My kingdom is not of this world
William MacDonald emphasizes that Christ's kingdom transcends worldly politics, urging believers to prioritize spreading the Gospel and spiritual warfare over political involvement.
In this sermon, William MacDonald explores the nature of Christ’s kingdom as distinct from worldly political systems. He challenges believers to recognize the limitations and corruption inherent in politics and to instead focus on the spiritual mission of evangelism and prayer. MacDonald emphasizes that true change comes through faith in Jesus and spiritual warfare, not through political engagement. This message calls Christians to prioritize their heavenly citizenship and the spread of the Gospel.
Text
“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight…” (John 18:36)
The fact that Christ’s Kingdom is not of this world is enough to keep me out of the world’s politics. If I participate in politics, then I am casting a vote of confidence in the system’s ability to solve the world’s problems. But frankly I have no such confidence because I know that “the whole world lies in the power of the evil one” (1 John 5:19).
Politics has proved singularly ineffective in solving the problems of society. Political remedies are nothing but a Band-Aid on a festering sore; they do not get at the source of the infection. We know that sin is the basic trouble in our sick society. Anything that fails to deal with sin cannot be taken seriously as a cure.
It becomes a matter of priorities, then. Should I spend time in political involvement or should I devote that same time to the spread of the Gospel? Jesus answered the question when He said, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). Our top priority must be to make Christ known because He is the answer to this world’s problems.
“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds” (2 Cor. 10:4). This being so, we come to the daring realization that we can shape national and international history through prayer, fasting and the Word of God more than we could ever do through the ballot.
A public figure once said that politics is by its very nature corrupt. He added this word of warning: “The church should not forget its true function by trying to participate in an area of human affairs where it must be a poor competitor…It will lose its purity of purpose by participating.”
God’s program for this age is to call out of the nations a people for His name (see Acts 15:14). Rather than making people comfortable in a corrupt world, He is committed to saving people out of it. I should be committed to working with God in this glorious emancipation.
When the people asked Jesus how to work the works of God, He answered that the work of God is to believe on Him whom God had sent (see John 6:28,29). This then is our mission—to lead men to belief, not to the ballot-box.
Sermon Outline
-
I
- Christ’s kingdom is not of this world
- Political involvement lacks confidence and effectiveness
- Sin is the root problem, not political solutions
-
II
- Prioritize spreading the Gospel over political action
- Jesus’ command to preach the kingdom of God
- Spiritual weapons are more powerful than political means
-
III
- Politics is inherently corrupt and can compromise the church
- The church’s true function is spiritual, not political
- God’s program is to call a people out of the nations
-
IV
- The work of God is to believe in Jesus
- Our mission is evangelism, not political engagement
- Focus on leading men to faith, not the ballot-box
Key Quotes
“My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight…” — William MacDonald
“Politics has proved singularly ineffective in solving the problems of society.” — William MacDonald
“The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds.” — William MacDonald
Application Points
- Avoid placing confidence in political systems to solve spiritual and societal problems.
- Prioritize evangelism and prayer as the primary means of advancing God’s kingdom.
- Recognize that the Christian’s true citizenship is in heaven, not in earthly political realms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does William MacDonald discourage political involvement?
He believes politics is corrupt and ineffective at solving society’s root problems, which are spiritual in nature.
What is the primary mission of Christians according to this sermon?
To spread the Gospel and lead people to faith in Jesus Christ rather than engaging in political processes.
How does spiritual warfare compare to political action?
Spiritual warfare, through prayer and the Word of God, is more powerful and effective than political efforts.
What does it mean that Christ’s kingdom is not of this world?
It means His kingdom transcends earthly systems and is focused on spiritual transformation rather than political power.
How should believers respond to societal problems?
By focusing on evangelism and spiritual renewal rather than relying on political solutions.