The Kingdom - Part 4

Introduction

Mar 4:26-33 NIV He also said, "This is what the kingdom of God is like. A man scatters seed on the ground. (27) Night and day, whether he sleeps or gets up, the seed sprouts and grows, though he does not know how. (28) All by itself the soil produces grainfirst the stalk, then the head, then the full kernel in the head. (29) As soon as the grain is ripe, he puts the sickle to it, because the harvest has come." (30) Again he said, "What shall we say the kingdom of God is like, or what parable shall we use to describe it? (31) It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest seed you plant in the ground. (32) Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds of the air can perch in its shade." (33) With many similar parables Jesus spoke the word to them, as much as they could understand.

Jesus was teaching about the kingdom of God

• What's missing here - a bible (scrolls)

Jesus taught from nature to highlight scripture

• Used everyday things to highlight supernatural things
• E.g. see that tree - that's like the kingdom of God
• Religious people hated that - they wanted the 'word'
• Not just about the word but communicating the word

God is a good communicator

• He wants us to understand and know
• Men without excuse

Rom 1:20 NIV For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities his eternal power and divine nature have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Note: like not 'IS'

• Preaching is all about trying to describe the indescribable
• Every illustration is flawed
• Yet totally necessary to help us grasp truth

Without “its like this” moments - we would never understand anything

Jesus time on earth came during The Roman Empire

• To bring an “It's like this” moment

The Roman Empire was the first in history with a structure and administration that resembled the Kingdom of God

• The Roman Empire was a kingdom not a democracy
• Caesar was a king not a president
• Rome ruled most of the known world
• Its government, laws, institution and culture were everywhere

God finally had a model - His “it's like this” moment

Jesus born at that time

Gal 4:4 NIV But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman, born under law,

The time was right because there was an earthly Kingdom that could provide tangible, vivid, illustrations for Jesus' teachings about the kingdom

• Every word Jesus spoke about the Kingdom of God had a Roman equivalent making it easier for the people to understand
• E.g. Roman senate = ecclesia
  • Greek word = assembly, called out ones
  • Same word used for church in New Testament

It is understanding that I seek to bring through this series

• We can't fully understand or appreciate what a kingdom looks like
• Our Queen is a figure head not an authority figure
• We live in a democracy not a kingdom

So what does a kingdom look like and what are the implications for us?

• To gain knowledge - understanding - change our heart
• E.g. golf - head muscles out of head
• From head to heart and out of head again

Want to parallel a natural kingdom with Gods kingdom

All Kingdoms have:

1. A King

The king is the embodiment of the kingdom

• He represents the glory and nature of the kingdom
• Authority flows from the king
• Word is supreme

Gen 1:3 NIV And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light.

• He didn't work up a sweat - just spoke and it was

Jesus - King of kings

Rev 19:11-16 NIV I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and makes war. (12) His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. (13) He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. (14) The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. (15) Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. "He will rule them with an iron sceptre." He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. (16) On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

2. A Territory

The domain over which the king exercises total authority

• The territory, resources and people are all property of the king
• Lord = owner.....He owns ALL and is Lord over ALL

Psa 24:1 NIV Of David. A psalm. The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it;

1Co 6:19-20 NIV Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; (20) you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.

3. A Constitution

• Covenant of the king expressing his mind and will for his citizens
• Words are DOCUMENTED and they are BINDING

The Bible is Gods constitution

• It expressing the mind and will of God for His people
• It was documented and it is binding

Mat 5:18 NIV I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished.

4. Citizens

The people that live under the rule of the king

• Citizenship is the result of being chosen by the king

King obligated to care for and provide for citizens

• Their welfare is a reflection of the king himself
• Benefits and privileges only accessible to citizens

We are citizens of heaven

Eph 2:19 NIV Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household,

• True no matter where we go
• E.g. travel around the world still an Australian citizen
• Don't have to be in heaven to be a citizen of heaven
• Live on earth but citizens of heaven (our true home)

Number one goal of citizen is to submit to the king

• To remain in right standing with the King

Mat 6:33 NIV But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.

Don't surrender your heavenly passport

• If you commit a crime in another country (surrender your passport)
• Passport grants you freedom - to enjoy privileges
• Without it your forgo those privileges