WORD OF THE KINGDOM
February 3, 2008 AM
Sermon Outline
MT 13:18,19
INTRO: When Jesus explained the meaning of the parable of the sower in Matthew's gospel, He referred to the seed as "the word of the kingdom". Luke, of course, referred to it as the "word of God" (Lk 8:11). Obviously, both aptly describe the scriptures. But the expression "word of the kingdom" has within it a special significance ... at least, it does to me. Indeed, each of the Biblical expressions describing the scriptures has a special significance. So, what the scriptures provide us is the information we need to have relative to the kingdom of God. This is information of which we need to be informed, aware. It is information upon which we may be called to act!
- THE WORD OF THE KINGDOM IS INSPIRED INFORMATION...
- About the anticipated coming of the kingdom of God
- for hundreds of years of Jewish history there was anticipation
- Mt 3:2 - this was the message of John the Baptist - "at hand"
- Mk 1:14,15 - this was the message of Jesus - "at hand"
- Mk 9:1 - "at hand" indeed meant soon!
- About its having come
- remember that Jesus said it would "come with power" (Mk 9:1)
- Lk 24:49 with Acts 1:8 - power would come in Jerusalem with Holy Spirit
- Acts 2:4 - here was the birthday and place of the kingdom of God!
- Col 1:13 - it's here! no longer future ... and we can be in it!
- About its King
- Jno 18:37 - Jesus, the Son of God, is its King
- 1 Tim 6:15 - note that Jesus is not just any king ... He is King of kings!
- Mt 28:18 - He is the absolute Monarch - the only Potentate
- Phil 2:9-11 - but it is so important that you bow your knee to Him in this life - to bow your knee before Him at the judgment will be too late for you!
- About its law
- every kingdom must have its law - and this kingdom is no exception
- think about Mt 28:18-20 - "all things....I have commanded you"
- earlier I mentioned bending our knees to Him - and observing the law of the kingdom is one critical way in which we do so
- 2 Cor 5:9 - the only way to be accepted of Him is to be obedient to law!
- About its nature
- undoubtedly, people had expected an earthly kingdom like David's
- and there are those who today say he'll return to earth to set up His throne and kingdom
- but note Jno 18:36 - it is not a kingdom similar to those of the world
- national boundaries have no meaning to this kingdom ... it extends across all such boundaries ... so, it's possible to have "dual citizenship"
- About its citizenship
- Phil 3:20 - "our citizenship is in heaven"
- Phil 4:3 - the roll of citizenship!
- thus, all human beings are not citizens - Rev 13:8"names ... not written"
- Rev 20:15 - having ones name on this roll is beyond important
- About becoming a citizen
- Jno 3:3,5 - entering the kingdom of God requires this new birth
- Rom 6:4 - explains the new life is given in baptism
- so, while belief, repentance, confession are all and each necessary prerequisites, baptism is the point and place in time one is granted citizenship
- Acts 2:38,41,47 - notice the "adding" which took place ... added to what? to the church - to the kingdom of God
- About life as a citizen of the kingdom
- Col 1:9,10 - knowledge of His will translated into walking worthy
- knowledge of citizen life comes from the New Testament
- so, one must seek to increase in this knowledge in order to be pleasing
- it is fair to say that life as a citizen of the kingdom is "regulated"!!
- About the anticipated coming of the kingdom of God
- A VERY IMPORTANT FINAL THOUGHT?
- 1 Cor 15:24 - Ultimately, the kingdom of God is returned to the Father
- there is no future reign of Christ on earth
- He is reigning as King now!
- So, will you be among the citizens when the kingdom is returned to God?
- will you name be found written in the book of life?
- if you have not entered it by the prescribed requirements for citizenship (baptism predicated upon faith and penitence), your name will not be found
- recall with me Rev 20:15
- what do you need to do, then, relative to your citizenship?
- 1 Cor 15:24 - Ultimately, the kingdom of God is returned to the Father
CLOSE: What are your plans for the future? Do your plans include heaven? If so, what are you doing about those plans?
Cecil A. Hutson
27 January 2008