9
Nicodemus, the Pharisee could not understand the spiritual kingdom of heaven that John the Baptist spoke of because he was still focused on the natural earthly kingdom. Jesus says that to receive the Spirit and understand God's Word, one must be born again.
This applies to us today. To understand the Bible's spiritual meaning, we must be born again. Our language and focus have changed. We have entered a new spiritual dimension. We no longer focus on the things of this world but on spiritual heavenly things. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He guides us daily to understand the kingdom.
Refer - Col 3:2; John 14:26; 16:13; 1 John 2:15-17
You must be born again of the Spirit. We are now individuals capable of viewing life from a more comprehensive spiritual perspective, extending beyond its natural or material dimensions. Our five senses are not the primary means of navigation through life anymore. We are now discerners of spiritual things that dwell in the kingdom of heaven. We must never forget and continue to remember that the kingdom of heaven now once again lives within you if you’ve been born again.
Refer – Luke 17:21; 1 Cor 6:19,20
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
Let’s review.
We were created spiritual human beings.
Genesis 1:26,27
Because of disobedience to God’s Word, humanity lost the power (authority, dominion) on the earth. The spirit of eternal life was removed, and death entered the heart and mind of humanity. The earth is now ruled by evil spirits.
Genesis 2:15,16; Romans 3:10; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12
God had a plan to redeem humanity back to himself. Grace would replace the law, and faith would be the prerequisite needed to enter God’s calling.
Ephesians. 2:8,9
To enter God's kingdom, one must be born of the Spirit.
John 3:5
Once we are born again of the Spirit, we must free our minds from the natural lifestyle that we once lived in. Our minds must be transformed into a spiritual mindset.
Romans 12:1,2; 2 Corinthians 4:16; Philippians 2:12
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
Our next study will be “Responsibility” in the kingdom of heaven.
Sermons / Teachings
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THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
PART TWO
RESPONSIBILITY
In the previous study, “Natural vs. Spiritual, it’s understood that before we can comprehend the spiritual world that lives within the believer we must be born again by God’s Spirit. The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. He helps us to discern the word of God, the bible. The Bible is written in an everyday, earthly style, but its spiritual significance can only be truly grasped by an individual's own spirit.
Once we have entered the kingdom of heaven, we are given the responsibility to grow in the spirit. “Like newborn babies crave pure spiritual milk so that by it you may grow up in your salvation now that you have tasted that the Lord is good.”
Wisdom
What does wisdom have to do with our responsibilities in the kingdom of heaven? First, it’s essential to look at what wisdom means because it forms the foundation for understanding our obligations. Gaining wisdom is key to unlocking deeper truths about our spiritual journey within God’s kingdom.
The Hebrew word chakam (H2449) is often translated as "wisdom." According to Strong's Hebrew and Greek concordance, one of the meanings of the word from H2449 is "wisdom" (in a good sense), which includes "skillful," "wisdom," and "wisely." This highlights the positive connotations of the term and its significance in understanding the qualities associated with wisdom in biblical context. We see that one of the Hebrew words to describe wisdom is SKILLFUL. Skillful means having the learned ability to master a task.
Life is about skill development. This takes effort on our part. We are here to learn the skills of life, true life. John 10:10 speaks about the abundance of life that Jesus died so that we may have. However, this scripture isn’t just speaking of material abundance, but the spiritual abundance Adam and Eve had before the fall. God said, "Now we will make humans, and they will be like us."
We will let them rule the fish, the birds, and all other living creatures." Rulership is a responsibility. Responsibility simply means to respond to the abilities that God has placed within us. Man faced responsibility even before his creation. “no grass or plants were growing anywhere. God had not yet sent any rain, and there was no one to work the land.”
The natural reason for man’s existence is centered on personal growth, the pursuit of wisdom, and fulfilling the responsibilities bestowed upon us. Our existence finds meaning in developing our abilities, seeking understanding, and contributing positively to the world around us. In the context of the kingdom of heaven, this purpose is reflected in our continual effort to gain wisdom (skillfulness), allowing us to respond to the gifts and abilities God has placed within us. Spiritual responsibility is what we will be looking at in this study.
When reading the Word of God, The Bible, we must understand that there natural and spiritual dimensions in each text. We will examine the term "wisdom," which is characterized by the attribute of being skillful. Each season of our life requires wisdom, and the gaining of understanding helps us to see through to the next season of our earthly journey. “All wisdom comes from the LORD, and so does common sense and understanding.”
