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Kingdoms and Your Ministry
By William R. Cunningham
Sunday April 27, 2003
Introduction
Understanding how something operates is crucial for proper interaction. Understanding the rules or mode of operation of the place that you find yourself at any given time is necessary for you to operate effectively and relatively trouble free in that particular environment. Relationships are highly affected by the modes of operation of each person involved. A husband might operate one way and the wife another. If these two do not realize that they are operating under different protocols or ways of doing things then their relationship will be a struggle as they constantly conflict. In general, we need to realize that the human being has to be aware of a plethora of kingdoms in order to operate affectively in any given environment.
One might say that another is "street smart," which means that he or she knows how to operate in the realm of the streets of a given city or town. He or she knows what to say and what not to say. Consider a person that travels frequently. He has to be aware of his environment constantly or he risks offending someone. The offense would be due to the fact that he did something that meant one thing at home but another abroad.
I believe that each person has a purpose. Some are called into Christian ministry whereas others are called to provide other functions. Regardless of your calling, you will surely have to interact with various systems from your home to your job to church. There will always be a system or kingdom that you will have to operate in or be aware of. Furthermore, in regards to ministry, you will have to discern what is of man and what is of God. You will have to know what is of the Kingdom of God and what is not of the Kingdom of God so that you could more affectively govern your activities.
I am going to discuss the need to understand the concept of a kingdom or mode of operation as it becomes quite important when we interact with others and carry out our God given purpose especially when interacting with a church.
LESSON
John 3:1-3 (NKJV) There was a man of the Pharisees named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. This man came to Jesus by night and said to Him, "Rabbi, we know that You are a teacher come from God; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him." Jesus answered and said to him, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."
Nicodemus was a Pharisee, which was a religious and political party that was strict about observing the law of God and the traditions of the elders. The word "Pharisee" means separated ones. Now here Nicodemus came to Jesus at night to question him. He makes the point that Jesus is from God and he gives the reason he believes that. Note Jesus' response to Nicodemus and contrast it with His response to the rich ruler who made a similar statement as Nicodemus. Let's take a look at it.
Matthew 19:16-17 (NKJV) Now behold, one came and said to Him, "Good Teacher,
what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?" So He said to him,
"Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God. But if you want
to enter into life, keep the commandments."
Notice Jesus' admonishment of the young ruler. Why didn't Jesus answer this ruler the same way as He did Nicodemus? The key might be in how Nicodemus and this man addressed Jesus.
The rich ruler used the term "Teacher" or "Master" whereas Nicodemus used the word "Rabbi" and then "teacher." Was there a difference? Yes there was a difference. The word "Rabbi" was a title of honor and respect given to a teacher of the law. It wasn't a formal title in Jesus' day and it was used to honor someone. The rich ruler on the other hand used the word "teacher." The word teacher here simply refers to an instructor. Therefore, the rich ruler was not necessarily showing Jesus any respect in regards to a heavenly or godly perspective whereas Nicodemus was, howbeit in his own realm of operation.
Now getting back to Jesus and Nicodemus, it would appear that Jesus' statement was rather odd. However, if it was directed at Nicodemus' assumption of knowing what is of God and what is not, then the response seems fitting. Only those who are born again can "see" (and therefore know what is of) the Kingdom of God (See John 9:16, 30-33).
The word "see" comes from a Greek word that means to perceive or know (as well as the literal meaning). Therefore, unless one is born again then he or she cannot perceive or grasp the things of God (See 1 Corinthians 2:14).
The Kingdom of God and the Kingdom of Heaven actually refer to the same thing. Matthew used the term "Kingdom of Heaven" for his own reasons. Scholars are still not certain as to why he chose to differ from the others. However, we could speculate that because the word "Heaven" could also refer to God that he was actually saying the same thing for a particular reason.
Now consider another statement by Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV) But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
What is this kingdom that we should seek and only the born again can see? First let me define what a Kingdom is. A kingdom (a King's domain) is a realm over which a king rules. It is a realm and in this case God governs that realm. Therefore, the Kingdom operates according to God's ways, which is why Jesus taught us about the Kingdom of God in his earthly ministry. A kingdom is a realm or another way of thinking about it is a system of operation that characterizes that realm. From this you might notice that there could be many kingdoms, or systems of operations.
