Jesus spoke many words that we have not understood, nor applied to our lives. I personally am always challenged by his statement to Pilate, “My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.” My problem is that I see incredible need in the world and want to do something about it. I pray, but seldom see what I know to be the answer to that prayer. For example, I have never seen a person raised from the dead, a lost limb restored, a blind person receive sight, etc. And, I’ve heard about the great “end time revival” for over thirty years and have seen nothing but false signs and wonders and countless false prophets.
That leaves me with only one apparent option, the political one, the option of trying to bring in the Kingdom of God in the flesh. But, friends, let me tell you, that ain’t gonna happen. While we dwell in this mortal flesh we will sin. We will fall into temptation and we will never be able to bring about or “bring in” God’s kingdom through our earthly efforts.
Right now the Kingdom of God dwells only within us who acknowledge that Jesus has come in the flesh and that he is in fact coming in our flesh. This mystery is “Christ in you, the hope of Glory.” We cannot enforce this kingdom in any way. Remember when the young man wanted Jesus to tell his brother to give his inheritance to him? Jesus said, “Man, who made me judge over you?” Jesus claimed no authority over legal matters of this world. He did not even try to take the religious leaders’ position.
What does Jesus say about our position in the world? “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” (John 15:19 KJV) And, “I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. I pray not that thou shouldest take them out of the world, but that thou shouldest keep them from the evil. They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world. Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.” (John 17:14-17 KJV)
What is our purpose then if God does not call us to change the political scene? “As thou hast sent me into the world, even so have I also sent them into the world. And for their sakes I sanctify myself, that they also might be sanctified through the truth.” (John 17:18-19 KJV)
Jesus sends us into the world to bring truth to the world, just as he brought truth to the world two thousand years ago. If we really know the truth, then that truth sanctifies us, sets us apart for God’s use. God’s true servants today display this sanctification. Do not pretend to yourself or to others that you know the truth if you walk in daily debauchery.
Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness? And what concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an infidel? And what agreement hath the temple of God with idols? for ye are the temple of the living God; as God hath said, I will dwell in them, and walk in them; and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing; and I will receive you, And will be a Father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. (2 Corinthians 6:14-18 KJV)
And now, little children, abide in him; that, when he shall appear, we may have confidence, and not be ashamed before him at his coming. If ye know that he is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him. Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God: therefore the world knoweth us not, because it knew him not. Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is. And every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself, even as he is pure. (1 John 2:28-3:3 KJV)
When you allow God’s truth to sanctify you, you will know it. Others will see and feel your peace and become ashamed of their own sin. The goal is that they too will become sanctified in God’s truth. True sanctification means coming into agreement with God and submitting to his molding you into his image, an image “not of this world.”
