THE CHARACTERISTICS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

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 fulfillment 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.

Though the Kingdom is already at work in our lives, its full manifestation will come when Christ returns. Therefore, we must be ready, faithful, and actively involved in God’s mission. May we live daily as Kingdom ambassadors, reflecting God’s glory and righteousness to the world.

PRAYER POINTS
1.  Lord, let Your Kingdom be established in my life.

2.  Father, give me the grace to live by Kingdom principles.

3.  Holy Spirit, empower me to spread the gospel.

4.  Lord, help me to seek Your Kingdom above all else.

5. Father, let Your will be done in my life as it is in heaven.

6.  Lord, let the Kingdom of darkness be destroyed.

7.  Father, fill me with righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.

8.  Lord, help me to be a faithful Kingdom ambassador.

9.  Father, let my life reflect the values of Your Kingdom.

10.  Lord, prepare me for the full manifestation of Your Kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  You are a citizen of God’s unshakable Kingdom!

2.  Righteousness, peace, and joy shall manifest in your life!

3.  The Lord will establish you as an ambassador of His Kingdom!

4.  Every power resisting God’s rule in your life is destroyed!

5.  Your life will be a testimony of Kingdom power and authority!

6.  The Kingdom of God will expand through you!

7.  You will reign with Christ in His eternal Kingdom!

8.  You are set apart for divine purpose in God’s Kingdom!

9.  No power of darkness shall prevail over you!

10.  The blessings of the Kingdom shall be evident in your life!