5-The Kingdom of God

The Kingdom of God is a study of the Old Testament and New Testament perspectives on the Kingdom of God. The goal is to understand what Jesus taught about the Kingdom as the foundation for an effective Spirit-empowered life and ministry. The approach is to let the Scriptures speak for themselves, focusing especially on the Gospels in light of their original setting.

Discussion 1

To understand Jesus we must know about the Kingdom of God. What was the central message of Jesus? (Matthew 4:17, 23; 9:35; Luke 4:43).

The kingdom of God is mentioned more than 100 times in the gospels: 49 times in Matthew, 15 times in Mark, 39 times in Luke, and 5 times in John.

A. The Meaning of the Kingdom

Discussion 2

To understand the Kingdom of God one must understand the worldview of the Jews in the days of Jesus. It is known as “Eschatological Dualism” (two ages: this age and the age to come). Read and discuss the following verses: Matthew 12:32; Mark 10:29-30; Ephesians 1:21.

Discussion 3

To understand this worldview you must go back into the Old Testament. Read the verses and discuss the following statements:

• In the Old Testament God is the “King” (Psalm 47:1-2, 7-8; Psalm 145:13)
• God created man to have dominion over all He created (Genesis 1:26, 28)
• In sinning against God, man forfeited his dominion (Genesis 3), and this world became Satan’s domain (2 Corinthians 4:4; 1 John 5:19)
• But God promised that one day an “Anointed” Deliverer would come to destroy Satan and restore God’s Rulership (Genesis 3:15; Isaiah 9:6-7; Zechariah 14:9)
• This Age: Marked by Evil, Sickness, Death – Satan’s Domain
• The Age to Come: Marked by Good, Health, Life – God’s Domain
• The promised Deliverer would usher in God’s Kingdom at the “Day of the Lord” (Joel 1:15; 2:1; 2:30-32; Daniel 7:13-14)

Discussion 4

The following diagrams illustrate two perspectives of the two ages. Look at them and discuss how you understand them. Which one do you think is correct?

Discussion 5

The “Kingdom of God” means the ‘King’s Dominion,’ the ‘King’s Domain,’ the ‘King’s Rule.’

“God’s rule embodied itself in the Person of Jesus Christ, who ushered in God’s reign at a level unparalleled in human experience. The Kingdom was present because the King was present” (Gary Matsdorf).

Discuss what this meant in Jesus’ time and what it means for us today.

Discussion 6

Jesus spoke about the “Kingdom of God” and the “Kingdom of Heaven.” Some think that this means there are two kingdoms.

Read the following verses and discuss how you understand them. Is there one, or are there two, kingdoms? Matthew 19:23-34; compare Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30-31.

B. The Message of the Kingdom

Discussion 7

Read the following verses and discuss what was the main message being preached. How should that influence our preaching today?

• John the Baptist – Matt. 3:1-3; 11:11-15
• Jesus – Matt. 4:17, 23; 9:35; 12:28; Luke 4:42-43
• The 12 disciples sent two by two – Matt. 10:7-8
• When the 70 were sent to preach – Luke 10:8-9
• Philip the Evangelist – Acts 8:12
• The Apostle Paul – Acts 19:8

Discussion 8

Read the following verses and discuss why Jesus came to bring God’s Kingdom: Luke 15; 19:10; 2 Cor. 5:17-21; Colossians 1:13-14; 1 John 3:8.

Discussion 9

A paradox is a seemingly self-contradictory statement or proposition that when investigated or explained may prove to be well founded or true. When studying the Kingdom of God there appears to be such a paradox. Jesus said the Kingdom was present (Luke 17:20-21; Matthew 21:31). He also said the Kingdom was future (Luke 19:11; 21:31; 22:16,18). After reading the preceding verses, talk about the concept of the Kingdom being “now” but “not yet.”

Discussion 10

In continuation of the preceding discussion about the paradox of the Kingdom being “already, but not yet,” look at the diagram below and discuss the overlap of the two ages, the presence of the future.

C. The Mystery of the Kingdom

Discussion 11

Discuss the following: According to Matthew 13:10-17, the purpose of the parables is to reveal and conceal the mysteries/secrets of God’s Kingdom. When studying a parable, look for one main point (unless Jesus gives the details) and relate that point to the Kingdom of God. Don’t allegorize.

