Academia
Biblical
Spiritual Assimilation
-Kingdom Life & Culture-
Introduction
Believers abounding in virtue are ready to add knowledge. Spiritual Assimilation studies introduce believers to the spiritual reality that they have been born into, along with the many facets of spiritual life and culture which believers are to assimilate to. This Spiritual Assimilation study focuses on kingdom life and culture. Believers will gain knowledge of naturalization into God’s kingdom, as well as knowledge of citizenship, royal duty and law, kingdom life and conduct, kingdom warfare, and rewards.
Process of Naturalization
Called
Mankind has been called to become a part of God’s kingdom.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 KJV - "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."
Spiritual Birth
All citizens of God’s Kingdom are spiritual beings and for mankind to enter into and be a part of God’s kingdom, they must be born of the Spirit.
1 Corinthians 15:24, 50 KJV - "24 Then cometh the end, when he shall have delivered up the kingdom to God, even the Father; when he shall have put down all rule and all authority and power. ... 50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption."
Matthew 18:1, 3 KJV - "1 At the same time came the disciples unto Jesus, saying, Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven? ... 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven."
John 3:3, 5-7 KJV - "3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ... 5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6 That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. 7 Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again."
1 Peter 1:23 KJV - "Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth for ever."
Romans 8:9-10 KJV - "9 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. 10 And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness."
1 Corinthians 6:17 KJV - "But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit.”
Kingdom Citizenship
Spiritual Kingdom
God’s kingdom is not of this world and all those who are spiritual beings are not of the world but a part of God’s kingdom.
John 18:36 KJV - "Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence."
John 17:14, 16 KJV - "14 I have given them thy word; and the world hath hated them, because they are not of the world. ... 16 They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world."
John 15:19 KJV - "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
Colossians 1:13 KJV - "Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:"
Hebrews 12:28 KJV - "Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear:"
Colossians 4:11 KJV - "And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me."
Revelation 1:9 KJV - "I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ."
Those who are a part of and seek after God’s Kingdom live as pilgrims and strangers in the earth.
Hebrews 11:8-10, 13 KJV - " 8 By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went. 9 By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: 10 For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. ... 13 These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
Hebrews 13:11-14 KJV - "11 For the bodies of those beasts, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. 12 Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. 13 Let us go forth therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach. 14 For here have we no continuing city, but we seek one to come."
1 Peter 2:11 KJV - "Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;"
2 Peter 3:13 KJV – “Nevertheless we, according to his promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness."
The kingdoms of the world are at war with the kingdom of God. Those that suffer are counted worthy of God’s kingdom.
John 15:19 KJV - "If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you."
Matthew 11:12 KJV - "And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force."
2 Thessalonians 1:5 KJV - "Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer:"
Citizens of Heaven
Those who are born of the spirit also have citizenship in heaven.
Philippians 3:20 KJV - "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ:"
Ephesians 2:12-13, 19, 22 KJV - "12 That at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: 13 But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ. ... 19 Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God; ... 22 In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit."
Ephesians 2:1, 5 KJV - "1 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; … 5 Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;) 6 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus:"
The word, “conversation”, in Philippians 3:20, comes from the Greek word, πολίτευμα; politeuma. According to Strong’s Greek 4175, this word means, “a community, i.e. (abstractly) citizenship (figuratively)
Royal Duties & Laws
Royal & Holy
Being a part of God’s kingdom also means being a part of holy royalty: with royal spiritual duties and a royal spiritual law.
1 Peter 2:9 KJV - "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:”
2 Corinthians 3:6 KJV - "Who also hath made us able ministers of the new testament; not of the letter, but of the spirit: for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life."
James 2:8 KJV - "If ye fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:"
Romans 7:14 KJV – “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin.”
Spiritual Kingdom Life
New & Inward Man
The newborn spirit is also referred to as the new man and inward man. The inner spiritual being delights in the law of God and uses it to learn and spiritually grow.
Ephesians 4:24 KJV - "And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness."
1 John 2:16 KJV - "For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world."
2 Corinthians 5:17 KJV – “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new."
Romans 7:22 KJV - "For I delight in the law of God after the inward man:"
2 Corinthians 4:16 KJV – “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day."
1 Corinthians 2:11-14 KJV - "11 For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of God knoweth no man, but the Spirit of God. 12 Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. 13 Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. 14 But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned."
John 6:63 KJV - "It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life."
Ephesians 3:16 KJV - "That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man;"
Matthew 26:41 KJV - "Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak."
Mark 14:38 KJV - "Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak."
Spiritually Led
God’s spiritual children must be led by the Spirit of God
John 14:17 KJV - "Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you."
Galatians 4:6 KJV - "And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father."
Romans 8:14-16 KJV - “14 For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. 15 For ye have not received the spirit of bondage again to fear; but ye have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba, Father. 16 The Spirit itself beareth witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God:"
Galatians 5:18 KJV - "But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law."
John 3:8 KJV - "The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit."
Kingdom Conduct
Spiritually Walking & Serving
Being a spiritual being in God’s kingdom comes with a new way to walk and serve.
