We begin with some great verses from Titus - "Jesus Christ ... gave himself for us to redeem us from all iniquity and to purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good deeds" (Titus 2:13-14); "He saved us, not because of deeds dine by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit" (Titus 3:5).
There are kings who need to be prayed for (1 Timothy 2:1-2), and there is the King to whom we offer prayer (1 Timothy 1:17). To understand the nature of God's kingdom, we must understand the character of the king. God's kingdom contrasts with the kingdoms of men. (a) Kings are "in high position" (1 Timothy 2:2), but "the king of ages" is in the highest position of all. (b) The kingdoms of men last for a time, but "the king of ages" is immortal. (c) The kingdoms of men display great outward show, but "the king of ages" and his kingdom works in an "invisible" way - the wheat and the tares (Matthew 13:24-30,36-43). When we compare "the king of ages" to the kings of this world, we conclude that he is "the only God (to whom) be honour and glory for ever and ever" (1 Timothy 1:17).
If we are to be men and women of the kingdom, men and women whose lives are controlled by the king, we are to be men and women of prayer (1 Timothy 2:1), men and women who read the Bible (2 Timothy 3:14-17).
There are many obstacles to our living as men and women of the kingdom. Paul faced many obstacles, and so do we. In the face of many obstacles, Paul had a marvellous testimony (2 Timothy 4:17-18). The Lord stood by him. The Lord rescued him. The Lord saved him. Paul looked at the Lord, and gave the glory to him. He looked at what the Lord had done for him, and he said, "to him be the glory for ever and ever." Like Paul, we can overcome the obstacles. Like Paul, we can bring glory to God - through prayer and God's Word.
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