The Keys of the Kingdom

Summary

In this sermon, Kenneth Copeland emphasizes the power of faith, divine authority, and the importance of small beginnings. He references biblical passages, notably Zechariah 4:6 and Matthew 16, to illustrate the role of spiritual power and angelic forces in achieving success, especially in financial matters. Copeland encourages believers to use their God-given authority to overcome obstacles and highlights the significance of covenant relationships with God. He concludes by urging the congregation to trust in divine provision and to remain steadfast in their faith.

Takeaways

• 📖 Zechariah 4:6 emphasizes that success comes not by force or strength, but by God's Spirit.
• 👼 The term 'Lord of Hosts' refers to Jehovah Sabaoth, the God of angelic armies, highlighting the presence of angels in spiritual matters.
• 🗝️ Jesus gave believers the keys to the Kingdom, empowering them to bind and loose on earth as in heaven.
• 🏦 Spiritual authority is compared to having keys to a bank, emphasizing the power and responsibility given to believers.
• 🩸 The significance of covenants, especially blood covenants, is central to spiritual authority and power.
• 💬 The words spoken by believers carry power, impacting their lives and circumstances according to their faith.
• 💰 The discussion connects spiritual principles with financial prosperity, underscoring the involvement of angelic forces in financial matters.
• 🎬 Small beginnings should not be despised; success is built progressively through faith and persistence.
• 🙏 The speaker emphasizes the importance of partnering with ministries and the supernatural blessings that follow.
• 🔑 The overarching message is the importance of faith, words, covenants, and spiritual authority in the life of a believer.

Q & A

What is the significance of the term 'Jehovah Sabaoth' mentioned in the script?

Jehovah Sabaoth, one of the redemptive names of God, is referred to as 'The Lord of Hosts' or 'The Lord of the angelic armies of God.' In the context of the script, it emphasizes God's power and authority, especially in the spiritual and financial realms.

How does Kenneth Copeland relate angels to financial matters in the script?

Kenneth Copeland suggests that angels are deeply involved in financial matters, acting under the authority given to believers. He emphasizes that angelic forces are ready to assist in finances, but their involvement is dependent on the leadership and actions of believers.

What is the key message from Zechariah 4:6 as discussed in the script?

The key message from Zechariah 4:6 is that success is not achieved by human might or power, but by God's Spirit. Copeland uses this verse to illustrate that spiritual forces, not human strength, lead to victory, and this principle is applied to various aspects of life, including financial challenges.

What does Kenneth Copeland mean by 'small beginnings'?

Kenneth Copeland encourages the audience not to despise 'small beginnings,' implying that starting small is not a disadvantage. He suggests that small beginnings can lead to significant outcomes if one remains faithful and continues to move forward without backing down.

Why does Kenneth Copeland emphasize the use of 'the keys of the Kingdom'?

Copeland emphasizes that believers have been given 'the keys of the Kingdom,' representing divine authority to bind and loose on earth. He stresses that it is the believer's responsibility to use these keys effectively in their spiritual and financial lives.

How does Copeland illustrate the importance of words in the script?

Copeland highlights the power of words by explaining that what people say has a direct impact on their reality. He uses examples, such as speaking negatively about one's health, to show that words can either bind or unlock God's blessings in one's life.

What role does covenant play in Copeland's teaching in this script?

Covenant plays a central role in Copeland's teaching, as he explains that covenants, beginning with the blood covenant in Genesis, are foundational to accessing the blessings and authority in the Kingdom of God. He connects this with the use of Jesus' name and the power it holds.

What does Copeland mean by saying, 'It's earth's move'?

When Copeland says, 'It's earth's move,' he is emphasizing that God has already done His part, and it is now up to believers on earth to take action, using the authority and tools God has given them to shape their reality.

What is the story about Oral Roberts that Copeland shares, and what is its significance?

Copeland shares a personal story about becoming a partner with Oral Roberts' ministry for $10 a month, despite not having the money initially. This story highlights the principle of 'small beginnings' and the importance of faith and commitment, which eventually led to significant blessings and growth in his life.

