This week I preached on the second petition of the Lord's Prayer, "Your Kingdom Come." I explained that when we pray this we need to understand that we are asking the Lord to come in the ultimate eschatological (last days) sense, and for him to come here and now. We are asking the Lord to spread his kingdom in our hearts and the hearts of others. So, what does it look like when God spreads his kingdom of grace in the hearts of men? What are the characteristics of those in whom the kingdom of God is "coming?" I have listed 5 characteristics. This list is not comprehensive.
1. Our self-righteousness is replaced by the realization that we are completely spiritually bankrupt. Matthew 5:3
2. Our loathing of suffering is replaced by rejoicing in the fellowship of Christ's suffering. Matthew 5:10-12; Romans 5:3; Philippians 1:29, 3:10.
3. Our pursuit of self-protection and comfort is traded for the pursuit of righteousness. Matthew 6:33
4. Our deepest treasure is no longer found in the riches of this world, but in the riches of Christ. Matthew 13:44-46
5. Our half-hearted and weak devotion will be replaced by confident and thankful worship. Hebrews 12:28
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