To live for the Kingdom of God, we must live as one of its citizens. Citizens of any country must abide by the regulations governed by the country. Likewise for the disciple, it is important that we (1) know what the Lord requires of us as disciples; (2) live according to His standard; and (3) represent Him wherever He desires for us to go and in whatever He desires for us to do.

2 Timothy 2:3-4 (KJV) - Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ. No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier.

The life you live before God is one that pleases Him - according to His standard. Mind. Body. Soul. All that you have, think, or will ever be is because of Him, for Him, and through Him.

As a disciple, it is very important that you learn of Jesus. He presented the example and teachings on how we are to live for Him (Matthew 11:28-30; John 13:1-17; 1 Peter 2:21-25; 1 John 2:1-11). Discipleship is not a one-time process. It is a life-long journey of learning, knowing, and walking with Jesus.

Living for the Kingdom of God can be grouped into four areas as a lifecycle of faith:

Compassion (Love)

Compassion is your foundation in your life with God. Our love for God must be our first and chief aim - loving God with all our heart, mind, and soul (Matthew 22:36-40). It is love that brought God to redeem mankind through His Son (John 3:16). It is love that shows each of us mercy and grace. It is love that identifies us as Jesus' disciples (John 13:35). All that is done in our lives must be modeled through love. It is our motivation (and motive) for all we believe, do, and say. Our minds and lives must be continually shaped through the lens of compassion (Romans 12:1-2).

Matthew 22:36-38 (KJV) - Master, which is the great commandment in the law? Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment.

Communion

Communion is an intimate relationship and union with the Lord. In the Greek language, the word communion comes from koinonia and is translated as "fellowship, association, intimacy, joint participation." Our communion with God is manifested out of our knowledge and love for Him (Matthew 22:36-40; Philippians 3:7-11; Colossians 1:3-17). We love the Lord because He first loved us (Deuteronomy 7:7-8; 1 John 4:19).

Psalm 24:3-6 (KJV) - Who shall ascend into the hill of the LORD? or who shall stand in his holy place? He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart; who hath not lifted up his soul unto vanity, nor sworn deceitfully. He shall receive the blessing from the LORD, and righteousness from the God of his salvation. This is the generation of them that seek him, that seek thy face, O Jacob. Selah.

In our communion with the Lord, we must to come to Him; seek His face; sit at His feet; and stand in His presence (2 Samuel 7:18; Psalm 24:6, Psalm 27:8-10, Psalm 105:1-5, Psalm 123:1-2; Isaiah 30:18; Matthew 11:28-30; Hebrews 11:6). Our communion with the Lord is manifested from our time with the Him in prayer (Psalm 65:2, Psalm 145), meditation (Psalm 1:1-3, Psalm 119:15; James 1:22-25), praise (Psalm 100, Psalm 103, Psalm 150; Hebrews 13:15), and worship (1 Chronicles 16:29; John 4:24). As such, we are to minister to Him first and allow everything we say and do to be an extension of our communion with Him. (Psalm 119:1-17; Luke 2:36-38; Acts 13:1-3).

Please read Knowing God's Voice for additional information on the topic of communion.

Community

The community of believers is the central hub where all disciples meet, grow, and are sent (Acts 2:42-47; Ephesians 2). Through our connection with a community of disciples, we have encouragement, growth, teaching, support, and partaking in the work of the Lord. The community of believers is worldwide and not defined by a specific perspective of Scripture. In the household of faith, we are to love all, regardless of our race, color, or social status.

The basis of our communal support must be molded through our love for God and one another (Hebrews 13:2). Community (in and out of church) is one of the ways in which God is seen and glorified (Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 25:31-46). It is the extension of our lives before Him in love and community.

How we entreat others in community is not based upon their level of love toward us or others. We are to love others as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:36-40; 1 John 3:14-18). This is the standard for all believers at all times. Love is not based upon what you have been given or expect to receive in return.

In the concept of community, there are many churches in the world. It is important that you find a local community of the Lord's choosing. He will tell you where He wants you to go. Serving the Lord is not about finding a church or community with your desired amenities. Where the Lord may lead you may not have any amenities and asks you to support those that are beginning or struggling in their community.

Some of the places the Lord sends you will be to strengthen, correct, grow, and prepare you (Romans 15:1-7). He also sends you to places to strengthen, correct, teach, and prepare others (Acts 20:16-38). Love is a two-way street. Serve your community and not only take (Romans 12:9-21; Philippians 2:1-18). Whatever the Lord has given you, bring them to Him and the community for its benefit and growth (1 Peter 4:9-10).

Commission

Our lives in Christ should not be surrounded solely by those that believe in Jesus. We are to go out beyond the boundaries of our churches and communities of faith to reach those that do not know God (Romans 10:10-15). We are to do good unto all people (Matthew 5:14-16, Matthew 25:31-46). We are to share the love of God with the world. We are to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-16). We are to go everywhere the Lord requires us to be for His purposes and His alone (Psalm 119:133; Proverbs 3:5-6, Proverbs 16:9; Acts 13:1-4).

Matthew 6:9-13 (KJV) - After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.

Please read our second volume of this series, Living for the Kingdom. It is an expanded study that focuses on teaching the commands (and teachings) of Jesus.

BOOTCAMP: Phase1
After completion, please continue to Living for the Kingdom.

Bible Reading Schedule
Matthew 7:1-29
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