EPISODE 503 – FOCUS ON GOD’S BIGGER PURPOSE

“But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” 

In previous episodes, we looked into the various armor pieces as crucial items to withstand the wiles of the devil.

Further into the discussion, we realized Paul introduced the matter of prayer as a battlefield transceiver.

Let me put our spiritual warfare in perspective:

In the present Church, many have relegated the core mandate of the Church and made the additional benefits of our relationship with God their priority.

Churches today in their bid to help society, have become need-centered rather than Christ-centered.

This has made the present-age, average believer in Christ, become focused on his or her individual needs than the purpose of Christ.

God is more interested in our individual needs than we are. However, God has a bigger picture and wants us to uphold that picture than our personal needs or interests.

Some people go to Church meetings today, not with the same goal as the first-century Church.

The gathering of the saints is not primarily to meet the self-centred needs of the saints. The gathering of the saints is primarily to equip the saints for the work of the ministry.

“Now these are the gifts Christ gave to the church: the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, and the pastors and teachers. Their responsibility is to equip God’s people to do his work and build up the church, the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 (NLT)

To do the work of the ministry is to reconcile many to Christ and to disciple them to become the expression of Christ.

As this is achieved, the Kingdom of God expands in the hearts of many.

The goal of the adversary transcends you. The goal of the adversary is to attack your accomplishments in the Kingdom.

He knows when he could get you depressed, afraid, troubled, and wearied, you will not be able to do the things God wants you to do. When you are not able to stand against his evil schemes and to enforce your victory in Christ, you will not be able to shine the glorious light of the Kingdom in the dark places.

The adversary knows when he could make you live occupied with your personal needs, you will not have the focus of the Kingdom.

When the satisfaction of your personal needs becomes your goal and cravings, Christ will not be at the center of your heart.

Let God (who is your loving Father) take care of your needs, as you set your affection and focus on His assignment for your life.

This was one of the key secrets of King Solomon. He set his focus on his assignment as Israel’s king. He didn’t request for personal things but the wisdom to rule God’s people; and God blessed him with wealth and riches.

“Moreover, I will give you what you did not request—both riches and honor—so that during all your days no man in any kingdom will be your equal.” 1 Kings 3:13 (Berean Standard Bible).

Pay attention to what Jesus said:

“So then, forsake your worries! Why would you say, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear?’ For that is what the unbelievers chase after. Doesn’t your heavenly Father already know the things your bodies require?
“So above all, constantly chase after the realm of God’s kingdom and the righteousness that proceeds from him. Then all these less important things will be given to you abundantly.” Matthew 6:31-33 (TPT)

We are at war with the forces of darkness to enforce our victory in Christ and to fulfill God’s kingdom plan.

Have a bigger perspective of this spiritual warfare.

You are not wrestling against the evil strategies of the accuser (including all his highest evil principalities and authorities operating in rebellion under the heavenly realms) because of your personal needs.

You are wrestling against powerful class of demon-gods and evil spirits that hold this dark world in bondage, because of the mandate of the Kingdom.

The expansion of God’s Kingdom in the hearts of men and the dark places of the earth should be your focus.

Hallelujah!