So, last week, we took the time to build out the “Kingdom of God” vs “Kingdom of Darkness” on our flip charts. Which put the principles and realities that we have been learning before our eyes. Jesus has commissioned us to go forth as His disciples into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature (Mark 16:15-18, Luke 24:47-49, John 15:15-17). We are to teach what Jesus taught, and do what Jesus did, through the power of the Holy Spirit, just like He did. . . So today, we’re going to look specifically at what the gospels say Jesus taught.
In Colossians 1:13 Paul tells us that Jesus:
Colossians 1:13 (KJV) 13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
I want you to notice that it is already done! It’s not going to be done, it’s not being done, it’s not IF, it’s done. It is finished.
Acts 1:3 (KJV) 3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
During the forty days, there are eight different occurrences recorded of Jesus appearing and talking with his disciples. His message from the beginning of His ministry and after His resurrection was of the kingdom.
Matthew 4:17 (NLT2) 17 From then on Jesus began to preach, “Repent of your sins and turn to God, for the Kingdom of Heaven is near.”
When we read the “from then on” it is referring to directly after Jesus’ temptation in the wilderness. We also find He also immediately begun to demonstrate the kingdom.
Matthew 4:23 (NLT2) 23 Jesus traveled throughout the region of Galilee, teaching in the synagogues and announcing the Good News about the Kingdom. And he healed every kind of disease and illness.
Remember it takes faith in order to receive, so teaching and preaching what it takes to get entrance into the kingdom have to go hand in hand with healing.
First, we must be born again:
John 3:3 (NLT2) 3 Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.”
1 Corinthians 2:14 (AMP) 14 But the natural, nonspiritual man does not accept or welcome or admit into his heart the gifts and teachings and revelations of the Spirit of God, for they are folly (meaningless nonsense) to him; and he is incapable of knowing them [of progressively recognizing, understanding, and becoming better acquainted with them] because they are spiritually discerned and estimated and appreciated.
The natural man can be both those who are not born again, and can be carnal Christians. For this reason we are taught that we must become like children when we are “born again” and then told over and over that we have to grow into our faith, just like the seed grows, and/or dies and withers.
Matthew 18:3 (KJV) 3 And said, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.
Little children need help, we first have to admit that we can’t save ourselves, and then we have to totally trust in Him, just like children trust adults for their wellbeing. The kingdom is no respecter of persons, we all must enter in the same way.
Matthew 11:11 (KJV) 11 Verily I say unto you, Among them that are born of women there hath not risen a greater than John the Baptist: notwithstanding he that is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.
Remember that John the Baptist died before Jesus’ death and resurrection, so he was living and serving under the Old Testament/Old Covenant, therefore of those of us who have accepted Christ as our savior and been born again, even the least of these is greater that John the Baptist. John was a prophet looking forward to the deliverance of the Cross of Calvary, we are heirs of the kingdom looking back on what has been done for us at the Cross of Calvary! The Cross of Calvary is the dividing line for all.
Mark 10:15 (AMP) 15 Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive and accept and welcome the kingdom of God like a little child [does] positively shall not enter it at all.
Jesus taught that in the kingdom, there is no lack.
Matthew 6:33 (AMP) 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides.
When God supplies our needs, He overwhelms us with more than we can/could ever imagine. One of His names is El Shaddai meaning God of Abundance (many breasted one). God’s Kingdom is not of this world.
John 18:36 (AMP) 36 Jesus answered, My kingdom (kingship, royal power) belongs not to this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My followers would have been fighting to keep Me from being handed over to the Jews. But as it is, My kingdom is not from here (this world); [it has no such origin or source].
The kingdom of God is within us:
Luke 17:20-21 (KJV) 20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: 21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
The King will come not with observation, but the kingdom has been born in our hearts. It is the Father’s pleasure to give us the kingdom.
Luke 12:31-32 (AMP) 31 Only aim at and strive for and seek His kingdom, and all these things shall be supplied to you also. 32 Do not be seized with alarm and struck with fear, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom!
The kingdom is the manifestation of God’s will in the earth.
Matthew 6:10 (AMP) 10 Your kingdom come, Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
Matthew 6:10
Note on Matthew 6:10
This is speaking of God’s power and authority. This is essential to remind ourselves that God can do anything. Then we pray that God’s will to be done on the earth even as it is in heaven. In heaven, everything is according to God’s will. So let it be on earth. There is no sickness in heaven, no sin, no poverty, no strife. That’s God’s will for this earth too.
Life For Today Study Bible Notes
Note 30 at Matthew 6:10: The word “kingdom” means “a political or territorial unit ruled by a sovereign.” When applied to God, it could refer to all creation, since “his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalms 103:19), but “kingdom” more often applies to His rule in and through those who are submitted to Him. The parables of the kingdom in Matthew 13 are clearly referring to the church. Compared with Luke 17:21, we see that “the kingdom of God” more specifically refers to Christ living and ruling in our hearts. So, praying “thy kingdom come” is praying for the expansion and influence of God’s rule in the hearts of people everywhere and ultimately, the establishment of His physical kingdom here on earth at His second coming (Revelation 11:15 and 20:4).
The term “kingdom of heaven” is a term found thirty-three times in Matthew’s Gospel. By comparing Matthew 13:31 with Mark 4:30-31, it can be seen that the “kingdom of God” and the “kingdom of heaven” are identifying the same thing.
Note 31 at Matthew 6:10: God’s Word reveals (or is) His will (examples: 2 Peter 3:9 and 3 John 2). Praying for God’s will means praying in agreement with His Word (compare with Psalms 103:20 and 1 John 5:14-15).
