Teaching summary
In this sermon, Pastors Leonard and Lori Rola explore what it means to live in the Kingdom realm of God. They emphasize that the Kingdom of God is not a distant place but a present reality accessible to believers. Through understanding biblical truths and renewing our minds, we can move beyond the limitations of the earthly realm, embracing God's provision, healing, and peace. Using biblical examples, they illustrate the contrast between living by earthly perceptions and seeing through the lens of faith in the Kingdom.
Bible verses referenced
Matthew 6:33 – "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you."
Mark 2:27-28- "And he said unto them, The sabbath was made for man, and not man for the sabbath: Therefore the Son of man is Lord also of the sabbath."
Colossians 1:13 – "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son."
2 Corinthians 5:17 – "Therefore if any man is in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things have become new."
Romans 10:9-10 – "That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. For with the heart, man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation."
3 John 1:2 – "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
2 Kings 6:16-17 – "And he answered, Fear not: for they that be with us are more than they that be with them. And Elisha prayed, and said, Lord, I pray thee, open his eyes, that he may see. And the Lord opened the eyes of the young man; and he saw: and, behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire round about Elisha."
Teaching notes
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Understanding the Kingdom Realm
- The Kingdom of God: Where Is It?
- Matthew 6:33 – Seeking vs. Demanding the Kingdom
- The Reality of Living in the Kingdom Realm
- Earthly Laws vs. Kingdom Laws: Mark 2 and the Withered Hand
- The Transfer to the Kingdom: Colossians 1:13
- Seeing Beyond the Natural: The Story of Elisha and the Servant
- Recognizing Kingdom Benefits: Healing, Peace, and Provision
- Conclusion: Living with a Renewed Mind
Introduction: Understanding the Kingdom Realm
Pastors Leonard and Lori open by expressing their gratitude for the support and encouragement they receive from their audience. They introduce the topic by asking a crucial question: What does the Kingdom of God mean, and where is it? Many Christians assume the Kingdom is far from heaven, but Jesus taught that it is present and accessible to believers.
The Kingdom of God: Where Is It?
Pastor Lori shares her childhood assumption that the Kingdom of God was "up there" somewhere in heaven. However, Jesus and John the Baptist both declared that the Kingdom of God is "upon you." This means it is not something we must search for externally but something we must recognize spiritually.
Matthew 6:33 – Seeking vs. Demanding the Kingdom
Pastor Leonard explains the meaning of Matthew 6:33: "But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you." He highlights the misunderstanding of the word "seek." Instead of searching for something hidden, the word also means to demand or live in expectation of Kingdom realities.
The Reality of Living in the Kingdom Realm
Jesus described the Kingdom as something already here, meaning that believers are already placed within it. However, many do not live in the Kingdom realm because their minds are not renewed to this reality.
Earthly Laws vs. Kingdom Laws: Mark 2 and the Withered Hand
Pastor Leonard references Mark 2, where Jesus healed a man with a withered hand on the Sabbath. The Pharisees were watching to see if He would violate their laws. Jesus asked, "What is lawful?"The lesson is that in the Kingdom, healing is lawful, and believers must embrace what is permitted in the Kingdom realm instead of conforming to earthly limitations.
The Transfer to the Kingdom: Colossians 1:13
The sermon highlights Colossians 1:13 , which states: "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son." This means that at salvation, believers were transferred into a new realm. They no longer belong to the old order of earthly struggles but are positioned in God's Kingdom.
Seeing Beyond the Natural: The Story of Elisha and the Servant
Pastor Leonard brings up 2 Kings 6:16-17, which tells the story of Elisha and his servant. When an enemy army surrounded them, the servant was fearful. However, Elisha prayed, "Lord, open his eyes that he may see." Immediately, the servant saw that God's heavenly army—chariots of fire—was surrounding them. The army was always there, but the servant's earthly perception blinded him to the spiritual reality.
Recognizing Kingdom Benefits: Healing, Peace, and Provision
The Kingdom of God offers more than just salvation; it includes peace, healing, joy, righteousness, love, and provision. However, if believers focus on their five senses, they remain bound by the earthly realm, experiencing fear, anxiety, and lack instead of Kingdom blessings. 3 John 1:2 reinforces this principle: "Beloved, I wish above all things that thou mayest prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prospereth."
Conclusion: Living with a Renewed Mind
Pastor Leonard concludes by emphasizing that the Kingdom realm is not something to be reached—it is already here. However, believers must renew their minds to fully live in it. He encourages listeners to meditate on these truths, allowing the Holy Spirit to open their eyes to Kingdom realities.
"We hope this article has blessed you. Share this teaching with others so they, too, may walk in the fullness of the Kingdom realm."