INTODUCTION. I would just like to say at the outset of this Study Series that it is not at all based on. By: John P. Wassell

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1 By: John P. Wassell Unless otherwise stated Scripture quotes are from the New International Version (NIV) CONTENT INTRODUCTION NEW LIFE PRIORITIES NEW LIFE MOTIVATION NEW LIFE VISION NEW LIFE POWER NEW LIFE RIGHTEOUSNESS NEW LIFE PEACE NEW LIFE JOY NEW LIFE LOVE NEW LIFE HUMILITY NEW LIFE ENDURANCE NEW LIFE WARFARE NEW LIFE LIVING CONCLUSION INTODUCTION I would just like to say at the outset of this Study Series that it is not at all based on

2 theory but on practical application of God's Word. I gave my heart to Christ back in January of I was twenty-five at the time and had come from a very non-christian background. To give the you the shortened version, "I needed to be saved". A lot of water has gone under the bridge since I personally repented of my sin and received Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior. I needed a lot of change in my life and I find it so awesome to be able to say with boldness and true confidence, based on my personal experience that the blood bought salvation of the Lord Jesus Christ works, spiritual transformation is a powerful living reality. I so appreciate the truth, that in the heart and mind of God, Christianity is a personal relationship with Christ, not a religion. What I share with you in these Studies is my personal experience. God is definitely not finished with me yet, but I've come an long way in the spiritual journey of New Life with Christ and have experience so much wonderful change in my life and I wouldn't have it any other way. NEW LIFE PRIORITY is a Series of Bible Studies focusing on the realities of an absolutely NEW LIFE in Christ. To be authentically Born Again means that a spiritual birth has taken place and Scripture is vividly clear that this NEW LIFE is an entirely NEW CREATION. 2Cor.5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. (NKJV) Through the natural birth we are placed into Adam's human family and that family is actually called in Scripture the kingdom of darkness. The reason being, the human nature is sin centered and sin driven. When we come to Christ in repentance of sin and receive Him as our personal Lord and Savior we are Born Again, Born of the Spirit of God and at that time we are spiritually taken out of Adam's family of darkness and placed into the Kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ. Col.1:13 - For He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Prior to an authentic, genuine salvation experience all we've ever really known is the system of this world. To experience NEW LIFE is the BEGINNING of an entirely NEW JOURNEY with JESUS CHRIST as our LORD and we are now actively engaged with Him in His Kingdom. The Kingdom of God is as different from the world as light is from darkness. Having never experienced New Life before means that theirs is a learning curve. We MUST learn the ways of the King and His Kingdom. This Study Series addresses a number important spiritual priorities of this NEW LIFE in Christ. There all very

3 significant and all very important to learn. Embrace and work toward having functioning in a consistent basis. The Lord richly bless you as you work through this Study. He is committed to you and His Spirit will be guiding you into all truth as you proceed in your relationship with Christ. NEW LIFE PRIORITIES ( 1 ) Seeking the Kingdom of God ( 2 ) Establishing & Maintaining Priority ( 3 ) Significance of Spiritual Priority ( 1 ) Seeking the Kingdom of God Where our treasure is that is where our heart will be, (Mt.6:21). Generally we seek for, and apply ourselves to, that which is of personal value to us. We need God to open our spiritual eyes to the value and eternal importance that He has placed on heavenly things. The natural things, we are told, are temporal, the unseen spiritual things are eternal, (2 Cor.4:18). It's only wise to invest our time and effort in those things that will go beyond this temporal world to the eternal. The Psalmist asked the Lord to teach him number his days, (Ps.90:12). We're only allotted a certain amount of time. What we do with it and how we spend it has the potential of eternal reward. With this in mind we need the Lord to open our hearts to the reality of it. We need Him to open up our hearts so that He becomes the treasure we seek for in life. Ezekiel was among the exiles when the Lord opened the heavens and gave him visions of God, (Ezek.1:1). It's when we see into the heart of God that we really begin to value it's eternal treasure! Lord open our eyes to see more of your splendor and majesty! ( a ) Mt. 6:33 - But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. There's a lot of things that would distract us from the intimacy of

4 relationship with the Lord. Worries and concerns about the basics of human life can do that! In the parable of the sowing of seed we're told, "The one who received the seed that fell among the thorns is the man who hears the word, but the worries of this life and the deceitfulness of wealth choke it, making it unfruitful" (Mt.13:22). Our priority is first spiritual and eternal not natural and temporal. That's not to say that temporal things have no importance at all, they do, but they must come in the right order of things and be kept in the right perspective. Mt.6: "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern". (NLT) Mt.6: "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern". When we gave our heart and life to the Lord we became new creations, (2 Cor. 5:17) and with that came new priorities, new values, new directives, new goals and a whole new understanding of what has real lasting and eternal value. ( b ) Rom. 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy IN the Holy Spirit.

