In what ways can we prepare to "reign on the earth"? A Royal Destiny Promised “You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God, and they will reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:10 Christ’s Finished Work—Our Foundation • By His blood, Jesus “purchased for God those from every tribe” (Revelation 5:9). • He has already “made us a kingdom, priests to His God and Father” (Revelation 1:6). • Because the promise is literal and certain, our preparation is not optional; it is obedience. Practicing Kingdom Living Today 1. Daily Worship and Holiness – Priests minister first to God (Leviticus 9:6; 1 Peter 2:9). – Present your body “as a living sacrifice” (Romans 12:1). 2. Faithfulness in Small Things – “He who is faithful in very little is also faithful in much” (Luke 16:10). – The Master’s commendation—“Well done… You have been faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many” (Matthew 25:21, 23). 3. Servant Leadership – Jesus reigns by serving (Mark 10:42-45). – Authority in the coming age is entrusted to those who wash feet now. 4. Exercising Spiritual Authority – Stand firm in prayer and warfare (Ephesians 6:10-18). – “Resist the devil, and he will flee” (James 4:7). 5. Cultivating Kingdom Character – The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) is royal fruit. – Meekness today positions us to “inherit the earth” (Matthew 5:5). 6. Walking in Unity – Revelation 5:9 highlights every tribe and tongue; practice that harmony now (Ephesians 4:3). – Reconciled relationships preview our just reign. 7. Long-Range Perspective – Suffer now, glory later: “If we endure, we will also reign with Him” (2 Timothy 2:12). – Trials are royal training grounds (James 1:2-4). Training in Priestly Ministry • Intercession: “Pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Kings make decrees; priests make petitions—do both. • Worship: Declare His worth; ruling will flow from adoration (Psalm 149:5-9). • Teaching: Pass the Word to others (2 Timothy 2:2); future governance involves truth. Anticipating Judicial Responsibility • “Do you not know that the saints will judge the world… and angels?” (1 Corinthians 6:2-3). – Learn God’s statutes now; you will apply them later. • Seek wisdom like Solomon (James 1:5; 1 Kings 3:9). Stewarding Creation • All creation “waits in eager expectation for the sons of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19). • Care for the earth today—responsible ecology, justice, mercy—previewing its liberation (Romans 8:21). Standing on Prophetic Certainty • Daniel 7:18—“The saints of the Most High will receive the kingdom and possess it forever.” • Revelation 20:6—“They will be priests of God and of Christ, and will reign with Him for a thousand years.” • Take these prophecies literally; live accordingly. Living Now Like You’ll Live Then • Adopt kingdom values (Matthew 6:33). • Submit every sphere—work, family, finances—to Christ’s lordship. • Expect reward: “Behold, I am coming soon, and My reward is with Me” (Revelation 22:12). Summary Checklist: Preparing to Reign □ Daily worship & holiness □ Faithfulness with present assignments □ Humble, servant leadership □ Persistent prayer & spiritual warfare □ Christlike character development □ Unity with the global body □ Stewardship of people and planet □ Unshakeable hope in prophetic promises Live these realities now, and you will be ready to reign literally, bodily, joyfully—just as Revelation 5:10 declares. |
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