What practical steps can we take to actively pursue God's kingdom? Understanding the Call to Pursue Luke 16:16: “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John; since that time, the gospel of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it.” The verb “forcing” pictures passionate determination—an energetic, wholehearted pursuit of God’s reign. Matthew 11:12 echoes this: “From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been subjected to violence, and the violent take it by force.” The kingdom is present (Luke 17:21) yet coming in fullness (Revelation 11:15); active pursuit bridges the “already” and the “not yet.” Recognize the Urgency • The window of opportunity is now (2 Corinthians 6:2). • God’s kingdom is of incomparable worth (Matthew 13:44–46). • Delay invites distraction; urgency fuels obedience. Step 1: Repent and Believe • Mark 1:15: “Repent and believe the gospel!” • Turn from self-rule to Christ’s rule. • Ongoing repentance keeps our hearts soft (Acts 3:19). Step 2: Submit to the King’s Authority Daily • Luke 9:23: “If anyone would come after Me, he must deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow Me.” • Yield thoughts, decisions, and habits to Christ’s lordship each morning. Step 3: Keep Kingdom Priorities First • Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness…” • Evaluate schedules, budgets, and goals—realign anything that displaces kingdom pursuits. Step 4: Saturate Your Mind with God’s Word • Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.” • Practical helps: – Read a gospel chapter daily. – Memorize verses on kingdom living (e.g., Romans 14:17; 1 Thessalonians 2:12). – Replace media intake with Scripture listening during commutes. Step 5: Engage in Persistent Prayer • Luke 18:1: “They should always pray and not lose heart.” • Pray kingdom-focused petitions: – God’s name honored (Matthew 6:9). – His will done in family, church, workplace (Matthew 6:10). – Laborers sent into harvest (Luke 10:2). • Keep a journal to track answered prayer and renewed zeal. Step 6: Invest Time, Talent, and Treasure in Kingdom Work • Matthew 6:19–21: where we invest reveals our heart. • Practical investments: – Serve in a local congregation’s ministries. – Support missionaries and gospel workers (Philippians 4:15–17). – View your vocation as a platform for witness (Colossians 3:23-24). Step 7: Practice Kingdom Relationships • John 13:35: love marks Christ’s disciples. • Foster forgiveness (Ephesians 4:32), unity (Philippians 2:1-4), and accountability (Hebrews 10:24-25). • Small groups provide arenas to apply “one another” commands. Step 8: Serve the Least as You Would Serve the King • Matthew 25:40: service to “the least of these” equals service to Jesus. • Identify local needs—widows, orphans, refugees, the poor—and meet them with gospel-saturated compassion (James 1:27). Step 9: Persevere through Opposition • Acts 14:22: “We must endure many hardships to enter the kingdom of God.” • Expect resistance (2 Timothy 3:12), but remember the promised inheritance (2 Peter 1:10-11). • Encourage endurance by recalling saints who finished well (Hebrews 12:1-3). Living It Out This Week 1. Set aside thirty minutes to evaluate life priorities in light of Matthew 6:33. 2. Choose one kingdom habit (Scripture intake, prayer, serving, giving) to strengthen starting today. 3. Share with a trusted believer what step you will take and invite their encouragement. |
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