The Kingdom Concept
Now we said that a kingdom is a realm that is characterized by a system of operation. When we want to operate within a certain realm or kingdom then it becomes very necessary to know how that kingdom operates. For example, if you were to travel to a different country then you would need to know the culture and laws of that country so that you would operate or govern yourself according to that country.
You might have heard the phrase, "Animal kingdom." This identifies the realm in which animals operate. You might think of survival of the fittest for example. You might have also heard someone refer to another as being "street smart." Well, the "street" is another name for a particular realm. A person that is street smart simply knows how to operate in the world or realm called the streets. He or she knows what to say, what gestures to use and when, what gestures not to use and when, what protocol to follow, etc. This person knows the kingdom of the streets if you will.
See also Matthew 8:12, 12:24-26 for other references to the concept of a kingdom. Now consider the following scripture.
Matthew 13:41 (NKJV) The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will gather out of His kingdom all things that offend, and those who practice lawlessness,
Notice the implications of this verse if we compare "His Kingdom" with the Kingdom of God. It would seem reasonable to believe that "His Kingdom" does not refer to the Kingdom of God else God's Kingdom would include lawlessness. From the context of the parable of the tares, from which this verse was taken, the Kingdom here is referring to the world where there is a great harvest, which is Jesus' realm. Another way of looking at this is that there could be people operating in the Kingdom of God but are not really God's children. In other words, they are only putting up a front or fa ade in order to appear as being godly or for whatever reason.
The point that I am making here is that there are many kingdoms that we are aware of and even operate in at some time.
Churchianity
Another kingdom that I will focus on in this study is the church kingdom. The church kingdom actually has many forms. First there is the overall church kingdom, which is the religious organization in general. Another name for this is Churchianity. This realm is characterized by a certain protocol. Another form of the church kingdom is actually a manifestation of a form of Churchianity in a particular local church.
Now please don't confuse the Churchianity operating in the local church with denominations. Denominations are not necessarily bad. For example, there are people that are more relaxed or peaceful and they like things quiet and solemn. Others like excitement and they are full of energy. Well it would be rather difficult for these two classes of people to worship together since one group likes things quiet and the other likes to make some noise. Two denominations develop from these two groups of people. So that is not a bad thing and has nothing to do with the overall religious kingdom apart from the method of worship. I am not referring to this in this particular study. However, some denominations are a result of human thought and beliefs and these develop into systems all there own and would indeed be grouped in the realm of Churchianity.
Kingdom Interaction
The understanding of modes of operations, realms, or kingdoms can be very helpful in relationships. For example, your spouse lives in his or her own world, which could be called a kingdom. He or she operates a certain way and you should become familiar with that mode in order to communicate effectively with him or her. Many marriages are on the rocks because of communication challenges. Don't expect anyone to operate the same way that you operate because most likely he or she will not. Get to know how the other person operates and then you can more effectively interact with him or her.
Understanding how the Kingdom of God works so that you could interact with God does not apply in regards to the previous statement. That is, you can't simply operate according to God's way and assume that you have a relationship with Him. Consider the following.
Isaiah 64:6 (NKJV) But we are all like an unclean thing, And all our righteousnesses are like filthy rags; We all fade as a leaf, And our iniquities, like the wind, Have taken us away.
And,
Philippians 3:7-9 (NKJV) But what things were gain to me, these I have counted loss for Christ. Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith;
There is nothing that we can do of ourselves to Interact with God. Jesus said, "I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me. (John 14:6)
Those who are part of the Kingdom of God are there because they are born again. Consider what Jesus went on to tell Nicodemus from out subject scripture.
John 3:5 (NKJV) Jesus answered, "Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God.
One enters the Kingdom of God by being born again. That's it. You can do the righteous acts or do Christian-like things. However, that doesn't make you a Christian and therefore a part of God's Kingdom. Anyone can do the righteous things that are in the Kingdom of God. That is, anyone can be kind to others and even have a form of godliness. However, only those who are saved are really part of God's Kingdom. Christians are part of God's Kingdom because of their regenerated heart (See also Luke 17:21) and not because they do good things.