It is important not to become discouraged by setbacks encountered while learning a new task. “God gives helpful advice to everyone who obeys him and protects all of those who live as they should.”
God created man in his image and his likeness. Man, is universal to include male and female. All individuals share a responsibility to make use of their abilities in a thoughtful and accountable manner. “My child, you must follow and treasure my teachings and my instructions.”
❖ Scriptural References1 Peter 2:2,3; Genesis 1:26; 2:5; Proverbs 2:1,6,7.
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
Accountability
The first skill that every human must learn is the skill of balance and equilibrium. The Wisdom (skillfulness) to learn how to balance is both a spiritual and natural connotation. A toddler falling and becoming discouraged is natural. The spiritual is that move to try again. Trying again is the only way to learn the skill (wisdom) of balance.
During the toddler’s season of standing and falling, the skill of balance is at work. The mind is pushingthoughts of progression. The brain is working to understand this skill after each fall. Back in the day many infants learned to walk by walking along the side of the wall or using furniture to get to their destination.No matter how this skill is learned, Wisdom is in motion. In other words, the mind is determined to learn this skill and the brain is taking notes.
The skill of balance
1. You must remain focus on skills that God has blessed you with. Your skills are knowledge gained from life experience(s).
“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”
God is remarkably diverse. Within each of us there is talent and skill. Wisdom is called skill in Hebrew I believe because without it there is no development, no progressiveness in life. Wisdom is the obtaining of knowledge. If individuals do not acquire knowledge from their experiences, they will not develop wisdom. Your talents and skills will not develop.
“The kingdom is also like what happened when a man went away and put his three servants in charge of all he owned.” You should read this parable found in Matthew 25:14-30 if you are not familiar with it.
❖ Scriptural reference; Ephesians 2:10 ESV
The Knowledge of …
2. You must be determined to master the skill that God has placed within you.
“Let every skilled and talented man among you come and produce everything that the LORD has commanded.”
The principal thing, or the expectable rule of conduct is Wisdom. Learning the skills that God has placed within you. We can get a deeper understanding taken from the illustration of an infant acquiring an understanding of physical balance.
Let’s review the first steps of the toddler previously spoken of. The skill of balance has now been learned. They can walk independently without requiring any assistance or support. Wisdom has mastered its task. This experience leads to greater understanding.
Understanding is your ability to progress to the next level. Spiritually speaking, understanding is the diligence needed to be progressive in the skill(s) that God has given.
With this knowledge we progress to understanding more about this newfound skill. As that toddler grows, they become “skillful” in the knowledge of balance.
The infant knows how to walk by mastering balance. Now it’s time to get understanding. They’re moved once again by the mind to see what other advantages can be learned from this skill. Have you ever noticed how much toddlers love to run?
Walking is one of the advantages but with this skill comes other advantages. Running, climbing, jumping and more. Understanding gathers the experiences learned from the skill of balance to progress. Until you master the skill of balance you will not receive understanding that there’s more to learn. The same is true when speaking on spiritual progression.
“For this very reason, make every effort to add to your faith excellence, knowledge, self-control, perseverance, godliness, brotherly affection and unselfish love.”
Understanding the skill of balance will move you to master other things in life. Looking at it from a spiritual perspective we are to understand how to walk in the spirit and not in the flesh. This is the spiritual skill of balance. “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and you will not fall into the lust of the flesh.”
We’re living in this world but have to understand that it’s not our home. It’s a responsibility given for man to learn from. Understanding how to advance in our spiritual skills. So, the question may be asked what spiritual skill(s) are we to learn and master? “But without faith no one can please God. We must believe that God is real and that he rewards everyone who searches for him.”
This is the starting point. Understanding how to use faith to advance you in the knowledge of God. The abundance of True life. The mastery of life’s tasks is getting to know our creator and walking once again in his spiritual image and likeness.
❖ Scriptural references; Exodus 35:10 AMP;
2 Peter 1:5-7 NET; Galatians 5:16; Hebrews 11:6 CEV.
Advance spiritually
3. Doing so much but not spiritually maturing in the knowledge of God.
“I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I have made you strong, though you have not known me: I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and create disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.”
We can have all the knowledge there is. However, what good is it if you don’t know nor acknowledge the God that gave it to you. Worshiping the gifts, talents, and skills more than the God that placed them within you.
