Kingdom Living

The Rules For Kingdom Living

by Pastor Gary

In Ephesians 5:15-17 the Message Bible states, “Act like people with good sense and not like fools. These are evil times, so make every minute count. Don’t be stupid. Instead, find out what the Lord wants you to do.” In Luke 6: 27-36 Jesus gives, what many consider to be, “the rules of the kingdom,”

Jesus used many linguistic techniques in His communication method: similes (i.e. the kingdom of heaven is like a field), parables, and hyperbole to name a few. Much of Luke 6:27-31 contains hyperbole. The IVP Bible Background Commentary agrees, “Here, Jesus refers, perhaps in hyperbolic images.” Hyperbole is an exaggeration; it is a deliberate and obvious exaggeration used for effect (i.e. "I could eat a million of these"). Hyperbole is not to be taken literally. One must look for the valued principle that the exaggeration represents. The nine admonitions given in Luke 6: 27-31 reveal God’s values and Jesus’ rules for conduct in the kingdom of God.

“Love your enemies.” Have a different approach to your enemies. God loves them too. That does not mean making yourself vulnerable to those who would use that vulnerability to your demise, but maintaining a redemptive posture, looking for opportunities to reconcile.

“Do good to those who hate you.” Don’t return hate for hate. Don’t react. Respond! One must be himself and allow others to be themselves. Understanding goes a long way- everyone has a story.

“Bless those who curse you.” That is not to say we are grateful that we are being cursed, but don’t get in a shouting match. Resist the temptation to defend yourself. Time will reveal true character.

“Pray for those who mistreat you.” Take positive action! Pray! There may be a need to set some emotional and physical boundaries. One is not to have a passive victim mentality, but to make a proactive, productive, proclamation.

“If someone strikes you on the cheek, turn to him the other also.” In Jesus’ day, hitting someone on the right cheek was the biggest insult one man could pay another. Don’t let your pride get the best of you. Keep calm. Be the bigger person Walk away.

“If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic.” One must be willing to see the needs of other’s. Do we naturally anticipate a need and find joy in seeing it met, or do we resent the intrusion of other’s needs in our lives? Are there instances when one should offer before being asked?

“Give to everyone who asks you.” Have a large, generous, and open heart to the world. That is not an admonition to be financially foolish, or become a naive enabler.

“If anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back.” People are more important than stuff. Use stuff, love people; don’t use people and love stuff. The willingness to share what you have can make an eternal difference in a person’s life.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” This last admonition is known as The Golden Rule. The reason it is worth its weight in gold is that it brings balance to the first eight rules. If one is focused on treating others as he would like to be treated, he will not abuse friendships. It gives a “same page” focus for proper behavior that can be observed personally and monitored corporately. It is a call to responsible, sensible, and compassionate living.

We must, “act like people with good sense and not like fools,” if we are to make every minute count. We must learn, and abide by, the rules for kingdom living.