Living With Kingdom Perspective

Living With Kingdom-Perspective

In our article series on the Kingdom of God, we’ve covered a lot of stuff. There are still a few loose ends that need to be addressed. This article will attempt to bring it all together. Then, we will conclude with a focus on five key kingdom-perspectives, which can easily be remembered with the helpful acronym: P.A.C.E.S.

Pace is a noun. It has a range of meanings which includes ideas of walking and also progress and growth. As we walk with the Holy Spirit in the grace of Christ, we want to grow more and more in Christ’s likeness. Keeping these kingdom-perspectives on our mind will help us be faithful in our walk and live lives worthy of the grace we have received. We want to keep pace with grace!

These five key perspectives will help us keep the proper balance as we seek to live for the glory of God as citizens of The Kingdom of Heaven. One of the five perspectives serves as a negative example (that is, something we ought to avoid). The remaining four will each provide a facet of kingdom-living which we ought to live out in our personal walk with God by His Spirit. These facets are not independent of one another. Rather, they are complementary. Each emphasizes valuable truth which ought to be held in unity with the others. We gain the best perspective by holding all of these views together, not by picking our favorite(s) and neglecting the rest.

Before we look to these five key perspectives, we must wrestle with the disconnect between modern experience and what we read about in Scripture. We will also attempt to briefly address a few important issues that remain outstanding.

The Disconnect

We must be willing to honestly evaluate our own selves and the times in which we live. This examination is not an attempt to cast stones at others (as if we ourselves are without sin) or to examine the speck in the eyes of our brothers and sisters in Christ while failing to recognize the logs in our own. It’s not a practice of hostility but rather of humility. It is necessary to assess where we are so we can be transformed as necessary into where we ought to be.

James 1:21–27 (NASB)
Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls. But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
If anyone thinks himself to be religious, and yet does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this man’s religion is worthless. Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world.

This scripture in James reminds us (as do the verses below) to be doers of the word, and not hearers only. Remember, we don’t want to be those who talk about these things. The world is filled with empty-talkers. Instead, we want to actually be doers of the word as we walk in the grace of God in truth, empowered and led by the indwelling Spirit of God.

1 Corinthians 4:20 (NASB)
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power.
2 Timothy 1:7 (NASB)
For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.
Titus 1:10–11 (NASB)
For there are many rebellious men, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision, who must be silenced because they are upsetting whole families, teaching things they should not teach for the sake of sordid gain.
Matthew 7:24–27 (NASB)
“Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell—and great was its fall.”

God has been explicit in telling His people the purpose of redeeming sinners to Himself. God does this so that, by grace, they will be transformed and conformed more and more into the image and likeness of Christ, and that they would be His partners in advancing His kingdom while here on earth. This is God’s glorious inheritance in the saints.

Romans 8:29 (NASB)
For those whom He foreknew, He also predestined to become conformed to the image of His Son, so that He would be the firstborn among many brethren;

Biblical authors assume that, when grace is operative in our lives, we will walk as Jesus walked.

1 John 2:3–6 (NASB)
By this we know that we have come to know Him, if we keep His commandments. The one who says, “I have come to know Him,” and does not keep His commandments, is a liar, and the truth is not in him; but whoever keeps His word, in him the love of God has truly been perfected. By this we know that we are in Him: the one who says he abides in Him ought himself to walk in the same manner as He walked.

Those who claim to know and love Christ, yet who walk in darkness, are to be rebuked and even avoided.

2 Timothy 3:2–5 (NASB)
For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money, boastful, arrogant, revilers, disobedient to parents, ungrateful, unholy, unloving, irreconcilable, malicious gossips, without self-control, brutal, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding to a form of godliness, although they have denied its power; Avoid such men as these.

The Great Commission entails instructing followers of Christ to observe everything that He taught. This process requires constant and consistent growth.

Matthew 28:18–20 (NASB)
And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

Paul took this commandment to teach everything Jesus taught, refusing to shrink back from his responsibility to declare the whole counsel of God seriously.

Acts 20:25–27 (NASB)
“And now, behold, I know that all of you, among whom I went about preaching the kingdom, will no longer see my face. Therefore, I testify to you this day that I am innocent of the blood of all men. For I did not shrink from declaring to you the whole purpose of God.”

Paul went about proclaiming the kingdom, declaring the whole counsel of God, all while being (present tense) more and more conformed to the image of God’s Son, Jesus, his entire life.

If we desire to imitate Paul (1 Corinthians 4:16; 11:1) and to follow Christ, we must stop evaluating our progress in sanctification by examining those who sit in the pews or chairs around us.

As we walk out genuine lives of grace in the kingdom of God, it is not enough to set our sights on surpassing our co-laborers in Christ or attaining the standards of our pastors, elders, ministry leaders, and teachers. Until we are conformed fully to the image of Christ, there is more growth to seek. This is God’s expressed will for us in Christ Jesus.

1 Thessalonians 4:3a (NASB)
For this is the will of God, your sanctification.

We must look to Christ and rely upon His amazing grace every moment along the way.

Is Victory the same as Comfort and Ease?

As we walk in this world with kingdom-perspective, we must understand the full teaching of Scripture. If we only have a partial view, it is easy both to stumble ourselves and to cause others to stumble.

Hopefully we can admit that we are most likely to be deceived when someone tells us something that we want to be true. As we all walk in this broken world, there is a great appeal to having victory over all our problems. This message has wide-ranging appeal. It is especially easy to believe a message of this type in a nation like the modern US. It would be harder to preach a message of comfort and ease virtually anywhere else on earth, especially in places where faithful Christians are severely persecuted.

