THE MANIFESTO FOR THE IRRESISTIBLE KINGDOM
The Kingdom Manifesto Key Themes Explored in Matthew 5-7
As believers of the Kingdom of God, we have embarked on a remarkable journey that requires deep understanding and unwavering faith. At the heart of this journey lies the concept of the Kingdom of God, a central theme explored in Matthew chapters 5 to 7.
The Kingdom of God is not a physical place or a political entity as imagined by the Jews Acts 2:6; rather, it is the reign and rule of God in the hearts and lives of His people. Jesus, in His Sermon on the Mount, unveils the essence of this Kingdom, challenging believers to live in accordance with its principles and values.
To comprehend the Kingdom of God, we must first recognise its radical nature. It stands in stark contrast to the world’s systems and ideologies. It is a Kingdom of upside-down values, where the weak are strong, the humble are exalted, and the last become first. Understanding this counter-cultural nature is essential for believers seeking to live out the Kingdom in their daily lives.
Furthermore, the Kingdom of God is both present and future. It is already here, as Jesus inaugurated it with His ministry, but it is also not yet fully realised. Believers are called to live in the tension of the “already but not yet,” eagerly anticipating the fullness of the Kingdom while actively participating in its establishment on earth.
Understanding the Kingdom of God also means embracing its transformative power. It is a Kingdom that brings healing, restoration, and redemption to all areas of life. As believers, we are called to be agents of change, bringing the values of the Kingdom into our families, communities, and workplaces.
The Kingdom of God is also marked by its inclusivity. It is not limited to a particular race, nationality, or social status. It welcomes all who repent and believe, offering forgiveness, grace, and salvation. This understanding compels believers to tear down barriers and strive for unity among all people.
Ultimately, comprehending the Kingdom of God requires a deep intimacy with its King. Through cultivating a personal relationship with Jesus, we can truly grasp the fullness and depth of the Kingdom’s reality. As we seek His face through prayer, study, and worship, our understanding of the Kingdom expands, empowering us to live as citizens of this divine realm.
There are several themes covered in Matthew chapters 5 – 7 that pertain to the Kingdom manifesto. It is not possible to cover all in this prayer mail. However, I will attempt to cover a few of them.
- The Beatitudes
The Beatitudes, found in Matthew 5:3-12, are a series of blessings pronounced by Jesus upon those who embody specific qualities and attitudes. They guide us believers, illustrating the values and attitudes that should define our lives as citizens of the Kingdom. Each beatitude begins with “Blessed are,” emphasizing that true happiness and fulfillment are found in embracing these characteristics.
I have a short eBook on this series called “Blessed – Praying the Beatitudes” You can pre-book for your copy below. If you cannot afford to pay for the eBook, please send an email or WhatsApp. God always sends helpers, and If you can afford to pay for yourself and others, please do.
Here is the link – Blessed – Praying The Beatitudes
2. The Light of the World
Matthew 5: 14 “You are the Light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lampstand, and it gives Light to all who are in the house.
As believers seeking to manifest the Kingdom life on earth, we must understand the significance of shining God’s Light in darkness.
In a world filled with darkness, despair, and hopelessness, it is our calling as believers to bring the Light of God’s love, grace, and truth into every situation we encounter. Jesus tells us that we are the Light of the world, just as He is the Light of the world. By embracing our identity as children of God, we have the power to dispel darkness and bring hope to those who desperately need it.
Pray
Declare: I am light
The Light of Christ shines through me in every place. Wherever I go, darkness must disperse because I am light.
I embrace my calling to bring God’s love, grace, truth and power into every situation I encounter.
To shine God’s Light in darkness, we must first cultivate a deep and intimate relationship with Him. Through prayer, studying His Word, and seeking His guidance, we can grow in understanding His heart and desires for us. This enables us to discern the areas in our lives where darkness has taken hold and empowers us to overcome it with the power of His Light.
Pray
Examine yourself. Do you have personal intimacy with God? How often do you spend quiet moments with him? As we spend time with our Father, the Light of His countenance will rub on us, and we will reflect His glory.
Commit to increasing your alone time with the Father (I don’t mean prayer, I mean sitting still waiting with Him even for 5 minutes). Think about when you want to be alone with God, tell Him and commit to it in prayer.
Take authority over every form of distraction and declare that nothing will hinder your time. Secure this time by the blood of Jesus. Call it out and make a declaration of faith.
Furthermore, shining God’s Light in darkness requires us to live a life marked by righteousness, love, and compassion. Jesus instructs us to let our Light shine before others so that they may see our good works and glorify our Father in Heaven. This means that our actions and attitudes should reflect the character of Christ in all that we do.