5 The kingdom of God is much more that righteousness peace and joy. It's all of these being produced and brought to life in us by the power of the HOLY SPIRIT. Righteous, peace and joy IN the HOLY SPIRIT. We're encouraged in Eph. 3:18 to "be filled with the Spirit". The comparison with being drunk with wine is interesting. In the natural, wine produces results. If you're filled with wine you will do "wine filled" things. If on the other hand, you're filled with the Spirit you'll do "Spirit filled" things. The key to seeking the kingdom of God is seeking to be "BEING FILLED" with the Holy Spirit. That is a continual filling. The golden lamp stand in the Old Covenant temple was to be made from pure gold, (NO DROSS). Impurities in the gold would have caused it to be porous, allowing the oil to drain out. We happen to be in the purifying process and as a result we have a tendency to be some what porous. For this reason we need to be, "BEING FILLED" with the Holy Spirit. This "BEING FILLED" is a priority with us. ( c ) Gal. 5:22,23 - But the fruit OF the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control. Isa. 60:21 & Isa. 61:3 refer to us being trees of righteousness. There's a sense where we can say we're trees of the kingdom. These trees produce kingdom fruit. Ps. 104:16 in the Amplified Bible says,"the trees of the Lord are watered abundantly and are filled with sap,...". For us this sap, this life giving substance, is the Holy Spirit. He produces in us His fruit. We partake of it, enjoy it, live in it. It becomes our experience in Christ. It becomes our daily life in the "Present Kingdom" of God. Ph. 1:11 - filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ. Christ in us is our hope of glory, (Col.1:27) not only in the future, but right now as well! The righteousness of God is a righteousness we have because we're "IN" Christ. This righteousness is released within us through the power of the Holy Spirit producing the spiritual fruit of God's kingdom. Isa. 32:17 - The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of

6 righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. CONCLUSION: There is an eternal kingdom, a kingdom that is not of this world. It's the kingdom of God and we need to seek it. Mt. 11:12 says: "the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it". We need to aggressively seek the kingdom of God! We need to lay hold of it. We need to live in the reality that through Christ it belongs to us! Christ died on the cross to purchase the right for us to be apart of the kingdom of God. His blood was poured out that we might enjoy newness of life! His life flowing through us! His power released within us! Jesus said: " The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold everything he had and bought that field. "Agian, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it." (Mt. 13:44-46) If there was ever a time to be "SOLD OUT FOR GOD" it's now! NOW is the time to seek the kingdom of God and not the kingdom of this world. ( 2 ) Establishing & Maintaining Priority The grace of God is so wonderful and powerful! Like Isaiah, one day, we too will say: "All that we have accomplished you have done for us," (Isa.26:12). It was the Apostle Paul who said: "by the grace of God I am what I am", (1 Cor.15:10).God has lavished His powerful grace upon each one of His children, (Eph.1:7,8). It's God who works in us to will and to act according to His good purpose, (Ph.2:13). With ALL that God does there's some things He requires of us. He will not decide for us! He will not make up our mind! Oh, He'll help, but the actual doing is for you and me. We must be the ones, not only say yes, but also to do the will of God! Humanity makes many new years resolutions only to find weakness gives way under pressure. This is where it's different for us! When we respond in obedience to the will of God He will back us up with His strength. When we decide to make the quality decision to establish Kingdom Life Priorities, Christ will help us maintain this decision and commitment.

7 ( a ) Col. 3:1,2 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, SET your HEARTS on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God SET your MINDS on things above, not on things on the earth. This setting of our hearts and minds on things above, (that is the spiritual eternal things) is something the Lord requires of us. The Amplified Bible bring out the fuller meaning of "SET" when it says: "set your minds and keep them them set on what is above". Ps. 84: 5 - "Blessed are those... who have SET their HEARTS on pilgrimage". That is those who have decided that this present earth is not their home and understand that they're merely passing through. Their heart is set on the eternal King and His kingdom. Heb.11:9,10 {Abraham's priority} - By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. 10 For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. Heb.11:27 {Moses' priority} - By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. The closer we live in fellowship with the heart of Christ the more we'll find our hearts and minds fixed upon Him who is seated at the right hand of the Father in heaven. In Jn.18:36 Jesus said: "My kingdom is not of this world". That being the truth then our kingdom is not of this world either. ( b ) Heb. 3: FIX your thoughts on Jesus Our "thought life" is a whole other world! As Born Again Believers we need to have our minds renewed, (Rom.12:1,2).We have been given power from our God to be able to control our thought life. Every thought and imagination can be brought into line with the the Word of God, (2Cor.10:4,5). It's possible for us to FIX our thoughts on Christ! We've been empowered to do so!