How does Kenneth Copeland conclude the teaching in the script?

Kenneth Copeland concludes the teaching by praying for the audience, asking God to reveal to each person their part in the offering and financial support of the ministry. He reiterates the importance of recognizing the authority and readiness of the heavenly armies to assist in financial matters.

Outlines

00:00

📖 The Power of Angelic Forces in Scripture

Kenneth delves into Zechariah 4:6, emphasizing the recurring reference to 'The Lord of Hosts,' particularly Jehovah Sabaoth, which signifies the Lord of the angelic armies. He explains the profound involvement of angels in the rebuilding efforts described in Zechariah and draws parallels to their active role in contemporary spiritual and financial matters. Kenneth stresses that every person is accompanied by an angel, and that angelic forces play a crucial role in our lives, especially in the financial realm. He highlights the importance of recognizing and utilizing the power and authority given by God, especially through the keys of the Kingdom, to bind and loose on earth as in heaven.

05:02

🛤️ Overcoming Obstacles through Faith and Small Beginnings

Kenneth reads from Zechariah, emphasizing the power of faith in overcoming obstacles, as demonstrated by Zerubbabel’s journey in rebuilding the temple. He connects this biblical narrative to the importance of not despising small beginnings, especially in the context of financial difficulties. Kenneth encourages the congregation to persevere, reminding them that God rejoices in the beginnings of their work. He emphasizes that what one binds or looses on earth has spiritual implications and stresses the importance of speaking words of faith, not doubt, as these shape our reality.

10:02

🔑 The Significance of Covenant and Authority in Spiritual Warfare

Kenneth discusses the importance of understanding and using the spiritual authority given through the covenants with God. He illustrates this with the analogy of a janitor having limited access to a bank versus the bank’s president who has full access, likening it to how believers should use the keys of the Kingdom. Kenneth emphasizes that covenants, starting from Genesis, and the blood of Jesus are fundamental to exercising this authority. He warns against careless speech, explaining how words spoken can either unlock blessings or hinder them. The main message is to stay focused on today’s spiritual authority and not be hindered by past failures.

15:04

🌱 Small Beginnings and God's Faithfulness

Kenneth shares a personal story about becoming a partner with Oral Roberts’ ministry, highlighting the significance of small beginnings. He recounts how, despite initially not having the financial means, a series of small but faithful steps led to great blessings. This story serves as an encouragement for the congregation to start where they are, no matter how small, and trust in God's provision. He emphasizes the importance of persistence and faith in moving forward without backing down, illustrating how small, consistent steps can lead to significant spiritual and financial growth.

20:05

🙏 The Power of Faith and God's Provision

Kenneth closes the message with a prayer, expressing gratitude for God’s confidence in humanity to carry out His work on earth. He prays for clarity and guidance for the congregation and online viewers regarding their financial contributions and their role in the ministry. The prayer underscores the belief that the heavenly army is ready to support believers in their financial needs, and Kenneth reminds everyone of the importance of staying aligned with God’s will and using their divine authority to bring about blessings. The segment ends with a reaffirmation of Jesus' lordship and the role of faith in accessing divine provision.

Keywords

💡Jehovah Sabaoth

Jehovah Sabaoth, also known as the 'Lord of Hosts,' is one of the redemptive names of God in the Bible, referring to God as the commander of heavenly armies. In the script, Kenneth Copeland emphasizes this term to convey the idea that God commands angelic forces that intervene on behalf of believers, especially in the context of spiritual and financial matters.

💡Angels

Angels are spiritual beings created to serve God and assist believers. In the video, Copeland describes how angels are constantly present and involved in the lives of believers, including their finances, emphasizing that they act according to the instructions given by believers who exercise their faith and authority in God.

💡Covenants

Covenants refer to the sacred agreements or promises made between God and humans, often sealed with blood, as seen in biblical contexts. Copeland stresses the importance of understanding and invoking these covenants, particularly in prayer and declarations, as they unlock divine authority and heavenly resources for believers.

