Our Kingdom Is Not of This World
By Pastor Lazarus Muoka
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.”
Beloved, these powerful words were spoken by our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, as He stood before Pontius Pilate. Accused, rejected and bound, He nevertheless declared a truth that echoes through eternity: “My kingdom is not of this world.” This was not the language of defeat; it was the language of divine authority. Jesus was making it clear that His reign does not originate from earthly systems, political power or human strength. His kingdom is heavenly in origin, spiritual in nature, and eternal in duration.
From the beginning, many expected a Messiah who would overthrow Roman rule and establish a political throne in Jerusalem. But Jesus did not come to establish an earthly empire. He came to establish a spiritual dominion over the hearts of men. He did not come to deliver Israel from Caesar; He came to deliver humanity from sin. As He said elsewhere: “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost,” (Luke 19:10, KJV).
When He declared that His kingdom is not of this world, He was drawing a sharp contrast between what is temporary and what is eternal. The kingdoms of this world are unstable. History proves it; thrones rise and fall. Nations prosper and collapse, but the scripture reminds us: “The Lord shall reign for ever and ever,” (Exodus 15:18, KJV). His authority is not subject to elections, revolutions or decay.
If we belong to Jesus Christ, then we belong to His kingdom. And if His kingdom is not of this world, then our mindset must change. The Apostle Paul writes: “For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 3:20, KJV). The word “conversation” there speaks of citizenship. Our true citizenship is in heaven. Though we live on earth, we are governed by heavenly principles.
This truth should transform how we view success. The world measures greatness by wealth, fame and power. But Jesus said: “For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Mark 8:36, KJV). Earthly gain without eternal life is ultimate loss. The world applauds accumulation; heaven values transformation.
Jesus made it clear that if His kingdom were to be earthly, His servants would fight. But His weapons are not swords and spears. The Bible says: “For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds,” (2 Corinthians 10:4, KJV). His kingdom advances not by violence, but by truth, righteousness, love and sacrifice.
Consider how Jesus faced suffering. “He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth,” (Isaiah 53:7, KJV). Earthly kings defend themselves with armies. The King of glory defended humanity by giving Himself. The cross may look like weakness, but it was divine victory. Colossians 2:14–15 declares: He blotted out “the handwriting of ordinances that was against us… and having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.”
Beloved, many believers struggle because they try to live in two kingdoms at once. They want heaven, yet they cling tightly to the world. But the scripture is clear about this: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world… And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth forever,” (1 John 2:15,17, KJV). The world is fading, its pleasures are temporary and its systems are unstable. Only God’s kingdom endures.
Jesus Himself said in Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Notice the order—seek first the kingdom. Not second. Not occasionally. First! When the kingdom becomes our priority, everything else falls into proper perspective.
To understand that our kingdom is not of this world is to live as pilgrims. Hebrews 11:13 says of the faithful: “They confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth.” A pilgrim does not settle permanently in a temporary place. He travels lightly. He keeps his eyes on home. Likewise, we must not build our identity on what is passing away.
This world offers glitter, but heaven offers glory. This world offers temporary pleasure, but the kingdom offers eternal joy. The Psalmist wrote: “In thy presence is fullness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore,” (Psalm 16:11, KJV). Earthly joy fades; heavenly joy endures.
Understanding our heavenly citizenship also gives us courage in trials. Jesus warned: “In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world,” (John 16:33, KJV). Notice—He did not promise a trouble-free life. He promised victory amid troubles. Why? It is because our hope is not anchored here. When persecution arises, when misunderstandings come, when standing for righteousness costs you comfort, remember this: you belong to another kingdom.
The Apostle Peter reminds us: “Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul,” (1 Peter 2:11, KJV). We are strangers here. Our values are different. Our goals are different. Our destiny is different.
One day, the kingdoms of this world will crumble. Revelation 11:15 declares: “The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.” This is our hope. This is our assurance. Earthly systems are temporary interruptions in the story of eternity.
But here is the glorious truth: entrance into this kingdom is available now. Jesus proclaimed: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel,” (Mark 1:15, KJV). Through repentance and faith, we are translated from darkness into light. Colossians 1:13 says: He “hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son.”
Beloved, where is your treasure? Jesus said: “For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also,” (Matthew 6:21, KJV). If your treasure is earthly, anxiety will rule over you. But if your treasure is heavenly, peace will guard you. If your hope is in money, you will fear loss. If your hope is in Christ, you will stand secure.
Let this truth anchor your soul: you are not living for a fading world. You are living for an everlasting kingdom. Do not be overly disturbed by political unrest, economic instability or cultural confusion. Psalm 46:1 reminds us: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” Our security is not in governments; it is in God.
Fix your eyes on eternity. Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 4:18: “While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.” The visible is temporary. The invisible is everlasting.
Live holy. Live boldly. Live purposefully. Let your choices reflect your citizenship. Let your speech reflect your King. Let your conduct reveal your allegiance. And when this earthly journey ends, when the curtain of time closes, those who belong to Christ will rejoice forever in His presence. “And so shall we ever be with the Lord,” (1 Thessalonians 4:17, KJV).
Our kingdom is not of this world. Therefore, let us not live as though it is. Let us set our affection “on things above, not on things on the earth,” (Colossians 3:2, KJV). Let us press forward with unwavering faith. Let us endure with steadfast hope. For we serve an eternal King, we belong to an unshakable kingdom, and we are destined for everlasting glory. Amen!
Testimony Of The Lord’s Doing: ‘Genuine Salvation Leads To Healing’
Brother Miracle resides at Yaba, Lagos. He came to The Lord’s Chosen Charismatic Revival Ministries through his wife. When he mounted the testimony podium to share his testimony, Brother Miracle was full of joy. He said he had been wallowing in sin and doing all sorts of things, including smoking, drinking and the sale of illicit drugs. According to our brother, things changed on that fateful day he listened to the message of our G.O., and at the end, he said, he had no other option than to give his life to Jesus Christ.
Having received Christ into his life, Brother Miracle was ready for God’s visitation. He said as G.O. began to pray, he was surprised that he mentioned his case and commanded that people with cases of fracture should rise and walk. Brother Miracle, who said he had been nursing an injury in his leg for 17 years, suddenly stood and began to walk around, a feat he could not achieve before. Today, our brother is expressing gratitude to God for what He has done for him. Hear him: “Before I received my healing, I was told to go to a place where I was charged N60,000 for treatment, but coming here, the God of Chosen healed me without taking a kobo. I am eternally grateful to Him, praise the Lord!”
In appreciation, Brother Miracle prayed for our G.O., his family, and all the Lord’s Chosen members Worldwide, to experience heaven at last in Jesus’ name. Amen.
