Today’s reading:
1 Corinthians 6:1-11
“Do you know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicator, nor... extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God.” (v. 9-10)
The “Kingdom of God” is mentioned throughout the scripture and by different phrases such as – God’s kingdom; kingdom of heaven; My kingdom; Your kingdom (Old Testament); and in the New Testament as – Kingdom of the Son of his love (Col. 1:13); Kingdom of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pet.1:11); My Father’s kingdom (Matt. 26:29). The Kingdom of God is described as the eternal sovereignty or kingly rule of God, which is generally manifested amongst men and hoped for in the future by believers. It is currently not a physical kingdom as men know earthly kingdoms. Jesus in Lk. 17:2 said that the kingdom of God is within us, and during his earthly ministry, Jesus said it was near. The central theme of Jesus’ preaching when on earth was “the kingdom of God”. It was so important to him that at the early part of his ministry, when He saw the multitudes, He went up on a mountain and when seated, He opened his mouth and taught the crowd and his disciples. This teaching is extensively recorded in three chapters of the book of Matthew 5-7. Apostle Matthew in Matt. 4:23 confirmed that Jesus went about all Galilee teaching and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and also healing.
The crust of Jesus’ preaching on the kingdom of God his father was on what it will take to inherit it. Also, He was concerned about what would disqualify men from it. Some of the Apostles, in their epistles, also mentioned these disqualifying factors. In our Today’s reading in 1 Cor. 6:9, Paul pointed out that the unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom of God, listing out the specific actors. Also, in Gal. 5:19-21, he listed out the works of the flesh and said those who practice them will not inherit the kingdom of God. What does it mean to “inherit”? It means to get possession of things as an heir; to succeed; to have by genetic transmission from ancestors. Given this definition, it is not surprising that Jesus was very concerned about his followers inheriting his Father’s kingdom, since those who believe in him will be made joint-heirs with him by his Father in heaven (Rom. 8:17), and, therefore automatically inherit the kingdom of God.
The relevant question is, therefore, what qualifies one to inherit the kingdom of God?
For those who have been saved by Jesus Christ, the following qualifications are summarised from his teaching; seek first the kingdom and its righteousness; (Matt. 6:33); do the will of the Father (Matt. 7:21); be poor in spirit (Matt. 5:3); endure persecution for righteousness sake (Matt 5:10); your righteousness must pass those of the Pharisees (Matt. 5:20); be perfect (Matt. 5:28); forgive men their trespasses (Matt. 6:14); pray for his kingdom to come and his will be done on earth (Matt. 6:10); lay up treasures in heaven (Matt. 6:20). As believers, we are to factor in tribulation (Acts 14:22); testify to the gospel of grace of God (Acts 20:24); work for the kingdom (Col. 4:11), having Paul and other Apostles as our examples (Acts 19:8; 20:25; 28:31).
For those yet to be saved, to accept Jesus as Lord and Saviour, the starting point is to recognise that you are a sinner far from God, confess and then repent of your sins. Then accept the sacrifice paid for the sins by Jesus, followed by accepting him as Lord and Master of your life henceforth. Just like it is said in 1Cor. 6:11, you are washed by the blood of Jesus from all your sins, justified and so you are born again. Subsequently, you will begin to be sanctified in the name of Jesus and by the Spirit of God. All the listed sins in 1Cor. 6:9-10 are washed away from you. Then you will qualify as a joint-heir with Jesus Christ. Then you start working on the listed qualifications above. It is worth inheriting the kingdom of God, especially as this is where eternity would be spent with Christ. Therefore, strive to inherit the kingdom of God.
CHRISTIE KUPOLUYI
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud: “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the lordship of Jesus. By the power of your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! Prayerfully look for a living church and report to the resident pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Gracious Father, thank you for your kingdom in heaven and on the earth.
Oh Lord, we are grateful for making us partakers of your kingdom and that of your Father.
Precious Lord, teach and help us by your Spirit to inherit the kingdom at last.
Father, encourage the church to preach and bring people to your kingdom.
Father, help our leaders to look up to your kingdom principles to run our nation for you.
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