BEFDL 12 (FROM HGM ON 18 JAN 22)

BIBLICAL ELEMENTS FOR DAILY LIVING-12

TEXT:    "To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:"  (Acts 1:3)

 I.   THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 A.   Jesus was in the Gospels and still is interested in the Kingdom of God.  He had only 40 days between the resurrection and the ascension and he focused His attention speaking of the things concerning the Kingdom of God.

B.  The subject of the things concerning the Kingdom of God was and still is a priority with Him.  What is the Kingdom of God?  The answer to this question may surprise many.  But the Kingdom of God is within our hearts. And as the Kingdom of God grows within us, there will be an outward manifestation of that.

C.  Ministries and Churches may be built, TV and radio programs broadcasted, books written, tape ministries started, and people saved.  But they are not the Kingdom of God; they are the result of the kingdom of God growing in people's lives.

D.  According to Thayer's Greek Lexicon the word "Kingdom" Strong's #932, means "royal power, kingship, dominion, rule not be confused with an actual kingdom, but rather the right or authority to rule over a kingdom.  So we could accurately say the term "Kingdom of God" in the New Testament, has to do with coming under the rule or authority of God.  

E.  As to its future Luke gives us some enlightenment. 

          "And he shall reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there shall be no end."  (Luke 1:33)

"So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand."  (Luke 21:31)

It's coming will follow a progression of events to the signs of seasonal changes.  So there is a future physical manifestation of the kingdom yet to come.  But what about now, in the time we live how can we recognize that we have come under the rule of God.

F.  First, the Kingdom of God is not something we enter passively, or casualty, it is something we must choose each day of our lives and desire.

        "The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth (forcing his way) into it."  (Luke 16:16) Although entering in the Kingdom requires force, we see it is also internal.

          "Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you."  (Luke 17:21)

 G.  We must find it in us, and then seize it.  The Kingdom of God is not something we impose by force on others.  It is something, the power we find within ourselves and press toward the mark of His will. 

 H.  The Kingdom of God is the victory of substance over style. essence over appearance, the real over the false.

       "For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power."  (1 Corinthians 4:20) 

The Kingdom of God is no place for mere showmanship, salesman, or smooth-talkers.  The rule of God is reserved for those to whom God has given real power, wisdom, and authority.  In a word, the Kingdom of God is for those who are willing to put up or shut up.

I.  The Kingdom of God is both internal and external, therefore by its nature it is not of this world.

      "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost."  (Romans 14:17)

What we eat or don't eat; what we drink or don't drink is of no consequence when coming under the rule of God. 

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

A.  Finally, the most important characteristic of the Kingdom of God is we must be born again to see it.

     "Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.       ⁶ That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit."  (John 3:5-6)

B.  The world is full of showman, salesman , and smooth-talkers.  If you hunger and thirst for the power of God, the realities of His spirit in your life or ministry, remember, "that which is born of the flesh is flesh." 

C.  We are not on earth to create the Kingdom of God.  We are here to see it and choose it.  No one will see the rule of God over their life unless they have truly been born of God.  On the other hand how can anyone born of God ever come under the rule of mere men?