ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE

ATTAINING TO KINGDOM STATURE


The first thing we need to touch when studying about the Kingdom of God is the fact that it is a condition entirely WITHIN the heart of every individual believer, instead of an earthly government which endures for a thousand years. We must forget about those things that resemble our earthly governments, for, as Jesus said, “The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is WITHIN YOU. Luk 17:20-21

It will be NOTHING LIKE any government we see in the world today.

IT IS SOMETHING THAT EACH INDIVIDUAL CHRISTIAN HAS OR DOES NOT HAVE, DEPENDING ENTIRELY UPON WHAT THE LORD SEES IN THEIR LIFE.

WE EITHER MEET HIS REQUIREMENTS, OR WE DON’T. IT HAS NOTHING TO DO WITH OBTAINING, OR MAINTAINING, SALVATION. THAT IS FREE!

Let’s look at a few of the requirements for attaining to Kingdom Stature.

Act 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation (LIT. pressure) enter into the kingdom of God. (Most of the pressure is from within our own hearts)

Luk 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man PRESSETH into it.

2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.

2Ti 4:6 For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand.
2Ti 4:7 I have fought (agonized) a good fight (agony), I have finished my course, I have kept the faith:
2Ti 4:8 Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness (equitable character), which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

Phi 3:14 I press toward the mark for the prize of the HIGH calling of God in Christ Jesus.


HIGH CALLING-- Used in a COMPARATIVE sense, contrasted to other levels. The verses following indicate that whatever level of Spiritual Maturity we have attained to, we should walk in that level, regardless of what others are permitted to do.

OTHERS MAY--- YOU CAN NOT

Co 9:24 Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.
1Co 9:25 And every man that striveth (agonizes) for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.
1Co 9:26 I therefore so run, not as uncertainly (straight for the finish line); so fight I, not as one that beateth the air:
1Co 9:27 But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection (weary it) (make it my slave): lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway. (unfit for the task at hand, but not necessesarily a lost soul)

Phi 3:9 And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness (EQUITY OF CHARACTER), which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:

2Pe 3:14 Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be diligent that ye may be found of him in peace, without spot (morally unblemished), and blameless (in His Sight).

Mal 3:2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:
Mal 3:3 And he shall sit as A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER: and he shall purify the sons of Levi (the He Goats before the flock), and PURGE THEM AS GOLD AND SILVER, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness (rectitude).

Luk 13:24 Strive (agonize) to enter in at the strait gate: for many, I say unto you, will seek to enter in, and shall not be able.
Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity. (those who do whatever feels good to the flesh)
Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.

The “little Sister” who “hath no breasts” (saved, though undeveloped) might not make it into the Kingdom. What a shame.