Before spiritual advancement can take place, acknowledgment must be the first order of business. Our Heavenly Father must be acknowledged in all things. Pride takes our focus from truth and turns it to self. Pride tells us that we are in control of our destiny. We are the authors and finishers of our faith. We often assume the roles of both judge and jury when evaluating others, while neglecting to apply the same scrutiny to our own circumstances. We become demigods. We may be advancing in this physical world but regressing in the kingdom of Heaven.
The term Complacency refers to a sense of self-satisfaction or contentment regarding one's actions or accomplishments, often without critical evaluation. “The LORD detests all the proud of heart. Be sure of this: They will not go unpunished. Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall.” The Trojan horse virus of sin is pride.
There are natural and spiritual skills. Natural skill development plays an essential role in the growth of individuals, as well as the advancement of families, communities and cultures. It is the skills needed to survive in this world. However, there is an order, a process in the development of wisdom, be it in the natural or spiritual. You must first acknowledge that the skill was placed there by God.
Once again, “All wisdom (skills) comes from the LORD, and so do common sense and understanding.”
Secondly, all skills have a purpose and most of all an order or time. A baby must learn to crawl before they walk.
We are called to first seek, aim at, strive after His kingdom and His righteousness. Seek His ways and aim at walking in His righteousness—the attitude and character of God. Then God will bless you with the desires of your heart. Matthew 6:33 tells us our purpose. To seek God. Only he knows the time for spiritual advancement.
We can become stagnant in spiritual growth when we become captain of a ship we don’t own.
“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fullness of it, The world, and those who dwell in it.”
We can become successful in this world and fail to acknowledge that the skills used for success came from God. Complacent… You’ve gained the “world” but lost your soul.
❖ Scriptural references; Isaiah 45:5-7; Proverbs 16:5; Psalm 24:1
4. Operating from an old playbook.
What worked yesterday does not necessarily mean it will work today.
God is looking for spiritual progressiveness.
“Therefore, if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold,
all things are becoming new.”
Once you’ve been born again, you must learn a new skill. You must learn to walk spiritually. Each day learning how to depend on Christ who is our example. Understanding that you have been bought with a price according to 1Corinthians 6:20. You have been saved by God grace because of the sacrifice Jesus made for us on the cross.
His Spirit lives within you and is teaching you how to walk within this new kingdom. Your old way of thinking and acting must change. A new spiritual skill must be learned. You are now learning what it is to live in the spiritual world. No longer an independent being but depend on God to show you his ways while walking this new spiritual path.
“When I was a child, I talked like a child I thought like a child I reasoned like a child but when I became an adult I set aside childish ways.” Before your new birth you were just a kid walking in accordance with your will and fleshly desires that would lead to death and eternal damnation. Now, you are a new creature, and it is your responsibility to learn how to mature spiritually into the person God has called you to be.
Scriptural reference; 2 Corinthians 5:17
5. Not seeking to take advantage of new opportunities.
Insanity is looked at as doing the same things repeatedly and expecting a different result. God will open the door to new opportunities but often our fears close them. This can be caused by passed experiences, listening to and being around the wrong people. The culture we grew up in and our unwillingness to explore new ones.
“ If you want to live give up your foolishness and let understanding guide your steps.”
“ Don't fool yourself. Bad friends will destroy you.”
Scriptural reference; Proverbs 9:6; 1 Corinthians 15:33
6. You’re not maintaining or building your contacts and relationships that are the currency of growth.
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you, do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you.”
Knowledge puffs up the Bible tells us. When a skill is found some begin to get big headed. Know it all’s. Willing to give advice but unwilling to receive it.
We are to Invest in each other. In truth and wisdom, discipline and good sense, and don't part from them. Love must be the motive as we share wisdom (skills) with others.
“For just as each of us have one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.”
Today our skills must be focused on Kingdom building, labors with Christ Jesus takes patience. Patience builds and strengthens our faith. And we need faith.
Scriptural reference; Romans 12:3-5 NIV.
Transformation.
7. Knowledge is gained as we exercise the spiritual wisdom given to all of mankind, the measure of faith. However, only the ones who have received Jesus will use their faith to build his kingdom.
