MEMORY VERSE: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”Matthew 6:33.
BIBLE PASSAGE: 1 Chronicles 29:10-12.
INTRODUCTION
The kingdom of God is also called the kingdom of Heaven Matthew 19:23-24. The concept of the kingdom of God takes on various shades of meaning in different passages of Scripture. A general understanding of God’s kingdom programme will help every believer key into the plan and purpose of God for mankind. Moreover, the concept of the kingdom of God is generally considered to be the central theme of Jesus teaching.
OUTLINE
- ASPECTS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
- SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
- ASPECTS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD
God’s kingdom comprises three aspects: a Universal Kingdom, a Mediatorial Kingdom, and a Spiritual Kingdom.
Universal Kingdom: This is God’s eternal sovereign rule over all that exists – all the universe Daniel 4:3. In this kingdom, God rules in absolute sovereignty over all His creation Psalm 47:2, 7-8.
Mediatorial Kingdom: God uses divinely chosen human representatives to speak on His behalf and stand in the gap for His people. The Scripture records the special encounters and insights given to these representatives about God’s will for mankind and His provision to save sinners. The Mediatorial Kingdom will end with Christ’s thousand- year (millennia) reign upon the earth Revelation 20:4-6. This will be the concluding link between human history and the eternal kingdom Revelation chapters 21 & 22 .
Spiritual Kingdom: This kingdom is an invisible kingdom that exists in the hearts of believers in Christ Jesus Luke 17:20-21. Jesus said His kingdom was not of this world John 18:36. He preached that repentance is necessary to be a part of the kingdom of God Matthew 4:17.The kingdom of God can be equated with the sphere of salvation that you come into by becoming born again John 3:5-7; 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 is the spiritual realm over which God reigns supreme as the undisputed King over everything and divine will is completely fulfilled on earth Matthew 6:10.
2. SEEKING THE KINGDOM OF GOD
In His Sermon on the Mount, Jesus admonishes His audience first to seek the Kingdom of God and its righteousness Matthew 6:33. To seek the Kingdom of God is to, as a matter of priority, hunger and thirst for the rule and reign of God in our lives with Jesus in charge Matthew 5:6; 6:9-10. We must also be willing to submit totally and obey His will. When we come under the Lordship of Christ, and He is in control of our lives, that is the kingdom of God. The main benefit of the kingdom is the forgiveness of sins Acts 3:19; 5:31. It is not rules and regulations but “righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” Romans 14:17.
CONCLUSION
We are equally commanded to witness the gospel of Christ to others that the kingdom of God is open to all who will surrender their lives to Jesus Matthew 3:2, Mark 16:15-16.
FURTHER READINGS
SUN: Acts 3:38.
MON: 1 Kings 3:13.
TUES: Daniel 2:44.
WED: Psalm 103:21.
THURS: Deuteronomy 7:21.
FRI: Luke 24:47.
SAT: John 6:15.