SEMESTER 5
167 – General Facts about the Kingdom “1”
BIBLE INSTITUTE OF CORRESPONDENCE
COURSE: THEOLOGY V LESSON # 67
ESCHATOLOGY – THE KINGDOM OF GOD – GENERAL FACTS ABOUT THE KINGDOM # 1
Read: Acts 28:23-31
, Acts 19:8 and Acts 20:20-27
INTRODUCTION:
1. In the first lesson of the series, I simply introduced subject and format.
2. The second lesson was a safety check to guard against, in any way, spiritualizing Christ’s return.
3. My text, in this lesson is to reemphasize the propriety of our subject as a major New Testament study.
4. Note the preeminence of the subject in Paul’s ministry.
5. As we begin this extended study, I want for some time to present simple Bible facts about the kingdom.
6. The collective assemblage of these facts should in some measure guard against the misinterpretation of them.
I. THE COMMON MESSAGE OF NEW TESTAMENT PREACHERS
1. During Christ’s life – John the Baptist – (Mat. 3:2), Jesus – (Mat. 4:17), the apostles – (Mat. 10:7)
2. After His resurrection the apostles continued this. (Mat. 24:14, Acts 1:3, Acts 8:12, Acts 20:25)
3. Paul refers to his fellow-prisoners at Rome as his fellow-workers unto the kingdom. (Col 4:11)
II. A GREAT SEGMENT OF NEW TESTAMENT DOCTRINE
1. One hundred forty-four references including every New Testament writer except Jude.
2. Matthew uses the term in more than 50 verses (Paul uses the term 16 times) only seven chapters omit it.
3. You cannot see Jesus Christ in your Bible without meeting head on with this doctrine.
III. IT IS TOTAL IN ITS TENSES
1. It is viewed in the New Testament in the past tense. (Mat. 11:12, Jn. 18:36)
2. It is viewed as present in the New Testament. (Mat. 11:12, and 12:28)
3. It is viewed as future. (Mat. 6:10, Lk. 22:18, Lk. 23:42)
IV. IT MUST BE VIEWED SPIRITUALLY
1. It is referred to as within (among?). (Lk. 17:21)
2. It cometh not with observation. (Lk. 17:20)
3. It carries with it the nature of invisibility. (Jn. 3:3)
V. IT MUST BE VIEWED PHYSICALLY
1. The participants are to sit down (future) with … (Lk. 13:28-29)
2. They eat bread in the Kingdom of God, (Lk. 14:15) a passive implication.
3. We shall drink the fruit of the vine in the kingdom. (Mat. 26:29, Mk. 14:25, Lk. 22:15-18)
III: If you try to spiritualize the Kingdom in these senses, you spiritualize hell.
Notice: Mat. 25:34 compared to Mat. 25:46.
VI. A PRACTICAL EXHORTATION
1. Seek ye first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness. (Mat. 6:33)
2. Has God’s grace imparted this disposition to you?