1.Recently, we have been studying passages that relate to God's kingdom. a.We examined prophecies that had to do with the establishment of God's kingdom. b.We showed from the fulfillment of these prophecies in Acts 2 that God's kingdom was established in Jerusalem on Pentecost. c.We also dealt with the nature of God's kingdom -- it is a spiritual kingdom. 2.In today's lesson we are concentrating on "entering the kingdom." 3.We are basing our study on the Lord's statements in Matthew 7:21-23. a.According to Jesus, some people will not be able to enter the kingdom. b.Thankfully, some people will be able to enter the kingdom. 4.Let us first focus our attention on the fact that . . .
Discussion:
I.SOMEPEOPLEWILLNOTBEABLETOENTERTHEKINGDOM
A.We learn from 1 Corinthians 6:9-10 that "the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God." 1."The unrighteous" are those who participate in the activities listed. 2.Thankfully, some good news is given in vs.11. 3.Acts 18:8 shows how these people were washed, sanctified, and justified. B.Those who practice "the works of the flesh" listed in Galatians 5:19-21 "shall not inherit the kingdom of God." 1.(Galatians 1:3-5) Christ gave Himself to deliver us from the world. 2.We learn from Galatians 3:26-27 how to get into Christ and be forgiven. C.(Matthew 7:21-23) Many who call Jesus "Lord" will not enter the kingdom. 1.This includes some people who did great works in the Lord's name. 2.Jesus considers such people to be workers of iniquity. 3.Jesus illustrated the problem in vs.26-27.
II.SOMEPEOPLEWILLBEABLETOENTERTHEKINGDOM
A.Jesus taught in Matthew 5:3 that being "poor in spirit" is a requirement for entering the kingdom. 1.The poor in spirit are aware of their spiritual needs (Luke 7:36-38; 18:13). 2.They recognize their spiritual condition and depend upon God for salvation. B.To enter the kingdom we must "be converted, and become as little children" (Matthew 18:3). C.To enter the kingdom we must "be born again" (John 3:3-5). D.To enter the kingdom we must be "translated" into it (Colossians 1:12-14; 2:12). E.To enter the kingdom we must do the Father's will (Matthew 7:21, 24-25).
Conclusion:
1.In our lesson we have shown who will, as well as those who will not, enter the kingdom of God. 2.In closing, is your house built on a rock or on sand? 3.This is determined by your response to the Lord's will.