💡Keys of the Kingdom

The 'Keys of the Kingdom' symbolize the authority given by Jesus to His followers to bind or loose things on earth and in heaven. In the script, Copeland explains that believers have divine authority to unlock heaven’s resources and blessings through their words and actions, emphasizing the need to actively use these keys.

💡Small Beginnings

The concept of 'Small Beginnings' refers to starting with minimal resources or influence but gradually building up through faith and perseverance. Copeland uses this idea to encourage believers not to despise their humble starts, whether in ministry, personal growth, or finances, but to trust in God's process and continue moving forward.

💡Faith

Faith is a central concept in the script, defined as trusting in God's promises and acting upon them despite circumstances. Copeland emphasizes that faith involves speaking positive declarations and believing in God’s power to manifest change, including overcoming challenges such as financial debt.

💡Tithing

Tithing is the practice of giving a tenth of one's income to the church or God's work. In the video, Copeland mentions the 'little book of Malachi' which he refers to as the 'tithing book,' highlighting its frequent references to the 'Lord of Hosts' and the importance of tithing as a way to invoke God's blessings and protection.

💡Revelation

Revelation, in this context, refers to divine insight or understanding granted by God. Copeland mentions that the church is built upon the 'rock of revelation,' implying that understanding God's will and acting upon His revealed word is crucial for spiritual growth and accessing divine power.

💡Heavenly Economics

Heavenly Economics is a term used by Copeland to describe the spiritual principles governing finances according to God's kingdom. This concept suggests that finances in a believer's life are influenced by their faith, obedience, declarations, and actions in alignment with God's will and the principles outlined in the Bible.

💡Spiritual Authority

Spiritual Authority is the power granted to believers by God to command situations and outcomes in the spiritual realm. Copeland speaks about how believers have the authority to bind or loose, lock or unlock heavenly resources, emphasizing that this authority must be actively exercised through faith-filled words and actions.

Highlights

Kenneth begins by emphasizing the importance of Zechariah 4:6, highlighting the phrase 'Not by force, nor by strength, but by My Spirit,' which underscores reliance on God's power.

He discusses the repeated use of the name 'Lord of Hosts' in Zechariah, explaining it as 'Jehovah Sabaoth,' the Lord of the angelic armies, indicating divine support in rebuilding.

Kenneth makes a strong assertion that every person has an angel assigned to them, which plays a role even in adulthood, especially in the financial realm.

He references the book of Malachi, noting that 'Lord of Hosts' is mentioned 22 times, emphasizing the involvement of angelic forces in finances.

Kenneth highlights the biblical principle of binding and loosing from Matthew 16, asserting that believers have the authority to control what happens on Earth and in Heaven.

He underscores the importance of small beginnings, using Zerubbabel as an example, encouraging the congregation not to despise humble starts.

Kenneth connects the teachings to financial stewardship, urging believers to be proactive and use their authority to unlock God's provision.

He shares a personal testimony about his first experience with partnership giving, illustrating the power of small beginnings in his ministry's financial growth.

Kenneth explains the significance of covenants and how invoking the name of God through these covenants unlocks heavenly resources.

He humorously notes the transition from using microfiche to USBs for storing partner information, reflecting on technological advancements in ministry tools.

Kenneth emphasizes the role of faith-filled words, stating that what believers say directly impacts their reality, a core principle of his teaching.

He cautions against negative speech, illustrating with a humorous example about not speaking illness into existence, aligning with his belief in the power of words.

Kenneth revisits the idea of small beginnings, sharing how his $10 partnership with Oral Roberts marked the start of significant financial blessings.

He closes by urging the congregation to continue moving forward in faith, stressing that backing up or giving up is not an option for believers.

Kenneth leads a prayer, asking God to reveal each person's role in contributing to the offering and expressing gratitude for divine financial support.

Transcripts

- [Kenneth] I'm going to Zechariah 4:6.

Now I'm gonna be reading out

of the New Living Testament.

One thing that you need to grasp,

hang on just a second.

(tablet clanking on plastic)

(pages ruffling)

Is how many times,

in Zechariah,

in their rebuilding,

over and over and over and over

in that book, the Word,

the Lord of Hosts is used.