George Eldon Ladd wrote in his book Theology of the New Testament (p. 91): “The central theme of the New Testament is that the Kingdom of God is the redemptive reign of God dynamically active to establish His rule among men, and that this Kingdom which will appear as a spectacular act at the end of the age, has already come into history in the Person and ministry of Jesus to overcome evil, to deliver men from its power, and to bring them into the blessings of God’s reign. The Kingdom of God involves two great moments: fulfillment in history, and consummation at the end of history. It is precisely this background that provides the setting for the parables of the Kingdom.”

Discussion 12

Read and discuss the main point of each of the following parables.

Five Truths / Eight Parables

What was the purpose of the parables? (Matthew 13:10-17). How do we interpret the parables?

The Kingdom’s Entry – It Depends on Man’s Response

• The Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:1-10,19-32)

The Kingdom’s Effect – It Creates a Mixed Society

• The Parable of the Tares (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
• The Parable of the Dragnet (Matthew 13:47-50)

The Kingdom’s End – Small Beginning / Great End

• The Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32)
• The Parable of the Leaven (Matthew 13:33)

The Kingdom’s Excellence – It’s Worth Everything to Enter It

• The Parable of the Treasure (Matthew 13:44)
• The Parable of the Pearl (Matthew 13:45-46)

The Kingdom’s Explanation – It Grows Supernaturally

• The Parable of the Self-Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)
• The Teacher of the Kingdom (Matthew 13:51-52)

Discussion 13 – The Kingdom and the Church

Read and discuss the following differences between the Church and the Kingdom. What role does the Church have in the Kingdom?

The Church is Not the Kingdom!

• The Kingdom Creates the Church (Matthew 16:18)
• The Church Witnesses to the Kingdom (Matthew 16:15-18; 24:14)
• The Church is the Instrument of the Kingdom (Matthew 10:8) (Luke 10:17)
• The Church is a Custodian of the Kingdom (Matthew 16:19; Luke 11:52)

The God of the Kingdom

Discussion 14 – The God of the Kingdom

Read and discuss the following passages about God. How does this influence your view and understanding of God?

• The Seeking God (Luke 15)
• The Inviting God (Matthew 22:1-14; Luke 14:15-24)
• The Fatherly God (Matthew 6:9; 13:43; Luke 15:11-24)
• The Judging God (Matthew 25:34, 41)

Discussion 15 – The King of the Kingdom

How do the following passages help your understanding of Jesus?

• The “Son of David” – Matthew (Matthew 1:1, 20:31; Isaiah 9:6-7)
• The “Suffering Servant” – Mark (Mark 10:45; Isaiah 42:1; 52:13)
• The “Son of Man” – Luke (Luke 19:10; Daniel 7:13-14)
• The “Son of God” – John (John 20:31)

D. The Mandate of the Kingdom

Discussion 16 – Entering the Kingdom

Read and discuss the following verses. Is there any action you should take?

Entering the Kingdom

• We Must Have God’s Righteousness (Matthew 5:20)
• We Must Be Born Again (John 3:5)
• We Must Repent and Believe (Mark 1:15)
• We Must Give Up All to Follow Jesus (Matthew 16:24-26)
• A Radical Response (Matthew 11:12; Luke 16:16) (Mark 9:43-47)
• A Resolute Response (Luke 9:57-62)

Living in the Kingdom

• Blessings and the Kingdom (Matthew 5:3-10)
• Provision and the Kingdom (Matthew 6:33)
• Forgiveness and the Kingdom (Matthew 6:12, 14-15; Matthew 18:21-35)
• Greatness and the Kingdom (Matthew 20:25-28) (John 13:1-17)

E. The Might of the Kingdom

Discussion 17

Read and discuss the following verses. What does this teach you about Jesus?

Kallas (The Real Satan, p. 60, 76) – “A war is going on! Cosmic war! Jesus is the divine invader sent by God to shatter the strengths of Satan. In that light, the whole ministry of Jesus unrolls. Jesus has one purpose – to defeat Satan… In doing so, Jesus attacks not only Satan and the demons but also their works.”

The Temptation of Jesus (Luke 4:1-13)

Note: Jesus was filled with the Spirit and led by the Spirit into this conflict with Satan. What are the 3 ways Satan attacked Jesus? Compare Adam & Eve in Genesis 3:6, and us in 1 John 2:16, with Jesus in this passage.