8 One of the positive effects of a mind fixed upon the Lord is seen in Isa.26:3 (PEACE). The adverse affects of a mind that is trying to be fixed on two places at once is seen in Jms.1:6,7 {the dangers of a double mind} Have you ever hear it said of someone: "Oh that person is so heavenly minded they're no earthly good". Well Christ was pretty heavenly minded and He's sure done a lot of good. It's a challenge to keep our thoughts out the gutters of this world. Christ did it and He's given us the power to do it as well! It can happen! We can live as Christ did! ( c ) Heb.12:2 - Let us FIX our eyes on Jesus Pr. 4:25 - Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Where you're looking is where you'll go! The old plowman new the secret to straight rows! Keep looking straight ahead at a fixed point and don't allow yourself to wander off that course. CONCLUSION: In this Section we've looked at Scripture encouraging us to FIX our mind and thoughts, our hearts and our spiritual eyes on the eternal things, on Christ who is seated on His throne in the heavenlies. There's a lot in this world that the enemy will try to use to distract use from a FIXED life in Christ. It's good for us to be reminded from time to time what our spiritual priorities are, what's really important, and where we're really going. ( 3 ) Significance of Spiritual Priority One thing is certain, God is for us! He doesn't keep things from us that will enhance our spiritual well being! He clearly reveals the things that will profit our lives. He shows us the things to avoid and the things to embrace! It's amazing how human intelligence will challenge the Word of God, as though the wisdom of fallen humanity knows what's best for us! The world says: "Why through

9 your life away? You need to invest your talents, your time, your resources into this world, into this life!" What the world doesn't see is eternity. It can't see into the kingdom of God like we can. It has no spiritual perspective of eternity and places little or no valve on Christ and His kingdom. We need to hear the voice of God! We need to hear what the Lord says concerning where we should invest. ( a ) Mt. 6: Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. FOR where your treasure is there your heart will be also. When we put our investments into the eternal things of God they can't be taken from us. No one can steal or rob us. The investment is secure. Parable of the Rich Fool - LK.12: Someone in the crowd said to him, "Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you?" 15 Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."16 And he told them this parable: "The ground of a certain rich man produced a good crop. 17 He thought to himself, What shall I do? I have no place to store my crops. 18 "Then he said, 'This is what I'll do. I will tear down my barns and build bigger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And 'I'll say to myself, "You have plenty of good things laid up for many years. Take life easy; eat, drink and be merry." ' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! This very night your life will be demanded from you. Then who will get what you have prepared for yourself?' 21 "This is how it will be with anyone who stores up things for himself but is not rich toward God." (NLT) LK.12: Then someone called from the crowd, "Teacher, please tell my brother to divide our father's estate with me." 14 Jesus replied, "Friend, who made me a judge over you to decide such things as that?" 15 Then he said, "Beware! Don't be greedy for what you don't have. Real life is not measured by how much we own." 16 And he gave an illustration: "A rich man had a fertile farm that produced fine crops. 17 In fact, his barns were full to overflowing. 18 So he said, 'I know! I'll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. Then I'll have room enough to store everything. 19 And I'll sit back and say to myself, My friend, you have enough stored away for years to come.

10 Now take it easy! Eat, drink, and be merry!' 20 "But God said to him, 'You fool! You will die this very night. Then who will get it all?' 21 "Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God." Lk. 9:25 - "What good is it for a man to gain the whole world, and yet loose or forfeit his very self". The challenge in all our activities and involvement is to maintain our spiritual priority. There's a lot of things in life that in and by themselves are not wrong, however, if we are not able to keep them in the right perspective then we're better off without them. They will keep us from investing all that we should in the eternal investment house of glory. ( b ) Heb. 12: "Once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens." The words "once more" indicate the removing of what can be shaken - that is created things - SO THAT what cannot be shaken may remain. Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken. It's right for the scientist and engineers of this world to try to build structures to withstand earth quakes. There is however a time coming in the not too distant future when God Himself will rise to shake this earth. So severe will the shaking be that all that's left is the kingdom of God. Embracing the Truth will help to keep things in the right perspective. 2 P. 3:10,11- But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. the heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare. SINCE EVERYTHING WILL BE DESTROYED IN THIS WAY, what kind of people ought you to be?..." Where are we investing? Where is our treasure? In our hearts is it all right if God chooses to shake things up a bit. Where do we consider our home to be? ( c ) 2 Cor.4:18 - So we FIX our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. FOR what is seen is temporal

