The Eternal Kingdom of Jesus Christ

 

Introduction. (Matthew 6:31-33) In this text Jesus points out that there are some things that should not be our focus, but instead seeking “the kingdom.” There are a number of things about the kingdom that are important for us to consider.  

I. The Promised Kingdom.

A.  Jacob’s blessing to Judah (Gen. 49:8-10). Note: “scepter” refers to kingship; obedience to Shiloh = Messianic title.

B.  God’s promise to David (2 Sam. 7:12-16). Note: David’s throne is to last forever.

C.  Last Davidic king (2 Kings 24:8-12; 25:27-30).  Note: never again to reign.

D.  Daniel’s prophecy (Dan. 2:36-45). This promises four kingdoms: Babylon, Macedonian, Persian, Roman. In the days of the fourth (Rome), God will set up a kingdom that will “never be destroyed” and “not left to another” (vs. 44).

II.  The Coming of Jesus.

A.  Promise to Mary (Luke 1:30-33).

B.  John’s Call (Matthew 3:1-2).

C.  Jesus’ Call (Mark 1:14-15)

1.      Preaching the kingdom (Luke 4:42-44).  

2.      The nature of this kingdom (Luke 17:20,21).

3.      Jesus before Pilate (John 18:33-37). 

III.  The Kingdom Established.

A.  The authority of Jesus (Matthew 28:18-20).

B.  Christians in the kingdom (Colossians 1:13,14).

C.  The duration of the kingdom: It endures to the end until it is delivered to God the Father (1 Corinthians 15:20-26).

IV.  Misconceptions About the Kingdom.

A.  It hasn’t been established (Rev. 1:9). Note: John and the addressees of the book were companions it the kingdom.

B.  It is an earthly kingdom (Dan. 2:44).  It would consume all others and not be left to another. We might compare the fact that the Gospel is for the entire world.

1.      The apostles misunderstood (Acts 1:6-8).

2.      Sin was the problem (Luke 17:21). Submission to the king is eternal (John 8:30-34).

C.  Apostasy brought the kingdom to an end.

1.      It is clear that apostasy was promised ( 2 Thes. 2:1-4).

2.      There is a turning away that is promised (Acts 20:29,30).  This doesn’t change the promise of Jesus’ eternal kingdom (cf. Dan. 2:44; Luke 1:32,33). The spiritual Israel has always been the remnant.

D.  It is yet to come (Revelation 20:4, 11-12). This view makes the church something different from the kingdom.  If so, the church is an afterthought—and the kingdom is not yet established. This view combines the first three misconceptions! That means: 1) It is not yet established; 2) It will be earthly; and 3) Israel’s rejection of Jesus foiled God’s plan.   We can answer this by considering the kingdom in the book of Revelation.

1.      The kingdom in Revelation (Rev. 20:4).  We must remember Rev. 1:9 “companion in tribulation and the kingdom.” What is said here and what is not? 

2.      First there is no mention of Jesus reigning on the earth.

3.      Second there is no mention of starting only when the persecuted begin to reign.

4.      Third, after reigning then comes the end (Rev. 20:11-12).  Compare this with. 1 Cor. 15:20-26 where the kingdom is delivered to the Father, “then comes the end.”  This is not different from the record of the rest of the New Testament.

·         Jesus in heaven now has all authority

·         Those in submission to Him reign in His kingdom here and in the life to come.

·         No apostasy or persecution can overcome it.

·         It continues until the end.