The Good News of the Kingdom of God

Introduction:

Illustration:

Lebron James recently switched teams…this had led to a mass change of allegiance in teams. In similar fashion, Jesus Christ is coming into a world that is in darkness and enslaved to sin. He is proclaiming the good news and calling people to switch allegiance.

The Setting:

John the Baptist is imprisoned

John the Baptist is imprisoned

Jesus’ public ministry begins

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus is the Unique Servant

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus works with his hands -

In the gospel of Mark, Jesus teaching and preaches with authority -

The “Kingdom of God”

One other important theme we should make note of is “the kingdom of God”.

This is the rule of God

This is “already” and “not yet” -

Jesus Came

Notice the phrase “Jesus came”

Any time this unique Servant comes, we should be careful to take note of why he comes, and what this means for those who are impacted by his coming.

We should all stand ready to respond to

Proposition:

We should all (Christian & non-Christian) respond to Jesus today!

(1) People of the Kingdom of God are marked by Persecution: Jesus came when John was imprisoned (v. 14)

The authority of this kingdom and of this King are unparalleled. The subjects of this kingdom are not marked by Roman dominance in war, but they will be marked by the suffering of persecution.

- John was handed over

- Persecution from within (Pharisees) -

Luke 3:7–8 KJV 1900

Then said he to the multitude that came forth to be baptized of him, O generation of vipers, who hath warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bring forth therefore fruits worthy of repentance, and begin not to say within yourselves, We have Abraham to our father: for I say unto you, That God is able of these stones to raise up children unto Abraham.

- Persecution from without (Herod) -

Matthew 14:3–5 KJV 1900

For Herod had laid hold on John, and bound him, and put him in prison for Herodias’ sake, his brother Philip’s wife. For John said unto him, It is not lawful for thee to have her. And when he would have put him to death, he feared the multitude, because they counted him as a prophet.

Principle:

The people of the kingdom of God are persecuted people.

Illustration:

In the fourth installment of Rocky Balboa, he faces a Russian boxer who is on performance enhancement drugs and is seemingly unbeatable. In the actual fight, one of the scenes shows Rocky moving forward with his head down as the Russian punches the top of Rocky’s head. In spite of this Rocky keeps moving forward. Ultimately, Rocky wins the fight by knocking out the Russian boxer.

In similar fashion, we should not think that those who are part of the kingdom of God are those who are never persevering through suffering. In fact, we are called to endure.

2 Timothy 2:3 KJV 1900

Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:21 KJV 1900

For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:

Application:

To the Christian who is being mistreated by other fellow believers as you are trying to live for Jesus, know that there will be persecution from within the professing believers. You can, by God’s Spirit, and you must, by God’s grace, endure this persecution.

To the Christian spouse who is suffering ridicule by an unbelieving spouse, know that there will be persecution from without. You can, by God’s Spirit, and you must, by God’s grace, endure this persecution.

The the person who has never truly received Christ, don’t be fooled into thinking that if someone is persecuted, they must have done something wrong. Know and believe that this is the mark of those who follow King Jesus! You must not be deceived.

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

(2) People of the Kingdom of God are not only Jews: Jesus came to Galilee of the nations (v. 14) -

In the Old Testament, the LORD delivers the nation of Israel from slavery. He redeems them to be His own people. They are His kingdom on earth among the nations.

Deuteronomy 28:10 KJV 1900

And all people of the earth shall see that thou art called by the name of the Lord; and they shall be afraid of thee.

Israel represents the rule of God, his first fruit from among the nations (). - Glasser, Arthur F.. Announcing the Kingdom: The Story of God's Mission in the Bible (p. 82). Baker Publishing Group. Kindle Edition.

Israel had rejected God as their King.

1 Samuel 8:7 KJV 1900

And the Lord said unto Samuel, Hearken unto the voice of the people in all that they say unto thee: for they have not rejected thee, but they have rejected me, that I should not reign over them.

Reminder: Jesus had just been baptized, depicting Israel’s coming through the Red Sea. Jesus had just been in the wilderness, depicting Israel’s wilderness wanderings.

Israel was supposed to be a nation of priests to the world, but Jesus now is the High Priest who will bring the presence of God to the world.

Jesus has broken out of the Jewish mold that Israel was the only one worthy of the Messiah.

Principle:

Being in the Kingdom of God is a level-ground to all nations. (to a Roman reader, this must have been eye-opening)

Illustration:

Application:

We must put excessive nationalism in check. What if Jesus were a Jew like some of us are Americans?

