The Promises of God - Lesson 13 Jesus Is Reigning Over God's Kingdom
Introduction:
1. God promised, through prophecies in both the Old and New Testaments, that He would establish His kingdom. 2. The fulfillment of these prophecies indicates that God's kingdom was established in Jerusalem on Pentecost (Acts 2). 3. In this lesson we are examining a number of passages which indicate that Jesus is now reigning over God's kingdom. 4. This is an important study because many people are looking for Jesus to return and set up the kingdom on earth. 5. Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. JESUS' REIGN OVER GOD'S KINGDOM WAS PROPHESIED ON MANY OCCASIONS
A. Jacob made a significant prophecy when he blessed his son Judah (Genesis 49:8-10). 1. Although Jacob did not specifically refer to God's kingdom as he blessed Judah, he did mention: a. "the scepter" b. "a lawgiver" c. "the gathering of the people." 2. According to Jesus' genealogy in Matthew 1, His ancestors included the kings of Judah. B. An important prophecy was made about Jesus and the kingdom in Psalm 45:6-7. 1. This prophecy mentions: a. God's everlasting throne and the scepter of His kingdom b. someone divine receiving a special anointing. 2. According to Hebrews 1:8-9, God made these statements to His Son. C. (Isaiah 9:6-7) In one of his prophecies about Jesus, Isaiah mentioned: 1. His divine authority 2. "the throne of David" 3. "his kingdom." D. In Luke 1:26-33, Gabriel informed Mary that Jesus: 1. would be given "the throne of his father David" 2. would reign forever over His everlasting kingdom.
II. JESUS PRESENTLY REIGNS OVER HIS KINGDOM
A. We must understand that Jesus' kingdom is a spiritual kingdom. 1. Many people have been confused over the nature of the Lord's kingdom (John 6:15; Acts 1:6). 2. Jesus said that His kingdom "is not of this world" (John 18:36). B. Jesus reigns over His kingdom in a special location -- at the Father's right hand. 1. Acts 2:32-36 2. Colossians 3:1 3. 1 Peter 3:21-22 C. Jesus identified His church as the kingdom (Matthew 16:18-19), and He alone is its head. 1. Ephesians 1:18-23 2. Colossians 1:18
III. JESUS WILL REIGN UNTIL "THE END" (1Corinthians 15:20-26)
A. When Jesus returns He will not set up His kingdom -- He will deliver it to the Father. B. He is reigning over His kingdom now at the Father's right hand.
