The third Sunday of Eastertide: April 14, 2024

Holy Trinity Church – Tom Mount

 

Scripture reading: Daniel 2:24, 31-45

Introduction

  • During the Eastertide season, Jesus taught about Kingdom of God (Mark 1:15).
  • The OT prophets predicted the coming of God’s Kingdom to earth (ex: Dan 2). What does this prophesy suggest about the Kingdom of God?
  • What else learn about Kingdom of God from the Scriptures? Today, a primer.

Seven fact-finding questions

“I keep seven honest serving men (They taught me all I know); Their names are Who and Where and When, What, How, Why, and So!” 

– Rudyard Kipling

 

 What?

  • Definition: The _______________ of God. Dallas Willard: “Range of God’s effective will.” Think: Where is God’s will being carried out consistently? That is where his Kingdom is.
  • What characteristics define the Kingdom? 

Where?

  • Two places:
  1. Pervasively in the ______________________________ (Jn 12:31; Rev 12:5-12).
  2. Selectively on the ________ (Lk 17:20-21) We are mobile embassies (temple).
  • This is why we pray to the Father Matthew 6:10.
  • This is the case now. What about in the future, after Jesus returns? (Rev 21:1-22:5).

Who? (Who are the rulers, who are the subjects?)

  • Who is ruling? Initially, God co-reigned with Adam and Eve (Gen 1:26-28). Now, God co-reigns with the new Adam and his ___________ (Eph 1:20-21 with 2:4-6; Rev 3:21).
  • Who is ruled?

Why?

  • The kingdom of God is the fulfillment of God’s unchanging determination to have humanity rule over the earth with Him (see Gen 1:26-28; Ps 8:4-9; 115:16).

When?

  • The kingdom was anticipated by John the baptizer (Mt 3:1-2).
  • It was launched by Jesus with his ____________ and anointing (Lk 3:21-22; cf. 4:18-19).
  • It was proclaimed by Jesus through his teaching and demonstrated through his “signs:” healings, resuscitations, nature miracles and other wonders (Lk 16:16).
  • It was expanded under the Apostles and other disciples. NB: Jesus was sent only to the “lost sheep of Israel” (Mt 15:24). Except for a believing remnant, Israel rejected Jesus, and the “kingdom of God was taken away” from them and “given to a people who will produce its fruits” (Mt 21:43). Jesus, therefore sent his followers to the ends of the earth (Mt 28:18-20). Israel is currently partially hardened until the “fullness of the Gentiles has come in, and in this way all Israel will be saved” (Rom 11:25-32).
  • The kingdom will be fulfilled when Jesus returns (Rev 11: 15).

How? (How does God reign? How to we reign?)

  • God reigns through his divine council, angels and humans (Ps 82:1-8; 89:6-8; Job 1:6-12; 2:1-7; 1 Kings 22:19-23; Dan 4:14,24; Zech 3:1-10; cf. Heb 1:14 and Gen 1:26-28; 2:15).
  • We reign through the __________ of Jesus (our “badge”) and the power of the Holy Spirit (our “gun”).
  • We access this authority and power by “abiding” in Christ (relationship). We exercise this authority and power through our prayers and actions.

So? (What does all this mean for you and me?)

  1. It means you are, right now, a duly deputized co-regent over the earth. So, use your authority and weapons to do great good through your prayers and actions!
  2. It means you will be hated by the enemy, harassed by his demons and persecuted by his human dupes. Prepare for pushback.
  3. It means you must carefully cultivate your relationship with God through daily time in his Word and prayer, and that you prioritize developing the heart of a citizen of God’s kingdom.