THE KINGDOM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

THE KINGDOM AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Texts: Romans 14:17, Acts 1:8
"For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." – Romans 14:17

"But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth." – Acts 1:8

Supporting Texts: John 3:5, 2 Corinthians 3:17, Galatians 5:22-23, Joel 2:28-29, John 14:26

INTRODUCTION
The Kingdom of God is not just a physical domain but a spiritual reality governed by the power of the Holy Spirit. Without the Holy Spirit, one cannot enter or fully function in the Kingdom of God (John 3:5). The Holy Spirit is the power behind Kingdom advancement, enabling believers to live righteously, experience divine peace and joy, and operate in supernatural power.

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as the Helper, Teacher, and Enabler of His followers, equipping them to fulfill Kingdom mandates (John 14:26). In this study, we will explore the critical role of the Holy Spirit in the Kingdom of God and how believers can walk in His power.

1. THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS ENTRANCE INTO THE KINGDOM

The Holy Spirit is essential for salvation and entrance into God’s Kingdom.

a) Born Again by the Spirit
Jesus declared that no one can enter the Kingdom without being born of the Spirit (John 3:5).

b) The Spirit Convicts and Transforms Lives
The Holy Spirit convicts sinners and leads them to repentance (John 16:8).

c) The New Birth is a Work of the Holy Spirit
Salvation is not by human effort but by the regenerating power of the Spirit (Titus 3:5).

d) The Spirit Confirms Our Sonship
Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the assurance of being children of God (Romans 8:16).

e) Biblical Example: Nicodemus’ Encounter with Jesus
Jesus explained to Nicodemus the necessity of being born of the Spirit to enter the Kingdom (John 3:1-8).

2. THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS BELIEVERS FOR KINGDOM SERVICE
Kingdom work requires divine power, which the Holy Spirit provides.

a) The Holy Spirit Gives Power for Witnessing
Believers receive boldness to preach the Gospel (Acts 1:8).

b) He Equips Us with Spiritual Gifts
The Spirit distributes gifts for effective ministry (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).

c) The Holy Spirit Guides and Directs Kingdom Assignments
He leads believers in fulfilling their divine purpose (Acts 13:2-4).

d) He Strengthens Believers in Trials
The Holy Spirit empowers us to stand firm in the face of persecution (2 Timothy 1:7).

e) Biblical Example: The Day of Pentecost
The Holy Spirit empowered the apostles, leading to the expansion of God’s Kingdom (Acts 2:1-4, 41).

3. THE HOLY SPIRIT ESTABLISHES KINGDOM RIGHTEOUSNESS, PEACE, AND JOY
The Kingdom of God is characterised by the Spirit’s presence and work in believers' lives.

a) The Holy Spirit Produces Righteousness
He empowers us to live holy and righteous lives (Galatians 5:16-17).

b) He Brings Supernatural Peace
The Spirit grants inner peace even in challenging times (John 14:27).

c) The Holy Spirit Fills Believers with Joy
True joy is found in the presence of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22).

d) Kingdom Life is Spirit-Led
Living in the Kingdom means yielding to the Spirit’s leading (Romans 8:14).

e) Biblical Example: Paul and Silas in Prison
Despite their imprisonment, they experienced joy through the Holy Spirit and praised God (Acts 16:25-26).

4. THE HOLY SPIRIT BRINGS REVELATION OF KINGDOM MYSTERIES
The Kingdom of God operates on divine principles revealed by the Holy Spirit.

a) The Spirit Reveals Deep Truths of the Kingdom
Spiritual truths are only understood through the Spirit (1 Corinthians 2:10-12).

b) He Enlightens Our Understanding of the Word
The Holy Spirit teaches and reminds us of God’s Word (John 14:26).

c) The Spirit Reveals Kingdom Secrets for Success
He provides divine wisdom for life and ministry (Isaiah 11:2).

d) He Gives Vision and Prophetic Insight
The Holy Spirit reveals God’s plans and purposes (Joel 2:28-29).

e) Biblical Example: Peter’s Revelation of Jesus
Peter recognised Jesus as the Christ through the revelation of the Spirit (Matthew 16:16-17).

5. THE HOLY SPIRIT ENABLES KINGDOM PRAYER AND INTERCESSION
Prayer is a vital aspect of Kingdom living, and the Holy Spirit helps us pray effectively.

a) He Helps Us Pray According to God’s Will
The Spirit intercedes through us in alignment with God’s purposes (Romans 8:26-27).

b) The Holy Spirit Empowers Spiritual Warfare
Through the Spirit, believers overcome demonic forces (Ephesians 6:18).

c) He Ignites a Passion for Prayer
The Spirit stirs hunger and zeal for prayer (Zechariah 12:10).

d) He Gives Utterance in the Place of Prayer
The Holy Spirit enables believers to pray in tongues and with divine wisdom (1 Corinthians 14:2).

e) Biblical Example: The Early Church’s Prayer Life
The Holy Spirit empowered the early believers to pray with boldness, leading to supernatural breakthroughs (Acts 4:31).

CONCLUSION
The Kingdom of God operates by the power of the Holy Spirit. Without Him, believers cannot experience the fullness of Kingdom life. He brings us into the Kingdom, empowers us for service, establishes righteousness, peace, and joy, reveals Kingdom mysteries, and enables powerful prayer.

Every believer must cultivate a deep relationship with the Holy Spirit to walk in Kingdom authority and power. When we surrender to Him, we experience a victorious life, fulfil our divine purpose, and advance the Kingdom of God on earth.

PRAYER POINTS

1.  Father, fill me afresh with Your Holy Spirit and power.

2.  Lord, help me to live a life led by the Holy Spirit.

3.  Holy Spirit, empower me to be an effective witness for Christ.

4.  Father, let Your Spirit produce righteousness, peace, and joy in my life.

5.  Lord, grant me divine revelation through the Holy Spirit.

6.  Holy Spirit, guide me into all truth and understanding.

7.  Father, help me to pray with power and effectiveness through the Holy Spirit.

8.  Lord, stir in me a hunger for Your presence and Kingdom work.

9.  Holy Spirit, anoint me for exploits in God’s Kingdom.

10.  Father, let my life be a reflection of the power of Your Kingdom.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS

1.  I declare that I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.

2.  I decree that the Holy Spirit will guide me into the fullness of Kingdom life.

3.  I prophesy that I will walk in divine wisdom and revelation.

4.  I declare that my life is marked by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.

5.  I decree that I am empowered for supernatural exploits in the Kingdom.

6.  I declare that I will not be ignorant of Kingdom mysteries.

7.  I prophesy that my prayer life will be ignited by the fire of the Holy Spirit.

8.  I declare that I will be an effective ambassador of the Kingdom.

9.  I decree that I will walk in divine favour and power through the Holy Spirit.

10.  I prophesy that I will advance God’s Kingdom and bring glory to His name.

May the power of the Holy Spirit be evident in your life as you walk in Kingdom authority. Amen!