Let’s look at two things–and I am ONLY able to TOUCH on them in this short time: What is the character of the people who belong to God’s Kingdom? And, what does entrance into this kingdom requires of us? This is where we come FULL CIRCLE back to the very basis of what Jesus taught us about ourselves–the Beatitudes–the attitudes of our inner self, the attitudes our heart.
Jesus tells us that those of us who are deeply aware of our spiritual poverty and conscious of our utter dependence on God will, because of our complete dependence on God, will know the key to living in His Kingdom. Depending on God, day to day, in every way, IS the key to living His kingdom.
Jesus tells us this in Matthew 5:3 (TNIV)
“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus also tells us that when we live according to the will of God, we will often find ourselves at odds with the world around us. However, by persevering and living in God’s will, we will realize the kingdom of heaven.
This can be found in Matthew 5:10 (TNIV)
“Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
Here is what I find amazing as well as interesting……these are the first and last Beatitudes, and both blessings are, “for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Jesus comes full circle!
Jesus tells us that unless we APPLY God’s wisdom to our lives, the key word is “APPLY”, not just speak it with our mouths, but do it, that we will not enter the kingdom.
Listen to Jesus’ Words in Matthew 5:20 (TNIV)
“For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.”
Jesus tells us also that in order to enter the kingdom of heaven we must honestly and sincerely love God and obey His will. He tells us that doing the Father’s will involves first believing, then obeying His Words.
Listen to Matthew 7:21 (TNIV)
“Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”
Next, we will come FULL CIRCLE as we look further and dig deeper at “What is the character of the people who belong to God’s kingdom? And, what does entrance into this kingdom requires of us?”