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Scripture Reading:  Luke 1:26-33

The Kingdom of Christ

Intro.

1.  OT predicted a king ruling over insurmountable kingdom:  Psa. 2:6-7; 110:1-3; 132:11; Isa. 9:6-7; Dan. 2:44; 7:13-14; Lk. 1:30-33.

2.   Many do not believe the kingdom of Christ was established during NT times or that it exists today.  They look & pray for a kingdom to come.

  a.   Kingdom:  “Sovereignty, royal power, dominion...a realm”; “the territory subject to the rule of a king.”

  b.   Either His kingdom exists today or it does not; Either Jesus, as King, is sovereign ruler over His kingdom today, or He is not.

3.   The presence of the kingdom of Christ is real & forever changes the life of the person who enters it (Heb. 12:28).

1.  Jesus announced the approach of the kingdom.

  -Matt. 4:17:  Coming kingdom was “at hand” (near, close, Matt. 6:18, 46; 2 Tim. 4:6) – Lk. 10:9.

  -Matt. 12:28:  Presence of the Spirit of God = Kingdom set before them (Isa. 11:2; 42:1).

2.  Jesus preached the gospel of the kingdom.

  -Matt. 4:23:  Good news of the kingdom (Lk. 9:11).  Matt. 5-7, citizenship.

  -Matt. 13:10-11, 18-19:  Gospel is the “word of the kingdom” that teaches us how to live in the kingdom.

3.  Jesus identified His kingdom.

  -Matt. 16:16-19:  The church of Christ is the kingdom of Christ!

  -Matt. 16:18, 28:  The church would be built…Son of Man would come in His kingdom.

  -Eph. 1:20-23:  Fulfillment of Dan. 7:13-14…church is His kingdom!

4.  Jesus identified the nature of His kingdom.

  -Jno. 18:36:  Not of this world…

   a.   Spiritual (spiritual relationship; meets spiritual needs of mankind) – Lk. 17:20-21; Rom. 14:17; cf. 1 Pet. 3:15 (heart...life).

   b.   Superior to the kingdoms of earth – Dan. 2:44.

   c.   Eternal in its duration - Lk. 1:33.

5.  Jesus prophesied the establishment of the kingdom.

  -Mk. 9:1:  That generation would see the powerful arrival of kingdom.

  -Lk. 12:32:  The Father’s good pleasure to give “you” the kingdom.

  -Fulfilled on Pentecost – Lk. 24:49; Acts 1:6-8; 2:1-4 (47).

  -Kingdom of Christ exists now…we don’t look for future establishment.

6.  Kingdom was proclaimed as present by apostles & prophets.

  -Acts 8:12:  Things concerning the kingdom of God (see above).

  -Acts 20:25: Paul preached kingdom of God…gospel of grace (20:24).

  -1 Ths. 2:12:  God is calling people into His kingdom (1 Cor. 1:9 – into fellowship with Christ; Fellowship with Christ is in God’s kingdom!).

  -Rev. 1:9:  John a companion (partaker, participated) with brethren in the kingdom of Christ Jesus.

7.  Remission of sins is obtained in the kingdom.

  -Rev. 1:5-6:  Ruler over kings washed us in His blood (Does Jesus ruler over kings but not over the saved?  (A “ruler” without a “kingdom”?!!)

  -Rev. 5:9-10:  Redeemed form a kingdom that reigns (triumphs) on earth.

8.  Salvation depends on entering the kingdom.

  -Lk. 16:16:  Pressing toward it for salvation (Lk. 13:23-24).

  -Jno. 3:3-5:  Entrance into the kingdom essential for salvation.

  -Acts 13:32-39 (Psa. 2:7 fulfilled):  Mercy…forgiveness of sins.

  -Col. 1:13:  Delivered out of darkness & conveyed into the kingdom.

  -Acts 2:47:  Saved are added to the church (the kingdom).

9.  Our daily purpose & priority must be the kingdom of God.

  -Matt. 6:33:  Our duty is to advance the kingdom of Christ among men.

   -Do this by making the King’s will our priority of life.

   -Our interests, motives, objectives & conduct are for its honor & advancement! As a result, Christ is advanced!

  -Lk. 9:62:  Establishes our acceptance in the kingdom.

Conclusion

1.  Kingdom of Christ exists, it is mighty & its glory secure – Heb. 12:28.

2.  We must live in Christ’s kingdom NOW in order to enter heaven LATER  – 2 Pet. 1:10-11.

3.  Hear God’s call to enter His kingdom & obey the gospel now.