11 but what is unseen is eternal. 1 Cor. 13:13 - And now these three remain: LOVE, FAITH, HOPE When we start to look at things through the eyes of Christ everything falls into two categories, temporal and eternal. Only the spiritual things of the kingdom of God have any real enduring substance. After our life is over or this world as we know comes to an end (and it will) then what's left? Glory, everything is if we take the opportunity Christ has given to us and invest heavily into our relationship with Him. CONCLUSION: The Lord has graciously shown us were, and told us how to invest. As Moses left behind all the treasures of Egypt to live for God, he did so aware of the fact of eternal reward, (Heb.11:26). He knew that as he invested his life in obedience to God in the end it would pay big dividends. Moses was able to persevere an incredible wilderness experience that would have challenged anyone's faith in the eternal things. He was able to rise above it all and keep focused on the spiritual priority of the eternal kingdom. He did so by seeing Him who is invisible, (Heb.11:27). This is why we need close fellowship with the heart of God. That's where everything comes into clear focus for us. NEW LIFE MOTIVATION ( 1 ) Being Spiritually Motivated ( 2 ) Being Spiritually Aggressive ( 3 ) Running To Win ( 1 ) Being Spiritually Motivated (1 Tim. 6:11,12) If we're not motivated we won't go any where that for sure! In the kingdom of God it's vital take our motivation comes from the right source. The Lord's interested in what we do, however, He's much more interested in why we do what we do. Man looks at the externals while God looks deep in to the heart. At the judgement seat of Christ it will be the motives of our heart that will be exposed. The power of the risen

12 Christ practical and realistic it's the spiritual fuel for the engine of our new life. It can powerfully effect our motives for serving Christ. ( a ) 2 Cor. 4:7 - But we have this treasure in jars of clay TO SHOW THAT the surpassing power is from God and not from us. The treasure we have within us is Christ. It is His power released in our hearts that brings the changed life we experience. We are not change through greater self determination and striving. It's Christ in us, "the hope of glory", that brings God like qualities into our lives. Col. 1:27 {Christ in you} The presence of God within us is much more than a theology of New Covenant Christianity. It's the practical reality of our relationship with the Lord. He has come by His Holy Spirit to live within us. There, deep in our heart, He effects a life changing experience. Not only does He effect our willingness to love serve and obey Him but He gives us the power to do it! Ph. 2:13 - for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to His good purpose. The Amplified version of Ph. 2:13 says. "for it is God who is all the while effectually at work in you-energizing and creating in you the power and desire- both to will and to work for His good pleasure and satisfaction and delight. Don't you love the reality of God, "ALL THE WHILE" effectually at work! He just never stops! He's always at work in our hearts to effect, "WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO". ( b ) 1 Cor. 15 :10 - But by the grace of God I Am what I am, and HIS grace to me as not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. The Apostle Paul was man who experienced the life changing power of the gospel. Christ changed this mans life. Once he was motivated to imprison and have Christians put to death. Then suddenly he met Christ who came into his life and effected some awesome changes. What motivated this great man of God. Where did He get his power

13 and desire to do things God's way? Col. 1:29 - To this end I labor, struggling with all HIS energy, which so powerfully works in me. Paul was aware of the fact that His God was alive within him energizing him in his labors for Christ. To Paul the grace of God was the release of Divine Power to effect God's will in his life. The grace of God clearly effected this mans motives and it can effect ours in the same way. ( c ) Eph. 4:7 - But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. Our "New Life" in Christ is one of spiritual growth as we are progressively changed in all areas of our lives to be like Christ, 2 Cor. 3:18 says that we are being transformed into His likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit. One area of Christ- likeness for us to experience is that of right spiritual motivation. All Believers are given life effecting life changing grace of God. What we do with it is another thing! God will effect our motives, He wants too! Will we allow the grace of God to bring about the transformation that the Lord has purposed for us? Will we say "YES" to letting Him effect what motivates us? CONCLUSION: What we believe is very important in our Christian faith, however, New Covenant Christianity is far more than a "statement of faith". It's experiencing the life changing power of Christ touching every area of our lives. One day we'll all be at the judgement seat of Christ to give an account of ourselves to the Lord, (Rom.14:10; 2 Cor. 5:10). There the motives of our hearts will be revealed! It's awesome to know that right now Christ is at work on the motivational factors of our heart. Christ is pure in all He does and why he does it. This too is our destiny in Christ. Our motives are be effected by God's powerful grace right this very moment. We just need to say "YES Lord your will be done in my life. Come Lord and direct my motivation to honor you." If we are wanting God's will to be done in and through our lives, He'll see to it that it's done.

