The Characteristics Of The Kingdom Of God Series

THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

(Living the Kingdom Life Series)

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Romans 14:17

"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."

Supporting Texts: Matthew 6:33, Luke 17:20-21, John 18:36, Colossians 1:13, Matthew 13:31-33

INTRODUCTION

The Kingdom of God is central to Jesus’ message and mission. Throughout His ministry, He frequently taught about the Kingdom, using parables to illustrate its nature and characteristics. Unlike earthly kingdoms, the Kingdom of God is not defined by geographical boundaries or political power. Instead, it is a spiritual reign where God’s authority, righteousness, and will are established in the hearts of His people.

Many misunderstand the concept of God’s Kingdom, expecting it to manifest in physical and political terms. However, Jesus clarified that His Kingdom is not of this world (John 18:36). Instead, it is an everlasting Kingdom that operates by divine principles. As believers, we are called to seek and live according to the values of this Kingdom (Matthew 6:33).

In this study, we will explore the key characteristics of the Kingdom of God, understanding its nature, principles, and how we can be active participants in it.

1. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS SPIRITUAL

The Kingdom of God is not a physical territory but a spiritual reality.

a) The Kingdom Is Within Believers

Jesus said the Kingdom of God is within us (Luke 17:20-21).

b) It Is Not Established by Human Strength

God’s Kingdom does not operate by human power or political force (John 18:36).

c) It Is a Kingdom of Righteousness, Peace, and Joy

Paul describes the Kingdom as righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17).

d) It Operates by Faith and Not by Sight

We enter the Kingdom through faith in Christ, not by physical observation (2 Corinthians 5:7).

e) Biblical Example: Nicodemus and the New Birth (John 3:3-5)

Jesus told Nicodemus that one must be born of water and Spirit to enter the Kingdom.

2. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS EVERLASTING

Unlike human kingdoms that rise and fall, God’s Kingdom is eternal.

a) It Was Prophesied by Daniel

Daniel foresaw a Kingdom that will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44).

b) Jesus Is the Eternal King

Jesus reigns forever as King of kings (Revelation 11:15).

c) It Will Outlast All Earthly Kingdoms

Human governments will pass away, but God’s rule remains (Isaiah 9:7).

d) It Brings an Unshakable Hope

Believers are part of an unshakable Kingdom (Hebrews 12:28).

e) Biblical Example: The Vision of Nebuchadnezzar (Daniel 2:34-35)

A stone cut without hands (God’s Kingdom) destroyed human kingdoms.

3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD GROWS AND EXPANDS

Though it may start small, the Kingdom of God increases and spreads.

a) It Starts Like a Mustard Seed

Jesus compared the Kingdom to a mustard seed that grows into a large tree (Matthew 13:31-32).

b) It Spreads Like Leaven in Dough

The Kingdom influences and transforms lives like leaven in flour (Matthew 13:33).

c) It Advances Through the Gospel

Every time the gospel is preached, the Kingdom expands (Mark 16:15).

d) The Holy Spirit Empowers Its Growth

The early church grew through the power of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:8).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church’s Expansion (Acts 2:41, Acts 4:4)

Thousands were added to the church as the Kingdom spread.

4. THE KINGDOM OF GOD DEMANDS RIGHTEOUSNESS AND OBEDIENCE

Citizens of God’s Kingdom must live by His standards.

a) Righteousness Is a Requirement

The unrighteous will not inherit the Kingdom (1 Corinthians 6:9-10).

b) Obedience to God’s Will Is Key

Jesus said only those who do the Father’s will shall enter (Matthew 7:21).

c) It Requires a Transformation of Life

Believers are called to be transformed by God’s principles (Romans 12:2).

d) The Kingdom Belongs to the Humble and Childlike

Jesus said we must be like children to enter the Kingdom (Matthew 18:3-4).

e) Biblical Example: The Rich Young Ruler (Matthew 19:16-22)

His unwillingness to let go of worldly wealth kept him from entering the Kingdom.

5. THE KINGDOM OF GOD WILL BE FULLY MANIFESTED IN THE FUTURE

Though the Kingdom is present spiritually, its full manifestation is yet to come.

a) Jesus Will Establish It Fully at His Return

At the Second Coming, Christ will establish His rule completely (Revelation 20:4).

b) The Righteous Will Inherit the Kingdom

Believers will reign with Christ in His Kingdom (Matthew 25:34).

c) Sin and Evil Will Be Removed

God’s Kingdom will be pure and holy (Revelation 21:27).

d) There Will Be No More Pain or Suffering

The Kingdom will be a place of eternal joy and peace (Revelation 21:4).

e) Biblical Example: The New Heaven and New Earth (Revelation 21:1-3)

John saw a vision of the ultimate fulfilment of God’s Kingdom.

CONCLUSION

The Kingdom of God is unlike any earthly kingdom. It is spiritual, everlasting, and transformative. As believers, we are called to seek this Kingdom, live by its principles, and spread its influence through the gospel. Our citizenship in God’s Kingdom comes with responsibilities—righteousness, obedience, and faithfulness.