Kingdom Power (7)

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us, to Him beglory in the church by Christ Jesus to all generations, forever and ever. Amen.  Ephesians 3.20, 21

Ever-advancing power
If you’ve been paying attention to this series on the Kingdom power of God you will have noted a distinctive emphasis on the ways that Kingdom comes to light within, through, and among us.

We have been insisting that the rule of King Jesus is advancing on earth, and has been advancing ever since He came among us, even though it may not appear that such could possibly be the case (Dan. 2.44, 45; Is. 9.6, 7).

Given the woes and sorrows of this present age, how can we think that Jesus is advancing His holy rule?

But there is yet much of goodness, truth, joy, generosity, beauty, decency, honesty, justice, and love in this weary world, none of which would be possible – given the inveterate sinfulness of men – apart from an eternal presence and power at work within us. As the Apostle John explained, the Light of Christ has dawned, and the darkness of sin and unbelief is receding, for it cannot overcome the Kingdom of God (1 Jn. 2.8).

For those of us who have come to know Jesus Christ as Savior and King, our desire must be to seek more of this Kingdom’s presence and ever-advancing power in our own lives, and through us, to the world where we have presence and influence.

More power
We can never plumb the depths of the wells of power that Jesus is ready to pour out through us. Paul says there is more power of God’s Spirit to make us righteous, fill us with peace and joy, and use us as witnesses for Jesus Christ than we could ever ask or think.

Our problem is not that such power isn’t really available; it is. Our problem is that we don’t really think that’s so, and so we do not ask for such power to be at work within us, engaging and directing all our powers in every moment toward the ends of the Kingdom of God. Whether we hesitate because of doubt, fear, unbelief, or simple complacency, we hesitate to seek this transforming power in ways that could really change our lives.

More power is available to us, power to transform us into the image of Jesus Christ and send us into the world each day as His ambassadors and witnesses. Don’t think so? Can’t imagine it? Then stop believing your puny, timid brain, and let the mind of Christ direct your paths.

Jesus assured us that God is willing to give His Spirit and Kingdom to all who ask for it – who seek it diligently through earnest, persistent, impassioned pleading with God in prayer and waiting on Him in obedience (Lk. 11.1-13). But as long as we do not really believe in the presence of God’s Kingdom or the ability of His Spirit to transform and use us as agents of grace, we will not seek the Kingdom as we should, will not experience it as we might, and will not express it as we could – and as our Lord expects we should.

Our fault
If our sad world lacks evidence of the Good News Kingdom of God, it is not the fault of the world; nor is it the fault of the Savior. The Kingdom is real, and its power is increasing. The fault for our world’s sad state lies elsewhere; it lies with us.

Kingdom power, exceeding and abundant beyond everything we’ve ever dared to ask or think, is available through those who have made the Kingdom turn to engage and direct all human powers of whatever kinds toward unprecedented ends of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Spirit.

Thus far, in this generation of believers, we have not dared to believe it could be so, and we have not sought the Lord earnestly and persistently, so that we might know such power, experience such power, and show such power of transforming love to the world around us. We see the stormy seas of our secular age raging and raving all about us, and we choose to remain safe and comfortable within the boat of our past experience. And we turn a deaf ear to the Savior Who, walking above the Sturm und Drang of this world, calls us to get out of the boat and walk.

There is power, far more abundant power, available to everyone who believes in Jesus and longs to see His Kingdom come on earth as it is in heaven. Do you believe it? Can you imagine, and do you dare to dream of what such power might look like, flowing in and through your life? And if you can think it, do you dare obey the Lord Jesus and seek that power in prayer? Do you take up the heretofore unimaginable challenge of leaving your comfort zone to walk on the waves?

The Kingdom of God is a real presence, and Kingdom power is really at work, here and now; it is not a matter of mere words, but of real power, power which can be ours, if only we will seek it as we have been commanded.

Next steps: On a scale of 1 to 10, where 10 is the highest rating, how would you assess your own practice of seeking the Kingdom and power of God at this time? What’s one thing you could do to begin knowing more of that power in your life? Share your thoughts about this with a prayer partner.

T. M. Moore

This week’s study, Kingdom Power, is the sixth of an eight-part series on The Kingdom Turn, and is available as a free download. T. M. has written two books to complement this eight-part series. You can order The Kingship of Jesus by clicking here, and The Gospel of the Kingdom by clicking here.

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Except as indicated, Scripture taken from the New King James Version. © Copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.