What is a Kingdom?

“A Kingdom is the governing influence of a king over his territory, impacting it with his personal will, purpose, and intent, producing a culture, values, morals, lifestyle that reflect the king’s desires and nature for his citizens”.

-          Dr. Myles Munroe

The kingdom concept was born in the heart of man, placed there by his Creator as the purpose for which he was created. Despite the fact that there were many types of kingdoms throughout history, there are certain characteristics common to all kingdoms. The kingdom of God, according to Jesus, also possesses these components. Here are some you will need to know in order to understand the concepts of Scripture.

All kingdoms have:

·         A King and Lord      -           a sovereign

·         A Territory                -           a domain

·         A Constitution           -           a royal covenant

·         A Citizenry                -           community of subjects

·         Law                            -           Acceptable principles

·         Privileges                    -           right and benefits

·         A Code of Ethics       -           acceptable lifestyle and conduct

·         An Army                    -           security

·         A Commonwealth     -           economic security, and

·         A Social Culture        -           protocol and procedures.

Now, let’s examine these one after the other.

ü  The King

The King is the embodiment of the kingdom, representing its glory and nature. Authority flows from the king and the word of the king is supreme.

ü  The Territory

The Territory is the domain over which the king exercises total authority. The territory and its resources and people are all personal property of the king. The king by right owns all and, therefore, is considered lord over all. The word Lord denotes ownership by right. Lord is only given to one who is sovereign owner. This is why the Scriptures declare, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalm 24:1 KJV).

ü  The Constitution

The Constitution is the covenant of a king with his citizenry and expresses the mind and will of the king for his citizens and the kingdom. It constitutes the intent of the sovereign for his people as well as containing the benefits and privileges of the kingdom. The constitution is the documented words of the king. The Bible contains the constitution of the Kingdom of God which details His will and mind for His citizens.

ü  The Citizenry

The Citizenry is the people that live under the rule of the king. Citizenship in a kingdom is not a right, but a privilege, and is a result of the king’s choice. The benefits and privileges of a kingdom are only accessible to citizens and, therefore, the favour of the king is always a privilege. Once one becomes a citizen of the kingdom, all the rights of citizenship are at the citizen’s pleasure. The king is obligated to care for and protect all of his citizens, and their welfare is a reflection on the king himself. The number one goal of a citizen in a kingdom is to submit to the king, seeking only to remain in right standing with him. This is called righteousness. This is why Jesus said the priority of all men is to seek His kingdom.

“But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well (Matthew 6:33).

ü  The Law

The law constitutes the standards and principles established by the king himself, by which his kingdom will function and be administered. The laws of a kingdom are to be obeyed by all, including foreigners residing in it. The laws of a kingdom are the way by which one is guaranteed access to the benefits of the king and the kingdom. Violations of kingdom law place one at odds with the king and thus interrupt the favorable position one enjoys with the king. The laws in a kingdom cannot be changed by the citizens, nor are they subject to a citizen referendum or debate. Simply put, the word of the king is law in his kingdom. Rebellion against the law is rebellion against the king. King David understood this principle of the royal word when he stated,

“I will bow down toward Your holy temple and will praise Your name for Your love and Your faithfulness, for You have exalted above all things Your name and Your word” (Psalm 138:2-3).

ü  The Privileges

The Privileges are the benefits the king lavishes on his faithful citizens. This aspect of kingdom is very different from other forms of government. In a kingdom, citizenship is always desired by the people because, once you are in the kingdom, the king is personally responsible for you and all your needs. In addition, because the king owns everything within his kingdom, he can give to any citizen any or all of his wealth as he desires.

ü  A Code of Ethics

A Code of Ethics is the acceptable conduct of the citizens in the kingdom and their representation of the king. This code includes moral standards, social relationship, personal conduct, attitude, attire, and manner of life.

ü  The Army

The Army is the kingdom’s system of securing its territory and protecting its citizens. It is important to understand that in a kingdom the citizens do no fight in the army, but enjoy the protection of the army. This is why, in the Kingdom of God, the angels are called the host of heaven. This word host means army and identifies the angels as the so-called military component of the Kingdom of Heaven. This kingdom concept presents a challenge to our religious thinking of the Church as an army. A careful study of biblical constitution of the word will show that the Church, as Jesus established it, is not identified as an army but rather a citizenship, a family of sons, and a nation.

He unleashed against them His hot anger, His wrath, indignation and hostility – a band of destroying angels (Psalm 78:49).

Praise the Lord, you His angels, you mighty ones who do His bidding, who obey His word. Praise the Lord, all His heavenly hosts, you His servants who do His will (Psalm 103:20-21).

So it will be at the end of the age. The Son of Man will send out His angels, and they will weed out of His kingdom everything that causes sin and all who do evil. They will throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth (Matthew 13:40b-42).

ü  A Commonwealth

A Commonwealth is the economic system of a kingdom which guarantees each citizen equal access to financial security. In a kingdom, the term commonwealth is used because the king’s desire is that all his citizens share and benefit from the wealth of the kingdom. The kingdom’s glory is in the happiness and health of its citizens.

Consider carefully the word of the King of the Kingdom of God, Jesus Christ,

Then Jesus said to His disciples: “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your body, what you will wear. Life is more than food, and the body more than clothes” (Luke 12:22-23).

But seek His kingdom, and these things will be given to you as well. Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom (Luke 12:31-32).

ü  The Social Culture

The Social Culture is the environment created by the life and manners of the king and his citizens. This is the cultural aspect that separates and distinguishes the kingdom from all others around it. It is the culture that expresses the nature of the king, through the lifestyle of his citizens. This distinction in Kingdom culture is evidenced in the words of the Lord Jesus, when He repeatedly said in the Book of Matthew, “you have heard that it was said… but I tell you,” (Matthew 5:21-22), and again, “it shall not be so among you” (Matthew 20:26 KJV). Kingdom social culture is supposed to be evident in our daily activities and encounters.   

In His Service,

Bisi Bolarin

Contact:

The Kingdom Life Ministries

Tel: +234 809 809 0197

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E-mail: kingdomlifeminstries46@gmail.com