Jehovah Sabaoth, one of the redemptive names of God.

Not sabbath, Sabaoth.

The Lord, of the angelic armies of God.

And of course, there was an angel,

carrying on this conversation with him.

And the interesting thing about this is,

the record time they,

the power of God came on everyone there.

It was supernatural the way it was carried out.

But we know because thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts,

thus sayeth the Lord of Hosts,

there were angels involved in this, not just the angel

of the Lord that was speaking with him.

Man, there're angels all over the place,

doing what they do.

Well, this room is filled with angels right now.

(congregation agreeing)

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- Absolutely.

Every person, according to Jesus,

every person has an angel.

(congregation muttering)

- [Man In Congregation] Yeah.

- Well...

(laughs)

They didn't go away when you grew up.

(congregation muttering)

Did they?

- [Congregation] No.

- No, of course not.

And this force that is available,

is super available in the financial realm.

- [Man In Congregation] Yeah.

- In the little book of Malachi,

the little book of Malachi, the tithing book,

Lord of Hosts is used 22 times in that little book.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- Angelic forces.

Well, they are super involved in our finances,

but only according to your and my leadership.

- [Man In Congregation] Come on.

- Well Lord, it's got it.

No, no, no, no.

Let me remind you of something.

You remember there, when Jesus said,

what in 16th chapter of Matthew,

"On this rock, the rock of revelation will I build My church

and the gates of hell will not prevail against it."

(congregation mutters)

Remember what He said?

"I give you the keys of the Kingdom and whatever you bind

on earth is bound in heaven.

Whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven."

I gave you the keys, whatever you lock on the earth

is locked up and whatever you, in heaven,

whatever you unlock, you, me.

(congregation muttering)

Amen.

Now, let me read just to you,

and, hang on just one second here.

Okay.

All right.

That sounds strange, everybody open your iPads.

(laughter)

I don't know.

Somebody said you're old school, that's right.

I'm old and I went to school so.

(laughter)

Now, just listen.

"Then he said to me, this is what the Lord says

to Zerubbabel, it is not by force,

nor by strength, but by My Spirit

says the Lord of heaven's armies."

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- Woo.

(laughing)

Amen.

- [Congregation] Amen.

"Nothing, not even a mighty mountain will stand

in Zerubbabel's way.

It will become a level plain before him.

And when Zerubbabel sets the final stone of the temple

in place, the people will shout,

may God bless it, may God bless it."

- [Man In Congregation] Yes amen.

- [Congregation] Amen.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- "Then another message came to me from the Lord.

Zerubbabel is the one that laid the foundation

of this temple and he will complete it.

Then you will know,

that the Lord of heaven's armies has sent me.

Do not despise these small beginnings.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- For the Lord rejoices to see the work begin,

to see the plumb line in Zerubbabel's hands",

small beginnings.

Now, what does this have to do with our offering tonight?

Everything.

A lotta stuff has happened, all year long.

There are people that have just been wiped out,

and it's beginning again.

Well, well, I don't know what I'm gonna do.

Well, first thing you need to do shut up.

(laughter from congregation)

No, don't go there.

No, don't despise where you are.

- [Congregant] Okay.

- Just don't stay there.

- [Congregation] Amen.

- Don't despise where you are.

I remember an old country song,

♪ Yesterday is dead and gone

(laughing)

♪ And tomorrow's out of sight.

Right now.

(tapping on podium)

It's what you and I loose.

It's what you and I bind.

It's earth's move.

God's already done His part.

- [Man In Congregation] Right.

- None of this stuff caught Him off guard.

(congregation muttering)

There's just some of us kinda slow that's all.

(laughing)

Slow catching up.

No, it didn't catch Him off guard.

Not ever.

Well, Brother Copeland, why hasn't He done something?

He just, I just got to telling you,

Jesus said He gave you the keys of the Kingdom.

Let me, remind you of something.

Bill?

- [Bill] Yes sir.

- The janitor has a key to the bank.

- [Bill] Yes sir.