14 ( 2 ) Being Spiritually Aggressive (1 Tim. 6:11,12) Jesus came to destroy the devil and his works, (Heb. 2:14 & 1 Jn. 3:8). Some times we get the false impression that our life in Christ is one being sort of docile, easy going and none aggresive! Yes there's a gentle side of Christ,the Lamb of God. But we also need to see the aggressive warrior side of Christ, the Lion of the Tribe of Judah. Jesus said, "From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing, and forceful men lay hold of it." Sound pretty aggresive to me! Samson was an anointed man of God until one day he fell asleep in Delilah's lap, (Jud. 16). Delilah means "languishing", to lack in vigor and vitality. Samons zeal for God was at a critical low and there's where he lost it. There's no place for spiritual laziness in the kingdom of God. When our zeal for God is languishing we're in serious trouble! In desperation we need to call out to God to revive our soul, to breath on us again a fresh breath of life. AND HE WILL DO IT! ( a ) Rom. 12:11 - NEVER be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. The word for zeal here is the Greek word "zealots" meaning "an uncompromising partisan". This is the kind of zeal displayed by Christ in Jn. 2: Here Jesus made a whip and drove the money changers from the house of God. It wasn't very passive was it? Jesus was extremely aggressive when it came doing the will of His heavnly Father. In the book of Revelation it's quite clear from the letter addressed to the church at Laodicea that the Lord wasn't too pleased with there apathy for the things of God, (Rev.3:14-21).It was repent or else! That's how serious this thing is! The Redeemer of our souls wants us, red hot for God in our generation. Right now God is looking for those who are willing to be uncompromising, zealous lovers of God. ( b ) Mt. 11:12 - From the days of John the Baptist until now, the kingdom of heaven has been forcefully advancing and forceful men lay hold of it. In Mt. 7:7,8 Jesus taught us to be aggresive even in our prayer life- {Ask, seek, knock}. Keep on asking - Keep on seeking - Keep on knocking - DON'T GIVE UP

15 Gal. 6:9 - Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. We've been blessed with all spiritual blessings in Christ, (Eph.1:3) and we've been given everything we need for life and godliness, (2 P.1:3). God has blessed us and God has given to us! NOW he wants us to aggressively lay hold of it. Don't let it slip through your hand! 1Tim. 6:12 - Fight the good fight of faith. TAKE HOLD of the eternal to which you were called... ( c ) Ph. 3: Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already been made perfect, BUT I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me. Brother, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do. Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus. WOW! You talk about an aggresive attitude! Paul had it, and it served him well over the years. Who discourages us? Who wants to see us defeated? Not our God that's for sure! Sometimes we blow it! Sometimes we fail God! Now what? We might get knock down but in Christ we're never knock out. Pr.24:16 say that the righteous might fall down seven times BUT we get back up and get going again. Press on! Press forward! God's with us! God's for us and He'll see us through. He who began the good work in us WILL carry it on to completion, (Ph. 1:6). CONCLUSION: Jesus is the One we follow in life. He's been here before us! He knows how to get the job done! He left us the example of spiritual aggressiveness. Nothing stopped Him from pursuing the will of His Father in heaven. Jesus never said following Him would be easy. He did say He's the only Way. As the "New Creations" of God in Christ we're not suited for anything else but full

16 uncompromised zeal for God. That's the only place we'll ever really be happy and fulfilled. The beauty of being spiritual aggressive in Christ is that we don't have to pump it up as were. If we live a Spirit filled life then the same Holy Spirit that caused the Man Christ to be so incredibly aggressive for His Father will do the same for us. ( 3 ) Running To Win (1 Tim. 6:11,12) The ways of God are not our ways. When we think of running in a race we think, "one winner" and we think "competition". We're definitely in a spiritual race and we better be in it to win! The thing is however, we're not in competition with each other, (2Cor.10:12) and we all can win our own race in Christ, (2Tim.4:7). God is no respecter of persons! He hasn't set us in a race that by His grace we can't finish or win. God's vision for all His children is "winners". That's how He sees us and that's what the blood of Christ purchased for us. ( a ) 1 Cor. 9: Do you not know that in a race all the runners run but only one gets the prize. Run in such a way as to get the prize. Everyone who competes in the games goes into strict training. Each one of us has our own race to run in Christ. There can only be one winner and one looser in this race. I won't loose my race because someone beat me. The only way I can loose is if I loose it. The same is true for you. God has not brought us into competition with one another but we must run to win our own race, on the course God has chosen for us. Gal. 5:7 - "You were running a good race who cut in on you and kept you from obeying the truth?" No one can keep us from obeying the truth if it's truth we want. If God is for us then who can be against us, (Rom. 8:31). We're only keep from obedience if that what's in our hearts. When runners are motivated to win then they apply the personal disciples necessary to accomplish their objective. In the Christian race there are things we simply must