1 Thessalonians 2:12 KJV - "That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory."
2 Peter 1:3 KJV - "According as his divine power hath given unto us all things that pertain unto life and godliness, through the knowledge of him that hath called us to glory and virtue:"
Romans 6:4 KJV - "Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life."
Romans 7:6 KJV - "But now we are delivered from the law, that being dead wherein we were held; that we should serve in newness of spirit, and not in the oldness of the letter."
Romans 8:1 KJV - "There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.”
Philippians 2:1 KJV - "If there be therefore any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any bowels and mercies,"
Galatian 6:8 KJV – “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Ephesians 2:2-3, 10 KJV - "2 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: 3 Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. … 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them."
Galatians 5:16-18, 25 KJV - "16 This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would. 18 But if ye be led of the Spirit, ye are not under the law. ... 25 If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit."
1 Corinthians 6:20 KJV - "For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's."
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Spiritual Worship
God must be worshipped in the spirit.
John 4:23-24 KJV - "23 But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. 24 God is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth."
Philippians 3:3 KJV - "For we are the circumcision, which worship God in the spirit, and rejoice in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in the flesh."
Spiritual Works
All ministry, labor, and behavior are to be carried out in the spirit.
1 Corinthians 14:15 KJV - "What is it then? I will pray with the spirit, and I will pray with the understanding also: I will sing with the spirit, and I will sing with the understanding also."
Galatians 3:5 KJV - "He therefore that ministereth to you the Spirit, and worketh miracles among you, doeth he it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith?"
Galatians 6:1 KJV - "Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness; considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted.”
Galatian 6:8 KJV – “For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting."
Ephesians 5:18 KJV – “And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit;"
1 Timothy 4:12 KJV - "Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity."
Kingdom Warfare
Spiritual Warfare
Spiritual soldiers of God must put on Spiritual armor to stand against spiritual wickedness.
2 Timothy 2:4 KJV - "No man that warreth entangleth himself with the affairs of this life; that he may please him who hath chosen him to be a soldier."
2 Timothy 1:7 KJV - "For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind."
Ephesians 6:10-18 KJV - "10 Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might. 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. 13 Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. 14 Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; 15 And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace; 16 Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. 17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: 18 Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;"
Romans 13:12 KJV - "The night is far spent, the day is at hand: let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the armour of light."
When the King of Kings and Lord of Lord returns, he will destroy the kingdoms of the world and his faithful will be with him.
Revelation 17:3, 9-12, 14 KJV - "3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. ... 9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth. 10 And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he cometh, he must continue a short space. 11 And the beast that was, and is not, even he is the eighth, and is of the seven, and goeth into perdition. 12 And the ten horns which thou sawest are ten kings, which have received no kingdom as yet; but receive power as kings one hour with the beast. ... 14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful."
Revelation 19:11-16 KJV - "11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12 His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13 And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14 And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS."
Kingdom Rewards
Glory
In the kingdom of God, glory will be a reward.
Colossians 3:4 KJV - "When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory."
Matthew 13:43 KJV - “Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear."
Romans 2:5-7, 10 KJV - "5 …the day of wrath and revelation of the righteous judgment of God; 6 Who will render to every man according to his deeds: 7 To them who by patient continuance in well doing seek for glory and honour and immortality, eternal life: … 10 But glory, honour, and peace, to every man that worketh good, to the Jew first, and also to the Gentile:"
Revelation 3:4-5 KJV – “4 Thou hast a few names even in Sardis which have not defiled their garments; and they shall walk with me in white: for they are worthy. 5 He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels."
Crowns
In the kingdom of God, crowns will be a reward.
2 Timothy 4:8 KJV - "Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing."
1 Peter 5:1 KJV - "1 The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder, and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed:”
1 Peter 5:4, 7 KJV – “4 And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. 7 That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ:"
1 Corinthians 9:25 KJV - "And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible."
1 Thessalonians 2:19 KJV - "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?"
James 1:12 KJV - "Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him."
Revelation 2:10 KJV - "Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer: behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried; and ye shall have tribulation ten days: be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life."
Revelation 3:11 KJV - "Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown."
Proverbs 4:9 KJV - "She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee."
Hierarchy
In the kingdom of God, promotion in hierarchy and duties will be awarded.
Revelation 20:6 KJV - "Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrection: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a thousand years." (See also Revelation 1:6, 5:10, 20:4)
Matthew 24:45-47 KJV - "45 Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his lord hath made ruler over his household, to give them meat in due season? 46 Blessed is that servant, whom his lord when he cometh shall find so doing. 47 Verily I say unto you, That he shall make him ruler over all his goods."
Inheritance
In the kingdom of God, inheritance will be a given.
Matthew 5:5 KJV - "Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth."
Matthew 25:34 KJV – “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world:”
Colossians 1:12 KJV - "Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:"
Colossians 3:24 KJV - "Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ."
1 Peter 3:9 KJV - "Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing."
Revelation 21:7 KJV - "He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son."
Service
In the kingdom of God, service will be rendered in return to servants.
Luke 12:37-38 KJV - "37 Blessed are those servants, whom the lord when he cometh shall find watching: verily I say unto you, that he shall gird himself, and make them to sit down to meat, and will come forth and serve them. 38 And if he shall come in the second watch, or come in the third watch, and find them so, blessed are those servants."