Page 52 - First Steps 2023

“For he has rescued us
from the dominion of What’s a Stronghold?
darkness and brought us It’s an area of your life that, despite
into the kingdom of the prayer and your best efforts, remains dark

Son he loves” territory held by Satan. Those thoughts,
habits, addictions, or emotions sabo-
(Colossians 1:13). tage your friendship with Jesus and your
growth as a disciple. If you suspect such
• The Kingdom of God… a stronghold exists in your life, tell your
and you. discipler.
God’s grace has ushered
you into an invisible, eternal Kingdom, one encompassing anywhere and

everywhere that God rules. As a Jesus-follower, one of those places is
your heart.
But it’s a challenge staying mindful of citizenship in a country you
can’t see. Your heart is supposed to be given over to God, but your heart—
all hearts—get pulled many different directions.
You’re pulled toward God but also feel a tug toward selfishness.
Pride, sensuality, and materialism all compete for your thoughts and ac-
tions. And—admit it—they sometimes take center stage.
Plus, Satan is attempting to keep you from enjoying the benefits of

your citizenship in God’s Kingdom. You may be willingly embracing temp-
tation or find you’re controlled by a demonic stronghold—and both are
harmful.
Living with a foot in multiple kingdoms—the Kingdom of God and the
kingdom of anything else, isn’t sustainable. It drains the joy out of follow-
ing Jesus and dulls your ability to hear him.
So your first priority as a disciple is to see yourself for who you are: a

citizen of the Kingdom of God.
Here are a few fundamental truths you’ll need to know about the
Kingdom where you’re now living:

• The Kingdom of God has a king—it’s Jesus.
Jesus isn’t just your Savior—he’s your King, too. The Bible describes

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