Understanding the Kingdom of God
Introduction
Jesus’ teaching centered on the kingdom of God. Many discussions in
our time drift toward speculation about thrones, timelines, and
headlines. Scripture provides firmer ground. The Bible reveals a
present reign of Christ and a promised inheritance for the faithful.
This sermon follows that thread through the passages we studied
together.
The Kingdom
Proclaimed from the Beginning
From the start of His ministry, Jesus announced the kingdom:
“Repent, for the kingdom of
heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17, 23). John the Baptist used
the same language of nearness (Matthew 3:1–3). The Beatitudes locate
kingdom blessings among the humble and faithful (Matthew 5:3, 10,
19–20). God’s reign moved from promise into proclamation in the days
of the first century.
“Kingdom of
Heaven” and “Kingdom of God”
Matthew often writes “kingdom of heaven,” while Mark and Luke write
“kingdom of God.” Parallel accounts show the terms used
interchangeably (Matthew 5:3 with Luke 6:20; Matthew 13:31 with Mark
4:30–31). Scripture speaks with one voice: the same kingdom, the
same reign.
The Nature
of the Kingdom
Jesus explained His kingship to Pilate:
“My kingdom is not of this
world” (John 18:36–37). Paul describes the kingdom in moral and
spiritual terms—“righteousness
and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17). The
kingdom advances through truth embraced and lives transformed.
Christ rules hearts, consciences, choices, and churches.
The Kingdom
in Prophecy and Fulfillment
Daniel foresaw a God-established kingdom arising during the days of
earthly empires and enduring forever (Daniel 2:44–45). Peter
preached its inauguration in Acts 2: the risen Christ now sits on
David’s promised throne, reigning from heaven (Acts 2:30–36; Psalm
110). The apostles spoke of believers already transferred into the
kingdom and called to walk worthy of it (Colossians 1:13–14; 1
Thessalonians 2:12). Revelation opens with Jesus described as
“the ruler of the kings of the
earth” (Revelation 1:5–6).
The Kingdom
Yet to Be Inherited
Scripture also speaks of a future experience of the kingdom. On the
last day the King says,
“Inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the
world” (Matthew 25:34). Flesh and blood cannot inherit that
imperishable order; God will transform His people
“in a moment, in the twinkling
of an eye” (1 Corinthians 15:50–53). Paul trusted the Lord to
preserve him “for His heavenly
kingdom” (2 Timothy 4:18). Revelation 21:3–4 looks ahead to God
dwelling with His people with every tear wiped away.
Why
Misconceptions Persist
Spectacle attracts: pageantry, murals of timelines, and political
hopes promise excitement. Yet the gospel calls for repentance,
humility, holiness, and perseverance. The first century crowd
swelled for loaves and healings, then faded when the call demanded
cross-bearing. The kingdom grows through hearing the truth, obeying
the King, and serving in His church.
Living
Under the King Today
Citizens of the kingdom receive redemption and forgiveness
(Colossians 1:13–14). They seek the King’s will in prayer (Matthew
6:10), embody the Beatitudes, and display the Spirit’s fruit (Romans
14:17). Hope anchors them in the promise of a final transformation
and a prepared inheritance (1 Corinthians 15:50–53; Matthew 25:34).
Understanding
the Kingdom of God Sermon Outline:
-
Introduction
-
Kingdom
at the center of Jesus’ message (Matthew 4:17, 23)
-
A
biblical path through present reign and future inheritance
-
I.
Proclaimed From the Beginning
-
John and
Jesus announce nearness (Matthew 3:1–3; 4:17)
-
Beatitudes mark kingdom citizens (Matthew 5:3, 10, 19–20)
-
II. One
Kingdom, Two Phrases
-
III.
Nature of the Kingdom
-
IV.
Prophecy and Fulfillment
-
Daniel’s
promise of an everlasting kingdom (Daniel 2:44–45)
-
Christ
enthroned in Acts 2 (Acts 2:30–36; Psalm 110)
-
Present
participation (Colossians 1:13–14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12)
-
Royal
status of believers (Revelation 1:5–6)
-
V.
Future Inheritance
-
Final
welcome from the King (Matthew 25:34)
-
Transformation at the last trumpet (1 Corinthians 15:50–53)
-
Kept for
His heavenly kingdom (2 Timothy 4:18)
-
No tears
in the eternal city (Revelation 21:3–4)
-
VI.
Addressing Misconceptions
-
Attraction of spectacle and earthly power
-
Call to
repentance, holiness, and cross-bearing
-
VII.
Living Under the King
-
Redemption and forgiveness in the kingdom (Colossians
1:13–14)
-
Praying
and practicing the King’s will (Matthew 6:10; Romans 14:17)
-
Hope
fixed on the promised inheritance (1 Corinthians 15:50–53)
Call to
Action
Bow to the King today. Receive His forgiveness, submit to His will,
and walk in righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit. Invest
your life in the work of His church. Hold fast to the hope of that
final summons: “Come, you
blessed of My Father; inherit the kingdom prepared for you”
(Matthew 25:34).
Key
Takeaways
-
Jesus
announced the kingdom’s nearness and taught its character
(Matthew 4:17, 23; 5:3, 10).
-
“Kingdom of
heaven” and “kingdom of God” refer to the same reign (Matthew
5:3; Luke 6:20; Matthew 13:31; Mark 4:30–31).
-
Christ’s
rule is spiritual and ethical in nature (John 18:36–37; Romans
14:17).
-
The kingdom
was foretold and inaugurated in the first century (Daniel
2:44–45; Acts 2:30–36; Revelation 1:5–6).
-
Believers
already participate in the kingdom and await its consummation
(Colossians 1:13–14; 1 Thessalonians 2:12; Matthew 25:34; 1
Corinthians 15:50–53; 2 Timothy 4:18; Revelation 21:3–4).
Scripture
Reference List
Matthew 3:1–3; 4:17, 23; 5:3, 10, 19–20; 6:10; 13:31
Mark 4:30–31
Luke 6:20
John 18:36–37
Acts 2:30–36
Romans 14:17
1 Thessalonians 2:12
Colossians 1:13–14
Daniel 2:44–45
Psalm 110
1 Corinthians 15:50–53
2 Timothy 4:18
Revelation 1:5–6; 21:3–4
Prepared by Bobby Stafford of the church of Christ at
Granby, MO |
The
church of Christ
