Living in the Kingdom

Matthew 3:1-8

Think about this: Most "would-be" Christians are willing to repent just enough to get forgiven, but not enough to see the Kingdom.

Now think about what John was saying: "Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near!" A modern translation puts it: "Turn to God and change the way you think and act, because the kingdom of heaven is near."

John came as an initiator - one who was sent to herald the arrival of the Kingdom of God.

Kingdom Living Requires True Repentance (v. 2).

Repentance comes from a Greek word - metanoeo - which literally means to think differently.

Paul gives us a clearer understanding in Romans 12:2 where he uses two specific words to define this repentant attitude: conformed and transformed - "do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."

"Conformed" means fashioned after - don’t be fashioned after this world’s ways and thinking.

"Transformed" means complete change (metamorphosis) - comes about by a complete renewal of one’s pattern of thinking.

Repentance could be described as doing an about-face in life.

Repentance is incomplete until the presence of His Kingdom fills our consciousness.

Kingdom Living Is For The Now - "...the kingdom of heaven has come near!"

"God’s kingdom is here."

"God’s kingdom is already among you." (Lk 17:21, KJV)

God is looking to bestow His Kingdom upon those who will do something with it - to produce Kingdom fruit.

In Mt 21:43 Jesus said: "I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a nation producing its fruit."

Jesus said: "I assure you: There are some standing here who will not taste death until they see the kingdom of God come in power" (Mk 9:1).

The Kingdom came in great power on the day of Pentecost. We can quit living in anticipation of the coming Kingdom and recognize we are now a part of that Kingdom.

So, what exactly does it mean for one to be a part of God’s present domain - heaven on earth? Jesus exemplified Kingdom living.