Note 32 at Matthew 6:10: We do not have to live beggarly existences here on this earth and just wait till we all get to heaven to begin experiencing the benefits of our salvation. Jesus told us to pray “thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” In heaven, He will wipe away all tears from our eyes (Revelation 21:4), so here on earth we can pray and believe to receive “joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8). Healing, prosperity, and all the other benefits of heaven are ours here on earth to the degree that we can believe and receive them.
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
We also find that the kingdom includes authority over the enemy. Dominion.
Matthew 12:28-29 (AMP) 28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I drive out the demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you [before you expected it]. 29 Or how can a person go into a strong man's house and carry off his goods (the entire equipment of his house) without first binding the strong man? Then indeed he may plunder his house.
Matthew 12:28
Note on Matthew 12:28
The casting out of devils is a manifest token of the kingdom of God working in the person who is casting the demons out. This was one of the signs Jesus said would follow true believers (Mark 16:17).
Matthew 12:29
Note on Matthew 12:29
Jesus said in Matthew 12:28 that the casting out of devils is a proof of God’s power working in the one casting them out. Now Jesus explains why that is. It’s because Satan would never allow someone to do so to his demons if he had any power to stop it. Therefore, anyone who can defeat Satan’s demons must have authority over Satan too. We got that power and authority through Jesus (Matthew 10:1, Luke 10:17-20, and 1 John 4:4).
Andrew Wommack's Living Commentary.
The kingdom includes healing for the sick.
Luke 9:11 (KJV) 11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
Jesus said that the kingdom must be preached in all the world before the end comes.
Matthew 24:14 (NLT2) 14 And the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come.
Revelation 7:9 (NLT2) 9 After this I saw a vast crowd, too great to count, from every nation and tribe and people and language, standing in front of the throne and before the Lamb. They were clothed in white robes and held palm branches in their hands.
Jesus taught that the kingdom is like:
The parable of the sower,
Mark 4:1-14 (KJV) 1 And he began again to teach by the sea side: and there was gathered unto him a great multitude, so that he entered into a ship, and sat in the sea; and the whole multitude was by the sea on the land. 2 And he taught them many things by parables, and said unto them in his doctrine, 3 Hearken; Behold, there went out a sower to sow: 4 And it came to pass, as he sowed, some fell by the way side, and the fowls of the air came and devoured it up. 5 And some fell on stony ground, where it had not much earth; and immediately it sprang up, because it had no depth of earth: 6 But when the sun was up, it was scorched; and because it had no root, it withered away. 7 And some fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up, and choked it, and it yielded no fruit. 8 And other fell on good ground, and did yield fruit that sprang up and increased; and brought forth, some thirty, and some sixty, and some an hundred. 9 And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear. 10 And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable. 11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: 12 That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. 13 And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? 14 The sower soweth the word.
There are 29 parables in the gospels that reveal the kingdom. Some parables of the kingdom are:
1. Parable of the sower
2. Parable of the weeds
3. Parable of the mustard seed and the yeast
4. Parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl
5. Parable of the net
Matthew 13:11-43 (KJV) 11 He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. 12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath. 13 Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. 14 And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15 For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. 16 But blessed are your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. 17 For verily I say unto you, That many prophets and righteous men have desired to see those things which ye see, and have not seen them; and to hear those things which ye hear, and have not heard them. 18 Hear ye therefore the parable of the sower. 19 When any one heareth the word of the kingdom, and understandeth it not, then cometh the wicked one, and catcheth away that which was sown in his heart. This is he which received seed by the way side. 20 But he that received the seed into stony places, the same is he that heareth the word, and anon with joy receiveth it; 21 Yet hath he not root in himself, but dureth for a while: for when tribulation or persecution ariseth because of the word, by and by he is offended. 22 He also that received seed among the thorns is he that heareth the word; and the care of this world, and the deceitfulness of riches, choke the word, and he becometh unfruitful. 23 But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty. 24 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field: 25 But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way.
Tares = Lies, Wheat Seed = Word of God
26 But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. 27 So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? 28 He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? 29 But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. 30 Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn.
God is letting it all grow together until the end, explanation is 37-43.
31 Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32 Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof. 33 Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened.
There is enough power in one incorruptible seed of God, there is enough grace, to save the whole world. The leaven, there is enough to impact the whole. . . All of it, any single one of us has enough grace and leaven as the incorruptible seed of God to impact the whole world!
34 All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35 That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. 36 Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. 37 He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; 38 The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one; 39 The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. 40 As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. 41 The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; 42 And shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. 43 Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear.
From all these, we find that the key to success is to put the Word into practice.
Matthew 7:24-27 (KJV) 24 Therefore whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, which built his house upon a rock: 25 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock. 26 And every one that heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them not, shall be likened unto a foolish man, which built his house upon the sand: 27 And the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house; and it fell: and great was the fall of it.
Matthew 6:31-34 (AMP) 31 Therefore do not worry and be anxious, saying, What are we going to have to eat? or, What are we going to have to drink? or, What are we going to have to wear? 32 For the Gentiles (heathen) wish for and crave and diligently seek all these things, and your heavenly Father knows well that you need them all. 33 But seek (aim at and strive after) first of all His kingdom and His righteousness (His way of doing and being right), and then all these things taken together will be given you besides. 34 So do not worry or be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will have worries and anxieties of its own. Sufficient for each day is its own trouble.
As we gird our loin with the belt of the truth of God’s Word and have faith as a little child, true success in life happens, living in the kingdom of God is beyond our wildest imaginations.
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