17 discipline ourselves for. Reading the Word, Prayer, Praise and Worship, repentance, forgiveness and such like. We're the "disciples" of Christ! We're the "disciplined ones" of Christ. ( b ) Heb. 12:1 - Therefore since we are surrounded by such a cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. Being motivated to win means we're motivated to turn away from those too successful for long if he doesn't go to bed at night. Ya but everyone else is out having a good time. Where will they be when the price is given out! No Olympic runner competes with a ball and chain around the ankle! SIN must not be tolerated in our lives. We're only fooling ourselves if we're thinking it doesn't matter! It does matter! It matters a lot! You can't win with that thing pulling you back, pulling down, draining your strength. It's got to go if we're going to win. Perseverance is necessary! We're not in a short dash. This is like a cross country race. If we're not properly discipled it could start to seem long and grueling. On the other hand, with the proper training and the right perspective, endurance and perseverance are just apart of the everyday program. It's not a big deal! ( c ) 1 Tim. 4:7, train yourselves to be godly Training for godliness is an interesting concept. In the physical realm when training begins there's often a reaction the body takes to it. It even hurts! But you don't stop there you keep going and what once brought pain now brings pleasure. It amazing how hard it can be to disciple yourself to daily Bible ready. It can seem like the hardest thing there is and there's so many distractions from such good things to keep us from our training program. Anyone who operates a Gym can tell you the real problem isn't getting started it's to keep going. How true this is with spiritual disciplines. It would seem that the enemy does everything he can to distract us from our goal and objective of winning the race. But Jesus is for us!

18 CONCLUSION: It's awesome to know that we're not in this spiritual race alone. Christ is with us. He's given to us the Holy Spirit as One called to our side. There's no one that wants us to win more than Jesus does and there's no one with the love and commitment that is so prepared to help us like Christ is. God has given us grace and the tools necessary for us to win the race. Like the Apostle Paul said in Ph.4:13 - I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. IF GOD IS FOR US THEN WHO CAN REALLY BE AGAINST US. ( 1 ) Jesus' Heavenly Throne ( 2 ) Subjects of Jesus' Kingdom ( 3 ) Seeking the King ( 4 ) Kingdom Mind Set NEW LIFE VISION ( 1 ) Jesus' Heavenly Throne ( a ) Ps.103:19 - The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all. Note. - Isa.66:1 - Heaven is my throne. ( b ) Isa.6:1, I saw the Lord seated on a throne high and exalted, and the train of His robe filled the temple.... my eyes have seen the King the LORD Almighty. Note. - Jn. 12:41 - Isaiah said this because he saw Jesus' glory and spoke about Him. ( c ) Heb. 1:8 - But about the Son He says "Your throne, O God, will last forever and ever, and righteousness will be the scepter of your kingdom. Note. Ps. 89:14 - Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. 1Cor.15:25 -For He must reign until He has put all enemies under His feet.

19 Jesus rose into the heaven with His gloried physical body. Presently Christ is on the heavenly throne and it's there we will find Him. It is helpful when we understand that there are two aspects of Jesus' Kingdom. There's that part that is here on earth and that part which is in heaven. The fullness of Jesus' Kingdom on earth will only be realized after He returns to earth with the heavenly. Things on earth are not yet in a perfect state because it involves people who are still in the process of being perfected, of growing and maturing to be like Jesus. ( 2 ) Subjects of Jesus' Kingdom ( a ) Col.1:13 - He has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. The salvation Christ purchased for us with His blood has taken out of one kingdom and placed us into His. He is our King and we are the subjects of His Kingdom. Note. -1 Tim. 6:14, the blessed and only Ruler, the King of kings and Lord of lords. Rev. 17: he is Lord of lords and King of kings- and with will be his called, chosen and faithful followers." Rev. 19:16 - On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS. ( b ) 1Thes.2:12 - encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God who calls you into His kingdom. Note. 1 Cor.4:20 - the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but of power. The Kingdom of God is a kingdom with super natural powers. These super natural powers originate with the Lord Himself. To participate in the Kingdom is only possible through the power of God. There is nothing human or humanistic about Jesus' Kingdom. Jesus said in Jn.18:36 that His Kingdom was not of this world.

