Characteristics of the Nation of God, Part 2

Review:

The power of the gospel is demonstrated by our changed lives.
We can transform society by our collective light.

Kingdom Characteristics

1. Our government is a theocracy, not a democracy.

We are submissive, not rebellious

2. Our mindset is positive, not negative.

We have a confident expectation that things are going to get better.

3. Our language is praise, not complaint.

Complaint is an affront to God.

a) We don’t complain about how we are made.
b) We don’t complain about the weather conditions of life.
c) We don’t complain about our leaders.
d) We don’t complain about other people.

4. Social Structures – We Value People Differently

We Aspire to be Servants, rather than Masters.

So the last will be first, and the first last. Mt. 20:16

But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. 26 Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. 27 And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave– 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Matt 20:25-28

5. Moral Ethics – We have a different motivation to act.

Spiritual rather than Sensual

…that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit. Romans 8:4

Integrity rather than Relativism

And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God. Romans 12:2

Honest rather than Deceptive

Better to be poor and honest than to be dishonest and rich. Prov. 28:6 NLT

6. Justice System – We Judge Differently

We are more quick to forgive rather than to condemn.

Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you. Matt 7:1-2

For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses. Mt. 18:35

And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. Eph 4:32

If you were tried for being a Christian,
would there be enough evidence to convict you?