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Every struggle we have with the enemy must be seen in perspective to the kingdom of God. There is not only conflict within us ...the flesh versus the Holy Spirit... but also a larger battle being fought around us to hinder the advance of Christ's kingdom. And each battlefield is only one skirmish, of one campaign in that cosmic, global war which spans all of human history.

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Scripture References
  • He went through every city and village, preaching and bringing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. (Luke 8:1 NKJV)
  • "I must preach the kingdom of God…, because for this purpose I have been sent." (Luke 4:43 NKJV)
  • "But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,…" (Matthew 6:33 NKJV)
  • "…surely the kingdom of God has come upon you." (Matthew 12:28 NKJV
  • "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel." (Mark 1:15 NKJV)
  • "All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out. For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. This is the will of the Father who sent Me, that of all He has given Me I should lose nothing, but should raise it up at the last day. And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." (John 6:37-40 NKJV)
  • "My doctrine is not Mine, but His who sent Me. If anyone wants to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine, whether it is from God or whether I speak on My own authority. He who speaks from himself seeks his own glory; but He who seeks the glory of the One who sent Him is true, and no unrighteousness is in Him." (John 7:16-18 NKJV)
  • "All things have been delivered to Me by My Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father. Nor does anyone know the Father except the Son, and the one to whom the Son wills to reveal Him." (Matthew 11:27 NKJV)
  • "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here." ... "You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice." (John 18:36-37 NKJV)
  • He sent them to preach the kingdom of God… (Luke 9:2 NKJV)
  • "All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV)
  • Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, to which you were also called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. I urge you in the sight of God who gives life to all things, and before Christ Jesus who witnessed the good confession before Pontius Pilate, that you keep this commandment without spot, blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ's appearing, which He will manifest in His own time, He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, who alone has immortality, dwelling in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see, to whom be honor and everlasting power. Amen. (1 Timothy 6:12-16 NKJV)
  • Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. (Revelation 19:11-16 NKJV)
Commentary
  • Each soldier must understand his role in the commander's battle plan.
    • For a Christian, that means knowing God's purposes and acting in accordance with them.
    • Too many of us are seeking "deliverance" from the battlefield for our own relief, instead of ultimate "victory" for His glory.
    • God's will is plainly stated in the verses above. Our role clearly communicated. Preach the kingdom of God; preach the gospel. Transform lives into the image of Jesus Christ by the teaching of His word and the manifestation of His life.
  • Great battles are really won before they are fought. To control our passions we must govern our habits, and keep watch over ourselves in the small details of every day life. -- Sir John Lubbock
  • Whatever you do, you need courage. Whatever you decide upon, there is always someone to tell you, you are wrong. There are always difficulties arising which tempt you to believe that your critics are right. To map out a course of action, and follow it to the end, requires some of the same courage which a soldier needs. Peace has its victories, but it takes brave men to win them. -- Ralph Waldo Emerson

The Kingdom of God: A Spiritual Warfare Perspective

Understanding the kingdom of God is central to the teachings of Jesus Christ. He spoke about it extensively, emphasizing its significance in the lives of believers and its transformative power in the world. In the context of Christian spiritual warfare, the kingdom of God holds profound implications for our understanding of God's reign, our purpose as His followers, and the ongoing battle between light and darkness. This article explores key Bible verses that shed light on the kingdom of God and its relevance to spiritual warfare.

  1. Preaching the Glad Tidings of the Kingdom: Luke 8:1 portrays Jesus going through every city and village, proclaiming the glad tidings of the kingdom of God. This verse highlights the urgency and importance Jesus placed on spreading the news of God's reign. The kingdom of God stands in opposition to the dominion of darkness.
  2. The Purpose of Jesus' Ministry: In Luke 4:43, Jesus declares that preaching the kingdom of God was His purpose and mission. His earthly ministry was driven by the divine mandate to reveal the kingdom and invite humanity to enter into it. This verse underscores the essential nature of the kingdom in God's redemptive plan and the spiritual battle it inaugurates.
  3. Seek First the Kingdom of God: Matthew 6:33 encourages believers to prioritize the kingdom of God and His righteousness above all else. In the context of spiritual warfare, this verse emphasizes the need to align our lives with God's reign, seeking His will and purposes in all things. By doing so, we actively engage in the battle against the forces of darkness.
  4. The Arrival of the Kingdom: In Matthew 12:28, Jesus declares that the kingdom of God has come upon His audience. This proclamation signifies a significant shift in the spiritual realm, as the authority and power of God's kingdom confront the oppressive forces of evil. It serves as a reminder that spiritual warfare is not merely a future event but an ongoing reality.
  5. The Time is Fulfilled: Mark 1:15 reveals Jesus' proclamation that the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. This verse emphasizes the urgency of repentance and belief in the Gospel, as the kingdom's arrival demands a response. Spiritual warfare requires active participation, as believers join Jesus in advancing God's kingdom on Earth.
  6. The Will of the Father: In John 6:37-40, Jesus speaks of the Father's will to gather and preserve all who come to Him. This passage underscores the Father's sovereignty and Jesus' role as the embodiment of God's will. In the spiritual battle, believers find comfort and assurance that their eternal destiny rests securely in God's hands.
  7. Seeking the Glory of the One who Sent Him: John 7:16-18 highlights Jesus' commitment to seeking the glory of the Father and not His own. This verse reminds us of the importance of aligning our motives and actions with God's purposes. In spiritual warfare, we must fight not for personal gain but for the glory of the King and His kingdom.
  8. The Revealing of the Father: Matthew 11:27 portrays Jesus as the revealer of the Father, emphasizing the unique relationship between the Father and the Son. As believers engage in spiritual warfare, they find solace in knowing that through Jesus, they have access to the Father and His wisdom and guidance.
  9. The Nature of Christ's Kingdom: In John 18:36-37, Jesus clarifies that His kingdom is not of this world, signaling a distinction between earthly and spiritual kingdoms. His purpose is to bear witness to the truth and call people to the kingdom's reality. The followers of Christ engage in spiritual warfare by upholding truth and standing firm against falsehood.
  10. The Great Commission: Matthew 28:18-20 records Jesus commissioning His disciples to make disciples of all nations. This charge embodies the essence of spiritual warfare, as believers are called to actively advance the kingdom of God, baptize new believers, and teach them to observe all that Jesus commanded. This mission is empowered by the authority of the King Himself.