- But that's all he can get in is the broom closet.

He can get in the door, that's far as he's going.

- [Bill] That's right.

- He doesn't have the keys of the bank.

- [Bill] That's right, that's good.

- The president of the bank,

and the owner of the bank,

can get into everything, including the vault of the bank.

- [Man In Congregation] Thank you Jesus, amen, thank you.

- Are you hearing?

The keys...

- [Man In Congregation] Keys.

- Of the Kingdom.

- [Man In Congregation] That's right, that's good.

- Hallelujah.

We have the divine authority,

with the power tools of heaven.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- The power tool,

that name.

(deep exhale)

It locks and it unlocks,

it is the key to the treasure house of heaven.

(congregation muttering)

Now, and there's some things that we're gonna deal with,

concerning these things, later on,

as we go rest of this week.

Those keys,

have to be used.

Well, what'd I do with my keys, huh?

Where'd I leave my keys?

Well, you're not gonna get in there Clyde,

less you can find your keys, brother.

(laughing)

What is the main, what is the main,

the main thing is it the name?

No.

It's the covenants in which the name is invoked

and locks and unlocks your treasure house.

- [Man In Congregation] That's right.

- It doesn't, we're not dealing with yesterday.

We're dealing with today.

Amen.

- [Congregation] Amen.

- We're dealing with the results of yesterday,

(coughing from member of congregation)

but think about it.

You know this, and I know this,

whatever you have today is the results

of what you said yesterday.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen, amen.

- Well, I tell you what, I tell you what,

you need to turn that air conditioner,

I'm telling you, turn that,

fix that thing 'fore I get pneumonia.

(laughter)

What did you say?

Shut your mouth, what did you say?

(congregation muttering and laughing)

Well Brother Copeland, what is that a harm?

And your angel said, what in the world

does she want with pneumonia?

(congregation laughing)

We can't help her get that.

(laughter)

We can't even help her get rid of it.

She won't let me.

(cough)

- [Woman In Congregation] That's right.

- Huh?

- [Woman In Congregation] That's right, amen.

- Covenants.

The key.

(coughing in congregation)

The keys,

of the Kingdom,

start with the covenants,

beginning in Genesis with blood.

- [Man In Congregation] Yes, come on, amen.

- Even Adam's name, is red.

His name is blood.

The blood covenants.

We have overcome him

by the blood of the Lamb and our words.

- [Woman In Congregation] That's right.

- The words of our testimony, the words of our confession,

the words of faith coming out our mouths, glory to God.

Hallelujah.

(congregation mutters)

And it certainly has everything

in the world to do, with heavenly economics.

So, I'll, don't despise,

small beginnings.

Now, this is not the end.

- [Woman In Congregation] That's right, amen.

- What do you say?

Lemme get that back.

This is what the Lord says,

"It's not by force nor by strength,

but by My Spirit, says the Lord of heaven's armies,

nothing, nothing, no thing,

nothing, not even a mighty mountain

will stand in Zerubbabel's way.

It will become a level plain before him."

(tablet clanking on podium)

"Whosoever shall say, unto this mountain

be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea

and shall not doubt in his heart, but believe

that those things which he says shall come to pass

he shall have whatsoever he says."

(congregation muttering)

Flatten it.

- [Man In Congregation] Yup.

- The mountain of debt, flatten it.

- [Woman In Congregation] Amen.

- [Kenneth] Amen.

- [Woman In Congregation] Amen.

- Glory to God.

Then start again.

And we're gonna discuss some more of these things as we go.

But I wanna say this to you.

(tablet clanking on podium)

(laughing)

It always, it doesn't go very far away

from me all the time.

The first partner meeting I was ever in,

with my father in the faith Oral Roberts

I'd never heard anything like that in my life.

And I thought, this is the most wonderful thing

I've ever heard of in my life.

And you've heard me tell it and over and over again.

Well, you about to hear it again.

(congregation laughing)

And I was driving the car, and a man and,

but it's a partner service.

Whoa, and I heard he's gonna pray for me every day?

He's gonna pray for me every day?

