Kingdom Mindset: Living in the Fullness of God’s Work

Colossians 3:1–2 says, “If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth.”

A true child of God is to think on the things of God, be filled with His word and His will for our lives. The followers of Jesus are to have a kingdom mindset. What does it mean to have a kingdom mindset? Are your priorities His priorities? Are you passionate about the Lord Jesus and pursuing His will?

Those with a Kingdom mindset:

Are controlled by the Spirit of God

Are faithful to the Word of God

Are growing in their faith in God

Are glowing with the love of God

Are going with the message of God

See the world through the eyes of the Lord Jesus

Speak words of comfort, challenge, conviction that are based on the Word of God.

Are busy about God’s work

Are fruitful in their service

Are on mission for God!

In today’s verses, we see Peter’s kingdom mindset as he is traveling all over the country to do God’s business. In the process, he heals a few people.

As great as these miracles are, we must ask ourselves, “What is the greatest miracle that God can do for us?”

Some would call the healing of the body, God’s greatest miracle. Others would vote for the raising of the dead.

But I think it’s something else. I think God’s greatest miracle is the salvation of a lost sinner. Why?

Because salvation costs the greatest price, it produces the greatest results, and it brings the greatest glory to God.

I want to challenge us as God’s people today to have a kingdom mindset. This passage gives us some results of God’s work through a follower of Christ with a kingdom mindset.

How can we do that?

Recognize Your Role in God’s Kingdom (32-35)

Acts 9:32–35 NKJV

32 Now it came to pass, as Peter went through all parts of the country, that he also came down to the saints who dwelt in Lydda. 33 There he found a certain man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden eight years and was paralyzed. 34 And Peter said to him, “Aeneas, Jesus the Christ heals you. Arise and make your bed.” Then he arose immediately. 35 So all who dwelt at Lydda and Sharon saw him and turned to the Lord.

Peter is engaged in an itinerant ministry. Now we find him visiting the disciples in Lydda, a largely Gentile city about 25 miles from Jerusalem.

As we come to verse 33, we meet Aeneas. We know very little about him. All Luke tells us is that he had been crippled for eight years and was helpless. He was a burden to himself and others, and wasn’t going to get better.

Notice from verse 34 that it wasn’t Peter who healed Aeneas. It was Jesus, the resurrected Christ who healed this man. The healing was instantaneous.

Witnessing this miracle led to others believing that Jesus was alive and that they needed to trust Him.

This isn't just a story about a miracle; it's a testament to the transformative power of God working through an obedient servant. Peter, once a simple fisherman, now stands as an agent of divine healing.

It's a powerful reminder that when we embrace our identity as Kingdom workers, God can use us to bring about extraordinary change.

But let's bring this closer to home. You might be thinking, "I'm no Peter. How can God use me?" The truth is, every one of us has a role to play in God's Kingdom. It’s not about performing miraculous healings; it’s about embodying the love, compassion, and power of Christ in our everyday lives.

Whether you're a teacher, a mechanic, a parent, or a student, your life is a platform for God's Kingdom work. When you show kindness, offer help, share the gospel, or simply live with integrity and love, you are manifesting the power of God in your actions.

Think about your daily interactions and responsibilities. Every moment is an opportunity to demonstrate the values of the Kingdom. It could be as simple as offering a word of encouragement, standing up for what is right, or taking the time to listen to someone's struggles. These acts might seem small in the moment, but they hold eternal significance in God's eyes. Remember, in the Kingdom of God, there are no small roles or insignificant tasks. Every act of love, every word of truth, every gesture of compassion is a reflection of Christ to the world around us.

So, how do you start? Begin each day with a prayer, asking God to open your eyes to the opportunities around you. Ask Him to use you in whatever way He sees fit. Be attentive to the needs of those you encounter. Be bold in sharing your faith. Be consistent in your character. Embrace the identity that God has given you as a Kingdom worker, knowing that He has equipped you for every good work He has called you to do (2 Timothy 3:17).

What has He called us all to do?

Show Compassion as a Sign of the Kingdom (36-39)

Acts 9:36–39 NKJV

36 At Joppa there was a certain disciple named Tabitha, which is translated Dorcas. This woman was full of good works and charitable deeds which she did. 37 But it happened in those days that she became sick and died. When they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. 38 And since Lydda was near Joppa, and the disciples had heard that Peter was there, they sent two men to him, imploring him not to delay in coming to them. 39 Then Peter arose and went with them. When he had come, they brought him to the upper room. And all the widows stood by him weeping, showing the tunics and garments which Dorcas had made while she was with them.

Joppa, the modern day Jaffa, is located on the seacoast, some ten miles beyond Lydda.

