NHOP School of Prayer – Session 1: Kingdom Over Government

NHOP 2026 | NHOP School of Prayer | Session 1: Kingdom Over Government | Chris Byberg & Brad Fidler

I. Our Primary Citizenship

A. It's important to recognize that when we received salvation, we were transferred into a different kingdom. It's like we became dual citizens. The question is, which country holds our primary citizenship?

He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. (Col. 1:13-14)

But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself. (Phil. 3:20-21)

These [heroes of the OT] all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland…But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city. (Heb. 11:13-16)

II. The Kingdom of God…

A. Is not of this world

Jesus answered, "My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews [specifically, the religious leaders who wanted Him dead]. But my kingdom is not from the world." (Jn. 18:36)

1. Jesus also referred to the kingdom of God as "the kingdom of heaven." Governments are kingdoms of this world; the kingdom of God is not. Therefore, we don't apply "kingdoms of this world" standards and practices to the kingdom of heaven.

2. In that same exchange with Pilate, Jesus indicated that the kingdom of heaven is superior over the kingdoms of this world.

You would have no authority over me at all unless it had been given you from above. (Jn. 19:11)

B. Is "now" and "not yet"

1. Now – inaugurated by Jesus

a. Jesus began His earthly ministry by preaching, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Mt. 4:17; Mk. 1:15; cf. Lk. 4:14-21)

b. He did not pit the kingdom of heaven against the earthly government (John 18:36), but declared and demonstrated the kingdom while letting the government govern.

i. Ekklesia – "called out ones", were given political authority as extensions of Roman rule in outposts throughout the empire. The church being referred to as "ekklesia" does not mean we're a rival, competing political group. It actually makes us distinct from politics in general.

• It means we're here as representatives of the kingdom of heaven, bringing its characteristics (Gal. 5:22; Rom. 14:17) to bear in our sphere of influence. It doesn't mean we're here primarily to be or to sway the government.

ii. Jesus (Mt. 22:21) and the apostles (Rom. 13:1-7; 1 Pet. 2:13-17) taught to honour, obey, and be subject to the emperor & governors. "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29) was not even spoken to the political leaders of Rome, but the religious rulers of Jerusalem.

2. Not Yet – when He returns, He will be crowned as "King of all kings" and receive the power and authority of all nations (Rev. 11:15; 19:16; Dan. 2:31-35; 7:13-14; Ps. 2; 1 Cor. 15:24-28). That is when the kingdom comes in fullness; that is when it will have direct influence on all governments.

a. Until that time, all our work in and with government should be understood through the lens of Mt. 5:13-16:

You are the salt of the earth, but if salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people's feet. You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

C. Is to be our primary focus (Mt. 6:33)

1. We are supposed to prioritize the kingdom of heaven ahead of our earthly concerns (rights, laws, policies, etc.). Jesus tells us that when we "keep the main thing, the main thing", He'll take care of the other concerns.

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things [rights, laws, policies, etc.] will be added to you [taken care of]. (Mt. 6:33)

2. This is revealed by what we think about, by what we treasure in our hearts (Mt. 6:19-24; 13:44-46). When we put the wrong thing in first place (temporal concerns → government), we can actually do more harm than good.

…many [believers] live as enemies of the cross of Christ. Their destiny is destruction, their god is their stomach, and their glory is in their shame. Their mind is set on earthly things. (Phil. 3:18-19)

III. Praying for Government

First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-4)

A. Pray for all leaders (federal, provincial, regional, municipal) – v.2

B. Pray for good laws that allow for human flourishing – v.2

But seek the welfare of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the LORD on its behalf, for in its welfare you will find your welfare. (Jer. 29:7)

C. Pray that people would be saved. This is the ultimate reason why we pray for government.