The Nature of the Kingdom of God

Introduction:
Just how important is the church to Jesus? What of the kingdom? Has it been established? What of its nature? What blessings & responsibilities are upon those who are in the kingdom? Jesus talked a great deal about the kingdom—Mk. 1:14-15; Mt. 4:23; 9:35. He sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom. The kingdom was a central theme in the preaching of the first century. This is also seen in Paul’s preaching. So what is the kingdom? Is it a literal kingdom? Is it a kingdom yet to come? What must we understand about the kingdom?

I. The kingdom is __________________ not ___________________.
    A. Examine Jesus’ teaching:
        1. Mk. 12:28-34—Jesus’ conversation w/a scribe. Note Jesus’ response to scribe’s comments:
        2. The scribes _____________ put him in close proximity of the kingdom!
    B. See also Lk. 17:20-21—the kingdom does not come with _____________________. Can’t see it physically!
        1. 17:21b– the kingdom is in your midst…
            a) in the ___________?
            b) in the ___________ of Jesus?
    C. John 18:36—my kingdom is not of this world.

II. The kingdom is the _____________ of God in _____________.
    A. “Kingdom” used by the Jews to stress the idea of rule or dominion.
        1. Not used to specify a ____________ _________ surrounded by physical boundaries.
    B. See Mt. 6:10—your kingdom come; your will be done…
        1. The kingdom or _________ of God would come as His will is done on earth.
    C. See Mt. 6:33—seek first the kingdom of God & His righteousness….
        1. Righteousness = conduct in __________ w/God’s will.
        2. We seek the kingdom of God to the extent we submit to His will.

Conclusion:
    A. Tonight we have established a few facts about the kingdom:
        1. It is spiritual; not physical.
        2. It involves the rule of God in the hearts of men.
    B. Is the kingdom of God in you?
    C. Are you far from the kingdom?
    D. Are you doing the Father’s will?



The Nature of the Kingdom of God Introduction: Just how important is the church to Jesus? What of the kingdom? Has it been established? What of its nature? What blessings & responsibilities are upon those who are in the kingdom? Jesus talked a great deal about the kingdom—Mk. 1:14-15; Mt. 4:23; 9:35. He sent His disciples to proclaim the kingdom. The kingdom was a central theme in the preaching of the first century. This is also seen in Paul’s preaching. So what is the kingdom? Is it a literal kingdom? Is it a kingdom yet to come? What must we understand about the kingdom? I. The kingdom is __________________ not ___________________. A. Examine Jesus’ teaching: 1. Mk. 12:28-34—Jesus’ conversation w/a scribe. Note Jesus’ response to scribe’s comments: 2. The scribes _____________ put him in close proximity of the kingdom! B. See also Lk. 17:20-21—the kingdom does not come with _____________________. Can’t see it physically! 1. 17:21b– the kingdom is in your midst… a) in the ___________? b) in the ___________ of Jesus? C. John 18:36—my kingdom is not of this world. II. The kingdom is the _____________ of God in _____________. A. “Kingdom” used by the Jews to stress the idea of rule or dominion. 1. Not used to specify a ____________ _________ surrounded by physical boundaries. B. See Mt. 6:10—your kingdom come; your will be done… 1. The kingdom or _________ of God would come as His will is done on earth. C. See Mt. 6:33—seek first the kingdom of God & His righteousness…. 1. Righteousness = conduct in __________ w/God’s will. 2. We seek the kingdom of God to the extent we submit to His will. Conclusion: A. Tonight we have established a few facts about the kingdom: 1. It is spiritual; not physical. 2. It involves the rule of God in the hearts of men. B. Is the kingdom of God in you? C. Are you far from the kingdom? D. Are you doing the Father’s will?