“Don't be like the people of this world but let God change the way you think. Then you will know how to do everything that is good and pleasing to him." Romans 12:2 CEV
It’s important to understand that Jesus saved our spirit. He is saving our soul and will save our body. The spirit is saved. The Bible tells us in Romans 8:35-39 that nothing can separate us from the love of God… How? because our spirit has once again been united to the Father by the sacrifice of his son Jesus the Christ and the spiritual rebirth of that individual.
The soul is going through a metamorphosis. “be transformed by the renewal of the mind…” this is a process. The bible tells us to work out our salvation. This is done by changing our mind. “workout your own salvation with fear and trembling.” How is this done?
1. We must learn how to submit to the will of our Creator by:
a) Humbling yourself in the sight of the Lord. You are under His care, bought with the blood of Yahshua, Hebrew for Jesus. You are no longer your own. When you begin to recognize Jesus as the author and finisher of your faith, then the Lord will begin to spiritually lift you up.
References James 4:7; 1Corinthians 6:19,20
b) Study the Word (bible) so that you may be approved by God, a workman that isn’t ashamed of change, rightly dividing the Word of truth. For the Word reveals God’s will to you and for you.
Reference. 2Timothy 2:15
c) You are no longer dependent on self. Your spiritual journey is now in the hands of the Holy Spirit who lives within you. He will teach, guide you and comfort you into the will of God. However, you must be a willing vessel. “Not my will be done, but yours Lord.”
Reference, John 14:15; 16:13; Proverbs 3:5,6; Isaiah 41:13
d) By keeping your mind on what is true, pure, right, holy, friendly, and proper. Don't ever stop thinking about what is truly worthwhile and worthy of praise. Jesus instructed his disciples to apply in practice all that they had learned, received, heard, or observed from him. If this is done, then the peace of God will be with you
Refer. Philippians 4:8,9
2. The body is dying. As we summit to the will of God and study his Word our mind begins to bring our body into subjection. The Word tells us to present our body as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is our reasonable service.
Jesus made the ultimate body sacrifice. Therefore, we are to think the same way that Christ Jesus thought. We are to have the same mindset as Jesus had. This mind that was in Christ was focused on mastering the skill of faith which is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we don’t see.
The body is only interested in fulfilling its fleshly desires with the things it sees. However, as born-again spiritual beings we must now understand that the universe was created by the command of God. What we can see (all forms of matter) was not made from the visible but the invisible. Over 90% of everything that makes up the universe are invisible to the eye. We must change our focus, our mind from the natural visible world to the spiritual world. This body will return to the ground where it came from. If you follow the guidance of God's Spirit, you will begin to develop spiritual eyes and ears to discern the spiritual world that lives within you which is called the kingdom of heaven. We must live in this earthly body while in this world, but it is not to control our worldly appetites. We have a hope of receiving a new glorified body in eternity once this earthly journey has ended.
Refer. 1Corinthians 15:35-44
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
Our next study will be “Divine Rulership”
in the kingdom of heaven.
THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
PART THREE
DIVINE RULERSHIP
“I am the Lord, and there is none else, there is no God beside me: I have made you strong, though you have not known me: I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I bring prosperity and disaster; I, the Lord, do all these things.
And God said unto Moses, I AM THAT I AM.”
Continuing with the series “The kingdom of heaven,” we enter divine rulership, kingdom order. It is essential that all things are done in a decent, orderly manner within the kingdom of heaven.The first order of business the Lord wants to make perfectly clear is found in the above scriptures, “He and he along is God.” He can make you strong or weak. God created and continually creates all things for his good pleasure. The good, the bad, and the ugly. He is the “I am.” The One and only baby. Ain’t nobody running this but God. You better get some understanding while in this kingdom. This is the focus of this study.
It is in the kingdom of heaven where order is restored. Not to the world but to the sons and daughters of light. Restoring order for those who are running in the race. Those who have been chosen to fight the good fight of faith.
However, to reveal the identity of the chosen sons and daughters of light, testing is in order. The testing of our faith. These testing’s (the trials and tribulations of life) take place in the kingdom of heaven. Each time we pass a test by placing our trust in the Lord we draw closer to him. As time goes on, the outer man (the flesh) begins to slowly die and the inward man (the spirit) is continually being renewed daily. We slowly begin to be transformed back into the image and likeness of our Heavenly Father. This is a lifelong process.
Our Heavenly Father is pleased when he observes his creation, exercising the faith he has given. Our faith is exercised by our choices. It is an exercise in the true sense of the word. “Work outyour own salvation with fear and trembling.”
