We are called to equip the saints. Why? For the purpose of advancing the kingdom of God.
God has called us to a great mission. When you operate out of a kingdom mindset, you see advancing the kingdom of God as being so magnificent and grand that you can only move forward by faith in the strength of Jesus.
Having a Mission Mindset and Advancing the Kingdom of God
When you have a mission mindset to advance the kingdom of God, you aren’t looking at situations or speaking to others with thoughts of what you can do, but what Jesus has already done and will do through you.
For Jesus to increase, you must decrease (John 3:30). Jesus is to be the greatest focus when you are advancing the kingdom of God.
7 Mindsets to Have When Advancing the Kingdom of God.
- “Advancing the kingdom of God is more than I can handle.”
This mindset fosters dependence on God. You will need the Holy Spirit to guide and counsel you on the endeavor of advancement.
- “Humility is key when advancing the kingdom of God.”
Humility is the wardrobe of Jesus. If it is key to advancing the kingdom of God, how do you clothe yourself in it, as Colossians 3:12 says? When difficulties, disappointments, and doubts come, know they are teaching experiences from the Lord that dress you in humility so you can be effective for His kingdom. They aren’t intended to kick you while you are down but rather kick the pride out of your efforts.
- “Difficult people are opportunities for me to love like Jesus.”
When advancing the kingdom of God, there will be difficult people God places in your path. Jesus said that it is easy to love those who love you.
“For even sinners love those who love them… But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be the sons of the Most High.”
—Luke 6:32, 35
- “Seemingly insurmountable obstacles will teach me about the goodness and power of God.”
If God asks you to share your faith with someone and you think, “This person will never come to know Jesus. They are too hardhearted!” move forward in obedience anyway. God will use you to reveal His character, love, and hope in amazing ways.
- “Advancing the kingdom of God allows me to share God’s love and concern for the lost.”
God will use you to pour His love into those around you who don’t know Jesus when you are committed to advancing His kingdom. This mindset will teach you to commit when you are wavering, love when you are tired, give when you are spent, and pray when you are weary.
- “Living on mission and advancing the kingdom of God will teach me the power and truth of God’s Word.”
As you begin to fearlessly speak the mystery of the Gospel, you will see lives changed. There will be multiplication. From one changed life, a marriage and family can also be changed.
- “Advancing the kingdom of God will teach me to fall deeper in love with Jesus.”
Jesus is worth your love and praise. He reminds us not to forget our first love—Him! When your heart is set on Jesus, you have the heart to share your faith with others and fall deeper in love with Him. He will equip you so that you can share the good news about His life, death, burial, and resurrection.
Now that you have an on-mission mindset for advancing the kingdom of God, what do you do next? You get Gospel ready!
- “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace.”—Ephesians 6:14-15 (emphasis added)
7 Ways to Get Gospel Ready
- Pray and Abide
John 15:5 says, “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.”
Stay constantly close and connected to Jesus. You’ll never have God’s heart for the world if you don’t seek it through the Word or prayer.
Ask God to shape the desires of your heart to align with His.
- Model the Way
First Corinthians 11:1 says, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.”
The apostle Paul lived in a way that imitated Jesus. Live your life in such a way that you are living the Gospel as you are sharing the Gospel.
Ask God to show you ways to better imitate Christ to those around you.
- Be an Excellent Host
Acts 8:26 says, “Now an angel of the Lord spoke to Philip, saying, ‘Arise and go toward the south along the road which goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza.’ This is desert.”
Philip ran alongside the Ethiopian. He inconvenienced himself and hosted him. He asked questions and showed kindness. He took time to sit with him and explain the Gospel.
Ask God to show you who He wants you to come alongside.
First Peter 3:15 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear…”
Use verses and your personal testimony to clearly state the message of the Gospel.
Ask God to help you write out your testimony to be ready to share with others.
- Think About People Over Post
Romans 12:15-16 says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep. Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.”
Don’t be so locked into the position you are in that you miss the people God brings to you. Be ready to have a spiritual conversation with someone.
Ask God to show you if you are being “wise in your own opinion.”
- Come and Die
In John 13:36, Jesus said, “Will you lay down your life for My sake?”
Are you willing to lay down your plans and your life for the sake of advancing the Kingdom of God? You might not have to die physically, but we must die to our fleshly desires to walk in the Spirit every day. This is part of advancing the Kingdom of God.
Ask God what desires in your heart need to die.
- Make Sharing Fun
Psalm 118:24 says, “This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Ask God to show you His joy so you can show it to others.
In Summary
When you have a mission mindset to advance the kingdom of God, you aren’t looking at situations or speaking to others with thoughts of what you can do, but what Jesus has already done and will do through you.
For Jesus to increase, you must decrease (John 3:30). Jesus is to be the greatest focus when you are advancing the kingdom of God.
To be Gospel ready…
- Pray and abide in Christ
- Model Him to others
- Be an excellent host
- Think about people over post
- Come and die to self daily
- Make sharing fun
Advancing the kingdom of God fulfills God’s purposes for you and brings you great joy as you encounter God’s power and see Him work in the lives of others.
