Scripture Reading: Acts 28:23-31
The Kingdom of God
Intro.
1. “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven…” (Matt. 13:11) “the word of the kingdom” (Matt. 13:19)
2. “…he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the Law of Moses and the Prophets…preaching the kingdom of God…” (Acts 28:23, 31)
3. Kingdom truth was known and put into hearts to save souls by preaching. Same continues to be true, Acts 28:28, 31.
I. DEFINITION OF THE KINGDOM.
Know the mysteries of the kingdom: Christ has made known what we can / need to know about the kingdom of heaven, cf. Eph. 1:9-11; Col. 1:24-27
Kingdom: Dominion; The sovereign rule and reign of God in the lives of men and women (Matt. 6:33; Lk. 17:20-21)
The church of Christ is depicted as the kingdom of Christ, composed of willing subjects of the King (Matt. 16:18-19; Col. 1:13; Psa. 110:3; 1 Pet. 2:9; Rev. 1:6; 5:9-10)
The salvation of God obtained in the kingdom of God (Acts 28:23, 28)
II. USAGE.
The kingdom: Matt. 8:12 (6:10)
Kingdom of heaven: Matt. 8:11; 13:11
Kingdom of God: Mark 4:11; Eph. 5:5
Kingdom of Christ: Luke 1:33; 22:29-30; Jno. 18:36; Eph. 5:5; Col. 1:13
III. APPLICATIONS OF THESE TRUTHS.
“Kingdom of heaven” and “kingdom of God” are equivalent, Matt. 13:11; Mk. 4:11
The nature of the kingdom is spiritual and heavenly, not physical and earthly, Jno. 18:36; Lk. 17:20-21
The kingdom exists today, Col. 1:13; Heb. 12:28; Rev. 1:9; et al.
The kingdom will never be destroyed, Dan. 2:44; Heb. 12:28; 1 Cor. 15:24-28; 2 Pet. 1:11
The everlasting kingdom of heaven is prepared for the faithful, Matt. 25:34; 2 Pet. 1:11
Conclusion
1. New birth of water and the Spirit necessary to see (possess, experience) / enter the kingdom, Jno. 3:3-5 (1 Pet. 1:22-23).
2. When Philip preached about the kingdom of God (seed planted), people believed and were baptized. Same is true today, Acts 8:12.
3. Nature and presence of the kingdom persuades people of faith to acceptably serve God with reverence and godly fear, Heb. 12:28.
By: Joe R. Price
Posted December 26, 2019