For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or
compare ourselves with some that commend themselves:
but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
but they measuring themselves by themselves,
and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.
2 Corinthians 10:12
Kingdom concepts can only be adhered to by acknowledging and obeying the spirit of God within us. Without the Holy Spirit, it is not possible to be totally obedient. We would be the same as the Pharisees of whom Jesus spoke; following the letter of the law, opering from our mind and not our heart and denying the power contained within God's word.
Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Mark 7:5-7
The Scribes and Pharisees had many, many rituals and laws which they adhered to but their adherence was not out of love for God but out of handed down customs which had lost its initial intention. The concept of the Kingdom of God is ordained by God and fulfilled by living in the spirit.
This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.
If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit. Galatians 5:16, 25
One aspect of Kingdom concepts is whatever we do, our actions are to be done in cooperation with the Holy Spirit. Once we understand that when we are in obedience to the spirit of God and we are no longer in bondage to our flesh [self-nature] or the influence of Satan, it becomes easy to let go of the things that are contrary to the culture of the kingdom of God. Unlike the Scribes and the Pharisees, our acts are not to be done without forethought, reflection and consideration of the Holy Spirit.
To better understand the concepts of the kingdom, the word of God is given unto us. God’s precepts and concepts are given in the many illustrations, parables and historical accounts.
All this, said David, the Lord made me understand in writing by His hand upon me, even all the works of this pattern. 1 Chronicles 28:19
When we take up residency in the Kingdom of God we must learn the concepts given by God for Kingdom living. It is similar to learning the lifestyle of a new country to which we have moved which has a totally different culture to what we have become accustomed.
Biblical illustrations, parables and historical accounts are given in the word of God for purposes of imitation. For example, the life of Jesus Christ is given as an account which believers are to follow.
A Biblical parable is a natural application based on a spiritual truth taught in Scripture. Jesus taught such parables like:
v The sower and the seed
v The hidden treasure
v The 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins
v The good Samaritan
. . . and many others in order for the disciples to understand kingdom concepts.
Such principles often incorporate underlying principles that apply to many different situations. As Jesus taught kingdom principles, there was always more than one lesson to be learned. For example, there was a Biblical principle taught by Jesus:
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8
The underlying principle behind this applies to not only giving of our time to tend to others, but the giving of money, material goods, friendship, etc.; and then to give freely with no expectation of return from the recipient. In each of these, kingdom conduct and characteristics are being displayed as a result of the principle of giving.
We must pattern ourselves after the example given to us in the word of God. The passage below indicates that God leaves nothing to chance as Ezekiel was shown the wonders of the house of God. The specificity and the attention to detail was clearly outlined as Ezekiel was instructed to inform the children of Israel so that they may do right in the sight of God.
And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. Ezekiel 43:11
In the same manner, Jesus has given us the form and ordinances and laws that make up the Kingdom of God. The passage above stressed the importance of patterns and principles to the children of Israel while at the same time shows us the foundation on which the Kingdom of God exists.
We cannot be like the children of Israel and establish our own standard of kingdom conduct and charisma. When this is done, we set up a wall of separation between the kingdom of God and ourselves. Like Israel, it prevents, just like it did theirs, our worship and service from being acceptable to God. The prophet, Ezekiel, told the people to look at God's pattern and measure the pattern of their lives accordingly:
Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. Ezekiel 43:10
When people set up their own patterns of conduct, their own denomination, religious, or cultural rules, they set up a false standard of measurement. They begin to teach as biblical doctrine things that are nothing more than commandments of men. But the word of God tells us this. Jesus said of such people:
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9
It is important to understand biblical patterns and principles because otherwise your worship of God can be in vain.
There are many worldly standards of measurement. There are different patterns for worldly conduct and success which men pattern themselves after. Men measure themselves by other men instead of by the conduct or culture that God' has established for His kingdom. We are warned against doing this. Apostle Paul saw the danger in doing this.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
When Moses was given instructions for building the tabernacle, he was cautioned to do everything according to the pattern given by God:
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it . . . Exodus 25:9
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. Exodus 25:40
God is a God of specifics. When we look at the creation of the world, there was nothing that was left to chance; from the very air we breath to the replenishing of the earth. When it came to man, God was also particular. He created man to worship and have fellowship according to his good, perfect and acceptable will. God fashioned man after His will, not our thoughts and ideologies.
The above illustrates examples of the outer or exterior building of the kingdom of God. However, it is not enough to just display the exterior. We have to not just have the form; we must also have the content or character of the Kingdom. Jesus is the great example by which we are to pattern our lives:
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15
The accounts of men and women of God are recorded in the bible as patterns for us to learn from. Apostle Paul shares this insight to the church at Corinth. Not only are we given good examples to follow, but we are also given examples of bad behavior that is not part of the conduct of the Kingdom of God.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:6
We are to be spiritual examples by exhibiting the characteristics of the Kingdom of God.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
If we are to provide a positive spiritual pattern for others, then we must understand and incorporate Biblical principles into our life.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:7-10
The conducts and characteristics of the kingdom of God are most definitely different from the conduct and characteristic of worldly standards and it is our responsibility as citizens of the kingdom of God to demonstrate that difference to the world.
