Kingdoms in Conflict

Introduction

· Mark 1:14-15. Jesus announces arrival of Kingdom of God.

· Mark 1:16-3:6 Jesus Declares and Demonstrates his authority as Son of Man. Liberator.

· Mark 3:7-35 Various Responses to Jesus’ Authority Claims highlight Kingdoms in Conflict

1. Demons – fear him (Mark 3:11-12)

2. Disciples – follow him (Mark 3:13-19)

3. Family – thought he was out of his mind (Mark 3:20-21)

4. Religious Leaders – fought him (Mark 3:22-30). Kingdoms in Conflict

a. Reality of the Enemy

b. Tactics of the Enemy

c. Conquest of the Enemy

d. Our Response

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Reality of Enemy – Mark 3:22-23. The Satan – enemy, adversary, accuser

· Mark 1:12 Temptation in wilderness by Satan

· Mark 1:21 Jesus casts out unclean spirit

· Mark 1:34 Cast out demons

· Mark 3:14-15 commissions apostles to preach and cast out demons.

· Mark 3:22-27 Jesus teaches on the nature of Satan’s Kingdom.

o Modern Worldview – the material is all there is.

§ Modern man – Oversimplifies Jesus’ view of the sickness – Matthew 4:24

§ Lacks a category for good or evil (social constructs).

o Jesus’ world view: God, man, good, evil, material and spiritual realm overlap.

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Tactics of Enemy – 2 Cor 2:11 not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs.

· Starting Point: we are beings with moral free agency. Imager bearers.

1. ‌Temptation – lure us into sin. Lies. Genesis 3:1-7. Desires to have us Genesis 4:7

2. Accusation – reinforce new identity as sinner. Zechariah 3:1-3

3. Subjugation – cycle of sin, shame, guilt. Ephesians 2:1-3

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Conquest of Enemy - Mark 3:23-27 How Jesus binds the strong man.

· Colossians 2:11–15 (Genesis 3:15 Satan strikes Jesus heel, Jesus crushes Satan’s head)

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Our Response – What will you do with Jesus? Mark 3:28

· Disciples did not always understand him, but they followed.

· Family believed he was out of his mind, but turned around.

· Religious leaders attributed the work of the Spirit to Satan - Mark 3:28-30.

· You must decide. Continue to investigate, trust and follow

Communion – 1 Corinthians 11:23-26