The Kingdom

BF&M

The Kingdom of God includes both His general sovereignty over the universe and His particular kingship over men who willfully acknowledge Him as King. Particularly the Kingdom is the realm of salvation into which men enter by trustful, childlike commitment to Jesus Christ. Christians ought to pray and to labor that the Kingdom may come and God’s will be done on earth. The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Memory Verse

Matthew 6:33 CSB

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you.

Intro

The true and living God is KING, and His Kingdom represent His rule and His power.

The Bible is full of imagery and wording of royalty.

Isaiah 6:1–8 CSB

In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw the Lord seated on a high and lofty throne, and the hem of his robe filled the temple. Seraphim were standing above him; they each had six wings: with two they covered their faces, with two they covered their feet, and with two they flew. And one called to another: Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of Armies; his glory fills the whole earth. The foundations of the doorways shook at the sound of their voices, and the temple was filled with smoke. Then I said: Woe is me for I am ruined because I am a man of unclean lips and live among a people of unclean lips, and because my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of Armies. Then one of the seraphim flew to me, and in his hand was a glowing coal that he had taken from the altar with tongs. He touched my mouth with it and said: Now that this has touched your lips, your iniquity is removed and your sin is atoned for. Then I heard the voice of the Lord asking: Who will I send? Who will go for us? I said: Here I am. Send me.

Kingdom of God

God’s sovereign rule in the Universe and in the Hearts of Christians.

How does a person enter into the Kingdom of God?

Willfully acknowledge Jesus as King.

When will the full consummation of the Kingdom take place?

The full consummation of the Kingdom awaits the return of Jesus Christ and the end of this age.

Jesus will return and sit on His glorious throne.

Matthew 25:31 CSB

“When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne.

God’s kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms.

Earthly kingdoms dissolve and crumble. Their power and authority are only within defined borders. Those within the borders of the kingdom may obey or disobey the king.

God’s kingdom is eternal and never ends. His power and authority have no limitations.

God’s kingdom is an unshakable kingdom! Those within the kingdom are joyous to be a part of the kingdom and live to please, serve, obey, and glorify our King!

Hebrews 12:28 CSB

Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful. By it, we may serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe,

Scripture presents us with an understanding of the kingdom that is deeply rooted in biblical history, very relevant to the present, but ultimately focused on the future.

We get beautiful pictures of what will come, from what has been. A kingdom where all creation serves and glorifies God. A kingdom where God’s sovereignty knows no borders and extends to the ends of the earth! Abram is a prime example as God’s authority covered Abram from Haran to Egypt and everywhere his feet traveled. Through wars with earthly kingdoms, Abram stood as the earthly ambassador for a heavenly kingdom; and toppled armies.

God is behind the rise and fall of nations. His kingly rule is benevolent and just.

The OT paints a beautiful picture of the Kingdom of God. His purpose will be worked out through the unfolding of human history.

The NT continues the lessons on the Kingdom of God. Jesus declared that the Kingdom of God was at hand.

Matthew 4:17 CSB

From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, because the kingdom of heaven has come near.”

Where Christ is present, the Kingdom of God is present! During His earthly ministry we received a sneak peak at the beauty of the Kingdom of God. We saw in part, but one day we will see in full: when Jesus’ Kingdom is fully realized after His return and He makes everything new!

Revelation 21:5–6 CSB

Then the one seated on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new.” He also said, “Write, because these words are faithful and true.” Then he said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will freely give to the thirsty from the spring of the water of life.

The Kingdom and the Church

Although God’s rule extend to all people and all places, at all times; the Kingdom of God is identified with and understood by those who confess Jesus as Lord.

We, Christians, have experienced the arrival of the Kingdom of God in the person and work of Jesus. We have submitted ourselves to His authority: our lives, our behavior, and our possessions.

All of your life should be under the authority of Jesus. If it is not: you are not obeying!

The Church is the eternal people of God.

The Kingdom is the eternal RULE of God.

The Kingdom extends beyond the church. even thorough the new heaven, new earth, to all orders of creation, including those within the spiritual realm.

In this age, the church is the visible representation of the Kingdom of God in all its power and promises.

Jesus instructed us to pray:

Matthew 6:10 CSB

Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

Prayer like this is important because it shows confident in God’s eventual rule, but also determination to faithfully represent God’s Kingdom in our lives.

Model Prayer

Matthew 6:9–13 CSB

“Therefore, you should pray like this: Our Father in heaven, your name be honored as holy. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And do not bring us into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.