Operating in the Kingdom power within you – Taiwo Akinola
Archbishop Taiwo Akinola
“Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” — Ephesians 3:20.
Introduction
What lies behind us and what lies before us are certainly significant. However, we must never underestimate what God, by His Spirit, has placed within the believer. Indeed, God has “set eternity” in the human heart (Ecclesiastes 3:11).
The purpose of life is to glorify God, fulfill His purpose, serve humanity, and make our lives count for His Kingdom. Yet such a calling cannot be fulfilled by human ability alone (Romans 14:17).
Kingdom assignments require kingdom power. Jesus therefore declared, “Ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me” (Acts 1:8). Paul also testified of the power “which worketh in me mightily” (Colossians 1:29).
This is one of the great privileges of redemption: God does not merely work for us; by the Holy Spirit, He works in and through us. Indeed, the great mystery of the Gospel is “Christ in you, the hope of glory” (Colossians 1:27).
Understanding the Kingdom Within
The Kingdom of God is fundamentally the reign and rule of God. However, before we can effectively represent this Kingdom around us, His rule must be established within us.
Kingdom citizenship begins with the new birth (John 3:3). This necessarily involves repentance: a genuine change of mind and direction concerning sin and God (Matthew 3:2). True repentance turns from sin towards God and produces corresponding fruit (Acts 26:20).
When we are truly born again, we become delivered from the power of darkness and are translated into Christ’s kingdom (Colossians 1:13). At this point, Jesus declared, “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21).
This should awaken a powerful Kingdom consciousness in every believer. Christ the King dwells within us. The Holy Spirit inhabits us. We therefore carry within us the life and presence of a Kingdom that is superior to the powers of darkness.
The Kingdom is not just “something” we preach; it is a divine government under which we live. The King within must become visible in the life without. Our thoughts, values, character, desires, relationships, conduct, priorities, and ambitions should increasingly demonstrate the will of the King (Matthew 6:10).
The Kingdom Is Not in Word Only
Christianity must never be reduced to eloquence, religious vocabulary, or empty profession; it must remain a life lived “in demonstration of the Spirit and of power” (1 Corinthians 2:4). Paul declared: “For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power” (1 Corinthians 4:20).
In the early Church, Kingdom power was demonstrated through healings, deliverances, signs, and wonders accompanying the proclamation of Christ (Acts 4:29–31; 5:12).
Divine power is not given merely for display. Holy Ghost power is released to save sinners, transform lives, break yokes, and empower believers as bold witnesses of the risen Christ.
Filled with God, Empowered for His Purpose
Paul prayed that believers might be “filled with all the fulness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). The Holy Spirit dwells within the believer (Romans 8:9–11; 1 Corinthians 6:19).
Certainly, there is more within the Spirit-filled believer than natural circumstances can explain. He is an ordinary man who is empowered by the extraordinary God.
Elijah stands as a striking example of a life marked by divine power. God used him to multiply provision, raise a widow’s son, call down fire on Mount Carmel, and announce both drought and rain (1 Kings 17–18).
Eventually, he was taken up by a whirlwind into heaven accompanied by a chariot and horses of fire (2 Kings 2:11). Yet, Elijah was human (James 5:17). The extraordinary dimension was the God he knew and served.
His life reveals three important principles for operating in Kingdom power.
1. Pursue God’s Purpose
Elijah’s miracles were not mere spectacles. On Mount Carmel, his desire was that Israel might know God and turn back to Him (1 Kings 18:37).
Likewise, God empowers us to serve His purposes—evangelism, discipleship, compassion, deliverance, service, and the advancement of the everlasting Gospel.
Light exists to shine (Matthew 5:14–16). Rivers exist to flow. We are empowered to become channels of God’s Kingdom to others.
2. Walk in Righteousness
Kingdom power and Kingdom character belong together. The King within should regulate the life without. And James declares, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much” (James 5:16).
Our righteousness before God is received through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22; 2 Corinthians 5:21). Yet the righteousness we receive should increasingly become visible in the lives we daily live (Titus 2:11–12).
3. Persist in Prayer
Elijah announced the coming rain, bowed himself upon Mount Carmel, and prayed. His servant repeatedly returned saying, “There is nothing.” Yet Elijah continued. Eventually, a little cloud appeared, and soon there was “a great rain” (1 Kings 18:41–45).
Jesus likewise taught that we “ought always to pray, and not to faint” (Luke 18:1). Never allow “there is nothing” to become your final verdict when God has given you reason to keep believing. Persistent prayer is sustained dependence upon God.
Awake to Your Kingdom Authority
Scripture makes an extraordinary declaration concerning the redeemed: “And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10). You were not redeemed merely to survive spiritual opposition. In Christ, you have been called to “reign in life” (Romans 5:17).
Sin should not reign over you (Romans 6:14). Fear should not dictate your destiny. Satan should not be allowed uncontested operation in your life. Through Christ, resist the devil (James 4:7), confront darkness with light, pray for the sick, minister deliverance to the oppressed, proclaim liberty through the Gospel, and enforce the truth of God’s Word within your sphere of influence.
Become conscious of the King within you. Carry His presence into your home, workplace, neighbourhood, and wherever God sends you. Let righteousness, peace, joy, truth, love, healing, hope, and the Gospel accompany your presence. Kingdom authority is for Kingdom purpose.
Meanwhile, Kingdom power must carry the compassionate heart of the King (Matthew 14:14; 20:34). The Holy Spirit does not merely empower us to demonstrate gifts; He transforms us to manifest Christ.
Kingdom power is revealed not only through miracles, but also through changed lives, holiness, courage, wisdom, generosity, reconciliation, compassion, and effective witnessing.
Conclusion
Beloved, let kingdom power within you find full expression. Christ is in you. The Holy Spirit dwells in you. The Kingdom is at work within you. Therefore, do not settle for powerless Christianity.
Seek God deeply. Know Christ intimately. Walk in righteousness. Abide in His Word. Persist in prayer. Love people genuinely. Be continually filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18), and proclaim Christ boldly (Acts 14:3).
The world needs believers whose character, compassion, holiness, courage, witness, and Spirit-empowered lives demonstrate that Jesus Christ is alive and His Kingdom is real. That must become our consuming desire.
May the power of the Holy Spirit work mightily within you. And may God accomplish so much through you by the power of Christ’s resurrection (Philippians 3:10).
The Kingdom is His. The power is His. Yet the King lives within you, and by His Spirit His power is at work in you. Be conscious of it. Operate in it. Walk in it. Release it through faith, love, and service. And use it for the glory of the King. You will not miss it, in Jesus’ mighty Name. Amen. Happy Sunday!
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Archbishop Taiwo Akinola (Ph.D), Rhema Christian Church, Otta, Ogun State, Nigeria.
Connect with Dr. Akinola via these channels:
Website: www.rhema-christian-church.com
Facebook:
www.facebook.com/bishopakinola
SMS/WhatsApp: +234 802 318 4987
