Today we share a few lessons with you from John 18 in ~4 minutes. Let’s dig in:
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Pilate therefore said to Him, “Are You a king then?” (John 18:36-37)
- Jesus is in front of Pilate and Pilate is questioning Him about His claim to be a king.
- And Jesus explained to Pilate that His kingdom is not of this world. If it were, then His servants would be fighting His unlawful arrest.
- Two very important principles for us: The kingdom of God is not of this world and it is never established by carnal weapons.
For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds; (2 Corinthians 10:4)
Please note: we’re not saying we shouldn’t use them but we don’t bring in the kingdom of God with carnal weapons. God’s kingdom is not established by physical fighting.
- Now as Christians, we are citizens of two worlds: the kingdom of God and the country we’re born in (eg. Ghana).
- As citizens of our country, it may be our responsibility to fight (in times of war or as a soldier), but we’re not establishing the kingdom of God by fighting.
This is very important because, throughout history, some Christians have tried to establish God’s rule on earth with physical military campaigns (eg. you can read about the Crusaders). Remember, our Kingdom is out of this world, and so are our methods and weapons for fighting!
Jesus answered, “You say rightly that I am a king. For this cause I was born, and for this cause I have come into the world, that I should bear witness to the truth. Everyone who is of the truth hears My voice.” ~ John 18:37
Jesus knew why He was in this world. Even in times of great stress, He explained His life’s purpose. I believe a mature Christian is someone who is constantly aware of his/her life purpose.
- Dear friend, you and I must desire to know God’s purpose for our lives and dedicate our lives to fulfilling it.
- Those who make inroads in the kingdom are those who are constantly aware of what God has called them to do. Every day of their life is spent trying to fulfil the calling of God on their life.
- When you are aware of what you are supposed to do, you are guided right into spending your time appropriately.
We must work the works of Him Who sent Me and be busy with His business while it is daylight; night is coming on, when no man can work. ~ John 9:4
Jesus replied, “Go tell that fox that I will keep on casting out demons and healing people today and tomorrow; and the third day I will accomplish my purpose. ~ Luke 13:32
Even when Jesus was a child, He said, “I must be about my father’s business” (Luke 2:49). Dear friend, what is your life’s purpose? (Please think through this and pray about it).
- If you’re into business and trying to make money, don’t run it like a charity. Why not cut your expenses and begin to make profits?
- If you are a minister of the Gospel, then do not be taken up with the love of money. Do the ministry even if you have to live in poverty. Stick with the vision God gave you.
- If you are a leader or whatever your purpose is, let your vision fill your heart and mind so that you will not deviate from your original calling.
Pilate said to Him, “What is truth?” And when he had said this, he went out again to the Jews, and said to them, “I find no fault in Him at all (John 18:38)
For many centuries, human philosophy has struggled to produce a satisfactory definition of “truth.” Our world is asking the same question Pontius Pilate asked in his encounter with Jesus over 2000 years ago: “What is truth?” (John 18:38).
- The Bible provides a threefold answer to Pilate’s question: First, Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth and the life…” (John 14:6).
- Second, in praying to God the Father, Jesus said, “Your word is truth” (John 17:17).
- Third, John tells us, “The [Holy] Spirit is truth” (1 John 5:6).
So in the spiritual realm, there are three coordinates of truth: Jesus; the Scripture; and the Holy Spirit. When these components line up, we arrive at truth — absolute truth.
It is important to check all of these coordinates when coming to a conclusion. As such, here are three (3) suggested questions to ask concerning any spiritual issue:
- (1) Does it represent Jesus as He truly is? Does this bring Him glory?
- (2) Is it in harmony with God’s Word (the Scriptures)?
- (3) Does the Holy Spirit bear witness?
We could have been spared many errors and deceptions if we had consistently referred to these coordinates of truth in the presentation of teaching and revelation.
Dear friend, before we accept what is presented to us as truth, all three coordinates must be in place: Jesus, the Scripture, and the Holy Spirit. May the Holy Spirit reveal to us His truths as we read the scriptures! (Pray about it?)
Heyy… you’re blessed and highly favoured and dearly loved!
Do share your lessons from John 18 and remember to tag us on:
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