Updated 9/8/2015

Kingdom Principle: Kingdom Servants – know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it.

Kingdom Servants follow a plan of Hope

Proverbs 1:20-33 Psalm 19 James 3:1-12 Mark 8:27-38

I often hear when Christians lamenting, “I wish I knew what God’s will for my life was…”.  This cry is often not a rejection of the Scriptures or that God has a plan for their life,  rather that they are in a state of confusion regarding their next steps or how to find peace and security continuing what they are doing. It is not that they are giving up on Jesus, but that they are struggling to deny one’s self and take up their cross, which is the only way to follow Jesus.  The question is honest, the hope is real, but the answer is not really desired, for it requires one to submit their body and soul unto the Spirit of the Living God.   James points out if we ask for wisdom it is given and in Proverbs we learn that Wisdom is calling out with the answer. The mystery lies not in the answer, rather it lies in the inability of the ask’er to listen.  So in a sense – God is simply saying “Can you hear me now?”

If you ask for God to give you an answer, and he does, but then you decided to choose your own path… beware His laughter is not funny. His laughter really is long-suffering being willing to deliver one’s destruction.  If you can’t hear God, you may need to adjust your “antenna” for he is broadcasting His willingness to extend Grace and Mercy , but that if you choose Judgment and Destruction it will be granted.

Let’s look at the Plan of Hope (God’s will for your life) as outline this week….

1. It is open to all who hear the call of Wisdom… to hear her voice and receive her spirit.  She makes known unto you the way of life, bringing security and peace. (This is what most are really after when asking about God’s will.)

2. It is found by the servants of the King, who fear the LORD and mediate on the Word of God. Psalm 19:7-11 gives the benefits of this dedication.

3. It is embraced by those who confess Jesus as the Savior of World, in doing so they deny themselves (disciplining their body), take up their cross (developing their soul) and follow him (directed by His Spirit.)

There are great benefits to the following the plan of Hope….

1. It removes the confusion and crisis of life in this world. The mocking evil person has no hope, and the fool gives away false-hope.

2. It brings clarity to one’s purpose and passion in life. When a person is not weighted down in confusion and under the cloud of suspicion – they can receive instruction and hear Wisdom clearly. In 1 Cor. 2:15-16, 2 Cor. 3:14-16 Paul addresses this as having the “Mind of Christ” as well as show what keeps us from having such clarity.

3. Receiving Mercy over Judgment. The path of destruction and evil are clearly outlined, as well is the path of the servant who stands in the presence of the Son of Man in the final days. The Proverb seems so very harsh, and it is, but is it the conclusion of a life lived in willful disobedience to the call of God.  God demonstrates how to deal with the foolish and evil ones of this world and we must follow Him. (review this concept)

Overall,  The plan of Hope is the call for the church to be the Body & Bride of Christ. This call is to all who are strangers and aliens in this world, yet who are now identified as people of faith. This people of faith (last week’s post) gather and scatter as the Church – to Exalt the King in the advancement of the Kingdom of God, as a scattered  and gathered transformed community. It is this hope that changes and transforms us from foolish to wise, wandering to directed, and alone to in fellowship.

Transformed – as the bride of Christ – we fulfill the mission of Christ.  Jesus was sent by the Father to the world to dwell amongst us. As we enter into the covenanted relationship with Jesus we are transferred from the Kingdom of Darkness into the Kingdom of Light. In our obedience to the King light shines.  The Light of Christ shines through wisdom as we stand against evil and are not succumbed by fools.

Community – as the body of Christ – we fulfill the ministry of Christ.  Jesus in perfection fulfilled all things and gave to us the ministry of the Holy Spirit that we might do even more. The community reflects God’s own purposes and nature and is comprised of uniquely gifted members for the service of the King.

As a Transformed Community we are called to be set apart by Christ, to Christ and for Christ. We are called out by the answers to the questions of “What kind of People will we be?” What Kind of Plan will we follow?” and “What kind of Purpose will we share”. All of this is also answered in the questions of Jesus, “Who do  you say I am? In unity the transformed community answers those questions being a People of Faith following a Plan of Hope for the Purposes of Love (next week).