1.In the book of Acts we read about some great men who served the Lord in the early church. 2.One of these men was Philip the evangelist who: a.was 1 of the 7 men who served the Jerusalem church b.led many people to the Lord in Samaria c.taught and baptized the eunuch of Ethiopia. 3.We are especially interested in something Philip did in Samaria -- he preached "the things concerning the kingdom of God" (Acts 8:12). 4.In our lesson we are concentrating on "3 things concerning God's kingdom." a.God's kingdom has a King. b.God's kingdom has subjects. c.God's kingdom has a law. 5.Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I.GOD'SKINGDOMHASAKING
A.In order for a kingdom to exist there must be a king. B.A king is one who: 1.possesses power and authority 2.reveals his law to his subjects 3.receives honor and respect from his subjects. C.In God's kingdom, Jesus is King. 1.In 1 Timothy 6:15 Jesus is described as "King of kings, and Lord of Lords." 2.As King, Jesus possesses all authority (Matthew 28:18). 3.He alone is the head of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). D.The fact that Jesus is the head of His church brings us to our next point.
II.GOD'SKINGDOMHASCITIZENS
A.In order for a kingdom to exist there must be citizens or subjects. B.In God's kingdom, Christians are citizens. 1.(Ephesians 2:19) Christians are "fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." 2.(Colossians 1:13) The citizens of God's kingdom are those who have been delivered "from the power of darkness" and "translated" into it (see 2:12-13). 3.Jesus explained how we enter God's kingdom in John 3:3, 5 [remember how the people in Samaria reacted when Philip preached there -- Acts 8:12]. C.The citizens of God's kingdom are subject to the King (Colossians 3:17). D.For our final point we need to understand that . . .
III.GOD'SKINGDOMHASALAW
A.In order for a kingdom to exist it must have a law or system of laws. B.In God's kingdom, the New Testament of Christ is the law. 1.(Hebrews 9:15) Jesus, the King, "is the mediator of the new testament." 2.(Hebrews 8:6) Jesus "is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises." C.Citizens of God's kingdom have a responsibility concerning our law (Colossians 3:16a). D.Those who comply with the Lord's law enjoy special blessings. 1.See James 1:25. 2.To be more specific, see John 8:31-32; John 14:21, 23; John 15:7.
Conclusion:
1.We have examined "3 things concerning the kingdom of God." 2.Is Jesus your King? 3.Are you a citizen of His kingdom? 4.Are you complying with His law?