It gives pleasure to the Father God to see our faith in him at work. For without faith, it is impossible to please him. He grants spiritual blessings to those who sincerely seek him.
So, where is the kingdom of heaven? It’s within you, where the Holy Ghost dwells. In your mind where thoughts are produced. The Christian must reject the similarities of the character of the god of darkness and be transformed back into the spiritual mindset and image of God. Jesus who is the light of the world is our example. As a result, we should adopt the mindset that Jesus had.
Scripture references:
Isaiah 45:5-7 NIV: Exodus 3:14 KJV; Philippians 2:12b.
The Test of Life
In the predestined plans of salvation, four spiritual obstacle courses would be created to test the faith of Man (universal for male and female). The obstacles are the testing of our faith, and the course is a walk of blind faith.
A system of kingdoms was set in place by the Father God. Each kingdom was and is a testing ground that the sons and daughters of light must go through.
The four governing kingdoms established by the Father God are:
1. The kingdom of God Consciousness.
The garden of Eden. Choice.
2. The kingdom of this world.
A kingdom of self-righteousness.
3. The kingdom of heaven.
A divine spiritual kingdom. Choice, second and last chance.
4. The Kingdom of Heaven.
The real Kingdom, Heaven. Faith’s reward.
The first hurdle was planted in the garden of Eden in the era of the kingdom of God Consciousness. Two trees were present in the garden, the tree of life with no restrictions, and the tree of the knowledge of good and evil where restrictions were given. Both were in the garden. God commanded the man saying don’t eat from this tree. Death awaits you if you choose to disobey my Word... “If you love me Adam obey me by keeping my Word.” Belief vs. unbelief is an obstacle. Choice; the exercise of faith. Belief in and obedience to God’s Word. This is the only strength needed in overcoming this world’s stumbling blocks as we walk by faith and not by sight.
And the Lord God took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to dress it and to keep it. Study scriptures below. Strong concordance was used to get the original meaning of the following words.
Garden – fenced.
“Have you not placed a hedge (fence) around him, his house, and all that he has on every side?”
Dress – serve, keep in bondage.
“We tear down worthless arguments, and every arrogant obstacle that raises against the knowledge of God and bring every thought into submission to the will of Christ.”
Keep – guard, attend to take heed to self.
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind remains on you: because his trust is in you.”
It should be emphasized that when God told Adam to dress and keep the garden, it has a natural and a spiritual implication. God is not just telling Adam to maintain the area of the garden that surrounds him but the area that lives within him where Adam’s spirit dwelled.
God gave man a command, a Word of Truth, a Choice. Man failed to obey God’s Word and was removed from the kingdom of God consciousness into the second kingdom, the kingdom of this world. The authority and power given to man to rule and subdue the earth has now been transferred to demonic forces because of Man’s disobedience to the Word of God. Man fails todress and keep the spirit of his mind in obedience to God’s Word. Now the earth is ruled by Satan and the fallen angels.
“Don’t you know that whoever you provide yourselves as servants to obey, his servant you are because that’s who you obey; its either sin which leads to death, or obedience which leads to righteousness?”
When mankind entered the second system of kingdoms, the kingdom of this world man fail from being eternal (spiritual) beings into finite (carnal) beings. The mind of humanity became void of spiritual understanding. Darkness held humanity’s mind in a state of misery, destruction, death, ignorance, sorrow, and wickedness.
The mind of Adam and Eve became worthless, a desolate place. Man, no longer recognized or acknowledge God as God. Darkness was once again upon the earth.
“There is no one righteous, not even one; there is no one who understands; there is no one who seeks God. All have turned away, they have together become worthless; there is no one who does good, not even one.”
In the kingdom of God Consciousness, the mind, the consciousness of Adam and Eve were spiritual. Human consciousness recognized its inner spirit as supreme. As God’s children, Adam and Eve had the spiritual power to walk in 100% spirit. Their personality and character manifested the fruit of God’s Spirit in royal honor. They acknowledged God as their Father their maker. The maker of all that is seen and unseen. The supplier of all their needs. Because of his love they could lie down and sleep peacefully. For it is the LORD who makes them safe and secure.
The sovereign, supreme Lord God. His Mercy and Truth have united; Righteousness and Peace have kissed each other. And the beauty of Truth has given birth upon the earth; and Righteousness has looked down from heaven.
