In our journey through “The Kingdom Way,” we’ve explored the essence of living beyond mere religious adherence, diving deep into a life shaped by the teachings of Jesus. He didn’t confine His message to rules or human doctrines; instead, He invited us into a transformative way of living. In this third part, we unlock the keys to operating effectively within the Kingdom of God, focusing on Faith, Prayer, and Obedience.
Key #1: Faith – Heaven’s Golden Key
Faith is not just belief. The pattern is found in Hebrews; “Now faith is the assurance (title deed, confirmation) of things hoped for (divinely guaranteed), and the evidence of things not seen [the conviction of their reality—faith comprehends as fact what cannot be experienced by the physical senses].” Hebrews 11:1 (AMP)
A Title Deed is: “A legal deed or document constituting evidence of a right, especially to ownership of property.”
When you are in possession of a legal title, you don’t question whether you have it nor debate your legal right to decisions made regarding the item in question; you act in authority and within your legal rights. As your confidence is with a natural document, this should be no different to your life when it comes to knowing God’s promises, plans and will for the things that concern you, whether it be protection, health, provision or even divine guidance.
Through faith, we enter the Kingdom, access its resources, and experience transformation. “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NKJV
“Grace provides, Faith receives”.
We have been saved by Grace, the person, Jesus Christ and now have access to this salvation through Faith. It is not Faith in our faith but faith in the finished work of Jesus at Calvary. You could say that Grace was God’s response to us, and faith is our response to God!
Understanding grace is crucial here; it’s the unmerited favour and divine influence on our hearts offered through Jesus Christ. Grace invites us to faith, and faith responds to grace, creating a dynamic relationship that propels us into Kingdom living.
The Role of Grace and Faith: Grace, personified in Jesus, is our pathway to understanding true faith. It’s not a concept but a divine invitation to experience God’s love and mercy. Through grace, we’re saved, and through faith, we step into the fullness of life in the Kingdom.
“And of His fullness, we have all received, and grace for grace. For the law was given through Moses, but grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.” John 1:16-17 NKJV
“Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need. Hebrews 4:14-16 NKJV
Key #2: Prayer – The Heartbeat of the Kingdom
Prayer transcends mere requests; it’s about communion, relationship, and intimacy with God. Jesus hinted when He taught the disciples how to approach Prayer.
“Therefore do not be like them. For your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him. In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your Kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:8-10 NKJV
Our approach is not meant to be about our needs first nor a religious act of “compliance” but about our relationship with a Heavenly Father by whom we have been adopted as Sons and Daughters.
It’s the language of the Kingdom, allowing us to align our hearts with God’s will, revealing His purposes and plans for our lives. Through Prayer, we express our dependence on Him, drawing closer to His heart.
Transforming Prayer from Duty to Relationship: Prayer expresses our covenant relationship with God, not a religious duty. Through Prayer, we discover God’s will, not ours, fostering a hunger for Heaven’s purposes and assignments in our lives.
Key #3: Obedience – The Pathway to Authority
“If you are willing and obedient, You shall eat the good of the land;” Isaiah 1:19
Obedience in the Kingdom is about walking under authority to step into power. It’s a willing submission to God’s Word and the Holy Spirit, leading to the enjoyment of the Kingdom’s blessings and principles being activated and experienced. Jesus Himself modelled this obedience, not merely as a duty but as a relationship, showing us that authentic Kingdom living aligns our internal convictions with our outward actions.
“Not everyone who says to Me, Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the Kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father in heaven. Matthew 7:21
Jesus never said, “Say a sinner prayer after me,” He said, “Follow me.” He told us to make disciples who would imitate and follow Him.
“An outward profession of religion, however remarkable, will not bring us to heaven unless there be a correspondent conversation.” – Shaun Smit.
Living Under Authority: To operate within the Kingdom, our actions must reflect our beliefs. Obedience is the practical outworking of our faith and prayer, solidifying our commitment to living according to Kingdom principles and being a Kingdom ambassador.
Thomas’s Journey: A Modern Parable
In a bustling town, Thomas, a talented but restless craftsman, sought a higher purpose for his work. He embarked on a quest with three keys his father gave him, each engraved with Faith, Prayer, and Obedience.
With the key of FAITH, he inspired a group of builders to see their church as a divine masterpiece. Their renewed belief transformed their simple structure into a beacon of hope.
He offered the PRAYER key to a divided city, teaching leaders to seek guidance beyond their wisdom. As they prayed, unity and peace bloomed like a rare flower in hardened soil.
Lastly, he gave the key of OBEDIENCE to farmers fighting barren lands. They learned to work harmoniously with nature, and their obedience turned scarcity into abundance.
Returning home, Thomas realised the keys were gifts for others and himself. He infused his creations with these Kingdom principles, and his work transcended artistry, touching lives and showcasing the Kingdom’s power. Through Faith, Prayer, and Obedience, Thomas found his purpose, proving that the Kingdom flourishes in us before it can flourish through us.
Principles for Kingdom Living
#1 Embrace Jesus (Grace) and Walk by Faith: Recognise Jesus as the source of grace and respond with faith that transforms sight.
#2 Cultivate Intimacy with God: Through Prayer, develop a deep, relational connection with God, aligning your heart with His.
#3 Choose Obedience and Submission: Honour God’s Word in every aspect of life, experiencing the fullness of His authority and blessings.
Jesus preached a life immersed in “The Kingdom Way,” a call to let the Kingdom operate within us before it can manifest through us. As we embrace these keys—Faith, Prayer, Obedience—we unlock the essence of living a Kingdom-oriented life marked by transformative grace, intimate communion, and joyful obedience.
“You cannot operate in the Kingdom without the Kingdom operating in you” – SHAUN SMIT.
“Living in ‘The Kingdom Way’ means allowing the Kingdom to operate within us, shaping our faith, guiding our prayers, and directing our obedience.”
My encouragement to you would be to go back through all three parts of this series called the “Kingdom Way” and begin to study, reflect and meditate on understanding the Kingdom, how it functions and then learning to operate within it, I assure you, once you get this in you, you will see it manifest through you.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 25th of February, 2024. You can watch the full message below.