Hebrews 11 is called “the hall of fame of faith” by many interpreters. It records great victories of faithful saints in the past. It also records this:

Hebrews 11:35–40 (NASB)
Women received back their dead by resurrection; and others were tortured, not accepting their release, so that they might obtain a better resurrection; and others experienced mockings and scourgings, yes, also chains and imprisonment. They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were tempted, they were put to death with the sword; they went about in sheepskins, in goatskins, being destitute, afflicted, ill-treated (men of whom the world was not worthy), wandering in deserts and mountains and caves and holes in the ground.
And all these, having gained approval through their faith, did not receive what was promised, because God had provided something better for us, so that apart from us they would not be made perfect.

For each example of miraculous deliverance like Daniel from the lions’ den, we have a hundred more examples of faithful brothers and sisters in Christ who suffered for their faith. The martyrs of the faith are just as faithful as those who experienced physical deliverance.

Look closely at the dramatic and vivid language Paul uses when describing God’s leading of His people as victors in this world.

Romans 8:35–39 (NASB)
Who will separate us from the love of Christ? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? Just as it is written,
“For Your sake we are being put to death all day long;
We were considered as sheep to be slaughtered.”
But in all these things we overwhelmingly conquer through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

What a shocking image! We overwhelmingly conquer as we are led like sheep to the slaughter? Historically, the more the church was persecuted and Christians executed, the more the church grew and expanded. Great gains in The Kingdom rarely come through times of uninterrupted comfort and ease. We would be wise to learn the lessons of revivals in history without romanticizing away the difficulties endured by those who lived through them. Even so, Christians are exhorted to pray for peace and tranquility and should not actively seek persecution (1 Timothy 2:1–8).

As we wrestle with these themes, we must seriously ask ourselves:

Are we willing to walk with the Spirit only if He leads us like Peter on the day of Pentecost where thousands were saved in a moment (Acts 2)?
Are we just as willing to follow the Spirit if He leads us as He led Stephen, to be stoned to death (Acts 7)?

Both are examples of God leading His people according to His kingdom-purpose. Both served an important role and were faithful in walking the victorious Christian life. Both led to great expansion of The Kingdom of God.

Stephen is a gleaming example of one who overcame by the blood of the Lamb, the word of his testimony, and not loving his life even when faced with death.

When we look to the Scriptures and to history, we see innumerable examples of people experiencing miraculous deliverances by faith and also those who suffer and are persecuted because of their faith. By suffering faithfully, they likewise bring glory to their God. We must not define victorious kingdom-living in human, fleshly terms but rather in biblical terms. We must understand that faithful kingdom-living can look like Pentecost and it can also look like martyrdom, suffering, and persecution.

Sadly, many are willing to walk with Christ as long as they experience the deliverances. Fewer are willing to pick up their cross and follow Christ through suffering. Time does not permit us to develop this in greater depth. The reader is strongly encouraged to prayerfully read through the following passages which speak of the suffering of faithful Christians (those short on time should at least review the bolded passages).

Romans 5:1–5
Romans 8:12–25
2 Corinthians 1:3–7
Philippians 3:7–11

Philippians 4:10–14
Colossians 1:24
1 Thessalonians 2:13–16
2 Thessalonians 1:3–5

2 Timothy 1:8–14
2 Timothy 3:10–12
James 5:10
1 Peter 4:12–19

Is Healing Guaranteed?

Another source of stumbling comes from those who take certain passages out of context and teach that healing is a guarantee from the victory of Christ. Some teachers who promote this view even heap condemnation upon those who don’t receive healing, claiming it is because of a lack of faith on their own part. This is a form of spiritual abuse. It should be resisted.

Can God heal? Of course! Does God still heal today? Yes, He does. Is healing guaranteed for those who have enough faith? No, not according to Scripture.

Consider the following examples. The Apostle Paul healed many. He walked in amazing miraculous power. Even so, he describes leaving his ministry partner behind because he was too sick to carry on.

2 Timothy 4:20 (NASB)
Erastus remained at Corinth, but Trophimus I left sick at Miletus.

Paul regarded Timothy as unusually faithful and worthy of tremendous responsibility, trust, and respect.

Philippians 2:19–22 (NASB)
But I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you shortly, so that I also may be encouraged when I learn of your condition. For I have no one else of kindred spirit who will genuinely be concerned for your welfare. For they all seek after their own interests, not those of Christ Jesus. But you know of his proven worth, that he served with me in the furtherance of the gospel like a child serving his father.

Even so, Timothy suffered from frequent ailments. Paul does not rebuke Timothy for his lack of faith, nor does he offer to send him a prayer cloth or anything else as Paul had done previously with success. Instead, he appeals to Timothy to take a little wine to find some relief.

1 Timothy 5:23 (NASB)
No longer drink water exclusively, but use a little wine for the sake of your stomach and your frequent ailments.

Even Paul himself found that God was unwilling to remove a messenger of Satan from him. God’s purpose in keeping Paul humble was more important than giving Paul earthly comforts.

2 Corinthians 12:7–10 (NASB)
Because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, for this reason, to keep me from exalting myself, there was given me a thorn in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to torment me—to keep me from exalting myself! Concerning this I implored the Lord three times that it might leave me. And He has said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.” Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me. Therefore I am well content with weaknesses, with insults, with distresses, with persecutions, with difficulties, for Christ’s sake; for when I am weak, then I am strong.

The most commonly cited proof-text for healing being a guaranteed provision of the gospel is found in Isaiah 53.

