Let Us Study 3 Things about God's Kingdom (Acts 19:8)
Introduction:
1. In the book of Acts we read about some great preachers who served the Lord during the early days of the church's existence. 2. Two of these preachers were Paul the apostle and Philip the evangelist. 3. These men had something in common. a. According to Acts 19:8, Paul went to the synagogue in Ephesus where he disputed and persuaded "the things concerning the kingdom of God." b. We learn from Acts 8:12 that Philip preached "the things concerning the kingdom of God" in Samaria. 4. The preaching of these men indicates that studying "things concerning the kingdom of God" is very important. 5. In our lesson we are concentrating on "3 things about God's kingdom." a. God's kingdom has a King. b. God's kingdom has subjects. c. God's kingdom has a law. 6. Let us begin by showing that . . .
Discussion:
I. THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS A KING
A. In order for a kingdom to exist there must be a king. B. A king is a leader who possesses power and authority, he reveals his law to his subjects, and he receives honor and respect from his subjects. C. In God's kingdom, Jesus is King. 1. This point is made very effectively in Hebrews 1:7-8 (Psalm 45:6). 2. In 1 Timothy 6:15 Jesus is described as "King of kings, and Lord of Lords." 3. As King, Jesus possesses all authority (Matthew 28:18). 4. He alone is the head of His church (Ephesians 1:22-23; Colossians 1:18). D. In addition to having a King, . . .
II. THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS CITIZENS
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. (Acts 2:47) To become citizens of God's kingdom we must be saved, and the Lord will add us to it. C. The citizens of God's kingdom are subject to the King (Colossians 3:17). D. In addition to having a King and citizens, . . .
III. THE KINGDOM OF GOD HAS A LAW
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. We have an important responsibility concerning our law (Colossians 3:16a). D. Those who comply with the Lord's law enjoy special blessings (James 1:25).
Conclusion:
1. We have examined "3 things concerning the kingdom of God." 2. After studying these matters we need to examine ourselves and ask: a. Is Jesus my King? b. Am I a citizen of His kingdom? c. Am I complying with His law?