(Biblical Studies)
v The hidden treasure
v The 5 wise and 5 foolish virgins
v The good Samaritan
. . . and many others in order for the disciples to understand kingdom concepts.
Such principles often incorporate underlying principles that apply to many different situations. As Jesus taught kingdom principles, there was always more than one lesson to be learned. For example, there was a Biblical principle taught by Jesus:
Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give. Matthew 10:8
The underlying principle behind this applies to not only giving of our time to tend to others, but the giving of money, material goods, friendship, etc.; and then to give freely with no expectation of return from the recipient. In each of these, kingdom conduct and characteristics are being displayed as a result of the principle of giving.
We must pattern ourselves after the example given to us in the word of God. The passage below indicates that God leaves nothing to chance as Ezekiel was shown the wonders of the house of God. The specificity and the attention to detail was clearly outlined as Ezekiel was instructed to inform the children of Israel so that they may do right in the sight of God.
And if they be ashamed of all that they have done, shew them the form of the house, and the fashion thereof, and the goings out thereof, and the comings in thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and all the forms thereof, and all the laws thereof: and write it in their sight, that they may keep the whole form thereof, and all the ordinances thereof, and do them. Ezekiel 43:11
In the same manner, Jesus has given us the form and ordinances and laws that make up the Kingdom of God. The passage above stressed the importance of patterns and principles to the children of Israel while at the same time shows us the foundation on which the Kingdom of God exists.
We cannot be like the children of Israel and establish our own standard of kingdom conduct and charisma. When this is done, we set up a wall of separation between the kingdom of God and ourselves. Like Israel, it prevents, just like it did theirs, our worship and service from being acceptable to God. The prophet, Ezekiel, told the people to look at God's pattern and measure the pattern of their lives accordingly:
Thou son of man, shew the house to the house of Israel, that they may be ashamed of their iniquities; and let them measure the pattern. Ezekiel 43:10
When people set up their own patterns of conduct, their own denomination, religious, or cultural rules, they set up a false standard of measurement. They begin to teach as biblical doctrine things that are nothing more than commandments of men. But the word of God tells us this. Jesus said of such people:
But in vain they do worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. Matthew 15:9
It is important to understand biblical patterns and principles because otherwise your worship of God can be in vain.
There are many worldly standards of measurement. There are different patterns for worldly conduct and success which men pattern themselves after. Men measure themselves by other men instead of by the conduct or culture that God' has established for His kingdom. We are warned against doing this. Apostle Paul saw the danger in doing this.
For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise. 2 Corinthians 10:12
When Moses was given instructions for building the tabernacle, he was cautioned to do everything according to the pattern given by God:
According to all that I shew thee, after the pattern of the tabernacle and the pattern of all the instruments thereof, even so shall ye make it . . . Exodus 25:9
And look that thou make them after their pattern, which was shewed thee in the mount. Exodus 25:40
God is a God of specifics. When we look at the creation of the world, there was nothing that was left to chance; from the very air we breath to the replenishing of the earth. When it came to man, God was also particular. He created man to worship and have fellowship according to his good, perfect and acceptable will. God fashioned man after His will, not our thoughts and ideologies.
The above illustrates examples of the outer or exterior building of the kingdom of God. However, it is not enough to just display the exterior. We have to not just have the form; we must also have the content or character of the Kingdom. Jesus is the great example by which we are to pattern our lives:
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. John 13:15
The accounts of men and women of God are recorded in the bible as patterns for us to learn from. Apostle Paul shares this insight to the church at Corinth. Not only are we given good examples to follow, but we are also given examples of bad behavior that is not part of the conduct of the Kingdom of God.
And turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah into ashes condemned them with an overthrow, making them an ensample unto those that after should live ungodly; 2 Peter 2:6
We are to be spiritual examples by exhibiting the characteristics of the Kingdom of God.
Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12
If we are to provide a positive spiritual pattern for others, then we must understand and incorporate Biblical principles into our life.
In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, Sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you. Exhort servants to be obedient unto their own masters, and to please them well in all things; not answering again; Not purloining, but shewing all good fidelity; that they may adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things. Titus 2:7-10
The conducts and characteristics of the kingdom of God are most definitely different from the conduct and characteristic of worldly standards and it is our responsibility as citizens of the kingdom of God to demonstrate that difference to the world.
(Biblical Studies)
11/22/19
05/15/21
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