And he would, go out and preach glory to God

give an invitation and just thousands

of people would come to the Lord.

And he would lead them in prayer.

And then he would come back.

And, but between there and the invalid room, you know,

large crowds make really, really sick people nervous.

And so they had a little table

with a black curtain around it

and he would hold his, the names of his partners

on microfiche and the,

some of you kids may not know what microfiche is.

(laughter)

And this was originally invented

as a way to store things on film.

You could take a picture of a newspaper

and then take the negative and draw it down

to where it was micro size.

Well, and then he would, you know

lay his hands on his partners.

Well, then came USBs.

(laughter)

You're in here.

(laughing)

(congregation applauding)

So I just carry you around my pocket.

(laughing)

Amen.

(congregation muttering)

And, staff brought in the books

and all the books are like this,

and there's two or three of them

that are just huge like this.

But then,

(USB clanking and congregation laughing)

I pray for my partners there.

Praise God.

And he had, they had the little manilla envelopes,

little church envelopes,

with a little wooden pencil in it.

And you could fill out your thing.

And he was talking about $10 a month.

And now tell me that's small beginnings here.

And I didn't have $10.

In the world, I didn't have $10.

So I thought, hey, that pencil is mine.

And so I filled out a little envelope for $10 a month

and stuck it in the envelope and started to leave.

And just as I started, and we're in Georgia.

And as this woman said, "Hey, hey you."

I'm turning around said, "Yeah you"

and she was sitting right about over here.

She said, "The Lord been where, wanting me

this whole meeting to give you $10."

(congregation mutters)

An African-American woman,

I would judge probably in her,

maybe thirties, probably about my age.

And I get to heaven I wanna meet that woman.

(laughing)

I said, oh give it here lady.

(laughing)

I got my $10.

Got my pencil, stuck it in my pocket,

I'm a partner.

(congregation cheering and applauding)

But literally, literally, and I went home

and told Gloria we're partners with Oral Roberts

for $10 a month.

She said, "Kenneth, where are we ever

gonna get $10 a month?"

And so I said, "Sit down here girl".

And I preached it just close as I could.

And the bottom line was, I said,

"Gloria, we can have Oral Roberts' anointing

for $10 a month."

(laughter)

But we still didn't know where it's gonna come from.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- So really, small beginnings.

- [Man In Congregation] That's right.

- A pencil?

Well we never turned back.

- [Man In Congregation] Thank you Jesus.

- We just kept going forward,

just going forward, just going forward.

And God started doing supernatural things,

that got we unusually $20, $20 a month, $20 a month

$20 a month, we'd pay our tithe of two,

Oral got 10, and we did what we could with the rest.

And we're still doing that,

only it's considerably more than it was back then.

(laughter)

- [Congregation] Amen.

- But you see that small beginning.

The only thing that'll foul up a small beginning,

is start backing up.

(congregation muttering)

Don't ever back up, just don't ever back up

and just keep going forward.

- [Man In Congregation] Amen.

- But Brother Copeland, I can't, that's right.

That's right.

You can't.

You said you couldn't, so you can't.

That saying stuff doesn't work for me.

It just did.

(congregation muttering and laughing)

Say that,

covenants, name and mouth.

It's all connected, in the spiritual system.

Amen.

Father, we thank You tonight.

We give You praise and we honor the fact,

that You have, seen fit,

to turn the operation of this planet

over to human beings.

Because You have more confidence,

in us than we do.

And especially those of us,

that know You as Lord and Savior

and especially those of us,

that walk in a place of faith before You.

And we are so grateful to You for it.

I'm asking You to reveal to each one of us,

not only here who're present, but those online,

we ask You to reveal to each one what is their part,

of this offering and the finances of this ministry.

And we thank You and praise You,

with all of our hearts,

because You are the God of the heavenly armies

and that heavenly army,

is standing ready to take care

of business financially for us.

And we thank you in Jesus' name.

Amen.

(gentle instrumental music)

ANNOUNCER: We hope you enjoyed today's teaching from Kenneth

Copeland Ministries, and remember Jesus is Lord.