Isaiah 53:4–5 (NASB)
Surely our griefs He Himself bore,
And our sorrows He carried;
Yet we ourselves esteemed Him stricken,
Smitten of God, and afflicted.
But He was pierced through for our transgressions,
He was crushed for our iniquities;
The chastening for our well-being fell upon Him,
And by His scourging we are healed.

The examples of Paul, Trophimus, and Timothy are not contradictory to this truth. Let’s look at how the New Testament interprets this healing prophesied in Isaiah 53.

Matthew’s Gospel records an important passage regarding the fulfillment of Isaiah 53.

Matthew 8:14–17 (NASB)
When Jesus came into Peter’s home, He saw his mother-in-law lying sick in bed with a fever. He touched her hand, and the fever left her; and she got up and waited on Him. When evening came, they brought to Him many who were demon-possessed; and He cast out the spirits with a word, and healed all who were ill. This was to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet: “He Himself took our infirmities and carried away our diseases.”

More healings were recorded leading up to this passage in Matthew 8:1–13. The most important verse for us, written under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, is that these were done to fulfill what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet.

God will always do what He has said. He is not obligated to go beyond what He has said. The Bible teaches us that Christ fulfilled what was spoken through Isaiah the prophet in the days of His incarnation. Christ fulfilled prophecies concerning the virgin birth, the place of His birth, and His death, burial, and resurrection. Yet, no one expects these other prophecies to be continuously fulfilled again and again. So why would we treat the fulfillment of what Isaiah spoke in Isaiah 53:4–5 any differently?

The Apostle Peter appeals to this healing. He uses spiritual terms.

1 Peter 2:21–25 (NASB)
For you have been called for this purpose, since Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example for you to follow in His steps, who committed no sin, nor was any deceit found in His mouth; and while being reviled, He did not revile in return; while suffering, He uttered no threats, but kept entrusting Himself to Him who judges righteously; and He Himself bore our sins in His body on the cross, so that we might die to sin and live to righteousness; for by His wounds you were healed. For you were continually straying like sheep, but now you have returned to the Shepherd and Guardian of your souls.

Peter ties the healing we received to the forgiveness of our sins. This we are guaranteed in Christ. The additional blessing of physical healing is experienced by some. We should ask the Lord for healing (e.g., James 5:13–15). However, some may receive an answer like Paul did and should rejoice if God has a greater purpose in knowing that when we are weak, He is strong. We should not heap condemnation upon those who are already suffering, since the Bible also provides examples of faithful believers who do not experience physical healing and/or deliverance.

The miracles Christ and the Apostles performed fulfilled the Scriptures. They demonstrated, with power, that Christ has the authority to forgive sins. These signs authenticated their message. Now that the gospel of Christ and teaching about His Kingdom have been given and authenticated, God is not obligated to offer more and more proof beyond what He has already given.

Acts 17:30–31 (NASB)
“Therefore having overlooked the times of ignorance, God is now declaring to men that all people everywhere should repent, because He has fixed a day in which He will judge the world in righteousness through a Man whom He has appointed, having furnished proof to all men by raising Him from the dead.”
Matthew 9:5–8 (NASB)
“Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Get up, and walk’? But so that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—then He *said to the paralytic, “Get up, pick up your bed and go home.” And he got up and went home. But when the crowds saw this, they were awestruck, and glorified God, who had given such authority to men.
2 Corinthians 12:12 (NASB)
The signs of a true apostle were performed among you with all perseverance, by signs and wonders and miracles.

We can trust in Christ. We can trust the writings of the New Testament Apostles and Prophets (what we call the New Testament). We can because God has validated and authenticated their message. We need not seek after more and more signs to continue to validate that which has already been validated. Jesus said this pursuit was what a wicked, adulterous and unbelieving generation does (Matthew 16:4; Luke 11:29). The constant seeking for signs also makes it likely we can be led astray, because false teachers have been given the ability to produce false signs to mislead those who do not hold fast to the faith of the gospel which has been given to us already (e.g., Matthew 24:11, 24; Mark 13:21–23; 2 Corinthians 11:13–15; 2 Thessalonians 2:8–12; 1 John 4:1; and Revelation 19:20).

Immune from the kingdom of darkness?

Some Christians foolishly ignore the power of the kingdom of darkness. Other Christians are foolishly enamored with the unseen forces of darkness in the world. We ought to have a healthy understanding of the dangers the kingdom of darkness poses toward unaware followers of Christ, while also knowing that we can overcome if we simply walk in the path Christ has laid before us.

The enemy is fierce. Make no mistake about it. However, do not despair:

1 John 4:4 (NASB)
You are from God, little children, and have overcome them; because greater is He who is in you than he who is in the world.
James 4:7 (NASB)
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

These positive exhortations should encourage us. However, the Bible has many warnings to believers not to open the door or foolishly give the devil an opportunity for any advantage in our lives as Christians. Each of these passages should be carefully and prayerfully considered.

