1Peter 2:9 says, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light:”. We (Christians) are a chosen (picked out, select, favored) family; we are a royal (kingly, regal) priesthood (order of priests); we are a holy (sacred, pure, consecrated) nation (race, tribe, people); we are a peculiar (purchased, preserved) people. This is who and what we are in Christ. Not who or what we will become, but who and what we are - present tense - in Christ Jesus. This is Kingdom privilege. Let’s get into God’s Word.
In the last four lessons, I have spoken mostly about our responsibility as citizens in the Kingdom of God. It is true that we are legally sons and daughters of God Almighty through repentance and believing on Jesus, and that Jesus has truly become our Brother and our Friend. However, this does not diminish the fact that He is also our Lord and King. This week I would like to focus on our privileges as Kingdom citizens. As the old commercial goes, “Membership has its privileges!”
As pointed out in 1Pt 2:9 and confirmed in Titus 2:14, we (Disciples of Christ) are a peculiar (purchased and preserved) people. We are the Temple of the Living God, His habitation (2Cor 6:16-18). We are kings and priests unto our God (Rev 1:6). We are royalty. We are of royal lineage now. We have changed citizenship. We are citizens of Heaven. God is our Father. Heaven is our home. This is Kingdom privilege. He has taken us from the guttermost to the uttermost. Rags to riches. Hell to Heaven. Darkness to Light! Praise be to God!
Part of Kingdom privilege is Kingdom prosperity (3Jn2, Ps 1:1-3). The Bible says God owns the universe, a cattle on a thousand hills, all the silver and gold, etc. He is our Father and provider. We should expect to prosper in all things. Not to be greedy or lustful, but to be blessed. God teaches us to profit. God takes pleasure in our prosperity (Ps 35:27). This does not mean every Christian is promised a yacht, but it does mean those who believe and receive can prosper in what they do. You can believe it or reject it. The choice is yours.
Another part of Kingdom privilege is Kingdom protection (Lk 10:19, Rom 8:31-39). We have authority to tread on the enemy. We can believe God for His protection. Besides numerous Biblical accounts, I have heard dozens of stories of His preserving hand upon Believers. Immediately someone says, “But what about those who didn’t make it through?”. My answer: What about all those who did? God’s Word is truth, period. Just because we have some unanswered questions doesn’t mean God has ceased being God. Live according to what you know and not according to what you don’t know (Dt 29:29).
Kingdom peace is another awesome privilege (Rom 5:1, Eph 2:14-17). Why are you anxious and stressed out? Jesus came to give us His peace that passes understanding. It’s Kingdom privilege to be at perfect peace. You need to take advantage of it. Don’t go through life wasting the precious gifts of God. Press in. Receive the promise. Expect good.
Kingdom provision is another blessing of Kingdom citizenship (Rom 8:32, 1Cor 2:12, 1Cor 3:21-23, Ps 84:11). Beyond prosperity, Kingdom provision - all things in Christ - covers every area of our lives. God is Jehovah Jireh. He is El Shaddai. He is all sufficient, The Almighty. Every good and perfect gift comes from Him. He is a God of abundance. He meets every need above and beyond what is required or desired.
Finally, Kingdom power is part of Kingdom privilege (Lk 10:19, Mk 16:17-20). The same Holy Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead dwells inside us. The same Power that spoke forth the universe inhabits these earthen vessels. The same Force that parted the Red Sea abides in you and me. Through the baptism with the Holy Spirit, we have Kingdom power. Power over demons. Power over the flesh. Power over sin. Power to do anything God has called and anointed us to do. We just need to believe it and receive it. What do you do with gifts? You receive them. Thank You, Lord! Whatever you have for me, I will receive it gladly for Your glory! I pray you have been blessed by this series. Until next time, rejoice in The Lord!
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