Man knew that the indwelling of the Spirit of God lived within their being. Within Man God planted the seed of the tree of life. “…and God breathed into him the breath of life…”
However, before life entered Man, the Lord used the dust of the earth to form the body of manwhere he would house his Spirit. God formed Man’s body from the dust of the earth. Lying restless within the dust were the celestial debris that had settled after the angelic fall of Satan and the angels. These fallen rejected spirits were held in chains in the darkness of the earth. Heaven’s waste had fallen into a state of oblivion. We read the effects of their fall in Genesis 1:2:
“And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep.”
These rejected angelic spirits were without form, meaning they were desolate, a worthless thing. They were void, of the light of righteous thought, meaningless. Placed in a state of darkness, misery, destruction, death and ignorance, sorrow, and wickedness. Held in captivity by the deep; the abyss, the grave.
Within the human body carried the hidden mystery of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil which was held in captivity by the breath of life, God’s Holy Spirit.
After creating the body of man, God took him from where he was created and places him in the garden of Eden, the kingdom of God consciousness. Adam and Eve were originally created as eternal beings; this marked the beginning of humanity's journey into eternity. The race begins in the garden of Eden.
To remain eternal beings, a test of faith was required. In the soul of Man choice was placed and the testing of their faith would be evaluated. The Word of God start’s the race with this one command, “eat not the forbidden fruit, if you do, death awaits you.” And the race begins.
A ruling governing system of self-righteousness begins to manifest itself within the earth. This system is governed by principalities, powers, rulers of the darkness of this world, spiritual wickedness in high places. The dust that man was created from has taken control of man’s flesh, the body. God’s Holy Spirit no longer ruled over the body, giving it spiritual life, because of Man’s disobedience to God’s command. Because of sin (disobedience to truth) death enters the body. Demonic spirits cause humanity to crave after the lustful things of the earth.
“ For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.”
Satan became the god of this world by playing with God’s Word and Eve’s curiosity. The Spiritual seed of God’s righteousness in humanity was removed because of man’s failure to dress and keep the Word as truth. The tree of life that lived within Man’s consciousness was removed and remained hidden until the mystery of salvation was revealed.
However, during the era of the kingdom of this world, God had chosen vessels, remnants of light planted on the earth. Abel, Noah, Abraham, Moses, and the prophets to name a few. Referred to in scripture as a great cloud of witnesses.
“These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised.”
Read Hebrews 12:1. These witnesses were manifested in the earth to spotlight the tree of life Jesus the Christ.
Scripture References: Genesis 1:2;Job 1:10;
2 Corinthians 10:5; Proverbs 4:23;
Philippians 4:7; Isaiah 26:3.
Romans 6:16; Romans 3:10-12 NIV;
1 John 2:16; Hebrews 11:39 NIV
Insights
Without spiritual understanding, the Bible will always look like a natural history book. But when studied with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Scripture becomes a living revelation that reshapes our thinking, our decisions, and our entire walk with God.
Sanctification
The mystery of salvation has now been unveiled. Yeshua, Hebrew for Jesus, has revealed the mystery, the plan of salvation. He has won the victory through death and his resurrection.
The second obstacle course known as the kingdom of this world has now entered its final season. It has a date with judgement and eternal damnation. The depths of hell awaits the spirits of disobedience.
The Father God sacrificed his Word, Jesus the Christ, and sent it to this world not just to suffer physical death but also to manifest spiritual sanctification. The Father’s agape love, his amazing grace, his undeserving mercy, and favor are manifested through his Word unto the sons and daughters of the light.
“For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead bodily.”
He is presently sanctifying the sons and daughters of God by the Spirit of his Word. Showing us the way to heaven’s victory. The obstacle course in the kingdom of heaven is now in play. The third kingdom.
“… Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.”
In this kingdom, sanctification is needed. The separation of wheat from weeds. There’s only one way for the true children of light to enter the kingdom of heaven.
“Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.” Notice in this verse what Jesus says, “…he can’t see the kingdom of God.”
To See means: to gaze (that is with wide open eyes as at something remarkable.) There will be some who will see the kingdom, but they weren’t born again. “Not everyone that says to me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven…”
The born-again Christian has now been called with a holy calling. Our calling is not based on our actions or achievements, but on the purpose and grace of the Lord, which were determined by God before the foundation of the world.