Ephesians 6:10–13 (NASB)
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. For our 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. Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.
1 Peter 5:8 (NASB)
Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
1 Thessalonians 2:18 (NASB)
For we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, more than once—and yet Satan hindered us.
Daniel 10:10–13 (NASB)
Then behold, a hand touched me and set me trembling on my hands and knees. He said to me, “O Daniel, man of high esteem, understand the words that I am about to tell you and stand upright, for I have now been sent to you.” And when he had spoken this word to me, I stood up trembling. Then he said to me, “Do not be afraid, Daniel, for from the first day that you set your heart on understanding this and on humbling yourself before your God, your words were heard, and I have come in response to your words. But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia.”
Luke 13:16 (NASB) — This was a faithful believer
“And this woman, a daughter of Abraham as she is, whom Satan has bound for eighteen long years, should she not have been released from this bond on the Sabbath day?”
Acts 5:3 (NASB) — Peter is rebuking a Christian
But Peter said, “Ananias, why has Satan filled your heart to lie to the Holy Spirit and to keep back some of the price of the land?”
1 Corinthians 5:5 (NASB) — Church discipline of an unrepentant follower of Christ
I have decided to deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh, so that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus.
2 Corinthians 2:10–11 (NASB) — Unforgiveness gives Satan an advantage over believers
But one whom you forgive anything, I forgive also; for indeed what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, I did it for your sakes in the presence of Christ, so that no advantage would be taken of us by Satan, for we are not ignorant of his schemes.
2 Peter 2:10–11 (NASB) — Some foolishly rebuke angelic majesties, which should be avoided
and especially those who indulge the flesh in its corrupt desires and despise authority. Daring, self-willed, they do not tremble when they revile angelic majesties, whereas angels who are greater in might and power do not bring a reviling judgment against them before the Lord.
Jude 1:8–13 (NASB)
Yet in the same way these men, also by dreaming, defile the flesh, and reject authority, and revile angelic majesties. But Michael the archangel, when he disputed with the devil and argued about the body of Moses, did not dare pronounce against him a railing judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you!” But these men revile the things which they do not understand; and the things which they know by instinct, like unreasoning animals, by these things they are destroyed. Woe to them! For they have gone the way of Cain, and for pay they have rushed headlong into the error of Balaam, and perished in the rebellion of Korah. These are the men who are hidden reefs in your love feasts when they feast with you without fear, caring for themselves; clouds without water, carried along by winds; autumn trees without fruit, doubly dead, uprooted; wild waves of the sea, casting up their own shame like foam; wandering stars, for whom the black darkness has been reserved forever.

Seeing these dangers — expressed all throughout the Bible — we can better understand why Jesus taught His disciples to pray for deliverance from the evil one.

Matthew 6:13 (NIV)
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.

We are wise to take this prayer seriously as we walk in the humble confidence expressed by James.

James 4:7 (NASB)
Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

Offensive or Defensive?

The church of Jesus Christ is meant to be on the offensive, not merely to play defense. As we follow the path established by our risen Lord and Savior, we understand that our purpose as light and salt in the world (Matthew 5:13–14) is to dispel darkness and to set captives free from the kingdom of darkness.

The good news of the gospel should include tangible evidence that those who walk by grace have been raised to newness of life in Christ. The language the Bible uses demonstrates a sharp contrast between:

Light / Darkness
Saints / Sinners
Life / Death

These are not merely metaphorical or symbolic. These contrasts should be evident as born-again believers are transformed more and more by the grace of God and the indwelling Holy Spirit. If we do not see evidence (e.g., the fruit of the Spirit) it is perhaps most wise for us to soberly consider Paul’s exhortation to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5).

As we consider the five key perspectives on The Kingdom, this offensive nature of Christ’s church will make even more sense. It is not our task to isolate and protect ourselves in our Christian bubbles. It is our task to shine the light of Christ in all the earth, until the knowledge of the glory of God covers the earth as the waters cover the sea (Habakkuk 2:14).

The Five Key Kingdom Perspectives

The Bible often uses vivid imagery to communicate important truths. As we look at some of the imagery employed in the Bible to describe our walk with God in this world (and the world to come), we should resist the urge to pick and choose which imagery we like or relate to the best. Instead, we should see that all of this imagery is being used to help us understand the multi-faceted reality of our kingdom-purpose.

This is not a case of either / or. It is better understood as both / and.

One perspective will provide a negative example. That is, it is something to be avoided. The other four perspectives each emphasize an important positive aspect of kingdom-living and kingdom-purpose for followers of the risen Christ. None of the positive examples should be considered as more or less important than the others. Additionally, the order of our treatment of each facet does not reflect a hierarchy of importance. We will simply take one at a time, assuming they are of equal importance.

Kingdom Perspective #1 — Priests

“Priests” are common in the Old Testament. They are referred to explicitly nearly 800 times. In the New Testament, we see priests referred to significantly less. Just over 160 times.

The great majority of New Testament references to “priests” are found in the Gospels (97 times), Acts (25 times), and Hebrews (36 times). In the Gospels and Acts, these references speak almost exclusively of those ministering in the Old Covenant priesthood. The author of Hebrews speaks mostly of Christ, as the high priest according to the order of Melchizedek in the New Covenant.

The remaining six passages speak of our role as New Covenant followers of Christ, the high priest.

Romans 15:15–16 (NASB)
But I have written very boldly to you on some points so as to remind you again, because of the grace that was given me from God, to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles, ministering as a priest the gospel of God, so that my offering of the Gentiles may become acceptable, sanctified by the Holy Spirit.

The verb in Romans 15:16 is unique. It appears nowhere else in Scripture. As such, it gives us our best working definition of what the ministry of a New Testament priest is: the gospel of God. Priests may be defined many ways (depending on who you ask). The role of priests in the Old Covenant was as intermediaries between God and humans. Paul describes his own ministry in the New Covenant as a minister of Christ to the Gentiles. Through the gospel, Paul was attempting to bring the Gentiles to Christ by faith.

1 Peter 2:4–10 (NASB)
And coming to Him as to a living stone which has been rejected by men, but is choice and precious in the sight of God, you also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. For this is contained in Scripture:
“Behold, I lay in Zion a choice stone, a precious corner stone,
And he who believes in Him will not be disappointed.”
This precious value, then, is for you who believe; but for those who disbelieve,
“The stone which the builders rejected,
This became the very corner stone,”
and,
“A stone of stumbling and a rock of offense”;
for they stumble because they are disobedient to the word, and to this doom they were also appointed.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were not a people, but now you are the people of God; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

The Apostle Peter likewise declares God’s kingdom-purpose in redemption. God is making a holy people for Himself—a royal priesthood. It is the responsibility of this holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Christ, and to proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvelous light. We exist to make God’s glory known in all the earth.

