The word kingdom literally means the domain of the king. His kingdom is not necessarily where he lives but where his influence and authority extend. I would guess that most of the kingdoms of the world today, as in past generations, are in some ways corrupt. God’s design was to put people in the position of authority for the good of the people they serve, to keep peace and quell violence. Romans 13:4 says the one given governing authority is supposed to be ” God’s servant for your good” and “punish the evildoer”. But what happens when the authorities themselves become evil? They begin to tolerate evil and punish the good instead! Power and authority over others that is not under the Lordship of Jesus tends to corrupt the human soul. These people give in to the dark influence and unknowingly find themselves being manipulated by principalities and powers beyond their control. Those who play in this arena have given themselves over to the kingdom of darkness. It is the plan of God’s enemy to kill, steal and destroy everything it touches. It is a deadly, demonic influence that, left unchecked, will consume everything in its path. This is the goal of Satan, to have everyone support his agenda and ultimately end up as his servant.
God’s Kingdom
On the opposite end of this spectrum is the Kingdom of God, where God Himself rules and reigns. Under His Lordship, those placed in authority by Him serve under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. They are called by God Himself to lay down their lives for the sheep in the same way Jesus did.
I am the good shepherd. I know my own and my own know me, just as the Father knows me and I know the Father; and I lay down my life for the sheep. John 10:15
By this we know love, that he laid down his life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. 1 John 3:16
The kingdoms of this world will one day come crashing down but His kingdom is an everlasting one.
Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and your dominion endures throughout all generations. Psalms 145:13
The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all. Psalms 103:19
This World
In the kingdom of this world we hear many voices crying out to be heard, seeking an audience. They don’t usually accomplish anything, but with eloquence of speech they create a perception of what is good and right. Many unsuspecting souls are caught up in this illusion and end up bowing down to its demonic ideologies. The devil unsuccessfully tried this very thing with Jesus.
Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their glory. And he said to him, “All these I will give you, if you will fall down and worship me.” Then Jesus said to him, “Be gone, Satan! For it is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God and him only shall you serve.’” Matthew 4:8-10
For the kingdom of God does not consist in words but in power. 1Corinthians 4:20
Things to consider
One of the most extraordinary things to consider is that Jesus, who has all kingdom authority has passed that authority on to His church. God has given us authority on the earth for establishing and extending His rule until the appointed time when He returns. We have received a kingdom that cannot be shaken!
Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; Hebrews 12:28
For He rescued us from the domain of darkness, and transferred us to the kingdom of His beloved Son... Colossians 1:13
We must begin to use our God-given authority to bring about His purposes on the earth. We need to be those who proclaim the gospel of the kingdom and continue what Jesus started.
Jesus was going throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom, and healing every kind of disease and every kind of sickness among the people. Matthew 4:23
And as you go, preach, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ Matthew 10:7
But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. Matthew 12:28
Jesus said that we would do greater works than He did while He was on the earth. Let’s believe His word and by the power of the Holy Spirit, go humbly as Jesus did and release His kingdom on earth. We have the authority because we have chosen to be under His authority, waiting for Him to speak, so that we can break the demonic powers over individuals as well as cities and nations. The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil. 1 John 3:8. Remember, God’s kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. We are situated on the right side of this battle because the battle belongs to the Lord. One day all the kingdoms of the earth will become the kingdom of our Lord.
Then the seventh angel sounded; and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ; and He will reign forever and ever.” Revelation 11:15
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