A Kingdom Not of This World

John 18:33-37

by:  Matt Allen

 

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2/18/96 - Peru, IN

 

I.  A kingdom not of this world must have a king not of this world.

A.  Not of this world in his origin.

1.  Pre-existent (v. 37 to this end I come in this world.

2.  Phil. 2:5-11; Jn. 5:30; 8:23, etc.

B.  Not of this world in his character.

1.  “...even as I am not of this world”  (Jn. 17:16)

2.  “...in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.”  (Heb. 4:15)

3.  Neither sought nor loved the things of the world.  The world has known good kings, but never one of this character.

C.  Not of this world in the tenure of his kingly office.

1.  Even greatest worldly kingdoms flourish, but then fade.  (David, Solomon.)

2.  His kingdom and rule to outlast this world.  (Luke 1:31-33, Dan. 2:44)

3.  His reign consummated in victory not in defeat.  (1 Cor. 15:24-28)

4.  NOW reigning.  (Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:13; Acts 2:36)

 

II.  A Kingdom not of this world must have Laws not of this world.

A.  Not of this world in their origin.

1.  From heaven or men principle (Matt. 21:25)

2.  Not of man.  (Gal. 1:11; 1 Thess 2:13)

B.  Only the soverign king has legislative authority.  (Matt. 28:18)

1.  His rule is according to divine truth.  (Law of Christ.  1 Cor. 9:21)

2.  to Him shall ye hearken in all things (Acts 4:22-23)

3.  His kingdom a monarchy, not a democracy governed by voice of people, by ecclesiastical councils, Popes, elders, etc.

C.  Laws not of this world in their nature.

1.  Not according to man’s wisdom nor appealing to carnal pleasure.

2.  Ex. sermon on the Mount “astonshed hearers”.  (Matt. 7:28)

D.  Laws not of this world in design and power.

1.  Intended to bring men to faith.  (Jn. 20:31; Rom 10:17) and able to do so.

2.  Intended to convict, persuade, convert (Jn. 16:8; Psa. 19:7)  and able to do so.

3.  Ultimate aim of salvation.  (Rom. 1:16; Jn. 8:32; Ps. 19:7)

4.  Basis of fellowship with heaven.  (2 Jn. 9; 1 Jn. 2:3)

5.  “Laws” of this world have no such power.

 

III.  A Kingdom of this world must have subjects that are not of this world.

A.  In their conduct.

1.  Not conformed to this world (Rom. 12:2); no fellowship with it.  (eph 4:11)

2.  Keep selves unspotted from the world.  (James 1:27)

B.  In their thinking, values, objectives.

1.  Col. 3:1-2; Matt. 6:33; 2 Cor. 5:9

C.  In their destiny.

1.  Eternal life, the hope laid up in the heavens.  (Mt. 25:46; Col. 1:4, etc.)