How can we recognize "the kingdom of God is in your midst" today? Setting the Scene in Luke 17 “Once having been asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, ‘The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. Nor will people say, “Look, here it is,” or “There it is.” For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst.’ ” (Luke 17:20-21) What “in Your Midst” Signifies • The phrase translates the Greek entos, meaning “within” or “among.” • Jesus, the King, was standing right there—so the kingdom was present by His very presence. • Wherever Christ reigns, His kingdom is active, whether seen or unseen. Recognizing the Kingdom Today 1. Presence of the King • Jesus promised, “Surely I am with you always” (Matthew 28:20). • His risen presence is real through the indwelling Holy Spirit (John 14:17-18). 2. Rule of the King • Hearts obeying Christ’s commands show His sovereign reign (John 14:21). • Righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit mark His domain (Romans 14:17). 3. Power of the King • “The kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power” (1 Corinthians 4:20). • Miraculously changed lives, answered prayer, and spiritual gifts display that power. 4. People of the King • Believers are “delivered from the domain of darkness and transferred to the kingdom of His beloved Son” (Colossians 1:13). • Christ-centered fellowship—local congregations living out Acts 2:42-47—makes the invisible kingdom visible. 5. Proclamation of the King • Wherever the gospel is preached, the kingdom is breaking in (Mark 1:14-15). • Every disciple-making effort advances His reign (Matthew 28:18-20). Everyday Indicators of the Kingdom’s Nearness • Authentic repentance and faith springing up in unlikely places • The fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23) shaping character • Forgiveness extended and relationships restored • Sacrificial love for the poor, unborn, widows, orphans, and strangers • Courageous stand for biblical truth amid cultural pressure • Joyful worship that exalts Christ, saturated with Scripture • Global missions movement reaching unreached peoples • Persevering hope in suffering, looking for the King’s visible return Living in Light of the Kingdom Among Us • Submit daily to Christ’s lordship—“seek first the kingdom of God” (Matthew 6:33). • Stay alert: the kingdom is here, yet its fullness is coming (Hebrews 12:28). • Serve with confidence; nothing done for the King is wasted (1 Corinthians 15:58). • Share the gospel; invite others into the realm where Jesus rules. • Stand firm in holiness, knowing the Judge is already in the room (James 5:8-9). Scripture Snapshots • John 3:3—Must be born again to see the kingdom. • Luke 10:9—Healing and proclamation reveal “the kingdom of God has come near.” • Revelation 1:6—He “has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father.” Seeing the Unseen Today When hearts bow to Christ, lives display His character, and His power transforms communities, the kingdom of God is unmistakably “in our midst.” We watch for His final, visible appearing, but until that day we recognize and rejoice in the quiet, unstoppable advance of our present King. |
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