Today’s I would like to share a message from Luke 17:21.
During a conversation with the Pharisees and Sadducees, Jesus is making it clear that people can’t just earn their way into God’s kingdom by being good or following certain rules or laws. Instead, He’s emphasizing the importance of having a personal relationship with Him.
Now, when Jesus says “the kingdom of God is within you,” He’s not talking about some kind of magic trick or self-help technique. It’s actually the opposite: We’re not trying to tap into our own inner strength; instead, we’re submitting to God’s transformative power!
Think about it this way:
The Bible tells us that Jesus takes up residence in our hearts through faith (Ephesians 3:17). That means we’re no longer controlled by our sinful nature but are empowered to make choices that align with God’s will.
I know some people might think this is just about feeling spiritual or having a “quiet time” in their lives. But the truth is, Jesus is emphasizing the importance of being led by His Spirit (Romans 8:14). We’re not trying to manufacture our own spirituality; we’re submitting to God’s guidance and power through prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit within us.
As believers, it’s crucial that we understand what’s going on inside us.
The Bible says, “For the kingdom of God is not food and drink, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). It means that our internal transformation is way more important than anything that’s happening externally.
God wants to put His presence within you – the Holy Spirit!
He wants to work from the inside out, transforming us into the likeness of Christ. On the other hand, Satan wants to plant seeds of doubt, fear, or anxiety within us.
But here’s the thing: We have a choice!
We can’t live according to our sinful nature but instead should offer ourselves as living sacrifices (Romans 12:1). It means that we’re not just going through motions or pretending to be good; it’s about having a genuine relationship with God and allowing the Holy Spirit to work within us!
So, what does this mean?
It means that our external actions should flow from an internal transformation. We can’t fake being spiritual by doing certain rituals or following certain rules or laws. It’s about having Jesus’ presence working within us, guiding our decisions and empowering us to live a life that honors God.