Revelation 1:4–6 (NASB)
John to the seven churches that are in Asia: Grace to you and peace, from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who loves us and released us from our sins by His blood— and He has made us to be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father—to Him be the glory and the dominion forever and ever. Amen.

Jesus loves His people. He has released us from our sins by His own precious blood. He has done so with kingdom-purpose: so that we will be a kingdom, priests to His God and Father.

Revelation 5:9–10 (NASB)
And they *sang a new song, saying,
“Worthy are You to take the book and to break its seals; for You were slain, and purchased for God with Your blood men from every tribe and tongue and people and nation.
“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to our God; and they will reign upon the earth.”

Revelation 4 contains a truly awesome scene. The Apostle John sees a vision of Heaven, filled with praise for God. What is astonishing is that in Revelation 5, everyone and everything stops praising God and turns their praise toward the Lamb. Verses 9–10 contain the content of their new song. They praise the Lamb because He is worthy to break the seals. They praise Him for His redemption. Again, the purpose of that redemption is made clear: He has made His people to be a kingdom and priests to our God.

This multitude in Heaven looks forward to the future (“they will reign”) reign of this kingdom upon the earth. This reign is described in Revelation 20.

Revelation 20:4–6 (NASB)
Then I saw thrones, and they sat on them, and judgment was given to them. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony of Jesus and because of the word of God, and those who had not worshiped the beast or his image, and had not received the mark on their forehead and on their hand; and they came to life and reigned with Christ for a thousand years. The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were completed. This is the first resurrection. Blessed and holy is the one who has a part in the first resurrection; over these the second death has no power, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with Him for a thousand years.

Some interpret this passage spiritually. Some think it is currently happening or happened sometime in the past. However, it seems the best interpretation is that this is still future. There is a literal, physical kingdom to come when Christ returns.

What a glorious hope! Until then, we live as aliens and strangers in the present world and engage in our priestly role of seeking to be faithful ministers of the gospel as we seek to bring those around us to a knowledge of Christ as we proclaim His excellencies.

Kingdom Perspective #2 — Ambassadors for Christ

A well-known passage is 2 Corinthians 5:17. It is the subject of many sermons, books, and devotionals. It can be found printed on artwork, coffee mugs, bumper stickers, and refrigerator magnets.

Less well-known are the verses immediately following.

2 Corinthians 5:17–21 (NASB)
Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come. Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.
Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us; we beg you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

While most are eager to accept the truth that anyone who is in Christ is a new creature, for some reason not as many eagerly accept the mandate we have received from God as new creations. Paul doesn’t leave us to guess. He says explicitly:

Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.

In Christ, we have received reconciliation with God. In Christ, we have also received the ministry of reconciliation. God has committed to every new creature in Christ the word of reconciliation. Every believer is called to be an ambassador for Christ, preaching the word of reconciliation.

The ministry of reconciliation is shared by all Christians.

However, if you ask most Christians what their ministry is, you will find that the vast majority will respond with something other than the ministry of reconciliation (which is also sometimes referred to simply as evangelism). If you press some Christians, they will even vehemently deny their role in calling sinners to be reconciled to God through Christ because they have a different ministry or gifting.

While not every Christian will have the same exact approach in the ministry of reconciliation — that is, not all will be street preachers, or travelling preachers, etc. — there is no loophole provided for anyone in Christ. Paul says plainly that God has entrusted this message to new creatures — EVERY new creature — in Christ. It is our task, as ambassadors for Christ, to beg, plead with, convince, persuade, and even command, in the name and authority of Jesus, those who do not know Jesus to be reconciled to God through repentance and faith in Him.

This title — “Ambassadors for Christ” — clearly ties together the proclamation of the gospel and The Kingdom of God. Ambassador is not a religious title, but a political one. As representatives of The Kingdom of Heaven, we serve as ambassadors while here on earth.

What is an ambassador?

As ambassadors, we live in the midst of the kingdom of darkness on earth as citizens and representatives of The Kingdom of Heaven. We are not to set our minds on earthly things. These temporal things are not of interest to our heavenly King and His everlasting Kingdom. We are instead called to live as aliens and strangers while we live out our days on earth.

1 Peter 2:11 (NASB)
Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul.
Hebrews 11:13–16 (NASB)
All these died in faith, without receiving the promises, but having seen them and having welcomed them from a distance, and having confessed that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For those who say such things make it clear that they are seeking a country of their own. And indeed if they had been thinking of that country from which they went out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God; for He has prepared a city for them.

The title of ambassador speaks of both identity and purpose. We are citizens of Heaven, not of earth. We are representatives of our King while we dwell in this place. Our King has given us a message and a part in the ministry of reconciliation.

Imagine that the President of the US gave you a role as an ambassador for the US and sent you to a foreign country. Imagine also that he gave you a message to speak to the people there. Finally, imagine that it is a message that may not be received favorably. How would the President respond if you were negligent in speaking the message, refusing to speak what he sent you to deliver? What if you only spoke parts of the message, and did not faithfully relate the entirety?

These would be serious acts of treason.

To fail to speak the message given by our Sovereign Lord is no less treasonous. It is a violation of allegiance to our own state. It is a betrayal of trust and a breach of faith.

