Articles
My Kingdom is Not OF this world - John 18:36
My Kingdom is Not OF this world - John 18:36
“Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, then My servants would be fighting so that I would not be handed over to the Jews; but as it is, My kingdom is not of this realm." (John 18:36)
‘This world’ is not so much of the PHYSICAL earth but of the Mind Set – world view. As Paul instructed: “1 Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
The ‘way’ of the world is one fleshly war – which weapons include anger, strife, wrath, deceit, slander, intimidation, threats of bodily harm, ACTUAL bodily harm, murder, physical war with physical weapons. Such are termed ‘carnal’ weapons for a ‘carnal’ warfare.
Jesus’ kingdom is NOT fought this way! Notice again the true armor of God in Eph. 6. Take note that are true struggle is “not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12)
Our country has drifted into a false concept of how to ‘win’ and much of this has more to do with political policies than spiritual character. I simply would remind us that in all that we do, say, and ARE we have as our goal to glorify God.
Again, Paul insisted that 24 The Lord's bond-servant must not be quarrelsome, but be kind to all, able to teach, patient when wronged, 25 with gentleness correcting those who are in opposition, if perhaps God may grant them repentance leading to the knowledge of the truth, 26 and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, having been held captive by him to do his will. (2 Timothy 2:24-26)
Hugh DeLong
