The Kingdom Way
Gtcotr/ws082504
Our whole life is an expression of what we believe.
The system of God partnering with mankind is based on a ‘Trust Me, Try Me and Prove Me” scenario.
Key Scripture: Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (NKJV)
For the sake of doctrine, lets exegete this scripture together. Lets break it down as though we were meditating on it.
I. The Breakdown
A. For with the heart - ‘kardia’
1. Greek word ‘kardia’ used interchangeably for both the physical organ which is the center of the body’s blood circulation system and the spiritual organ which is the center of the human soul and all its spiritual life. Here the heart is understood to mean the fountain and seat of thoughts, passions, desires, appetites, affections, purposes, endeavors, understanding, intelligence, will and character of a person. The innermost being. The true self whether good or evil.
B. one believes
1. one --- anyone and everyone without regard to the one - no special or specific one - just one - a person
2. believes - ‘pisteuo’ which in this case means to be persuaded, be committed and have confidence that a thing is true.
C. unto - ‘eis’
1. Greek word - ‘eis’ which could have two meanings. If you saw a poster saying “10 People Wanted For Terrorism” It could mean that 10 are wanted so that they can commit terrorism or 10 are wanted because they did commit terrorism. It can be both future conditional or past relational. It can either connect the past to the present or the present to the future. This word is used both ways in the bible. How do we know which one is the correct meaning here and elsewhere? These things must be decided based upon the whole counsel of God’s word, interpreted not by denominational or personal doctrine, but by the compelling evidence supplied by the consistent theology of the whole and undisputable bible message. Let me give you two examples of this word ‘eis’.
2. Acts 2:38 38 Then Peter said to them, "Repent, and let every one of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins; and you shall receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
In order for the whole counsel of God’s word to be consistent with the grace message of the bible, specifically those portions which so firmly and solidly deny that works have any place in the forgiveness of sins and salvation of the soul, the Greek word ‘eis’ translated ‘for’ in Acts 2:38 must be understood as an act relating the past to the present and not the present to the future. This makes the understanding that water baptism is not conditional now to being saved in the future, but is the admonishment to believers because they have been saved. Water baptism does not make one become a candidate for salvation, but rather, salvation makes one become a candidate for water baptism. We are presently baptized because we have been forgiven.
3. Romans 10:10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness …
Here we can easily see that believing, consistent with the many other passages throughout the bible, specifically those from Romans, Chapter 4, which tell of Abraham’s belief in God which resulted in righteousness, which, verses 23ff confirm, that this is the continual will of God that all would become right with God through faith. So it is evident that belief is conditional to righteousness. It connects the present belief with the resulting state. One does not believe because they are right with God, but one becomes right because they believe.
D. Righteousness - ‘dikaiosune’
1. Greek word - ‘dikaiosune’ - which in a broad sense means the attainable state of a person’s integrity, virtue, purity and/or correctness of thinking, feeling or acting which brings them into a condition of heart and mind acceptable to God.
2. Right standing with God. The right to stand in His presence. Standing in the right place to be accepted, approved and blessed by God.
E. and with the mouth
1. and denotes here a continuative thought
2. Mouth - ‘stoma’ which means the part of the body through which the heart and mind are expressed.
a. it also means the edge of a sword, which at times the tongue is likened to, as well as the Word of God is called the Sword of the Spirit.
b. An expression of the heart and mind which cuts through the silence, indifference and ambiguity.
F. Confession is made
1. Greek - ‘homologeo’ to say the same as; to agree with; to concede; declare; admit or promise.
2. To express heart felt agreement, confidence, persuasion and/or commitment.
G. unto - ‘eis’ future conditional - without the expression of the heart’s conviction, the resulting salvation will not occur.
H. Salvation - ‘soteria’
1. deliverance, preservation & safety
2. One bible commentator put it this way:
It is a four fold salvation:
* Saved from the penalty of sin
* Saved from the power of sin
* Saved from the presence of sin
* And most importantly, saved from the pleasure of sin.
(A.W. Pink)
So from this simple study of one key verse we can see the system of the kingdom of God at work.
II. The Kingdom Of God/Heaven is not a place.
A. Is not a place, but a method, a system, if you will.
1. The Kingdom of God
* Romans 4:17 is not meat and drink
* 1 Corinthians 4:20 is not in word but in power
* Luke 17:21 is within you
2. The Kingdom of Heaven
* Matthew 13:31 is like a grain of mustard seed
* Matthew 13:33 is like leaven
* Matthew 13:44 is like treasure hid in a field
* Matthew 13:42 is like a merchant man seeking pearls
* Matthew 13:47 is like a net cast into the sea
* Matthew 22:2 is like a certain king which made a marriage for his son
* Matthew 25:14 is like a man traveling into a far country
B. The Kingdom is not a place, but a method, a system, a way of thinking and living. A mindset!
III. God’s Kingdom System Is Simple
A. First it is a system of Trust
B. Next it is a system of Try
C. A System of Trust and Try - Like the old Hymn - Trust Me, Try Me, Prove Me saith the Lord of Hosts and see, if a blessing, unmeasured blessing, I will not pour out on thee. (Lida Leech, Cpywrt: 1923)
1. Based upon the scripture Malachi 3:10
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this," says the LORD Almighty, "and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
2. Romans 10:10 puts it this way
For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation. (deliverance; safety; etc)
Our whole life is an expression of what we believe.
The system of God partnering with man is based on True Faith and Confession, a ‘Trust Me, Try Me and Prove Me” relationship.
It’s the Kingdom Way!
I challenge you to trust God, try God and He will prove His Word!
Have faith in the truth and express it!