If we are going to walk with kingdom-purpose and perspective, we must readily acknowledge and understand our role as ambassadors for Christ and our part in the ministry of reconciliation.

Kingdom Perspective #3 — Children of God

John 1:12–13 (NASB)
But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.

This imagery is powerful and beautiful. It is also easily misunderstood. Properly understood, this imagery serves as a great encouragement. Misunderstood, it can be a source of stumbling.

It can be argued that no other imagery better displays the graciousness and kindness of our Father in Heaven. The truth of the gospel goes beyond an offer of forgiveness toward rebellious criminals. It was not enough for God simply to forgive in Christ. He goes lavishly above and beyond by giving us the right to become children of God.

What other king would give formerly treasonous rebels an inheritance in their kingdom and a place in their family? There truly is no one like our God!

Prior to this, we were rightly considered children of wrath, children of the devil, and sons of disobedience.

1 John 3:10 (NASB)
By this the children of God and the children of the devil are obvious: anyone who does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor the one who does not love his brother.
John 8:44 (NASB)
You are of your father the devil, and you want to do the desires of your father. He was a murderer from the beginning, and does not stand in the truth because there is no truth in him. Whenever he speaks a lie, he speaks from his own nature, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Ephesians 2:1–3 (NASB)
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins, in which you formerly walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, of the spirit that is now working in the sons of disobedience. Among them we too all formerly lived in the lusts of our flesh, indulging the desires of the flesh and of the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, even as the rest.
Ephesians 5:6–13 (NASB)
Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. Therefore do not be partakers with them; for you were formerly darkness, but now you are Light in the Lord; walk as children of Light (for the fruit of the Light consists in all goodness and righteousness and truth), trying to learn what is pleasing to the Lord. Do not participate in the unfruitful deeds of darkness, but instead even expose them; for it is disgraceful even to speak of the things which are done by them in secret. But all things become visible when they are exposed by the light, for everything that becomes visible is light.
Colossians 3:5–11 (NASB)
Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry. For it is because of these things that the wrath of God will come upon the sons of disobedience, and in them you also once walked, when you were living in them. But now you also, put them all aside: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and abusive speech from your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices, and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him— a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all, and in all.

As children of the King, we have been given an inheritance in His everlasting kingdom. Truly awesome!

However, we must answer the question as to when and where this inheritance is received and guaranteed. Is it a present tense possession? Or is it yet to come in the future?

It is common to hear those who speak of walking in their kingdom-authority as children of The Kingdom. Yet, we must be careful to not usurp our proper role in The Kingdom lest we bring reproach upon our heavenly Father. We don’t want to be disobedient children.

This perspective is another great example of the already / not yet paradigm. There are aspects of being children of God that give us great confidence and hope in the present tense. However, the fullness of this reality is yet to come.

A quick disclaimer: what we are about to say about the biblical doctrine of adoption is potentially controversial. We must acknowledge that our purpose is not to create or discover entirely novel things in the Scripture. However, sometimes the intended teaching of Scripture can seem novel to those who’ve never heard it before or who have previously been taught something different.

For those who initially disagree with the statements made here regarding adoption, we encourage you to consider our longer, exhaustive look at what the Bible actually says about adoption.

The process of adoption speaks of a legal process by which a child is brought to full maturity as an heir.

In Romans 8:14, Paul plainly states that those who are led by the Spirit are sons of God. This is a present-tense reality for all who are being led by the Spirit. Paul then states that these have received a spirit of adoption as sons. Here we must be careful to see what the text does and does not say. It does not say “you were adopted” but rather that “you have received a spirit of adoption.” This spirit of adoption causes us to cry out in our own hearts to our Father. This is in agreement with the testimony of the Holy Spirit that we are children of God and fellow heirs with Christ.

Paul continues his discussion about the glory to come. This present-tense possession gives the children of God strength to endure through our present suffering as we look forward to our future glorification with Christ. However, Paul makes an important statement in Romans 8:23–25 that can be easily missed.

And not only this, but also we ourselves, having the first fruits of the Spirit, even we ourselves groan within ourselves, waiting eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. For in hope we have been saved, but hope that is seen is not hope; for who hopes for what he already sees? But if we hope for what we do not see, with perseverance we wait eagerly for it.

Paul states explicitly that we are currently waiting for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our body. The next statement he makes speaks of our hope regarding this fact, since it is not something we currently possess. It is something we are waiting eagerly for.

Is this a contradiction? No!

We’ve received a spirit of adoption and we eagerly await the consummation of this adoption. The way Paul describes adoption is what most theologians refer to as glorification, which is the last step in our salvation.

While this view may not be popularly held, it is undeniable that Paul speaks of our adoption as something Christians (and really all of creation) is eagerly awaiting. It is yet to come.

The doctrine of adoption should be a great cause for hope and celebration. It is the thing for which Christians eagerly long for. If we are born-again, we have the pledge of this future inheritance in the indwelling Holy Spirit, who serves as a seal of our future inheritance in the coming kingdom of Christ.

If you are a Christian, you should be walking a path of sanctification that is leading you more and more to be like Christ over time.

Kingdom Perspective #4 — Enemies

This negative example is vivid. It paints a dramatic picture of our position apart from Christ. Outside of the Kingdom of Light, according to Scripture, we are enemies of God. This uncomfortable truth frames our understanding of the true need of the gospel: reconciliation with God. To be frank: we don’t reconcile friends. We seek to reconcile enemies.

The result of our rebellion and sin was that we made ourselves enemies of God. We were hostile toward Him. In His righteous indignation, He was hostile toward us.

