Standing Firm (Part 1)
A few weeks ago I was driving through a large parking lot, on the way to drop one of my children off at an event. As I traveled through the parking lot I had the sense that I was approaching some type of solid object so I swerved my steering wheel to the right just in time to miss a light pole that had jumped in front of me. Because of the way I was sitting at that moment, my field of vision had been obstructed giving me a limited perspective. That limited vantage point almost caused me great embarrassment, not to mention the damage that would have been caused. In challenging times, one of the greatest advantages we can possess is the right perspective. The mindset believers need in times of trial is a kingdom mindset. What is a kingdom mindset?
2 Thessalonians, a book designed to encourage believers in difficult days, teaches us all about a kingdom mindset. When Jesus began His ministry His message was: “the kingdom of God is at hand.” In other words, He was the King and He was ushering in His kingdom. Whenever someone comes to faith in Christ, we are transferred from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom God (Colossians 1:13). Believers are presently part of God’s kingdom, but there is also a future aspect to the kingdom of God.
First, a kingdom mindset begins with genuine conversion to Christ. 2 Thessalonians 1:3-5 describes what happens when someone comes to Christ. Genuine faith in Christ is a growing faith (1:3). Genuine faith also manifests itself in growing love for others. In fact, if we do not have love for others, that is evidence we do not know God (see also 1 John 4:7-8). A final sign of genuine faith in Christ is perseverance through trials and tribulations. In the context, the Thessalonians were being persecuted for their faith in Christ. In spite of this, they continued to grow spiritually. This is what genuine faith is all about. If your faith is only good for the good times, what good is it? Genuine faith in Christ doesn’t just work in prosperity but in trouble as well. Some people don’t have a kingdom mindset because they aren’t genuinely part of the kingdom.
Second, a kingdom mindset looks forward to the return of Christ. The return of Christ reminds us that the suffering of today is only temporary. As Acts 14:22 says: “Through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.” Realizing our future hope still awaits keeps us from being offended by the trials of life. For those who have rejected Christ, the return of Christ will not be a time of rejoicing but it will be a time of regret. For those who have rejected Christ and who have persecuted the people of God, retribution is coming. God is just and He will not allow rebellion to continue forever. For those who reject Christ, eternal punishment and separation from God await. Nevertheless, God will be glorified in believers when He returns (1:10).
Finally, all of this truth about the kingdom motivates us to pray for a worthy walk. Our prayer for ourselves and for our fellow believers is that we can walk worthy of God’s kingdom, that we would live a lifestyle worthy of God’s kingdom. Our prayer is that our present attitude and actions would look like God’s kingdom. And with that we pray God would help us to “fulfill every desire for goodness and the work of faith with power” (1:11). Another way to say this is that God would bring to completion powerfully His work in our lives. That we would be fruitful for Christ. Modern Christianity has asked the question of what is minimally required to follow Christ. A kingdom mindset is just the opposite. A kingdom mindset gives its all for the cause of Christ. Lord, let us all walk worthy of your kingdom!
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