30th Mar 26 | 13:54
Studies by Book
LUKE 19 11-27 TO EVERYONE WHO HAS, WILL BE GIVEN 14 The church to execute the rule of God
📖 Luke 19:11-27
22Dec2020 - *The church to execute the rule of God* - _Luke 19:11-27_ - TO EVERYONE WHO HAS, WILL BE GIVEN 14 – Bible reading: _Ephesians 1:20-23_
_Luke 19:15 “And so it was that when he returned, having received the kingdom, he then commanded these servants, to whom he had given the money, to be called to him, that he might know how much every man had gained by trading._
Let us revisit our purpose statement as we prepare for the judgment.
_We are citizens of the kingdom of God here on earth, redeemed and reconciled back to God, through the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. This world is being driven by the evil one, through man, who has become his prisoner._
_We, citizens of the kingdom of God, live and work, fulfilling all the elements of the creation or cultural mandate, in the image of God, with the capital that He has invested us with, in the enablement and wisdom of the Holy Spirit._
_The kingdom of God has already begun, which will come into its full effect when the Messiah returns. As we prayerfully await His return, we reach out to an audience that is rejecting God but with boldness and love._
_In the eternal kingdom of Jesus, we will be assigned roles and responsibilities, depending upon our performance here on earth, with the capital that God has invested in each of us._
*The creation or cultural mandate* - _Genesis 1:28 Then God blessed them, and God said to them, "*Be fruitful* and *multiply*; *fill the earth* and *subdue it*; *have dominion* over the fish of the sea, over the birds of the air, and over every living thing that moves on the earth."_
We are focussing on the fifth element of the creation mandate, which is *have dominion*.
The Lord Jesus has now set up the church to be those who will challenge, bring down the citadels of the enemy and in its place establish the wisdom of God in a context where the evil and wicked plans of the devil are in effect.
The church is now made the full representation of the Jesus here on earth. This is the glorious message of the church.
_Ephesians 1:20-23 which He worked in Christ when He raised Him from the dead and seated Him at His right hand in the heavenly places, (21) far above all principality and power and might and dominion, and every name that is named, not only in this age but also in that which is to come. (22) And He put all things under His feet, and *gave Him to be head over all things to the church, (23) which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all*._
Please note, the constant reminder that we receive from the Bible about the age which is to come. Everything that is happening here is only a rehearsal/preparation/training/equipping time, for the church to be rulers with Christ in the age which is to come.
The church is now mandated to wage war against the enemy, bring down his strongholds and erect the kingdom rule and structures of God in its place.
_II Corinthians 10:3-6 For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war according to the flesh. (4) For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal but mighty in God for pulling down strongholds, (5) casting down arguments and every high thing that exalts itself against the knowledge of God, bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ, (6) and being ready to punish all disobedience when your obedience is fulfilled._
Our weapons are mighty in God to pull down the strongholds of Satan. Look around and you and I can see the systems and structures that the devil has set up, which are based out of falsehood, for he is the father of lies.
How are we to execute the kingdom rule of God on the earth?
_Psalm 149:5-9 Let the saints be joyful in glory; Let them sing aloud on their beds. (6) Let the high praises of God be in their mouth, And a two-edged sword in their hand, (7) To execute vengeance on the nations, And punishments on the peoples; (8) To bind their kings with chains, And their nobles with fetters of iron; (9) To execute on them the written judgment— This honour have all His saints. Praise the LORD!_
The church must use the two-edged sword to execute the oracles of God or the word of truth, to demolish the edifice of deceit.
_Matthew 16:18-19 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. (19) And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."_
The church alone has authority over the rule of hell. To us has been given the keys of the kingdom of heaven. The enemy knows the weapons and the gifts that we have and he is afraid but the church is seeming to be asleep at its post.
*Thought to ponder*
```Will we wake up as we enter a new year?```