How can believers actively participate in advancing God's kingdom like in Matthew 11:12? Setting the scene: Matthew 11:12 in context “From the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven has been subject to violence, and the violent lay claim to it.” Jesus describes a spiritual surge: earnest souls are pressing in, refusing to remain passive. They recognise the King has come and they will not let anything—sin, opposition, apathy—stand between them and His reign. Understanding the “violence” Jesus describes • Not physical aggression but wholehearted, determined pursuit of God’s rule • A holy boldness that resists sin, Satan, and worldly distractions (Ephesians 6:12) • A willingness to endure hardship for Christ (2 Timothy 2:3) • Urgency that refuses to delay obedience (Hebrews 3:15) Truths about kingdom advance • God’s kingdom is already present in Christ yet still coming in fullness (Matthew 6:10; Revelation 11:15). • The King leads; believers merely join His victorious campaign (Colossians 2:15). • Power comes from the Spirit, not fleshly effort (Acts 1:8; Zechariah 4:6). Practical ways to seize the kingdom today Pursue God personally • Schedule daily time in Scripture; treasure every word as life-giving (Psalm 119:103). • Fast periodically to heighten dependence on God (Matthew 6:16-18). • Cultivate ceaseless prayer, conversing with the King throughout the day (1 Thessalonians 5:17). Push back darkness through obedience • Repent quickly; leave no foothold for the enemy (Ephesians 4:27). • Forgive decisively, breaking Satan’s schemes of bitterness (2 Corinthians 2:10-11). • Practice pure speech that builds others up (Ephesians 4:29). Proclaim the gospel boldly • Share Christ where you live, work, and play (2 Timothy 4:2). • Support global missions financially and in prayer (Romans 10:14-15). • Model the message with a life of integrity, so words and works agree (Philippians 2:15-16). Serve the body sacrificially • Discover and employ spiritual gifts for mutual up-building (1 Peter 4:10). • Bear one another’s burdens; kingdom citizens travel together (Galatians 6:2). • Give generously; resources become weapons for good when laid at Christ’s feet (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). Stand firm in spiritual warfare • Wear the full armor of God daily (Ephesians 6:13-18). • Counter lies with truth; voice Scripture out loud when tempted (Matthew 4:4-10). • Overcome “by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony” (Revelation 12:11). Guarding the heart while engaging the battle • Keep zeal tethered to love (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • Remember Christ already secured victory; strive from rest, not for it (Hebrews 4:11). • Stay watchful; pride topples warriors faster than persecution (1 Corinthians 10:12). Living examples from Scripture • John the Baptist—fearless herald preparing the way (John 1:23). • The woman with the issue of blood—pressing through the crowd to touch Jesus (Luke 8:43-48). • Early church believers—“devoted to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship… and the Lord added to their number daily” (Acts 2:42-47). With the same unwavering resolve, believers today actively participate in advancing God’s kingdom by passionately pursuing Christ, boldly proclaiming His gospel, and steadfastly resisting the forces that oppose His reign—until He returns in glory. |
    |