Kingdom affects on Ministry
Now let me present something to you that might help you put a lot of things in perspective in regards to church and God. The concepts that I am about to share have helped me in the area of ministry and discerning authority and the like. I will use Paul's letters to highlight the points that I want to make. Consider the following scriptures.
1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (NKJV) There are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are differences of ministries, but the same Lord. And there are diversities of activities, but it is the same God who works all in all. But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all: for to one is given the word of wisdom through the Spirit, to another the word of knowledge through the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healings by the same Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another discerning of spirits, to another different kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. But one and the same Spirit works all these things, distributing to each one individually as He wills.
1 Corinthians 12:27-28 (NKJV) Now you are the body of Christ, and members individually. And God has appointed these in the church: first apostles, second prophets, third teachers, after that miracles, then gifts of healings, helps, administrations, varieties of tongues.
Ephesians 4:11-12 (NKJV) "And He Himself gave some to be apostles, some prophets, some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers, for the equipping of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ"
First Paul tells us that there are various gifts operating in the body of Christ, the true church. The purpose of these gifts operating in the church is so that all would be edified. He also makes the point that it is one Spirit that distributes these gifts. God has also appointed various ministers in the church such as the Apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastor teachers, etc. These are also gifts given at the discretion of the Holy Spirit.
Now I would like you to notice something here. The Christian church is composed of two entities. The church is composed of the charismatic component (spiritual, life) and the organizational. The spiritual component is simply that part that is established by the Holy Spirit. This identifies the body of Christ. Therefore all Christians are by default members of the one true church, namely the body of Christ.
The second component of church is the organizational or administration. Now here is where you have the various church governments, structure, and hierarchy. This component exists so that order would remain in the meetings and other such gatherings. However, there are some church government systems that do not incorporate a structured hierarchy such as the Quakers.
Now what do these have to do with kingdoms? Very much. We said that a kingdom in this context is characterized by certain protocols or a "way." It is identified by a specific mode of operation. Now the important thing here is that the charismatic or spiritual component of the church is characterized by very different protocols then the organizational component. Furthermore, the organizational component is man-made, though God might influence them for a particular situation (as in Paul's epistles).
The scriptures given above pertain to the spiritual component of the church. These are gifts and ministries that God ordained for the edification of Christians and for the spreading of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The Bible seems to identify the organizational component of the church by offices such as the deacon, bishop, or elder. Now I should take special care here to distinguish between what is truly man-made and what God has ordained. The concept of a bishop, deacon, and elder are God ordained from the reading of Paul's epistles. That is, these weren't offices that people just dreamed up and incorporated in the church. The bishop and elder were indeed overseers of a particular congregation and in many ways were like pastors (sometimes the concepts of pastor and bishop were used synonymously). See 1 Timothy 3:2-7 and Titus 1:7-9. So God has ordained structure in the church but sometimes the structure takes precedence and forms a kingdom all it's own. That becomes a man-made system disguised as something from God.
Now there are many occasion were the man-made system has taken precedence over what God has ordained (at least that is the way that it appears). Many churches are filled with a plethora of rules and regulations even to the point where your salvation is said to depend on you following such laws. Each church has its own way and therefore forms its own kingdom. Pastors are vehemently striving to build large kingdoms. I have found that some pastors are much too concerned about the number of members that they have or want instead of just preaching the Kingdom of God. Too often pastors and church officials are more concerned about entertaining the people over and above ministering to them. This is unfortunate and surely not based on anything from God. Understand that I am not implying that entertainment is a bad thing. However, the church is about ministry and ministry should be the dominant activity, which in many cases it is not.
Be Aware of Man-Made Kingdoms
Now that you have a better understanding of the concept of kingdoms and how it applies to the Christian/church community, then we can move on to the implications of such in your interaction with individuals and the expression of your ministry. You will inevitably interact with a church that is governed by man-made rules and objectives. Ministry is not the primary concern of the leaders. How should you interact with such churches and organizations and even people? Consider the following.
