Explanation
The doctrine of the Holy Spirit reveals God’s plan for people both now and for eternity. This was the primary message of Jesus and is the major theme of the Bible. This doctrine addresses God’s end game for his creation. It also addresses the means by which God works and moves in our world. There is both and now and future aspect to the kingdom. The kingdom is also something we choose to join and serve. However, what exactly is the kingdom of God? Can we define it? How does it work? How do we join? How do we cooperate with God and help it grow? What does it mean for us to be kingdom citizens?
KEY SCRIPTURES
Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question. They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject. Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject. They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole. Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion. Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.
The content of New Testament preaching
Matthew 3:1-2 – In those days John the Baptist came, preaching in the Desert of Judea and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” NIV
Matthew 4:17 – From that time on Jesus began to preach, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near.” NIV
Matthew 9:35 – Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. NIV
Matthew 10:7 – As you go, preach this message: ‘The kingdom of heaven is near.’ NIV
Acts 8:12 – But when they believed Philip as he preached the good news of the kingdom of God and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women. NIV
See also Acts 19:8
The ultimate triumph of the Kingdom
Revelation 11:15 – The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, and he will reign for ever and ever. NIV
Revelation 12:10 – Now have come the salvation and the power and the kingdom of our God, and the authority of his Christ. NIV
See also Luke 13:29-30 & Hebrews 1:8
Entering the Kingdom
Matthew 5:3 – Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NIV
Matthew 5:10 – Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. NIV
2 Peter 1:10-11- Therefore, my brothers, be all the more eager to make your calling and election sure. For if you do these things, you will never fall, and you will receive a rich welcome into the eternal kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. NIV
Matthew 21:31-32 – I tell you the truth, the tax collectors and the prostitutes are entering the kingdom of God ahead of you. For John came to you to show you the way of righteousness, and you did not believe him, but the tax collectors and the prostitutes did. And even after you saw this, you did not repent and believe him. NIV
Ephesians 5:5 – For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person — such a man is an idolater — has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God. NIV
The value of the Kingdom
Matthew 13:44 – “The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. NIV
Matthew 13:45 -“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. NIV
See also Matthew 13:52
Inductive Bible Study Questions
to be used with individual Key Scriptures
- What is the primary point of this passage?
- How does this passage challenge us?
- How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
- What does this passage teach us about God?
- What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
- What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
- What does this passage ask or require of us?
Key Scriptures Bible Study
to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together
- Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
- Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
- How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
- What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
- Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?
DISCUSSION GUIDES
GROWING EXERCISES
- Examine each of the following scriptures. Identify the qualities present from the kingdom of darkness in each scripture. Then identify the qualities of the kingdom of light Jesus uses to drive back or repair the darkness. What does the example of Jesus about how to challenge darkness in our lives, families, communities and world?
Matthew 8: 28-34
Luke 17: 11-19
John 9: 1-15
Matthew 14: 15-21
John 4: 1-38
Luke 19: 1-10
John 3: 1-21
- Identify 5 strongholds of the kingdom of darkness around you. This could be in the form of an addiction, broken relationship, exploitation, hatred, bitterness, ignorance, etc… Write all this down on a piece of paper. Next, identify the results and/or fruit of this darkness: separation, brokenness, shame, misery, hopelessness, etc… Next, identify the opposite qualities in the Kingdom of God. For example, the opposite of addiction is freedom. The opposite of ignorance is enlightenment. The opposite of bitterness is forgiveness. Discuss these with your coach and strategize how you can bring the qualities of the kingdom to bear on the strongholds of darkness in your life.
- Develop a list of at least ten kingdom qualities you would like to experience in your life. If you can’t think of any, reflect on what heaven will be like: God’s presence, joy, peace, reconciliation, truth, etc… (Matthew 6:10). Pray daily for 30 days for these qualities to be a reality in your life. At the end of this time discuss the changes in you and your world with your coach.
- Keep a kingdom journal for 30 days. Daily list at least three ways you encountered the Kingdom of God each day along with at least three ways you encountered the kingdom of darkness. The purpose of this exercise is to help you to be more aware of the spiritual realities and opportunities around you. Discuss your observations and learning with your coach when finished.
How hard was it at first to identify three encounters of each kingdom each day?
Did the exercise become easier over time?
What did you learn about the Kingdom of God?
What did you learn about the kingdom of darkness?
How has this exercise changed your perspective regarding practical spirituality?
- Research the Kingdom of God from four different sources. Contrast and compare these views. How do they define the kingdom? Which scriptures do they emphasize? Are they weighted towards the present or future kingdom? Do they affirm kingdom living today? What does a kingdom citizen look like? Which do you resonate with most? Write your own definition of the Kingdom of God.
RECOMMENDED READING
- The Divine Conspiracy by Dallas Willard
- The Jesus I Never Knew by Phillip Yancy
- Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller
- Mere Christianity by C.S. Lewis
- The Kingdom of God by Martin Lloyd Jones
- The Gospel of the Kingdom by George Eldon Ladd
- The Kingdom of God (Theology in Community) by Christopher Morgan
- Heaven on Earth by R. Alan Streett
- Within; Or, the Kingdom of God Is Within You by Andrew Murray