If Jesus were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never spoken to the Samaritan woman.

If Jesus were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never set up his earthly headquarters in Capernaum.

If Jesus were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never commanded his followers to go to the entire world.

If Paul were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never entered Turkey with the gospel of the kingdom.

If Paul were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never entered Greece with the gospel of the kingdom.

If Paul were a Jew like some of us are Americans, he would have never entered western Europe with the gospel.

If this would have happened, what’s to say that the gospel would never have reached the Americas?

Christian, some of you are so tied up emotionally in politics that you have a hard time seeing beyond the borders of your own life.

Christian, are you involved in sending the “good news” of the kingdom beyond the borders of this country?

Unbeliever, there is no particular race or ethnicity that you have to be to receive this “good news”. Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.

Transition:

Revelation 5:9 KJV 1900

And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are not only Jews.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are

(3) People of the Kingdom of God are under new jurisdiction: Jesus came preaching “good news of the kingdom” (v. 14)

Jesus had just come from the wilderness where he’d defeated the Tempter in round one. The “good news” is that those in darkness did not have to sit in that darkness any longer. The “strong man” had to be bound. ,

Mark 3:27 KJV 1900

No man can enter into a strong man’s house, and spoil his goods, except he will first bind the strong man; and then he will spoil his house.

Isaiah 42:5–7 KJV 1900

Thus saith God the Lord, He that created the heavens, and stretched them out; He that spread forth the earth, and that which cometh out of it; He that giveth breath unto the people upon it, And spirit to them that walk therein: I the Lord have called thee in righteousness, And will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, And give thee for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, To bring out the prisoners from the prison, And them that sit in darkness out of the prison house.

Principle:

Being in the kingdom means that “good news” that I get to serve Someone who is more powerful than sin and than Satan himself.

Illustration:

Several years ago, I was speaking to someone who had a serious sin problem with alcohol. he explained his situation to me. In his description, he said that each morning by a certain time he would begin to shake. It was an uncontrollable, physical response to the need he’d created for alcohol. He said that the only thing that could fix it was to drink. He was indeed a “slave to the bottle.”

Similarly, we all are, by nature, slaves to “darkness”. It may not be the “darkness” of a bottle or the “darkness” of drugs, but we are slaves to darkness.

- Some of you are enslaved to the “darkness” of personal pleasure

- the darkness of “power”

- the darkness of “pornography”

- the darkness of “greed”

- the darkness of “career”

- the darkness of a “work identity”

- the darkness of “perfect parenting identity”

Darkness is not only found in gutter of drugs and vices, but darkness is found in the churches with Pharisees. This is indeed “bad news”

Good news -

Colossians 1:12–14 KJV 1900

Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are not only Jews.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have received the “good news” that they are under new jurisdiction.

(4) People of the Kingdom of God have the God of Providence: Jesus came at an appointed time (v. 15)

“Providence of God” - doctrine that God is involved with all created things in such a way that he keeps them existing, cooperates with them in their activities, and directs them to fulfill his purposes.

This manifests that the authority of Jesus and His kingdom is beyond the rise or fall of a nation.

Principle:

The kingdom of God that has existed since the creation of the world, has spanned the rise and fall of all other nations.

Illustration:

When we were in Rome, it was a marvelous trip to, not only physically, but historically we stepped back in time 2,000 years. We walked on cobble stone roads that were built by this world empire.

Rome, unlike the kingdom of God, was a world empire that rose and fell. God’s timetable is uncharted because it is eternal. He chose exactly when Christ was to come. ,

Galatians 4:4 KJV 1900

But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law,

Ephesians 1:10 KJV 1900

That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him:

Application:

As you consider your life, does it reveal that you are believing in the God who is eternal?

One idea that has subtly crept in to our way of thinking is that “life has infinite value.” What happens when we believe this is that we give ourselves fully to the preservation of it.

- If life has infinite value, then it would be foolish to give your life as a martyr.

- If life has infinite value, then it would be foolish to do anything other than that which preserves it.

Friend, it is the “Giver” of life who is of infinite value.

Paul said, “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.”

Christian, if you are a subject of the Kingdom, then you life should be lived within the perspective of the eternal, PROVIDENTIAL God.

Unbeliever, do not be fooled into thinking that if you could have all of the world, then you will be ok. This world will end one day, and then you will stand before the Maker of this world.

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are not only Jews.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have received the “good news” that they are under new jurisdiction.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have the God of providence.