Man-made kingdoms are characterized by selfishness and bondage. You will always find a top person that rules over the people. The people (congregation) are led to believe that they are to serve their pastor or church leader. Consider that the Bible's idea of a pastor is that of a servant not leader. The Christian church for example is filled with power struggles between supposedly godly men and the people. The "common folk" were usually oppressed in one way or another. The same is true today.
You will have to learn when you are involved with or interacting with something that is purely man-made or God ordained. You will then have to take the appropriate action. There will be conflict but sometimes that is necessary for some to wake up. Your ministry in the Body of Christ might not be consistent with a particular church's doctrine and you could become a target of persecution in that particular church.
You should remember at all times that God has wired you a certain way and there is no reason why you should abandon that way because of the environment that you are in. If you find yourself contrary to the pastor or religious leader then examine yourself against the word and allow that to dictate what you do. Do not allow yourself to be swayed merely by the words of men. No one knows you better than God and yourself. People might tell you that you are not ready for this or not called for that. You don't have to listen to them unless that person is your discipler (mentor) in which case you should take seriously what he or she says. Sometimes pastors and church leaders act emotionally instead of objectively. You are the same way. Sometimes you might act emotionally and a pastor or elder is trying to be objective with you. That is why I said that you should examine yourself first against the word of God and don't blindly believe what you have been told.
Pastors have told me that the Devil was working in me; I am not called to be a pastor, and other such things (though not much). The majority of the people I interact with express how much Pursuing the Truth Ministries have been a blessing to them. These are people that are all over the United States and the world! I know my heart and I know what my objectives are. Therefore, I can rely on the Holy Spirit to chastise me without condemning or judging me. I can keep focused on Jesus and what my job on this earth is. I can truly live according to the Kingdom of God in spite of the mess that the church system has made.
There are many people in the world called to do certain things within the Body of Christ and for the Body of Christ. However, they are suppressed because of their church or religious affiliations. What they want to do seems to go against what the pastor believes or the dogma of their church. Hogwash! Do what you are wired to do. Realize that your kingdom is not necessarily their kingdom and do what God has called you to do.
Always a Different Kingdom
You are a unique individual that God has made. God has made you the way you are and He has created in you a particular personality, abilities, and mode of operation. You in affect are your own kingdom so to speak. You are your own world. Now there are probably people just like you in the world and those are the people you tend to relate well with. However, others might have a problem interacting with you only because they don't understand you, i.e., you operate a lot differently then they do.
Therefore, don't be discouraged when you seem to be so different. Don't think of yourself as an oddball and for the sake of ministry do not begin to question your calling. You will begin to hear horrible things coming from the mouths of people that you gave great respect to. Even those that you sacrificed your life (time and energy) to will turn on you. Your true friends will be with you always. You will know who they are because they will always be there to encourage you and even tell you when you are crazy. So you will always be a different kingdom. The great thing to consider is that even other people (other kingdoms) will be able to interact with you because some people understand that we are all different and they will love you just the way that you are (just as God does). After all, God made you the way that you are.
Your kingdom is the very foundation of your ministry in the Kingdom of God. Your kingdom, that is, the way you operate and your intrinsic protocols are what God placed in you to guide you. Your desires and aspiration I believe are a direct result of the ministry that God has in you or the task that God has called you to complete. That task could be a nurse, doctor, janitorial custodian, trash collector, computer programmer, stay-at-home mom or dad, or whatever. God wired you for it so do it with the confidence and the assurance that you are doing God's will. Know that your kingdom is the will of God and that you are operating within the boundaries of the Kingdom of God. Be thankful for who you are and what you are doing. Yes you will make mistakes and blunders. However, God will never give up on you and condemn you. Only humans will do that to you.
You will have to interact with many kingdoms in your ministry (don't think of ministry as particular to church). You will have to interact with many people during the course of your life as you do you best to do what God wants you to do and what God has wired you to do. Be you! Be free! Be with God! Remember the words of Jesus Christ because these will save you in many situations.
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.
Your primary objective is God's Kingdom and then after that is to live how God wired you to live and do what God wired you to do. Amen.