What can we learn from this? (1 Cor. 10:13; 1 Pet. 5:8-9; James 4:7)

The Announcement of Jesus (Luke 4:14, 18-21; 1 John 3:8)

The Exorcisms of Jesus (Luke 4:32-37, 41)

The Healings of Jesus (Luke 4:38-41; Matthew 12:28-29)

What are different ways that Jesus healed the sick? (Mk 1:41; Matt. 14:34-36; Jn. 5:8-9; Matt. 8:5-13)

What types of diseases did Jesus heal? (Luke 4:40; Matt. 4:24; 8:2-3, 5-13; 8: 14-15; 9:27-30; 17:14-18; Mark 3:1-4; 5:25-34; 7:32-35; Luke 14:1-4; 17:11; John 9:1-7)

Jesus raised the dead:

• Widow’s son – Luke 7:11-16
• Jairus’ daughter – Mark 5:35-42
• Lazarus – Jn. 11:43-44

F. The Mission of the Kingdom

Discussion 18 – Read and discuss the following passages. What role to you have in this?

• The Preaching/Power of the Kingdom (Matthew 10:7-8) (Luke 10:1, 9, 17-19)
• The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20; Mark 16:15; John 20:21)

G. The Ministry of the Kingdom

Discussion 19

Read and discuss the following. How does this influence your prayer life?

Kingdom Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) (Luke 11:1-10; Luke 18:1-5) (1 Corinthians 14:15)

The Pattern For Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13)

Approach God As Your Heavenly Father!

About God: (9-10)

• “Your Name” – God’s Person
• “Your Kingdom” – God’s Power
• “Your Will” – God’s Purposes

About Us: (11-13)

• “Give Us” – Our Provision
• “Forgive Us” – Our Pardon
• “Deliver Us” – Our Protection

Matsdorf (Kingdom of God, p. 26): “Kingdom pray-ers realize they are partnering with God toward the realization of His reign on earth. They exercise the privilege of releasing God’s reign through prayer to change lives and situations.”

H. The Mindset of the Kingdom

Discussion 20 – Kingdom Dualism

Read and discuss the following ideas about the mindset of the authors of the New Testament. Compare the different terms used: Two Ages, Two Worlds; In Christ, outside of Christ; Kingdom of God, Eternal Life. Discuss the dualisms used.

• Ladd – “Eschatological dualism is the substructure of redemptive history.”
• Fee – “The basic theological framework of the entire New Testament is eschatological.”
• The two ages and their overlap are the “mindset” of the New Testament

People In the Days of Jesus Viewed All of Life in Terms of Two Ages:

This Age	Age to Come
Evil	Good
Sickness	Health
Death	Life
Satan’s Domain	God’s Domain

 

Discussion 21 – Eschatological Dualism

Synoptic Gospels: Two Ages (Eschatological Dualism) / Kingdom of God

Discuss the relationship between Eschatological Dualism (two ages) and the Kingdom of God.

Discussion 22 – Cosmological Dualism (Two Worlds) / Eternal Life

Gospel of John:

• Kingdom of God – John 3:3,5
• Cosmological Dualism (Two Worlds) – John 8:23; 17:14-16; 3:16; 20:31

Compare Eschatological Dualism with Cosmological Dualism. How do these relate to the Kingdom of God?

Book of Acts: The Kingdom of God / Eternal Life

• An Eschatological Event = The Resurrection (Acts 2:31-32; 4:10)
• An Eschatological Message = The Gospel (Acts 2:38; 3:19; 16:31)
• An Eschatological Gift = The Holy Spirit (Acts 2:17; 2:38-39)
• An Eschatological Community = The Church (Acts 2:46-47)

Epistles of Paul: Two Ages / The Kingdom of God

Two Ages (Ephesians 1:21)	The Kingdom (1 Corinthians 4:20)
Two Worlds (Galatians 1:34)	Eternal Life (Romans 6:23)

Discussion 23 – Christological Dualism

Discuss the Christological Dualism = In Christ (2 Corinthians 5:17)

	Two Ages / Kingdom	Two Worlds / Life
Hebrews / General Epistles:	Hebrews 6:5, 9:26; James 2:5; 1 Peter 5:10; 2 Peter 1:11; 1 John 2:28, 3:2; Jude 1:24	Hebrews 9:23-24; James 1:17, 3:15-17; 1 Peter 2:5; 2 Peter 1:4; 1 John 2:15-17; Jude 1:21
Revelation:	Revelation 11:15	Revelation 21:4-5