21 Days of Prayer and Fasting: Kingdom Identity

Identity simply means the characteristics by which something is known and being of the same quality or condition as something else. We as Kingdom Citizens then, ought to be recognisable to others as followers of Christ and be of the same nature. This should be evident in our relationships with others, our view of the world and material possessions as well as no longer being slaves to sin but reconciled to God. (Romans 6:6) Kingdom Citizenship means we are joint heirs with Christ and like Jesus, we can call God, ‘Our Father.’ We are obedient to His Word and can approach His throne with confidence in prayer. (Hebrews 4:16)

In 1 Corinthians 12 Paul discusses the gifts of the Holy Spirit that we should seek for the welfare and benefit of the church. These include wisdom, knowledge, faith, gifts of healing, working of miracles, prophecy, spiritual discernment, tongues, and the interpretation of tongues. He likens each believer to different aspects of one body and explains that every part is necessary and important and that there should be no jealousy, insecurity or division. This is how we should be as Christians; in unity within our church and recognising our own value as well as the importance of others regardless of how we serve. We identify as one body.

After discussing the gifts, Paul writes of a ‘more excellent way.’ This means there is something even greater to pursue than these gifts, something eternal. The next chapter reveals what surpasses all spiritual gifts- love. Love is the core of Kingdom identity. This is why Jesus gave the new commandment to, ‘love one another as I have loved you’ (John 13:34) and why He summarised the 10 Commandments to loving the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind and, loving our neighbour. (Matthew 22:37-40) Therefore, part of our identity is that we are people who love- in our thoughts, words and actions; putting the interests of others before our own.

It is Peter who wrote to Jewish believers describing them as a kingdom of priests, an Old Testament image. (Exodus 19:6) However, John explains that we, the church, have also been made by Jesus, ‘to be a kingdom and priests to serve His God and Father- To Him be glory and power for ever and ever! Amen.’ (Revelation 1:6) This too, then is part of our identity as Kingdom Citizens. Priests are mediators, they introduce people to God. We are priests right now, sharing the gospel and praying on behalf of others. To be part of Christ’s Kingdom is to one day rule with Him. What a wonderful identity we have in Jesus our King.

Just like the children in the Chronicles of Narnia, who are in the world living ordinary lives but are royalty in another world, we too must remember that there is more to us and it should be evident to unbelievers.

-         Jesse Kaur

Next steps:

-           Join us at every weekday evening during the fast from 7-9pm to pray at All Nations Church, WV2 4AN.

-           Connect with our Bible reading plan: https://www.allnations.org.uk/