A Review of the Kind of Kingdom Christ Placed Us In
Matthew 6:33
Aug 4, 2019 AM
Pastor Craig Ledbetter
Bible Baptist Church, Ballincollig, Cork, Ireland
I. Introduction (Matthew 6:33)
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
1. Still unsure? Maybe think it is a theological term that can’t be understood?
2. What the Kingdom of God is NOT
a. It is not something up in HEAVEN
b. It is not even heaven here on earth – that hasn’t happened yet!
c. It is not “the church” or a religion
d. It is not political, and thankfully has no politics in it
e. It is NOT of this world at all – it cannot be found here in a city, or field, or cave, or temple.
3. It IS however, THE most important thing in the universe to seek and find and live in (Matthew 6:33)
B. JESUS Preached the MOST about the Kingdom of God
1. Mark 1:14,15 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
2. Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him.
C. The Apostle PAUL loved preaching about the Kingdom of God
1. Act 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
2. Act 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
3. Act 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
4. Act 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
D. It excited absolutely everyone who heard about it (Luke 16:16)
1. Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
2. And crowds gathered by the thousands to learn about it
3. It is what caused people to start churches, and filled churches
E. Does it Excite YOU? Or Why Not?
1. Now, people want entertainment, counselling, activities, but not the kingdom of God
2. Maybe we need to make sure we all are on the same page – that everyone actually understands
a. What the Kingdom of God is
b. And Why it is so Important to seek and live in!
3. Because YOUR understanding of the kingdom of God will determine your eternity!
4. And it will determine your life here and now, how you live it, how you respond to problems, how you see others, and how well you will put up with others
F. We desperately need to know what the Kingdom of God really is, and SEEK it (Matthew 6:33) But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
1. To seek it FIRST, before finding a mate, deciding a career, or having fun!
2. That means, to hunger for the kingdom, to own it, yearn to live IN it… not just look forward to it
II. Message
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
1. It is a KINGDOM (Matthew 6:33)
a. It is a Real Kingdom
b. It is NOT OF THIS WORLD (John 18:36) – you won’t find it on a map – it cannot be found here
1) John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
2) Won’t find it in a temple, or a church, or a drug, or a classroom
3) It is a kingdom from above – from God
c. With a King, and subjects, and laws, and citizenship, and GREAT benefits
d. And where people are FREE of the dominion of sin and Satan and of the curse of their self – not that they don’t experience sin’s pull and Satan’s attacks, but that none of those things have DOMINION over them anymore! AMEN!
e. Because they are now under the dominion of the Lord Jesus Christ!
1) The Kingdom of God has ONE king, the Sovereign King of heaven and earth, the Lord Jesus Christ!
2) And everyone in this kingdom is governed, ruled by Jesus!
3) Do you know that Jesus Christ never saved a soul which He did NOT govern? Check your heart and life and see who is actually in charge!
f. And God gives His kingdom to anyone who will accept it by faith (Luke 12:32) Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.
2. It is PRESENT (Luke 17:20,21) – It is right here, right now!
a. Luke 17:20,21 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
b. So, It is not something out in the future
c. NOT way out there, or over there somewhere else
d. But it exists right here, and right now, in Ireland, and England, and Nigeria, and Congo, and South Africa, and Mexico, and France!
e. There is no place that the Kingdom of God is not there. In prisons, hospitals, storms, deserts, palaces, barns, offices, schools, farms, and factories
f. It is wherever believers are! Not where we one day will be!
3. It is IN Every Believer (Luke 17:20,21)
a. Evern though we usually think of a person living IN a kingdom, or nation, or country… our address!
b. The Kingdom of God is actually IN a person – in the heart of a born again believer!
c. The King of Heaven Himself, became a Man and lived in the kingdom of men, just to prove that He could move one step further – INTO THE HEART of any man, who would let Him in!
1) John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever; [THE HOLY SPIRIT]
2) John 14:23 Jesus answered and said unto him, If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him.