Still keeping our view on the kingdom of heaven, let’s take a closer look at a parable Jesus used to describe what the kingdom of heaven can be compared to.
"The kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who gave a wedding banquet for his son.” His invited guests were called to attend the banquet, but they would not come. He called a second time, but they went away, back to their business. So, he sent his servants into the main streets to invite everyone to the wedding banquet, both bad and good, and the wedding hall was filled with guests.
When the king went in to meet the guests, he found that one of them wasn't wearing the right kind of clothes for the wedding. The king asked, "Friend, why didn't you wear proper clothes for the wedding?" But the guest had no excuse. So, the king gave orders for that person to be tied hand and foot and to be thrown outside into the dark. That's where people will cry and grit their teeth in pain. Many are invited, but only a few are chosen.”
In the first half of this parable, the king called his invited guest, (the children of Israel.) Twice they were called to attend the wedding banquet. However, Jesus called out to them, but they received him not.
The second half of this parable reference is given to the Gentile people who didn’t know or recognize God as God. The Corinthians, Ephesians, Thessalonians were looked upon by the children of Israel as Gentiles because of their non-belief in the true God -Elohim. The gentiles have been grafted into the natural branch who were the children of Israel. The church has been adopted as heirs and joint heirs with Christ. A diverse church of believers in the risen Christ.
“Maybe you think those branches {the children of Israel} were cut away, so that you could be put in their place. That's true enough. But they were cut away because they did not have faith, and you are where you are because you do have faith. So don't be proud but be afraid. If God cut away those natural branches, couldn't he do the same to you?”
In the third part of this parable, we find someone who is not dressed accordingly for the wedding banquet. The guest was blessed to see the wedding banquet hall. However, he was not clothed in the garment of Christ’s righteousness but in self- righteousness. So don't be proud but be afraid. If God cut away those natural branches, couldn't he do the same to you?We were saved by faith in God, so there is nothing we can brag about. Self-exhortation is a form of self-righteousness and self-righteousness has no place in the kingdom of God.
In John 3:3 we read Jesus saying, "I tell you for certain that you must be born from above before you can see God's kingdom!" However, in John 3:5 the focus isn’t just on seeing the kingdom of heaven but entering it.
"I tell you the solemn truth, unless a person is born of water and spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God."
Being born again isn’t an emotional experience. It’s a spiritual one. It’s the hovering of the Holy Ghost over your life and in its season resting upon you. It’s an effortless experience. You don’t choose God, he chooses you. God calls all of humanity to repent. He calls each person in a manner unique to them. The calling may come through your family as you are being raised. Through preacher you heard speaking God’s Word. As you journey throughout this lifesomething within may be trying to get your attention, moving you to seek the Lord. No matter how you sense God's Spirit reaching out to you, it's wise to respond when that call comes. Seek him while he may be found.
Those who have been spiritually renewed are once again given the opportunity to partake in the tree of life. We are to spiritually eat and digest the Word of God and walk by faith in his Spirit. This is what His Word has spoken. This is a covenant of belief. A covenant of blind faith.
Just as Jesus had to overcome his flesh, we are to work out our salvation with fear and trembling.
A steadfast commitment of faith that endures to the finish line. It’s in the kingdom of heaven that the finish line is found, the end of the race. Just as the tree of life dwelled in the mind of Adam and Eve, the kingdom of heaven lives within those that are born of God’s Spirit.
“If you have ears, listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will let everyone who wins the victory (the spiritual race) eat from the life-giving tree in God's wonderful garden.”
Once we have been called and accepted this holy calling of God’s Spirit we have entered an agreement, a covenant. This is a sacred and holy covenant. One that is not to be taken for granted.
“Now as they were eating Jesus took bread, and after blessing it, He broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, "Take, eat; this is My body." And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you; for this is My blood of the [new and better] covenant, which [ratifies the agreement and] is being poured out for many [as a substitutionary atonement] for the forgiveness of sins.”
“Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is within you, whom you have [received as a gift] from God, and that you are not your own [property]? You were bought with a price [you were purchased with the precious blood of Jesus and made His own]. So then, honor and glorify God with your body.”
