UNDERSTANDING GOD'S KINGDOM LIFESTYLE

UNDERSTANDING GOD’S KINGDOM LIFESTYLE

INTRODUCTION:

As every kingdom has a king, territory, laws, acceptable lifestyle, etc., so also the Kingdom of God has her own lifestyle permissible for every Christian. Jesus Christ did not leave His disciples and the church in doubt as to the quality and manner of life they should live here on earth. Clearly on the sermon on the mount, (Mat. 5:1 -7:27) He spelt out the Kingdom principles for living. These are the things to pursue if our lives and service will be commended and graciously rewarded when our Master returns.

In this series therefore, we shall focus on some of the principles as thought by Jesus Himself and the directions that the Holy spirit has provided through the works of the Apostles of the early church.

It is good for us to resolve in our hearts that Jesus Christ is the only correct pattern set before us to emulate, a life fitting for them that seek the Kingdom of God in spirit and truth. (Matt. 17:5).

A Christian is simply a person who lives a life that is according to the pattern of Jesus Christ. We need to live according to the pattern that has been revealed to us in the Holy Word of God, the Bible, our labours might as well be in vain, and our works consumed by fire and lost, without a reward if we did not live according to the pattern handed to us.

1Cor. 3:13-21;  1Pet. 1:7-8, 1Cor. 13: 3.

DEFINITION:

Kingdom lifestyle is the manner of conduct of the believer that reflects Jesus Christ on the inside of him/her, and the glory of God on the outside according to the word of God.

OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY:

This study is aimed at charging believers to thirst for the in-filling of the Holy Spirit that will transform their lifestyle. These lifestyles are fruits of the Holy Spirit as listed in Gal. 5:22-23.

1.      Understand what the new life in Jesus Christ is all about. Matt. 5:3-12.

2.      Understanding the true lifestyle for the any one that bears the name Christian. Rom. 2:24

3.      Studies on righteousness, thoughts and their effects on our lifestyle. 1Cor. 13:4-7, 1Pet. 4:8

4.      Study about the fruits of the Holy Spirit and their benefits to the believer. 1Pet. 1:22, 4:8.

5.      Understand the role of love the applications and the effects it has on the church.1Cor. 13:8, Gal. 6:1-2.

6.      We will study extensively about love, Joy, Peace, Etc., the fruits of the Holy Spirit.

7.      Practical assessments of our lives in line with the truth of the word of God to determine if we are walking in love, joyful, patient, etc. John 15:13.

SCRIPTURAL REFERENCES:

Matt 5:3-12, Rom.8:14, John 15:13, Rom.2:24, 1Cor. 13:4-7.

MEMORY VERSE:

"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

John 13:34

“For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you”.  

John 13:15.

LESSON 1

THE NEW LIFE IN CHRIST:

1.      We are saved and called unto a holy life. 2Tim. 1:9, Rom. 6:4, Lk. 1:74-75, 3:8.

2.      We dead to self and alive in Christ. Gal. 2:20, John 14:6.

3.      We live to do the will of God my Father. John 4:34, 11:26, 1John 1:1-2.

4.      The Holy Spirit is our guide and helper. John 16:7, 13-15; 14:15-18; Acts 26:22-23;     Rom. 8:26

5.      The Word of God is our compass and standard. Psalm 119:105-106; Josh. 1:5-8.

6.      The new life in Christ is a life of spiritual and physical abundance. John 10:10.

LESSON 2

THE PRINCIPLES OF KINGDOM LIFESTYLE:

1.      This is the lifestyle commanded by our lord and saviour Jesus Christ. Matt. 5:6-7, Exod. 23:4-5.

 Rom. 2:23-24, Prov. 25:21-22, Gal. 6:10.

2.      This is the lifestyle that pleases God our Father. John 15:13, Mark 1:11.

3.      This is the lifestyle of those that believe and obey the word of God. Heb. 11:6, Lk. 6:38, Eccl. 11:4-6.

4.      It is the lifestyle of (sons of God), those led by the Holy Spirit of God. Rom. 8:14, Matt. 4:1-5.

5.      It is a fruitful lifestyle; the lifestyle of true disciples. John 13:35, 15:8, Acts 1:7-8.

6.      God calls us to a selfless and sacrificial living. Matt. 6:19-20,  Rom. 15:1-3, Gal. 6:1-2, Isa. 58:6-8

LESSON 3

UNDERSTANDING THE EFFECTS OF OUR LIFESTYLE:

1.      Your disposition determines your position. Prov. 23:7; 1Sam. 16:7.

2.      Your attitude determines your altitude. Esth. 1:12-19, Lk. 16:2,11.

3.      Your character is more important than your talents. 1Cor. 1:28, Mrk.12:41-44.

4.      Relationship is more important than anointing. 1Sam. 15:22-23, John 15:1-5.

5.      Our attitude in service is more important than the service. Deut. 28:47, Matt. 7:21-23.

6.      God searches and rewards the heart and intensions. Jer. 17:9-10, Eccl. 12:13-14.

7.      The lifestyle of a believer is the unwritten epistle of Christ that the unbelievers see. Rom. 2:24, Matt. 5:16; Rom. 14:13-16.