The Church: The Kingdom of God
I. In Government God's Church is a Kingdom:
1. Kingdom preached at hand (Matt. 3:2; Mk. 1:14-15).
2. Parables set forth Church as Kingdom (Matt. 13:24, 44, 45, 47).
3. Apostles given authority in Kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19; 19:28).
4. People alive in time of Christ were to witness coming of Kingdom (Mk. 9:1; Lk. 9:27; 12:31-32).
5. A Spiritual Kingdom-not earthly (Jn. 18:36; Rom. 14:17; I Cor. 4:20; Lk. 17:20-21).
6. After day of Pentecost and coming of Holy Spirit, Kingdom spoken of as in existence (Acts 8:12;
20:25; 28:23, 31; Col. 1:13; I Thess. 2:12).
7. In coming unto the Church we receive the Kingdom (Heb. 12:22-28).
8. Lord's Supper is in Kingdom (Lk. 22:16-18; 29-30).
II. Christ as King:
1. By his own teaching and acknowledgment (Luke 23:1-3; Jn. 18:37).
2. He conquered in becoming King (Heb. 2:9,14-15; Rev.1:18; I Jn. 3:8; Matt.12:24-29;
Lk. 11:17-22; 10:17-19).
3. His territory (Lk. 4:5-8) Wrested from Satan (Matt 28:18-20; Rev. 1:5-9).
4. His authority and throne (Lk. 1:32-33; Eph. 1:18-23; I Tim. 6:15; I Pet. 3:22).
5. His law (Jn. 12:48; 1:17; 17:8; I Cor. 9:21; I Jn. 4:6).
III. Essentials of Citizenship in God's Kingdom:
1. Enter by new birth (Jn. 3:5; Acts 2:36-41).
2. Must do God's will (Matt. 7:21).
3. Center affections on Heavenly things (Phil. 3:12-15; Col. 3:1-4).
4. Greatness in Kingdom measured by service rendered (Matt 20:20-28).
5. Must be united (Luke 11:17).
6. Requires sacrifice (Mark 10:23-31).
7. Receive as little child (Mark 10:15).
IV. The Final Picture
(Matt. 13:36-43; 25:31-46; II Thess. 1:7-8,10):
Questions for Discussion:
1. What feature of the Church is emphasized in the fact that it is a Kingdom?
2. What is the nature of this form of government?
3. Who is the King? How did His become King?
4. How complete is his power and authority?
5. How do we become citizens of Christ's Kingdom?
6. When did Christ become King (Eph. 1:18-19)?
7. What is the law in Christ's Kingdom?
8. Whose authority must be recognized exclusively in the Kingdom of Christ?
9. What are some of the obligations of citizenship?
10. How is success in the Kingdom measured?
11. What of those in the Kingdom that give offense?
12. Is the Kingdom of Christ spiritual or earthly (Jn. 18:3 6)?
13. How extensive is Christ's dominion now (Rev. 1:5; I Pet. 3:22; Eph. 1:20-23