Do you recognize the city? It’s the place where Jonah got on the boat when he tried to run from God.

Jonah went to Joppa to avoid the Gentiles, but Peter, in Joppa received his call to go to the Gentiles!

In these verses we’re introduced to a remarkable woman named Dorcas, also known as Tabitha, whose life was marked by compassion and service. This passage paints a picture of a woman deeply committed to reflecting God's love through tangible acts of kindness. Dorcas didn't just believe in the principles of the Kingdom; she lived them out in her daily life. She made clothes for the needy, cared for the poor, and touched lives in her community. In her, we see a powerful example of what it means to actively demonstrate compassion as a sign of God's Kingdom.

Now, let's consider our own lives. How often do we pass by opportunities to show compassion because we're too busy, too distracted, or simply too focused on our own needs? Dorcas' example challenges us to look beyond our circumstances and to see the needs around us. Showing compassion isn't just about big gestures; it's found in the everyday acts of kindness. It's taking the time to listen to someone who's hurting, offering a meal to someone in need, or simply being present in someone's time of sorrow. Each act of kindness is a ripple that extends the boundaries of God's Kingdom in our world.

I want to encourage you, as part of this church family, to seek tangible ways to demonstrate compassion in your community. Look around you. Who in your neighborhood is in need? What can you do to help the less fortunate in our city? Maybe there's a local charity that could use your skills, or maybe a neighbor who just needs a friend. Remember, the Kingdom of God is not just about what we believe; it's about how we live out those beliefs in practical ways.

Let’s also remember that showing compassion is not just a human endeavor; it is a spiritual practice that draws us closer to the heart of God. When we serve others, we serve Christ himself (Matthew 25:40). As we reach out with compassion, we become more attuned to God's heart for the people He loves. This is not about earning God's favor; it's about responding to the grace we have already received in Christ. It's about letting that grace flow through us into the lives of others.

I challenge each of you this week to take a step of faith and find one specific way to show compassion in your community. Let’s not just admire Dorcas for her good works; let’s follow in her footsteps. As we do, we will not only be a blessing to others, but we will also experience the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our faith in practical, tangible ways. Remember, when we show compassion, we are shining the light of Christ into the darkness, and in doing so, we bring the hope and love of the Kingdom into the lives of those around us.

But it doesn’t stop there.

We Need to Prioritize Spiritual Transformation (40-43)

Acts 9:40–43 NKJV

40 But Peter put them all out, and knelt down and prayed. And turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 41 Then he gave her his hand and lifted her up; and when he had called the saints and widows, he presented her alive. 42 And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed on the Lord. 43 So it was that he stayed many days in Joppa with Simon, a tanner.

As with the healing of Aeneas, the raising of Dorcas attracted great attention and resulted in many people trusting Jesus Christ. During the “many days” that he stayed in Joppa, Peter took the opportunity to ground these new believers in the truth of the Word, because faith built on miracles alone is not substantial.

Consider the depth of impact that Dorcas' resurrection had. It wasn't merely about her returning to life; it was about the life-giving message of the Gospel spreading through Joppa. In the same way, our interactions with those around us aren't just social or superficial. Each encounter carries with it the potential for eternal significance. When we engage with others, are we conscious of their spiritual needs? Are we sensitive to opportunities to share the hope and truth of the Gospel?

This doesn’t mean every conversation has to be a deep theological discussion. But it does mean living with an awareness that the people we meet are eternal beings, and our interactions can be used by God to draw them closer to Him. Whether it's through our words, our actions, or simply our attitude, we can be a reflection of Christ's love and truth. It could be a word of encouragement, an offer to pray for someone, or sharing how your faith has helped you in tough times. These might seem like small gestures, but they can have a profound impact on someone’s spiritual journey.

I challenge you, to view your daily interactions through the lens of eternity. Think about your family, friends, coworkers, and even the strangers you encounter. How can you be a vessel for God’s transformative work in their lives? Sometimes, it’s about being bold enough to share your testimony or to speak a word of truth in love. Other times, it's simply about being a consistent presence of Christ’s love in their lives.

It’s significant that Peter stayed in the home of a tanner, because tanners were considered “unclean” by the Jewish rabbis (see Lev. 11:35–40). God was moving Peter a step at a time from Jewish legalism into the freedom of His wonderful grace.

In closing, let’s remember that while physical healing is a wonderful miracle, the greatest miracle of all is the salvation of a lost sinner. Each of us has the incredible privilege and responsibility to be part of that miracle. As we prioritize spiritual transformation in our interactions, let’s trust God to use us in powerful ways to impact the eternal destiny of those around us. Let's be mindful that our greatest contribution to the lives of others could very well be guiding them towards the transformative power of the Gospel – the true source of eternal life.