3) Paul prays in Eph 3:17-19 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, May be able to comprehend with all saints what is the breadth, and length, and depth, and height; And to know the love of Christ, which passeth knowledge, that ye might be filled with all the fulness of God.
d. So the poorest, the weakest looking person might actually be living victorious in the Kingdom of God, while the most beautiful, the wisest, the smartest, the most religious might be the biggest loser (Luke 13:25-28)
1) Luk 13:25 When once the master of the house is risen up, and hath shut to the door, and ye begin to stand without, and to knock at the door, saying, Lord, Lord, open unto us; and he shall answer and say unto you, I know you not whence ye are:
2) Luk 13:26 Then shall ye begin to say, We have eaten and drunk in thy presence, and thou hast taught in our streets.
3) Luk 13:27 But he shall say, I tell you, I know you not whence ye are; depart from me, all ye workers of iniquity.
4) Luk 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
4. It is INVISIBLE – can’t be seen, or touched (Romans 14:17)
a. That means it is not physical or visible but spiritual (Luke 17:21) … behold, the kingdom of God is within you,
b. Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
c. Yet every believer knows the kingdom of God, and knows they have it! (Mt 11:25-30)
1) Mt 11:25 At that time Jesus answered and said, I thank thee, O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes.
2) Mat 11:26 Even so, Father: for so it seemed good in thy sight.
3) Mat 11:27 All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son, and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him.
4) Mat 11:28 Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [THAT IS HERE AND NOW, NOT IN DEATH]
5) Mat 11:29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
6) Mat 11:30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
5. It is at REST (Matthew 6:25-33)
a. There is no struggle in the Kingdom of God – no war – no fighting
b. No worries, and no fears, and there is no uncertainty
c. No panicing, no anxiety, no lack
d. All anyone needs is found in this kingdom!
e. Because it is a finished kingdom – it is complete – it needs nothing more done
f. The Kingdom of God is heaven in the heart of a troubled man!
g. All the kingdoms of this world cannot be compared to the rest, and the victory that is the Kingdom of God!
h. No wonder the devil does not want anyone knowing about it, and seeking it!
6. It is ETERNAL (Luke 9:27)
a. Kingdoms have come and gone – great and powerful kingdoms in history
b. But not the Kingdom of God
c. It is a kingdom where death has no more power
1) Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
2) John 8:51 Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death.
3) John 10:28 And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.
d. The Kingdom of God is the only kingdom that goes on forever and ever and ever!
e. The Kingdom of God will NOT fade into history like the Kingdoms of Egypt, and Babylon, and Persia, and Assyria
f. It will last forever, and so do those who get into it!
Sounds pretty good to me! But there is more!
7. It is HOLY (Romans 14:17)
a. Rom 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but RIGHTEOUSNESS, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
b. God’s kingdom has no sin in it, only RIGHTEOUSNESS
c. That’s a GOOD thing!
d. no fake news, no lying, no deception, no pretty empty rainbows … It is a kingdom of light, and holiness and godliness, in the midst of a wicked, dark, perverted world
1) Php 2:15 That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world;
2) Eph 5:8 For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light:
3) Col 1:13 [God] Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the [BRIGHT] kingdom of his dear Son:
4) 1Pe 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
e. What is your world, your home, your kingdom like? Mr Veradker, Mr Boris Johnson, Mr Trump?
f. God’s kingdom is FAR better!
8. It is ENJOYABLE (Romans 14:17)
a. The Christian life is NOT a list of DON’TS, and SINS
b. Not a drag, or a downer, or boring, or a ball and chain
1) It is righteousness, and PEACE, AND JOY in the holy Ghost!
2) "For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost." (Rom. 14:17)
c. When I pray, and read my Bible, and serve others as a servant, I get the blessing (Act 20:35) I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.
d. It is not a Sunday morning life we live, it is how we live all day, every day
e. In the kingdom of God
1) We PRAY more than we complain – because THEN we are experiencing it
2) We GIVE more than we covet
3) We LOVE more than we hate – that is experiencing the kingdom of GOD!
4) We SERVE instead of demand service
5) We SUFFER gladly instead of retaliate
6) We read our Bibles to hear the voice of our God, not to get something in return! We love to hear HIS voice in our stormy lives!