20 ( c ) Rom.14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. Jesus Kingdom is not Old Covenant. It exceeds being told what to do. It involves the release of Kingdom power within the Believer enabling them to do the things that will honor and glorify the Lord. This is the major distinction between the "old" and "new covenants. The "old covenant" told people what to do but was unable to give them the power to do it. Note. 2 Cor. 3:17 - Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom. The kingdom of God has power to free us from anything that offends the Lord. Once we were bound by the power of sin but now through the Lord Jesus Christ we are freed to obey by God's power. Being subjects of Jesus' Kingdom subjects us to His power. Ph. 2:13- For God is working in you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him. (NLT) Pleasing God is possible because of His power at work within the Believer. ( 3 ) Seeking the King ( a )1Chr.16:11 - Look to the LORD and His strength; seek His face always. Seeking the Lord is the most important thing about our Christianity. Seeking God for a continued deep relational life with the Lover of our soul must be a priority that is never permitted to diminish or become common to us. There are various things that are, at times projected as being important and yet they seem to have a strange way of complicating Christianity causing it to become nothing more than another world religion. Christianity is about relationship with Jesus Christ and for that to be meaningful and effective requires that we are found continually seeking Him. Note. 1Chr.28:9 - And you, my son Solomon acknowledge the God of your father, and serve Him with whole hearted devotion and with a willing mind, for the LORD searches every heart and understands every motive behind the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; Let's remember, it was God's idea to birth us into His spiritual family. He initiated our salvation. He wants relationship with us. He wants to be found by us. He is not making it hard for us. He is however after sincerity. If our heart is true in it God will expose Himself to us.

21 ( b ) Ps. 27:8 -My heart says of you, "Seek His face!" Your face, LORD, I will seek. There's something very significant about the concept of seeking God's face. Clearly it signifies exposure to His person. We put ourselves in a place where we are visible to be seen by Him. You simply cannot seek God's face if there's a personal desire to keep something secret from Him. To seriously seek God's face there most be a willingness to be exposed to Him, nothing hidden, total transparency! This is a relational seeking of God's person. There are those times in our on going relationship with the Lord that He pour grace upon us in a special way, touching our heart with desire to spend time in the awesome presence of the Lord. "Shut in with God in a secret place, there in the Spirit beholding His face, gaining new power to run in the race, I long to be shut in with God." We need to learn to respond to the nudging of the Holy Spirit to seek the face of our Lord. This is relational not religious! ( c ) Zeph. 2:3 -Seek the LORD, all you humble of the land, you who do what He commands. To be humble is to be an honest sincere God seeker, one who responses to the will of God in "love obedience". God wants us to seek His face not so much His hand. If we will seek His face we will discover that God's hand will open to us in His will. Jesus told us that true love obeys! It's that simple! If we really love God in a relational way then we will obey him out of love and seek Him. This seeking will not be the result of legalistic demand but rather out of relational love. ( 4 ) Kingdom Mind Set ( a ) Col. 3:1, 2 - Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, SET YOUR HEART ON THINGS ABOVE, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. SET YOUR MINDS ON THINGS ABOVE, not on earthly things. Note. 2Cor.4:18 - SO we FIX OUR EYES not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.

22 The eternal things are the spiritual things, things of the unseen realm. This is where real faith comes in. The kind of faith expressed through people such as Abraham. Moses and the Apostles. All these people had one thing in common. They were God's people, God seekers and people who looked beyond the physical, temporal "here and now:. These were people who set their sight on the eternal things, on the eternal Kingdom of God. They refused to be swallowed by the things of this life. They were aware of the truth taught in Heb 13:14 - For this world is not our home; we are looking forward to our city in heaven, which is yet to come. ( b ) Heb. 3:1 - Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, FIX YOUR THOUGHTS ON JESUS the apostle and high priest whom we confess. Note. 2Cor.10:5 -...and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ. There is a lot truth in the statement; "the battles of life are fought and won right between the ears". The is a battle field for sure, once completely ruled by the powers of darkness and now as Jesus' Kingdom people He has given us the power to control our personal thought life. Not that's easy buy it is possible if that's what we really want. Note. 2Tim.1:7 - For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self discipline. Self disciple includes our thought life! Disciplined thinking! Kingdom thinking! Jesus kind of thinking! ( c ) Heb.12:2 - Let us FIX OUR EYES ON JESUS, the author and perfecter of our faith,... Note. - Pr.4:25 - Let your eyes look straight ahead, fix your gaze directly before you. Note. - Isa.50:7 - Because the Sovereign LORD helps me, I will not be disgraced. Therefore have I set my face like flint, and I know I will not be put to shame. As we prioritize the seeking of our God, as we fix our determination in this direction we will never be put to shame. NEW LIFE POWER

23 ( 1 ) Power of God's Kingdom ( 2 ) Born of the Holy Spirit ( 3 ) Holy Spirit Baptism ( 4 ) Spirit Filled & Spirit Led Mt.6: "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life? 28 "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith? 31 So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. 33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own. (NLT) Mt.6: "So I tell you, don't worry about everyday life-whether you have enough food, drink, and clothes. Doesn't life consist of more than food and clothing? 26 Look at the birds. They don't need to plant or harvest or put food in barns because your heavenly Father feeds them. And you are far more valuable to him than they are. 27 Can all your worries add a single moment to your life? Of course not. 28 "And why worry about your clothes? Look at the lilies and how they grow. They don't work or make their clothing, 29 yet Solomon in all his glory was not dressed as beautifully as they are. 30 And if God cares so wonderfully for flowers that are here today and gone tomorrow, won't he more surely care for you? You have so little faith! 31 "So don't worry about having enough food or drink or clothing. 32 Why be like the pagans who are so deeply concerned about these things? Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs, 33 and he will give you all you need from day to day if you live for him and make the Kingdom of God your primary concern. 34 "So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today.

