The Kingdom - Part 5
Introduction
Mat 13:47-51 NIV "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that
was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. (48) When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then
they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. (49) This is how it will be at the end of the age.
The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous (50) and throw them into the fiery furnace, where there will be
weeping and gnashing of teeth. (51) "Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied.
11 times in Book of Mathew... the Kingdom is like...
- Yeast that works its way through the whole batch of dough
- Mustard seed
- Field
- Man who sowed seed in a field
- Hidden treasure in a field
- Merchant looking for fine pearls
- Like a king wanting to settle his accounts
- Like a king who prepared a wedding banquet
- Landowner who hired men to work his vineyard
- 10 virgins on their wedding night
Jesus had an eye to see God in everything
- Some can't see God in anything – Jesus saw God is everything
- And used it to teach Gods word
Jesus taught from nature to highlight scripture
- Used everyday things to highlight supernatural things
I want you to see God in everything
- E.g. sand castle
- Builders and destroyers
Jesus was able to do that because he knew Gods word
- Could apply nature to scripture because he knew the scriptures
Luk 4:17-20 NIV The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was handed to him.
Unrolling it, he found the place where it is written: (18) "The Spirit
of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to preach good news to
the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and
recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed, (19) to
proclaim the year of the Lord's favor." (20) Then he rolled up the
scroll, gave it back to the attendant and sat down. The eyes of everyone
in the synagogue were fastened on him,
I want to continue to parallel a natural kingdom with Gods kingdom
To bring necessary understanding
- 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
All Kingdoms have (continued):
5. A leadership structure
The King would appoint certain people with certain giftings to rule over
certain areas
- Gift them authority and responsibility to lead
- To bring safety and order to the citizens
- E.g. Pilate ruled over Palestine – Caesars representative
Eph 4:11-14 NIV It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be
prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers,
(12) to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of
Christ may be built up (13) until we all reach unity in the faith and in
the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the
whole measure of the fullness of Christ. (14) Then we will no longer be
infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by
every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their
deceitful scheming.
- God appointed some to be…. that others might do
Result: maturity
- We grow up – move from where we are to where God wants us
Move forward
- E.g. triangles – not up or down…but forward
6. An army
To secure the territory and protect the citizens
- Citizens do not fight but enjoy the protection of the army
- In the kingdom of God the angels do the fighting on behalf of the citizens
Heb 1:13-14 NIV To which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my
right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet"? (14)
Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will
inherit salvation?
- E.g. Dad's house – never broken into – 10 foot angel protecting it
Importance of Prayer
- Giving instruction as to what you would have them do
7. A Commonwealth
- An economic structure that ensures every citizen has access to financial security
The term ‘Commonwealth’ all was used to express the king’s desire that
all citizens share and benefit from the wealth of the kingdom
- The wealth would be common among the citizens
The kingdoms glory is in the health and happiness of its citizens
- Better off the people are – the better the kingdom is represented
Jesus said...
Luk 12:22-24 NIV Then Jesus said to his disciples: "Therefore I tell
you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat; or about your
body, what you will wear. (23) Life is more than food, and the body more
than clothes. (24) Consider the ravens: They do not sow or reap, they
have no storeroom or barn; yet God feeds them. And how much more
valuable you are than birds!
Luk 12:31-32 NIV But seek his kingdom, and these things will be given to
you as well. (32) "Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has
been pleased to give you the kingdom.
8. A Culture
Is the environment created by the kings and citizens
- This is what separates and distinguishes itself form all others around it
- Expressed the nature of the king through the lifestyle of the citizens
The kingdom culture is supposed to be evident in our daily activities
Counter culture
- Jesus – you have heard it said – but I tell you
Mat 5:43-44 NIV "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbour
and hate your enemy.' (44) But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray
for those who persecute you,
Told them the opposite than what they had heard
Mat 18:3-4 NIV And he said: "I tell you the truth, unless you change and
become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.
(4) Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest
in the kingdom of heaven.
Note: the Kingdom first manufactures itself in love for People
