Living in the Tension: A Study on the "Now and Not Yet" Kingdom of GodSample

The Power of the Kingdom: The Holy Spirit

Questions to think through:

1. Romans 14:17 defines the Kingdom of God not by external practices but by "righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit." How have you experienced these aspects of the Kingdom in your life?

2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the primary purpose for which believers receive the power of the Holy Spirit?

3. The fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23 describes the character of a life lived in step with the Spirit. How does this fruit reflect the character of God's Kingdom?

4. In what area of your life do you need to rely more on the power of the Holy Spirit to live as a citizen of the Kingdom?

Living in the "now and not yet" Kingdom is not something we can do in our own strength. The demands of Kingdom living—to love our enemies, to forgive freely, to seek righteousness—are impossible without a power beyond ourselves. This is why Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is the very presence and power of the Kingdom at work within us. He is the one who produces in us the fruit of righteousness, peace, and joy. He is the one who empowers us to be bold witnesses for Christ. As we learn to walk in step with the Spirit, we will find that we are increasingly able to live out the realities of the Kingdom in our daily lives. This day, make it a priority to consciously depend on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance.