The Church as a Kingdom

I. General Use of the Kingdom of God

A. God’s dominion over man

B. Psalm 103:19 – “The LORD has established His throne in heaven, and His kingdom rules over all.” Psalm 24:1 – “The earth is the LORD’S, and all its fullness, the world and those who dwell therein.” Daniel 4:34-35 – Nebuchadnezzar’s observation

C. God’s dominion over Satan’s realm

D. Job 1:6, 12 – Satan has to come before God before tempting Job Matthew 4:8-10 – Temptation of Jesus

E. The kingdoms of the world

F. Daniel 4:17, 25 – God rules over the kingdoms of men Romans 13:1-2 – God established the political powers

G. It is incorrect to say, “The kingdom is the church and the church is the kingdom.”

H. Most times in the New Testament when the word “kingdom” is used, it refers to the church. However, the context may denote a different usage of the word.

II. Israel as God’s Kingdom

A. Israel had a special relationship as God’s kingdom

B. 1 Chronicles 28:5: “And of all my sons (for the LORD has given me many sons) He has chosen my son Solomon to sit on the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.” Exodus 19:3-6 – God’s special people

C. If they were obedient, they would remain the special kingdom, Dt. 28:1-14

D. If they were disobedient, they would lose their kingdom, Dt. 28:15-63

E. History shows that they were disobedient and lost the kingdom

F. Hebrews 8:7-9 – Disregarded the covenant and were cast off Matthew 21:43 – “Therefore I say to you, the kingdom of God will be taken from you and given to a nation bearing the fruits of it.”

G. Prophesies of the New Kingdom

H. Even under the Old Law, God promised a new kingdom, one which would be made up of Jews and Gentiles who obeyed Jesus.

I. Daniel 2:36-45 - Charts Isaiah 2:2-4 – Charts

J. The church as God’s kingdom was established as recorded in Acts 2.

K. At hand verses

L. What does this mean for us?

M. We are citizens of the Lord’s kingdom first

N. It is more important than our nationality, family, etc. Our primary obligation is to God; nothing should stand in the way of service to God.

O. We are at war with the kingdom of darkness.

P. We seek to make the devil’s army, our enemy, defect and join our side before Jesus destroys them. We are to battle for the victory, not fight halfheartedly. If we are doing nothing, we give the enemy ground, we are to press the battle.

Q. We must honor the king

R. We should revere and adore Jesus as our king. We must be active as servants in obedience; not an option for serving earthly kings. We should proclaim the goodness of His name to all.

S. Recognize the rule of Jesus

T. The church does not exist as a democracy but a monarchy. There are no earthly committees to decide the “truth,” Jesus has already done that.

U. We should be at peace among ourselves

V. Jesus bought us with a price so we all should be dedicated to Him. We should also be dedicated to one another since we, as brethren, make up His body. If we are divisive or have bitter and malice towards one another, we only help the enemy, not the cause of Christ. Romans 14:19: “Therefore let us pursue the things which make for peace and the things by which one may edify another.”

III. The Everlasting Kingdom

A. Kingdom is also used in a sense for the eternal reward for the righteous.

B. Matthew 25:31-34 – Enter into the kingdom prepared for you2 Peter 1:10-11 – We live faithfully so we can enter that kingdom2 Timothy 4:18: “And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen!”

C. It includes all of the righteous since the beginning of creation

D. The Old Testament faithful, Hebrews 9:15: “And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.” The New Testament faithful, 1 Corinthians 15:24-25: “Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet.”

IV. Entering the kingdom

A. You can enter the kingdom of God, the church, by obedience to Jesus

B. Acts 2:47: “And the Lord added £to the church daily those who were being saved.” Mark 16:16: “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned.”

C. If you are faithful until you die, you will be able to live in that eternal kingdom with Jesus and all the righteous of all time.