The Nature of the Kingdom

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Subject: the kingdom

Introduction:

A.    Just how important is the church to Jesus?  Eph. 5:25-29

B.    What of the kingdom?

1.    Has it been established?  What is its nature?

2.    What blessings/responsibilities are upon those who are in the kingdom?

C.   Jesus talked a great deal about the kingdom.

1.    throughout Galilee – Mk. 1:14; Mt. 4:23; 9:35

2.    Mk. 1:15 – declared the kingdom is “at hand.”

3.    Preached w/a sense of urgency & purpose.  Lk. 4:43; 8:1

D.   He sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom.  Lk. 9:1-2; 59-60

1.    Lk. 10:1; 9-11 – sent 70 out 2 x 2 to proclaim it.

2.    Even after Jesus’ death & resurrection He taught the apostles many things about the kingdom – Acts 1:3

3.    The kingdom was a central theme of preaching in the first century.  Acts 8:12

E.    This seen in Paul’s preaching. 

1.    In the synagogues – Acts 17:1-3; 19:8

2.    In the churches he preached – Acts 20:25

3.    In his writing – 1 Thess. 2:12; 2 Thess. 1:5

F.    So what is the kingdom?

1.    It is a literal kingdom?

2.    Is it a kingdom yet to come?

3.    Is it something that needs to dominate our teaching?

4.    What must we understand about the kingdom?

 

I.  The kingdom is spiritual, not physical.

A.  Seen in Jesus’ teaching

1.    Mk. 12:28-34 – conversation w/a scribe.  Note Jesus’ response to the scribes comments in 12:34b.

a)    Note:  the scribes understanding put him in close proximity of the kingdom.

b)    We may rightfully imply the kingdom is a spiritual entity.

2.    Lk. 17:20-21 – kingdom does not come w/observation.

a)    People not able to see it physically.

b)    Not physical like the kingdoms of men.

c)    21b – kingdom is in your midst.

1)    In the heart?

2)    Or in the person of Jesus?

d)    Either interpretation suggests spiritual not physical.

3.    Jhn 18:36 – My kingdom is not of this world.

a)    Not earthly.  Disciples did not need to use force to get it established.

b)    Yes…Jesus came to this world to establish a kingdom – but not physical in nature.

 

II. The Kingdom is the reign of God in Christ.

A.    “Kingdom” used by the Jews to stress the idea of rule or dominion.

1.    Not used to specify a geographical area surrounded by physical boundaries.

B.    Mt. 6:10 – your kingdom come…your will be done.

1.    Some suggest these phrases say the same thing in 2 different ways.

2.    I.e. The kingdom (reign) of God would come as His will is done on earth.

C.   6:33 – seek first the kingdom of God & His righteousness.

1.    Righteousness is conduct in conformity to God’s will.

2.    We seek the kingdom or rule of God to the extent we submit to His will.

 

Conclusion:

A.    Perhaps tonight’s study raises a few more questions about the kingdom:

1.    Has it been established?

2.    Is it present?  Future? Both?

3.    What will Jesus do when He returns?

4.    Where does the church fit in?

B.    Tonight we have established these facts about the kingdom.

1.    Spiritual not physical.

2.    Involves the rule of God in the hearts of men.

3.    Mark Copeland:  The kingdom is the rule of God manifested through the person of Jesus Christ.

C.   Is the kingdom of God in us?

D.   Are we far from the kingdom?

E.    Are we doing the Father’s will?

F.    I N V I T A T I O N