The kingdom of God holds tremendous significance in the context of Christian spiritual warfare, as it represents the reign and rule of God breaking into the world and challenging the dominion of darkness. It is not a passive concept but an active force that calls for engagement and participation from believers. The kingdom represents the transformative power of God's love, grace, and truth, which have the capacity to overthrow the works of evil and establish righteousness and justice.

Understanding the principles conveyed in the highlighted Bible verses deepens our understanding of the kingdom's implications for spiritual warfare. When believers prioritize seeking the kingdom of God and aligning their lives with His righteousness (Matthew 6:33), they actively resist the schemes of the enemy. By placing God's reign at the center of their lives, they invite His authority, wisdom, and power to confront and overcome the forces of darkness.

The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20) embodies the essence of spiritual warfare. It is a call to action, as believers are commissioned to make disciples of all nations. This involves sharing the good news of the kingdom, baptizing new believers, and teaching them to observe all that Jesus commanded. The Great Commission is empowered by the authority of the King Himself, who promises to be with His disciples always, even to the end of the age. In this mission, believers engage in spiritual warfare by actively participating in the expansion of God's kingdom and the liberation of souls from the clutches of darkness.

In 1 Timothy 6:12-16, the apostle Paul encourages believers to fight the good fight of faith and lay hold of eternal life. This passage emphasizes the urgency and importance of actively engaging in spiritual warfare as followers of Christ.

Paul begins by exhorting believers to "fight the good fight of faith." This phrase signifies that the Christian journey is not a passive one but rather a battle against the forces of darkness that seek to undermine our faith and lead us astray. Spiritual warfare requires vigilance, perseverance, and steadfastness in the face of opposition and temptation. It calls for an unwavering commitment to standing firm in the truth of God's Word, relying on His promises, and relying on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit.

The phrase "lay hold on eternal life" reminds believers of the ultimate goal and reward of their faith. Eternal life is not merely a future destination but a present reality that believers can experience in fellowship with God. By actively participating in spiritual warfare and remaining faithful to Christ, believers are laying hold of the abundant, eternal life that Jesus offers. It is a life characterized by intimacy with God, transformation, and the hope of everlasting glory.

Paul then reminds believers that they have been called and have confessed the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. This emphasizes the public nature of our faith and the responsibility we have to live out our beliefs in the world. Our confession of Christ before others should be accompanied by a lifestyle that reflects His teachings and values. In the face of opposition and persecution, we are called to stand firm in our faith, unashamedly proclaiming Christ as our Lord and Savior.

Furthermore, Paul urges believers to keep this commandment without spot and blameless until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ. This exhortation emphasizes the need for ongoing commitment and purity in our Christian walk. It calls for a life of holiness, integrity, and obedience to God's Word. As we engage in spiritual warfare, we must continuously strive to align our lives with God's will, allowing His transforming power to work in us, and purifying us from all unrighteousness.

Paul concludes this passage with a powerful doxology, expressing praise and honor to God. He describes God as the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords. This exalts the sovereignty and authority of God over all creation. It reminds believers that in the midst of spiritual warfare, we serve a God who is incomparable in His power and glory. God alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light. His holiness and majesty are beyond human comprehension. Therefore, our response should be one of reverence, worship, and unwavering devotion.

As believers embrace their role in this battlefield, they find hope, purpose, and the assurance of final victory. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords, as depicted in Revelation 19:11-16, is faithful, true, and righteous. His eyes of fire and many crowns symbolize His divine authority and victory over evil. The armies in heaven, clothed in white linen, represent the host of believers united in their commitment to the kingdom's cause. The sharp sword that proceeds from His mouth signifies the power of His Word to bring judgment and defeat to the nations. In the end, the King of Kings will rule with a rod of iron, establishing a new heaven and a new earth where righteousness reigns supreme.

In conclusion, the kingdom of God is not a distant, ethereal concept but a present reality that engages believers in spiritual warfare. By seeking the kingdom, aligning their lives with God's will, and actively participating in the Great Commission, believers become agents of transformation in the battle against darkness. With the assurance of the King's presence and the promise of ultimate victory, believers can stand firm, fight the good fight of faith, and confidently proclaim salvation in Jesus Christ to a world in need of hope, salvation, and redemption.

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