24 ( 1 ) Power Of The Spiritual Kingdom ( a ) Mt. 6:33 - But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. We are instructed by the Lord to seek first the Kingdom of God. Here find spiritual priority being established. Throughout the Christian pilgrimage here on earth it is essential that we establish and maintain the right spiritual priorities! To seek the Kingdom of God is to seek something that is not of this world (Jn.18:36). It is not natural, nor is it physical therefore it is a seeking that is done with the heart! ( b ) Rom. 14:17 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness peace and joy IN the Holy Spirit. The Kingdom of God is more than righteousness, peace and joy. It is all this but not through human or natural power and effort. The righteousness, peace and joy of God's Kingdom is the result of Holy Spirit power. It's IN the Holy Spirit that we are able to experience Kingdom righteousness peace and joy. It's vitally important to understand that to seek God's Kingdom righteousness peace and joy is to seek to experience God's super natural influence in these areas of our lives. Kingdom righteousness peace and joy originate in God and are imparted into our lives through power of the Holy Spirit. It's vitally important to understand that God is not demanding us to produce these things in our lives through human effort. Successful "Kingdom Living" is not a question of trying harder through human power but rather trusting Jesus to bring into our lives His divine character and nature. It's about trusting God to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. ( c ) 1 Cor. 4:20 - For the kingdom of God is not a matter of talk but POWER. The meaning of the word POWER: Greek = "Dunamis" ability, miraculous power (power in action).

25 It's not a matter of just saying "I'm a Believer" or "I'm a Christian". It's about experiencing the transforming power of God to change our lives to be like Jesus'. 1Jn.2:6 - Those who say they live in God should live their lives as Christ did. The only way that can happen is through the power of the Holy Spirit. New Covenant Christianity isn't about legalistic rituals! It's not about putting religious bumper stickers on your car our wearing Christian lapel pins! It's all about experiencing a changed life by the power of Almighty God. When Jesus encouraged and instructed us to seek the Kingdom of God and His righteousness He was talking about seeking the life changing of God! The power of God that produces Kingdom righteousness peace and joy in our lives. This isn't religion it's spiritual reality with God through the power of the Holy Spirit. Even our speech is to have it's source in the Holy Spirit. In Jn.6:63 - Jesus said: The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ( d ) Mt.10:7, The kingdom of heaven is near. Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.... Note: Mt.12:28 - But if I drive out demons by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God has come upon you. The power Jesus exerted in casting out demons was the power of God's kingdom, the power of the Holy Spirit. God's Kingdom power effects the natural physical world we live in and it is meant to effect our lives on a daily bases The reason we are to seek the kingdom of God is for the purpose of seeking God's power to live by. Christianity was never meant to be lived through human means. Remember the unique difference between the old and new covenants is the power of God. The old covenant was able to give divine instruction but lacked the ability to empower people to live by God's holy standard. Jesus purchased the right to initiate the new covenant with His shed blood. Jesus has made it possible for His people to experience the power of His Kingdom, the power He Himself lived by while her on earth in human form. Ph.2:13 - For God is working IN you, giving you the desire to obey him and the power to do what pleases him.

26 It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to experience the righteousness peace and joy of Christ's Kingdom. ( 2 ) Born of the Spirit ( a ) 1Cor.15:50 - I declare to you, brothers that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God,... Note: 2Cor.4:18 - So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen. FOR WHAT IS SEEN IS TEMPORARY, WHAT IS UNSEEN IS ETERNAL. There is a spiritual kingdom that is not presently visable to the natural eye however it is eternal. It will exceed this present world. The present physical state of humanity is unable to experience the fullness of God's spiritual kingdom. There must be a change! ( b ) Jn.3:5,6 - Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. To be birthed into the Kingdom of God requires the power of God's Kingdom which is Holy Spirit power. We entered this temporal physical kingdom through natural birth and in order to enter the eternal spiritual kingdom of God we must be "Born Again". or birthed into the Kingdom though the super natural means of God. Everyone who is truely "Born Again" has experienced the divine power of God's Kingdom in their lives. ( c ) Tit. 3: He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. To live in the eternal Kingdom one must first be born of the Holy Spirit. Know amount of human wisdom and effort can accomplish what God has purposed the Holy Spirit to