Kingdom of ___

Kingdom of ___Text: Matthew 16:19

Throughout the New Testament, references are made to the kingdom. In our text, Jesus referred to this as the “kingdom of heaven.” Yet there are other ways the kingdom is described – “kingdom of ___.” In this lesson, we are going to look at some of these designations to see what is implied in the name.

Kingdom of Heaven (Matthew 16:19)

  • The capital is in heaven (Philippians 3:20; Hebrews 12:22-23)
  • It is a spiritual kingdom (John 18:36; Luke 17:20-21)
  • This kingdom will never be destroyed (Daniel 2:44; Hebrews 12:28)

Kingdom of God (1 Corinthians 15:50)

  • Not founded by some human ruler (cf. Genesis 10:8-10)
  • Belongs to one with supreme authority (Ephesians 1:20-21; Psalm 2:1-9)
  • Faith is required to be part of this kingdom (Hebrews 11:6)

Kingdom of Their Father (Matthew 13:43)

  • We can be children of God (1 John 3:1-2; John 1:12)
  • Jesus Christ counts us as brethren (Hebrews 2:11; Matthew 12:49-50)
  • We must be born again to be in the kingdom (John 3:3-5)

Kingdom of Christ and God (Ephesians 5:5)

  • There is a special relationship between Jesus Christ and God the Father (John 17:5, 24)
  • There is an equality between them (John 5:17-18; 10:30)
  • They have a common purpose (Hebrews 10:5-10; John 17:4)

Kingdom of His Beloved Son (Colossians 1:13)

  • Jesus is the Son of God (Luke 1:32, 35)
  • The Father wants us to hear Him (Matthew 3:17; 17:5)
  • Shows how much God loves us that He was willing to allow His beloved Son to suffer and die for us (John 3:16)

Kingdom of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ (2 Peter 1:11)

  • Jesus is the head over the kingdom (Colossians 1:18; Ephesians 1:22-23)
  • He is the one with all authority (Ephesians 1:21; Matthew 28:18)
  • He is the one with the power to save us (Hebrews 7:24-25)

Conclusion

  • As we see how the Lord’s kingdom is described, we can also see why we should desire to be part of it
  • We need to be part of His kingdom by being added to His church (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 2:38, 41, 47)
  • Once in the kingdom, we must submit to His authority through obedience (Matthew 28:20; Colossians 3:17)