As a heavenly citizen, whose lives are you impacting? How many people can testify that you are a light in their lives? Whatever the number you have attained thus far, you can do more.
Pray
Pray for the grace to impact more lives.
Pray for the grace to reach more people and that God, our Heavenly Father, will lead you to the people He has called you to impact with your Light.
As Kingdom citizens, we have been entrusted with the mission of bringing Heaven to Earth. This means we are called to transform the world by shining God’s Light in the darkest places. You may not see this Light with your physical eyes, but the Light in you will shine in all that you do because His wisdom, power, and solutions will come through. You cannot be hidden.
Pray
Prophesy into your life and your family members that You are the Light of the world.
Declare: I and my family cannot be hidden. We are shining for the world to see
We are Kingdom citizens shining in a dark and perverse world
We are solution bearers. People rejoice in us at our appearing
The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. That Light is in me
I cannot be hidden. I have been placed on a lampstand for the world to see.
May we be bold in our pursuit of shining God’s Light in darkness, knowing that through us, others will know the hope, love, and salvation in Jesus Christ.
3. Do Not Worry
Matthew 6: 25 “Therefore I say to you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; nor about your body, what you will put on. Is not life more than food and the body more than clothing? 26 Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they? 27 Which of you by worrying can add one [j]cubit to his [k]stature?
28 “So why do you worry about clothing? Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?
Jesus reminds us that worry and anxiety serve no purpose in our lives. He urges us not to be consumed by the concerns of this world, but to trust in the providence of our Heavenly Father. He reassures us that our needs will be met, just as the birds of the air and the lilies of the field are cared for by God. Moreover, Jesus highlights the futility of worrying about the future. He reminds us that each day has enough troubles of its own and that worrying cannot add a single hour to our lives. Instead, we are called to live in the present moment, entirely relying on God’s grace and provision.
You know what? This is an instruction for Kingdom citizens. He said, “Do not worry about your life.” And this ought to be our mindset.
Pray
Shout it out to the rooftops – I REFUSE TO WORRY.
Begin to call out those things that have given you cause for concern. Say it loud and clear I refuse to fear the current challenges.
Fear, I rebuke you, worry you are under my feet.
I am a kingdom of heaven citizen. I fear nothing
God knows exactly what we need and has made a way for me and my family.
However, Jesus does not simply tell us to stop worrying without offering practical advice. He instructs us to seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, assuring us that everything else will fall into place. This means prioritizing our relationship with God above all else and trusting Him to provide for our every need.
Matthew 6: 31 “Therefore do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we eat?’ or ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Pray (5 minutes)
The nature of the Kingdom is to be worry and anxiety free.
Speak to yourself, pray over your family, and declare, “no worries.” (5 minutes)
The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
4. Narrow and Wide gate
Matthew 7: 13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it.
Jesus begins by urging us to enter through the narrow gate, emphasizing that the wide gate and broad road lead to destruction. This a vivid picture of the choices we face in life. The narrow gate represents the path of righteousness, obedience to God’s commandments, and a life devoted to the principles of the Kingdom. On the other hand, the wide gate symbolizes the allure of worldly desires, self-gratification, and a life driven by the values of the world.
As believers of the Kingdom, we are called to make a conscious decision to follow the narrow path. This decision requires sacrifice, discipline, and a commitment to surrender our will to God’s will. It is not an easy path, but it leads to life, salvation, and the eternal presence of God.
Jesus warns that many will choose the wide gate, attracted by its ease and immediate gratification. They will be swept away by the waves of worldly temptations and false teachings. But as believers, we must stand firm, discerning the narrow path amidst the noise and distractions.
Pray
Father, I want to live the life of the Kingdom Kingdom of Heaven; therefore, I humble myself before You and I ask that nothing will disqualify me from experiencing the realities of a Kingdom of Heaven citizen.
Jesus said difficult is the way that lives to life, and few find it – Father, today I I law hold of Your grace to enable me to be disciplined to labour to enter the joy of the kingdom.
I receive the grace to be diligent in seeking the Kingdom and Your righteousness.
I, therefore, declare that I am that person who manifests the Kingdom of heaven in every place.
I am that person willing and able to enter the narrow gate that leads to life in the kingdom.
I am that person. Who declares the Kingdom of God come, will of God be done on earth as in Heaven
I am manifesting the righteousness of God, his peace and power on the earth.
Nothing will stop me, nothing can hinder me.
I declare The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.
Thank God for the leading of the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of Heaven is at hand, and we must lay hold of it.
You are a part of this Kingdom, you are called to show forth the nature of this kingdom while on earth.
Go forth according to who you are and be blessed
