E100-58

 

The Kingdom of Heaven

Matthew 13

Kevin's Commentary

You are encouraged to go through steps or process scripture in these steps:

• Pray = in anticipation of what God wants you to discover. Pause to thank God now for the gift of this day and all that you’ll receive from him today.
• Read = Matthew 13 with purpose look for what God is trying to communicate. You may want to read out of several translations and highlight key words.
• Reflect = on the context and put yourself in the shoes of people at that time. What do you think Jesus meant by “the Kingdom of Heaven”? What do you think it is or will be like? Why should we be concerned about it?
•     God is ... What do we learn about God?
•     We are ... What do we learn about people?
• Apply = information without application is fruitless. Decide on some practical steps you can take for fulfill what God wants you to do. Take a walk outside sometime today and look at a garden and some weeds. Reflect on what they teach you about the Kingdom of Heaven.
• Pray = yielding to God to empower you to do what the word convicted you to do. Lord, keep my mind and spirit watchful and alert to see signs of Your Kingdom all around me.

For deeper Bible study and more resources go to my Life of Christ Blog notes.

For other parts of the Essential 100 Scripture Series, click on the link with the topic #E100.

 

#KingdomOfHeaven  

#Parables

POSSIBLE DEVOTIONAL

Kingdom of God (or kingdom of heaven) The rule and authority of God and every person and community of believers in whom that rule is accepted. The Jews looked for Jesus to restore the kingdom of Israel as in David's time, but Jesus established an eternal kingdom filled with both Jews and Gentiles. The kingdom of God on earth today is the church that Jesus died to purchase (Matthew 16:18,19). Paul and John regarded the church as synonymous with the kingdom of God (Colossians 1:13,14; Revelation 1:4-6 NASB or NIV).

What Does Jesus Say about Who Will Enter the Kingdom of Heaven

Jesus said in Matt. 7:21-23 that not everyone who thinks he is going to enter will be able--but he who does His will. Some sincere, busy people will be lost. They were lost because they were lawless; they did not do what God wills. Jesus said:
  • John 8:24 unless you believe that I am He, you will die in your sins John 3:16
  • Luke 13:3,5 unless you repent, you will perish
  • Luke 14:27 "whoever does not carry his own cross and come after me cannot be my disciple."
  • Luke 14:33 "So therefore, no one of you can be My disciple who does not give up all his own possessions."

John 3:1-7 you must be born again to enter the kingdom. This birth is not optional. This birth is of the water and of the Spirit. This birth is a reference to baptism (3:22). In Mark 16:15,16 both faith and baptism are necessary to be saved. It is the one who both believes and in baptized who is saved.

The Church, the Kingdom, the Body and the House of God

• It is called the Church in its Relation to the World (Malt. 16:18; Acts 20:28)
• It is called the Kingdom in its Government (Malt. 16:19; Col. 1:13)

When Was the Church-Kingdom

Established?

Before Acts 2, the Church-Kingdom is spoken of as Future
  • 760 B.C. kingdom established in the "last days" (Isa 2:2,3; Joel 2:28)
  • 600 B.C. to be established in the days of those kings (Dan. 2:44)
  • 555 B.C. the ancient of days (Dan. 7:13,14)
  • 28 A.D. John the Baptist, Jesus, twelve and seventy says kingdom is "at hand" (Matt. 3:2; 4:17; 10:7; Luke 10:19).
  • 29 AD. Jesus prayed for it to come (Matt. 6:9,10)
  • 30 A.D. Jesus predicted that He will build it (Mall. 16:18,19)
  • 30 AD. Jesus predicted some living would see it come with power (Mark 9:1)
  • 30 A.D. the kingdom shall come (Luke 22:18; 19:11)
  • 30 A.D. the disciples were waiting for it (Mark 15:43; Acts 1:6)

The Church is Established In 30 A.D.). In Jerusalem on the Day of Pentecost
In these "last days" (Acts 2:17)
At Jerusalem (Luke 24:47)
3000 Added to them (Acts 2:4 1)
Roman Kings in power (Dan. 2:44; Luke 2:1) Christ Risen and Exalted (Acts 2:22-3 6) During Lifetime of Disciples Standing in Jesus Presence (Mark 9:1)
Kingdom Came with Power (Acts 1:8; 2:1-4)

After Acts 2, the Church-Kingdom is spoken of as a Present Reality
  • 30 A.D. the church is a functioning body of people (Acts 2:47; 5:11)
  • 37 A.D. the church is persecuted (Acts 8:1)
  • 45 A.D. the church is active (Acts 13:1-3; 14:27)
  • 63 A.D. the church-kingdom is in existence (Col. 1:13,14; 1 Tint 3:15)
  • 96 A.D. the kingdom has been purchased by the blood of Christ (Rev. 1:4-6; 5:9,10)
  • 96 A.D. John is in the Kingdom (Rev. 1:9)