Romans 5:9–11 (NASB)
Much more then, having now been justified by His blood, we shall be saved from the wrath of God through Him. For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life. And not only this, but we also exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

One of the most quoted passages regarding Christ in the Old Testament is Psalm 110:1.

Psalm 110:1 (NASB)
The Lord says to my Lord:
“Sit at My right hand
Until I make Your enemies a footstool for Your feet.”

The Father expressly tells the Son to reign until the enemies of Christ are subdued under His feet. This passage is quoted or alluded to in passages such as:

Matthew 22:44; 26:64
Mark 12:36
Luke 19:27; 20:42–43
Acts 2:34–35
1 Corinthians 15:25
Ephesians 1:20–22
Colossians 3:1
Hebrews 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12; 12:2

Those who have believed the gospel have been reconciled to God. Should we want to once again live as enemies of Christ? By no means!

However, Paul says this is exactly what many who profess Christ do. Don’t be one of these many! How do they live as enemies of Christ? Read carefully:

Philippians 3:17–19 (NASB)
Brethren, join in following my example, and observe those who walk according to the pattern you have in us. For many walk, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are enemies of the cross of Christ, whose end is destruction, whose god is their appetite, and whose glory is in their shame, who set their minds on earthly things.

Paul gives a vivid contrast. Some walk in the pattern of Paul and his associates. Others walk as enemies of the cross of Christ. Paul says that among people who claim to be followers of Christ, those who only think about this life here on earth are living as enemies of Christ. He wept over this reality. We should be deeply grieved about it, too.

This is a common focus for Paul. He does not diagnose this error with joy but with sorrow.

Romans 8:5–8 (NASB)
For those who are according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who are according to the Spirit, the things of the Spirit. For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace, because the mind set on the flesh is hostile toward God; for it does not subject itself to the law of God, for it is not even able to do so, and those who are in the flesh cannot please God.

Paul diagnoses the severe error of living as enemies of the cross of Christ. It is by setting their mind on earthly things and living to gratify their various appetites. Paul reminds the Philippian believers where their minds should be set:

Philippians 3:20–21 (NASB)
For our citizenship is in heaven, from which also we eagerly wait for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; who will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory, by the exertion of the power that He has even to subject all things to Himself.

Paul looks to Heaven and to the Savior we await from there. He exhorts all followers of Christ to likewise set their minds on heavenly things.

Colossians 3:1–4 (NASB)
Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

Many are deceived. They walk as enemies of the cross — enemies of God — because they set their minds on earthly things. Unfortunately, it is common for Christians to be put on this path of worldly thinking by pastors and teachers who distort the message of the gospel and The Kingdom into being a means of gratifying self instead of the biblical call to denial of self.

Perhaps no passage in Scripture can help diagnose this error more clearly than what we read in the beginning of Ephesians.

Ephesians 1:3 (NASB)
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…

On the surface, this may not seem like a diagnostic. However, Paul writes this under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit as one who has the proper perspective. Comparing Paul’s emphasis with much of the modern emphasis, we can begin to see how many have a more worldly and fleshly perspective.

Paul begins with “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” He rightly praises God and ascribes blessing to Him.

Next, Paul states plainly that God “has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ.” Each part of this statement is loaded with significance. Paul blesses God because God has blessed us. Paul praises God for this past-tense, completed blessing that Christians have all received. Paul then describes the nature of this blessing: “with every spiritual blessing.” This blessing in Christ is not limited, it includes every spiritual blessing. The phrase concludes, “in the heavenly places in Christ.”

Most readers of this passage skim past the significance. It sure sounds good — and it is! — but let’s attempt to clarify these statements by comparing them with what many seek instead.

Paul blesses God for the blessing we’ve already received. Yet many Christians are seeking after God for blessings in the present and future instead.
Paul blesses God for blessing Christians with every spiritual blessing. Yet many self-professed Christians are seeking material blessings instead.
Paul blesses God that these blessings are in the heavenly places. Yet many are seeking God expecting these blessings to be granted to them on earth.

Do you see the contrast? Those who set their minds on earthly things live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Those who set their minds on heavenly things can agree with Paul that God is worthy of blessing, honor, and praise because of what He has already done for us — even if the rest our earthly life is filled with suffering and persecution.

This heavenly focus provides perspective, power, and joy in the midst of our struggles. However, the earthly-minded enemy of the cross of Christ may stumble and incorrectly conclude that God is unable to deliver when we face various trials, temptations, and tribulations.

Paul doesn’t think about God’s kingdom-power delivering us from the presence of difficulties. Instead, he teaches these things show the power of God as He gives us the strength to endure and glorify Him even in the midst of them.

2 Corinthians 4:7–12 (NASB)
But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, so that the surpassing greatness of the power will be of God and not from ourselves; we are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not despairing; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; always carrying about in the body the dying of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our body. For we who live are constantly being delivered over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death works in us, but life in you.

This key perspective can also help us to avoid misunderstanding one of Jesus’s most famous sayings:

John 10:10 (NASB)
The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.

As we consider the biblical teaching on life apart from Christ, we know that it is uniformly described as death. Sadly, many false teachers attempt to get people to come to Christ to enhance their current way of living. This is radically contrary to the true teaching of Scripture.

Jesus did not come to give people more of their earthly pursuits which they already had before they knew Him. Instead, Jesus came to call them out of death into newness of life!

Romans 6:4–7 (NASB)
Therefore we have been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, so we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have become united with Him in the likeness of His death, certainly we shall also be in the likeness of His resurrection, knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin.

The freedom and abundance of life that Jesus calls us to is not more of the same. It is genuinely new. We no longer live for ourselves, pursuing the various lusts and appetites of the flesh, but the life we now live, we live for Him.

