Luke 17:20-37 (Kingdom Come)

Title: The Kingdom of God is Coming

Big Idea:

"Living in the tension: Recognize, stay vigilant, live out your faith."

Introduction:

Today's passage from Luke 17:20-37 speaks to us about the nature and coming of the Kingdom of God. The Pharisees asked Jesus when the Kingdom of God would come, and Jesus responded by telling them that the Kingdom of God is already among them, but it is not yet fully realized. He then goes on to describe what the coming of the Kingdom of God will be like.

Tension:

The tension in this sermon is between the present reality of the Kingdom of God and the future hope of its ultimate fulfillment. While we know that the Kingdom of God is already among us, we also recognize that it is not yet fully realized, and we await its ultimate fulfillment when Christ returns. This tension calls us to live in the present with a sense of urgency and anticipation, while also holding onto hope for the future. It challenges us to live out our faith in a way that is both grounded in the present reality and hopeful for the ultimate fulfillment of God's promises.

Truth:

I. The Kingdom of God is Already Here (Luke 17:20-21)

A. The Pharisees' question about the Kingdom of God

B. Jesus' response: The Kingdom of God is already among them

C. The nature of the Kingdom of God: it is not of this world

II. The Coming of the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:22-24)

A. Jesus describes the coming of the Kingdom of God

B. The signs that will accompany the coming of the Kingdom of God

C. The suddenness of the coming of the Kingdom of God

III. The Need for Readiness (Luke 17:25-37)

A. Jesus warns his disciples to be ready for the coming of the Kingdom of God

B. The story of Noah and the Flood as an example of the need for readiness

C. The need for faith and perseverance in the face of tribulation

Application:

1. Recognize the presence of the Kingdom of God: As Jesus taught, the Kingdom of God is already among us. As believers, we need to recognize that God is at work in the world, and we can participate in His Kingdom by living out His values and serving others.

2. Stay vigilant and prepared: Jesus warned us that the coming of the Kingdom of God will be sudden and unexpected. We must, therefore, be vigilant and prepared at all times. We can do this by nurturing our relationship with God through prayer, Bible study, and fellowship with other believers.

3. Endure tribulations with faith and perseverance: Jesus made it clear that we will face tribulations, but we should not lose heart. Instead, we must have faith and perseverance, trusting in God's promises and relying on His strength to sustain us through difficult times.

4. Share the message of the Kingdom of God: As believers, we are called to share the message of the Kingdom of God with others. We should strive to live out God's values and demonstrate His love to those around us, so that they may also experience the joy and hope of the Kingdom of God.

5. Live in anticipation of the ultimate Kingdom Come: While we live in the present Kingdom of God, we also look forward to the ultimate Kingdom Come, when Christ will return to establish His reign on earth. As we live out our faith and share the message of the Kingdom of God, we can live in joyful anticipation of the day when Christ will come again.

Conclusion:

The Kingdom of God is already among us, but it is not yet fully realized. The coming of the Kingdom of God will be sudden and unexpected, and we must be ready for it. We must have faith, perseverance, and a willingness to endure tribulation in order to enter the Kingdom of God. May we be ready and vigilant for the coming of the Kingdom of God.