Baptist Faith & Message Article 9: The Kingdom

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.

Genesis 1:1; Isaiah 9:6-7; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Matthew 3:2; 4:8-10,23; 12:25-28; 13:1-52; 25:31-46; 26:29; Mark 1:14-15; 9:1; Luke 4:43; 8:1; 9:2; 12:31-32; 17:20-21; 23:42; John 3:3; 18:36; Acts 1:6-7; 17:22-31; Romans 5:17; 8:19; 1 Corinthians 15:24-28; Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 11:10,16; 12:28; 1 Peter 2:4-10; 4:13; Revelation 1:6,9; 5:10; 11:15; 21-22.

When you think about the Kingdom of God, what comes to mind?

125 x -OT

283 x NT

196 x-Gospels

188 x Kingdom of Heaven

What are some verses that are familiar about the Kingdom of God?

Priority of His Kingdom and rule in our lives.

Matthew 6:33 “33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Struggle with riches-false kingdoms

Matthew 19:24 “24 And again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.””

Share the Kingdom

Mark 1:14–15 “14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel.””

Certain Revelations privy to us.

Mark 4:11 “11 And He said to them, “To you it has been given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but to those who are outside, all things come in parables,”

Things happen and we do not understand why. Or do we?

Mark 4:26–29 “26 And He said, “The kingdom of God is as if a man should scatter seed on the ground, 27 and should sleep by night and rise by day, and the seed should sprout and grow, he himself does not know how. 28 For the earth yields crops by itself: first the blade, then the head, after that the full grain in the head. 29 But when the grain ripens, immediately he puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.””

Our contribution

Matthew 13:31–32 “31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: “The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, 32 which indeed is the least of all the seeds; but when it is grown it is greater than the herbs and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and nest in its branches.””

Ill. Lacey-Jim Peters

Mark 10:14 “14 But when Jesus saw it, He was greatly displeased and said to them, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God.”

Missional responsibility

Luke 4:43 “43 but He said to them, “I must preach the kingdom of God to the other cities also, because for this purpose I have been sent.””

Only one way of entrance

John 3:3 “3 Jesus answered and said to him, “Most assuredly, I say to you, unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.””

Romans 14:17 “17 for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

1 Corinthians 4:20 “20 For the kingdom of God is not in word but in power.”

James 2:5 “5 Listen, my beloved brethren: Has God not chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom which He promised to those who love Him?”

Introduction: Understanding the Kingdom of God (5 minutes)

Opening Definition:

The Kingdom of God refers to His sovereign reign, encompassing both His universal authority over creation and His redemptive rule in the hearts of believers.The Kingdom is central to the biblical narrative—from Genesis (God's creation sovereignty) to Revelation (God’s eternal reign).

Tension of the Kingdom:

Already and Not Yet: We experience aspects of God’s Kingdom now (Luke 17:20-21), but its full consummation awaits Christ’s return (Revelation 11:15).

Two Aspects:

General sovereignty: God reigns over all creation (Genesis 1:1, Psalm 103:19).

Particular kingship: His rule is willingly acknowledged by those who trust Christ (John 3:3, Colossians 1:13).

Main Points (20 minutes)

I. The Universal Reign of God: Sovereign over All Creation (7 minutes)

Scripture Support:

Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth."

Psalm 103:19: "The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all."

Acts 17:24-26: Paul declares God’s sovereignty over nations and history.

Explanation:

God is King over all creation, exercising complete control over the physical universe, history, and human affairs.His rule is not dependent on human recognition; it is inherent in His nature as Creator and Sustainer.

Application:

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Even in times of uncertainty, believers can find peace in the knowledge that God reigns supreme.

Illustration: Like a masterful conductor guiding an orchestra, God orchestrates history for His purposes and glory.

II. The Redemptive Rule: Entering the Kingdom through Christ (8 minutes)

Scripture Support:

John 3:3: "Unless someone is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God."

Colossians 1:13: "He has rescued us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of the Son He loves."

Mark 1:15: Jesus announces, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near. Repent and believe the good news!"

Explanation:

The Kingdom is the "realm of salvation" where believers enter through repentance and faith in Christ.This rule is personal and relational—acknowledging Jesus as King of one’s life requires humility and a childlike trust (Matthew 18:3).

Application:

Submission to Christ’s Lordship: Believers are called to daily surrender their will to Jesus as King.

Illustration from the Christmas Story: The wise men represent those who submit to Christ's kingship, offering Him their worship and treasures (Matthew 2:1-12).

Reflection Question: Have you entered the Kingdom by placing your full trust in Christ?

III. The Consummation of the Kingdom: Awaiting Christ’s Return (5 minutes)

Scripture Support:

1 Corinthians 15:24-28: Paul describes how Christ will hand over the Kingdom to God the Father after defeating all enemies.

Revelation 11:15: "The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign forever and ever."

Isaiah 9:6-7: The prophecy of Christ’s eternal reign as the "Prince of Peace."

Explanation:

The Kingdom of God will reach its full expression when Jesus returns, defeating sin and death and establishing His eternal reign.Believers live in hopeful anticipation, knowing that current struggles are temporary compared to the eternal joy of God’s perfect Kingdom.

Application:

Pray and Labor for the Kingdom: Believers are called to pray as Jesus taught ("Your kingdom come, your will be done" - Matthew 6:10) and actively work to reflect Kingdom values in the present.

Illustration from the Christmas Story: Simeon and Anna waited expectantly for the Messiah (Luke 2:25-38), demonstrating faithfulness in their longing for the Kingdom’s fulfillment.

Conclusion: Living as Kingdom Citizens (5 minutes)

Reaffirm the Tension of the Kingdom:

The Kingdom is already here through Christ’s first coming but awaits its final fulfillment at His return.

Call to Action:

Trust in God’s Sovereignty: Rest in His rule over all creation.

Submit to Christ’s Kingship: Enter the Kingdom by faith and live under His Lordship.

Anticipate the Kingdom’s Fulfillment: Pray and labor faithfully as we await Christ’s return.

Closing Illustration:

Just as the wise men rejoiced at the birth of the King, we live with joy and purpose, knowing that our King reigns now and forever.