The kingdom of God, which the
Lord Jesus Christ came into the earth to manifest, is in direct
contrast to the kingdom of this world. His kingdom is one of
light and truth. Yet the scriptures tell us that
this world system is in willful darkness and rebellion against
that truth. Every principle and philosophy
that appears as right, good, and logical to the natural man
is at odds with the principles of the kingdom of God. Solomon
noted this in the Proverbs when he said, There is a way which
seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways
of death. This is exactly why the Lord
told Nicodemus, except a man be born again, he cannot see
the kingdom of God. When Pilate asked about his kingdom,
the Lord said, My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom
were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should
not be delivered to the Jews. But now is my kingdom not from
hence. The sons of God are never taught
in the scriptures to take up arms to fight for political gain
or dominance. Rather, the Lord taught His people
in this fashion. But I say unto you, love your
enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate
you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute
you. Now some will immediately say,
that will never work in this world. And they are exactly right. This is not political advice,
but rather it is the commandment of his kingdom, and is alone
intended for those who are his subjects, who gladly serve him
night and day. Paul says they are engaged in
a different type of warfare. For though we walk in the flesh,
we do not war after the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare
are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds,
casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth
itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of Christ. The greatest conflict
of the sons of God is found in denying themselves for the purpose
of manifesting the glory of God. as they love their brethren.
Let nothing be done through strife or vain glory, but in lowliness
of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. The flesh
will always oppose this concept, and seek to exalt itself in one
way or another. Paul said, The flesh lusteth
against the spirit, and the spirit against the flesh. These are
contrary the one to the other. James has reference to this very
battle when he says, But the tongue can no man tame. It is
an unruly evil, full of deadly poison. All of God's children
are sure to be defeated on this battlefield, except that they
have one who is in them who is greater than he that is in the
world. This is he of whom Paul writes, saying, For it is God
which worketh in you, both to will and to do, of his good pleasure. This is the place where the children
of God do battle, even as Paul told the Ephesians. For we wrestle
not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against
powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against
spiritual wickedness in high places. It is in the armory of
God wherein he is pleased to equip his saints for battle,
and it is in his strength alone that they are both clothed, prepared,
and sent to battle. Carnal men cannot wear this armor,
for they are not fitted for it, nor does it suit their taste.
The natural man is content with his own religion, of whatever
kind it may be, since he is sure that his service to God is a
product of his own free will. He considers that he can perform
Christ's commands whenever he desires, just as he mistakenly
thinks that he can choose to be saved in the same fashion.
In this notion multitude shall surely perish, content with the
leeks and onions of Egypt, in total darkness as to the glory
of Christ's kingdom. On the other hand, that man who
is born again rejoices in the One who is his strength, and
declares his intention to follow the King of kings. He falls down
at the feet of his Lord, confessing that he cannot stand or walk
in obedience apart from the operation of the Spirit of God in him.
Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.