Galatians 2:20 (NASB)
I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.

Don’t live as an enemy of the cross of Christ. Set your mind on heavenly things and keep seeking the things above, not the things below.

Kingdom Perspective #5 — Stewards

Paul also uses the imagery of a steward in relation to our walk as Christians.

1 Corinthians 4:1–2 (NASB)
Let a man regard us in this manner, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. In this case, moreover, it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.

Paul says that Christians are stewards of the mysteries of God. He makes it clear that it is required that we be found trustworthy stewards of these mysteries.

So, what are the “mysteries of God” with which we have been entrusted? The Greek word translated mysteries here is musterion. The modern idea of “mystery” typically connotes something that is unknown. However, the biblical idea is something that was previously unknown or hidden but has now been revealed.

Paul uses this word frequently in his writings:

Romans 11:25 (NASB)
For I do not want you, brethren, to be uninformed of this mystery—so that you will not be wise in your own estimation—that a partial hardening has happened to Israel until the fullness of the Gentiles has come in;
Romans 16:25–27 (NASB)
Now to Him who is able to establish you according to my gospel and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery which has been kept secret for long ages past, but now is manifested, and by the Scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, has been made known to all the nations, leading to obedience of faith; to the only wise God, through Jesus Christ, be the glory forever. Amen.
1 Corinthians 2:1–2 (NASB) — There is a variant in this text musterion or marturion
And when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God. For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.
1 Corinthians 2:6–8 (NASB)
Yet we do speak wisdom among those who are mature; a wisdom, however, not of this age nor of the rulers of this age, who are passing away; but we speak God’s wisdom in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God predestined before the ages to our glory; the wisdom which none of the rulers of this age has understood; for if they had understood it they would not have crucified the Lord of glory;
1 Corinthians 15:51–52 (NASB)
Behold, I tell you a mystery; we will not all sleep, but we will all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet; for the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.
Ephesians 1:7–12 (NASB)
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace which He lavished on us. In all wisdom and insight He made known to us the mystery of His will, according to His kind intention which He purposed in Him with a view to an administration suitable to the fullness of the times, that is, the summing up of all things in Christ, things in the heavens and things on the earth. In Him also we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to His purpose who works all things after the counsel of His will, to the end that we who were the first to hope in Christ would be to the praise of His glory.
Ephesians 3:1–13 (NASB)
For this reason I, Paul, the prisoner of Christ Jesus for the sake of you Gentiles— if indeed you have heard of the stewardship of God’s grace which was given to me for you; that by revelation there was made known to me the mystery, as I wrote before in brief. By referring to this, when you read you can understand my insight into the mystery of Christ, which in other generations was not made known to the sons of men, as it has now been revealed to His holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit; to be specific, that the Gentiles are fellow heirs and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of the promise in Christ Jesus through the gospel, of which I was made a minister, according to the gift of God’s grace which was given to me according to the working of His power. To me, the very least of all saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unfathomable riches of Christ, and to bring to light what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God who created all things; so that the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known through the church to the rulers and the authorities in the heavenly places. This was in accordance with the eternal purpose which He carried out in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and confident access through faith in Him. Therefore I ask you not to lose heart at my tribulations on your behalf, for they are your glory.
Ephesians 5:32 (NASB)
This mystery is great; but I am speaking with reference to Christ and the church.
Ephesians 6:19–20 (NASB)
and pray on my behalf, that utterance may be given to me in the opening of my mouth, to make known with boldness the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in proclaiming it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.
Colossians 1:25–29 (NASB)
Of this church I was made a minister according to the stewardship from God bestowed on me for your benefit, so that I might fully carry out the preaching of the word of God, that is, the mystery which has been hidden from the past ages and generations, but has now been manifested to His saints, to whom God willed to make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ. For this purpose also I labor, striving according to His power, which mightily works within me.
Colossians 2:1–3 (NASB)
For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are at Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts may be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.
Colossians 4:3–4 (NASB)
praying at the same time for us as well, that God will open up to us a door for the word, so that we may speak forth the mystery of Christ, for which I have also been imprisoned; that I may make it clear in the way I ought to speak.
2 Thessalonians 2:7 (NASB)
For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way.
1 Timothy 3:9 (NASB)
but holding to the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience.
1 Timothy 3:16 (NASB)
By common confession, great is the mystery of godliness:
He who was revealed in the flesh,
Was vindicated in the Spirit,
Seen by angels,
Proclaimed among the nations,
Believed on in the world,
Taken up in glory.

Hopefully it is clear, after reading through Paul’s usage of this term, that “mystery” has very particular content. It was once hidden. Now it has been revealed in Christ and the gospel message. Therefore, we ought to — as stewards and as ambassadors — seek to be faithful in discharging our kingdom duties here on earth.

Remember, as stewards, it is required that we be found trustworthy. Many emphasize the importance of our stewardship of time, treasure, and talents. We must also recognize the importance of our stewardship in the gospel and the mysteries of God.

Concluding Thoughts

The five key kingdom-perspectives presented above of priests, ambassadors, children, enemies, and stewards may be remembered with the helpful acronym: P.A.C.E.S.

Pace is a noun. It has a range of meanings which includes ideas of walking, and also progress and growth. As we walk with the Holy Spirit in the grace of Christ, we want to grow more and more in Christ’s likeness. Keeping these Kingdom-perspectives on our mind will help us be faithful in our walk and live lives worthy of the grace we have received. We want to keep pace with grace!

May we encourage one another to be more faithful to our Lord and Savior, who loved us, and gave Himself for us so that we could walk in the light of His glory. For the praise of His great name.