Scriptural References: Colossians 2:9 KJV; Matthew 4:17b KJV; John 3:3;Matthew 7:27; Reference also Matthew 22:11-14. Ephesians 2:8-9; Matthew 22;Romans 11:19-21 CEV John 3:5-8 NET; Revelation 2:7 CEV; Matthew 26:26-28 AMP;1 Corinthians 6:19-20 AMP. Ref. John 6:44; 15:16
Recognizing Kingdom Authority
Since the resurrection of Christ, the kingdom of heaven is established and the way to the finish line has been made. As scripture has made clear that only the born again, the sons and daughters of light, can enter the kingdom of heaven. A kingdom where theocracy governs the system. The word “theocracy” is not to be confused with worldly theocracy rulership.
Spiritual theocracy in the kingdom of heaven is recognizing Jesus as the supreme ruling authority.
“And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power, which he worked in Christ, when he raised him from the dead, and set him at his own right hand in the heavenly places, far above all principality, and power, and might, and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come: And has put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the church, Which is his body, the fulness of him that fills all in all.”
The Spirit of the Word of God gives divine guidance to the church through the five-fold ministries who manage the kingdom’s daily affairs.
“And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; For the maturing of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.”
It is in the kingdom of heaven that Jesus will build his church. When Jesus asked the disciples who did the people say that he was, different answers were given. But when Jesus asked who do you think I am? Simon Peter replied, "You are the Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), the Son of the living God." Now look at the respond Jesus gave to Peter’s answer: “And Jesus answered and said to him, you are blessed Simon Bar-jona: for flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father which is in heaven." Jesus goes on to tell Peter that this revelation didn’t come from himself. He played no part in finding the answer to Jesus’ question… “for flesh and blood didn’t reveal this to you, but my Father which is in heaven.” This was an effortless response given to Peter by the Father God. The chosen are chosen by the Spirit of the Word of God and His Spirit lives within the believer. Our Heavenly Father God is the Architect; “I will build My church.” Jesus the Christ has laid the foundation for the church to be built upon. Each believer is a rock; a stone used for the erection of God’s Holy Temple which is being built in “THE KINGDOM OF GOD”.
In the kingdom of heaven is a form of leadership in which one deity, the Spirit of the Word of God, is recognized as the supreme ruling authority. This cannot be overly emphasized. This is a major stumbling block in the race to eternal life for the church today. The church is not recognizing the divine guidance of the headship in the kingdom of heaven. Let’s take a closer look at the above underline words to get a better understanding of the importance of divine rulership.
Recognize means (acknowledgment) - to recognize the rights, authority, or status of.
1. To disclose knowledge of or agreement with.
Establishing a covenant.
We are entering into a covenant relationship. We, the church, are being prepared for the bridegroom who is Christ. The church is called the bride of Christ.
Reference: John 15:15; Revelation 19:7.
2. To express gratitude or obligation for.
Acknowledge the gift of salvation.
Reference: Ephesians 2:4-10, 19-22.
3. To take notice of.
Acknowledge his leadership.
Reference: Isaiah 41:10; Limitation 3:21-26.
4. Bear witness to his presence.
Acknowledge his faithfulness.
Reference: 2 Thessalonians 3:3
A Leader
God the Father is the director of divine guidance, and the Spirit of his Word lead’s the Way. Through the five-fold ministries the kingdom’s daily affairs are managed.
Guidance - The direction provided by a guide.
Scriptures below teach how to be guided by the Holy Ghost while in the kingdom of heaven.
“In all thy ways acknowledge him, (recognize his presence) and he shall direct thy paths.”
“However, when he, the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak, and he will show you things to come.”
The Spirit of truth moves in accordance with the Word, Jesus the Christ, who was in the beginning. We are to study his Word because this is the only way the Spirit of Truth can guide us. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God. (the Holy Bible)
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.”
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is a spiritual divine rulership in which the Spirit of the Word of God gives divine guidance to human intermediaries, known as the fivefold ministry, who manage the kingdom’s daily affairs. The spiritual leading the natural. The Comforter who the Father has sent is teaching us how to conduct ourselves in the kingdom of heaven which lives within each born again believer.
Therefore, as you persist in your spiritual journey in the kingdom of heaven, keep in mind that reaching the finish line is not about speed, but about enduring faithfully to the end. It’s not by your power nor your strength but by his Spirit says the Lord. The victory is yours.
Scriptural References: Ephesus 4:11,12; Proverbs 3:6 KJV; John 16:13 KJV;
John 14:26 KJV; 1 Corinthians 6:9-20; 2 Corinthians 4:16-18.