Sunday, May 1, 2011

What does it mean to be subject to a king?

Having grown up in America and governed by a democracy, the idea of being ruled by a king is a foreign concept. Americans are very focused on our rights, which are protected by our constitution and law. Life in a kingdom is very different. The subjects of a king have no rights. The king is the authority and what he says is the law.




Kings are often ruthless, greedy and violent. Taking what the wanted with little regard for the needs and wishes of their subjects. This was the context of the nation of Israel when Jesus came into the world. The Jewish people longed for a king from God who would rule with justice and righteousness. The expected that this king would come with power and might and take his people by violent force from the oppressive rule of the Roman Kingdom and restore the God-centered nation they were called out to be.

But, Jesus came with love and humility and created a kingdom that is not of this world. Without military might or violence He has overcome His enemies and brought the benefits of His kingdom to those who submit to His authority. In the Bible we are introduced to a King who is present, at work, calling His people to Himself and who promises never to leave or forsake His loyal subjects.

His enemies are not sinful people or sinful nations. The enemies of our King are spiritual forces that ally with our human nature and cause us to live contrary to God's will.
hatred
division
greed
prejudice
lust
These enemies have been overcome, but Satan continues to try to build strongholds. Our king has give us POWER AND PERMISSION to remove these from our life. It is up to us to use that POWER. The King has spoken and His Word is law.
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Eph 6:12
The victory is claimed when we submit to His authority and remove those spiritual forces of evil from our lives. We are blessed to have a King who loves us unconditionally and who always has our best interest at heart. Choosing to please Him is always the best choice, but is contrary to our human nature. It is our duty as subjects of the King to know Him and obey Him.

This message is taken from a sermon Wesley Bolden preached at First Christian Church in Milledgeville, Ga








2 comments:

  1. Great notes. You are so special. I am glad that I have y ou in my circle now.

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  2. It so hard to remember that our King has a plan that is far greater than ours..and to try to live each day as his obedient child knowing that he wants what is best for us. This is a great reminder! Thanks Wesley & My wonderful Mom!

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