The Kingdom of God is Within You
Scripture: Luke 17:20-21
"Once, on being asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, Jesus replied, 'The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. Nor will people say, "Here it is," or "There it is," because the kingdom of God is within you.'"
Introduction
The phrase, "The kingdom of God is within you," is one of the most profound and mysterious statements Jesus ever made. It is a statement that has puzzled theologians, inspired mystics, and challenged believers for centuries. What does it mean for the kingdom of God to be within us? How does this truth transform the way we live, think, and relate to God and others? Today, we will explore the depth of this statement and its implications for our lives as followers of Christ.
1. The Context of Jesus' Statement
To understand this statement, we must first look at the context in which Jesus spoke these words. In Luke 17:20, the Pharisees asked Jesus when the kingdom of God would come. The Pharisees were expecting a political and physical kingdom—a restoration of Israel's glory, free from Roman oppression. They were looking for external signs, a dramatic display of power, and a visible reign of God on earth.
But Jesus' response shattered their expectations. He said, "The kingdom of God will not come with observable signs. Nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is within you." Jesus was redirecting their attention from an external, political kingdom to an internal, spiritual reality. He was revealing that the kingdom of God is not about geography, politics, or visible power—it is about the reign of God in the human heart.
2. The Kingdom of God: A Spiritual Reality
When Jesus said, "The kingdom of God is within you," He was speaking of a spiritual reality that transcends physical boundaries. The kingdom of God is not a place you can point to on a map; it is a state of being, a way of living under the rule and authority of God. It is the presence of God's love, grace, and power working in and through us.
The kingdom of God is characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit (Romans 14:17). It is not about external rituals or religious observances but about an inward transformation that produces outward fruit. It is about surrendering our hearts to God and allowing His will to be done in our lives.
3. The Kingdom Within: A Personal Relationship with God
For the kingdom of God to be within us, we must first enter into a personal relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Jesus said, "Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God" (John 3:3). To be born again is to experience a spiritual rebirth, a transformation of the heart that comes through faith in Christ.
When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell within us. The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives, guiding us, teaching us, and empowering us to live according to God's will. The kingdom of God is within us because God Himself is within us. We become temples of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 6:19), and His presence in us is the evidence of the kingdom.
4. The Kingdom Within: A Life of Surrender
For the kingdom of God to be fully realized within us, we must live a life of surrender to God's will. Jesus taught us to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer is not just a request for God's kingdom to come in the future; it is a declaration of our desire for His will to be done in our lives right now.
Living under the reign of God means surrendering our own desires, ambitions, and plans to Him. It means seeking first His kingdom and His righteousness (Matthew 6:33) and trusting that He will provide for all our needs. It means allowing His love to flow through us to others, showing compassion, forgiveness, and grace.
5. The Kingdom Within: A Source of Power and Transformation
The kingdom of God within us is not a passive reality; it is a source of power and transformation. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is at work within us (Ephesians 1:19-20). This power enables us to overcome sin, break free from bondage, and live victorious lives.
The kingdom of God within us transforms our thoughts, attitudes, and actions. It replaces fear with faith, hatred with love, and despair with hope. It empowers us to be salt and light in the world, bringing God's love and truth to those around us.
6. The Kingdom Within: A Call to Action
While the kingdom of God is a spiritual reality within us, it is also a call to action. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!" (Mark 1:15). The kingdom of God is not just something we experience; it is something we proclaim and demonstrate.
As citizens of God's kingdom, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). We are called to share the good news of the kingdom with others, to show them the love and power of God through our words and actions. We are called to be agents of change in the world, bringing hope, healing, and restoration to a broken and hurting world.
7. The Kingdom Within: A Future Hope
While the kingdom of God is within us now, we also look forward to its future fulfillment. The Bible tells us that one day Jesus will return, and the kingdom of God will be fully established on earth. There will be no more sin, suffering, or death, and God will dwell with His people forever (Revelation 21:3-4).
This future hope gives us strength and encouragement as we live in the present. It reminds us that our struggles and trials are temporary and that a glorious future awaits us. It motivates us to live faithfully and to persevere in our walk with God, knowing that our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58).
Conclusion
"The kingdom of God is within you." These words of Jesus are a profound reminder of the spiritual reality that we carry within us as believers. The kingdom of God is not a distant or external reality; it is a present and internal one. It is the reign of God in our hearts, transforming us from the inside out and empowering us to live as His representatives in the world.
As we reflect on this truth, let us ask ourselves: Is the kingdom of God truly within us? Are we living under the rule and authority of God, allowing His love and power to flow through us? Are we actively seeking His will and sharing the good news of His kingdom with others?
May we embrace the reality of the kingdom of God within us and live as faithful citizens of His kingdom, bringing glory to His name and advancing His purposes in the world. Amen.
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