(5) People of the Kingdom of God believe the Kingdom is “already” here and “not yet” come: the kingdom of God is at hand (v. 15)

People of the Kingdom of God live for the “not yet” because of the “already”. Jesus came to bring another kingdom (v. 15)

This is “already” and “not yet” - ,

Matthew 11:12 KJV 1900

And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force.

Matthew 12:28 KJV 1900

But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.

Principle:

People who are in the kingdom now live in anticipation of the kingdom that is “not yet”.

Illustration:

Not too long ago, a Winnie the Pooh movie came out. During the movie, there is an exchange where Christopher Robin (now an adult in the movie) has an important business meeting to determine if people from his office are going to lose their jobs or not. Christopher Robin’s daughter realizes that her father had taken a briefcase that was full of everything except the paperwork that her father actually needed for the meeting. There is a flurry of events that take place as the little girls travels with some of the “Winnie the Pooh” characters though England. She is frantically, urgently trying to catch up to her father before his appointed meeting and before he realizes that he does not have the necessary papers in the briefcase.

In like fashion, if you are an unbeliever, you must note the urgency of this passage. You have an appointed time for a meeting with your maker. You’d better realize now that you’re missing the necessary paperwork before it’s too late. You have an opportunity “now” to prepare for the “not yet.”

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are not only Jews.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have received the “good news” that they are under new jurisdiction.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have the God of providence.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the Kingdom is “now” and there is also a “not yet.”

(6) People of the Kingdom of God are those who obey from the heart the commands of King Jesus: Jesus came with a specific commands to enter the kingdom (v. 15)

The commands are quite clear:

(1) Repent - it’s in invitation to switch allegiances

The NIV Application Commentary: Mark Contemporary Significance

Schweizer comments that repentance does not refer to changing the characteristics or the actions of the person but the total direction of life. One needs to turn around, which requires more than a catharsis of tears and a little firecracker pop in one’s life. Something internal needs to happen that can be infinitely costly to self-esteem. It means being willing to get down low and become as a slave (Mark 9:35–36; 10:42–44) or as a little child (10:15–16), and being willing to give up trusting in oneself to allow God to take control.

(2) Believe the good news!

The NIV Application Commentary: Mark Contemporary Significance

Marshall notes the difference between rational belief and trust:

Rational belief is essentially involuntary; a person cannot arbitrarily choose to believe on the spot; it is something that happens to him or her in light of the evidence. Trust, however, is voluntary, an act of the will. Or, again, belief can exist without it immediately affecting one’s conduct, whereas trust requires certain consequent actions in order to exist.

For a Roman reader this must have been a shock to think that he’d have to admit his own wrongness.

For a Jewish listener who was living a clean life, this must have been a shock to think that he’d have to admit his own wrongness.

Principle:

There is no other acceptable response to the “good news”.

Illustration:

When I was around 8 or 9 years old, I made a decision, and I prayed to receive Jesus. The problem was that when I was 14 I became aware that it was just a rational belief and that I did not really trust in Jesus. My life had not really been affected by the “good news.”

Application:

In like manner, some of you are looking at your lives and wondering why you have no sincere desire for the Lord, His Word…etc. Is it possible that you have just believed like the devils believe? ,

Christian, it is important to see something about these two commands here...Both verbs in Greek are present imperatives, that is, they enjoin living in a condition of repentance and belief as opposed to momentary acts Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 47). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.

Both verbs in Greek are present imperatives, that is, they enjoin living in a condition of repentance and belief as opposed to momentary acts

(1) Pride will keep you from responding to Jesus - “I’m not going to admit that I am wrong.”

(2) Selfishness will keep you from responding to Jesus - “I don’t get to do what I want.”

This command of Jesus excludes all other possibilities.

Edwards, J. R. (2002). The Gospel according to Mark (p. 47). Grand Rapids, MI; Leicester, England: Eerdmans; Apollos.

Conclusion:

(1) Have you sincerely received the “good news” of the kingdom?

How many of you are certain that your life shows you are in the “kingdom of God”?

(2) Are repentance and faith active parts of your life?

How many of you battle with sin every day?

How many of you know that you battle with sin must begin with personal repentance and faith?

(3) This place is a “Kingdom of God” outpost. Maybe you need to join here. Will you come?

Transition:

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that people of the kingdom are marked by persecution.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are not only Jews.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have received the “good news” that they are under new jurisdiction.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom have the God of providence.

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the Kingdom is “now” and there is also a “not yet.”

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing

We should all respond to Jesus today, knowing that the people of the kingdom are marked by repentance and faith.