7) We go to church because it is the right thing to do, not the easiest
8) We go soul-winning instead of ignoring the world around us
9) The kingdom of God is a blessed way of living if you would just LIVE IT
f. That is what the Sermon on the Mount of Matthew chapters 5-7 teaches us
g. If you would just start living in it, instead of trying to live still in THIS world
1) 1Jn 2:15 Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.
2) 1Jn 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.
3) 1Jn 2:17 And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever.
h. Ladies and gentlemen, There is such joy…
1) In just being SAVED
2) In being FILLED with the Holy Spirit of God instead of with sin
3) There is JOY in being USED by God to reach one lost person, or accomplish the impossible will of God
4) There is JOY in being LOVED by Almighty God
5) In reading and understanding my Bible as written to ME
6) And in just KNOWING the God who made me and loved me and saved me (Jer 9:23,24) Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory [GET EXCITED] in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: But let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth me, that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight, saith the LORD.
i. To the world, our lives on the outside may stink – may be painful – may be failure after failure, but our inner being (our inner man) is constantly renewed and thrilled!
1) 2Co 4:16 For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day.
2) 2Co 4:17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;
3) 2Co 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.
9. It is the MOST POWERFUL Kingdom to ever exist so far
a. Where GOD rules in the hearts of yielded men and women - overruling anything or anyone else over their lives!
b. It is where SPIRITUAL Laws trump the laws of physics and miracles happen, and where prayers are answered, and where lives are transformed, and the impossible becomes the possible!
c. It is a place where everything is okay!
1) Because God is actually in charge – not you, not the world, and not the devil
2) Because God is making everything work together for GOOD
d. That’s why it is called, SALVATION! Because GOD is allowed to take possession of your life, and take responsibility for your sin and be your God!
e. And by the way, it is THEN, while living under His rule, are we blessed / happy / satisfied!
f. The Kingdom of God is within us. It is God’s Spirit within us.
g. It is Him conquering the territory of our soul and moving in as King and us stepping aside.
h. It is us being reconciled back to God through Christ’s sacrifice and dwelling in the presence of God and all that He is.
i. It is where love, mercy, truth, joy, peace, rest, comfort, deliverance, healing, power, strength, protection, provision, purity, goodness, purpose, beauty, wisdom, counsel, freedom, instruction, perfection, and sovereignty – all converge in a soul!
No other kingdom of all of history has ever been anything like what a believer has resting IN their heart and minds already!
B. Why is the Kingdom of God so Important?
1. Because there is another WORLD – dimension beyond what we can feel and see
a. This world is only temporary (Matthew 24:35) Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.
b. This world is a mess (1John 5:19) And we know that we are of God, and the whole world lieth in wickedness.
c. This world has a wicked spiritual ruler over it (2Cor 4:3,4; Eph 2:2,3)
1) 2Co 4:3,4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
2) Eph 2:2,3 Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others.
d. Jesus is from another world altogether – not another planet, but from a world none-the-less – just as real as this world (John 8:23; 18:36)
1) John 8:23 And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world.
2) John 18:36 Jesus answered, My kingdom is not of this world: if my kingdom were of this world, then would my servants fight, that I should not be delivered to the Jews: but now is my kingdom not from hence.
2. Because YOU are a soul living in a body, and you were not meant to just live, and eat and then die here! Your soul lives forever in one of two kingdoms: the kingdom of darkness, or the Kingdom of God’s dear Son. You choose!
4. Because it is leading to something even bigger – the Second Coming of Christ!
C. How to Get Into The Kingdom of God
1. You do NOT have to be religious or perfect to get in
a. Mat 21:28 But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work to day in my vineyard.
b. Mat 21:29 He answered and said, I will not: but afterward he repented, and went.
c. Mat 21:30 And he came to the second, and said likewise. And he answered and said, I go, sir: and went not.
d. Mat 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
2. But you MUST be born again into it (John 3:3)
a. John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
b. Col 1:13 Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:
3. You must receive the kingdom - like a child receives a gift – with gratefulness (Luke 18:16,17) But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
D. Maybe none of this is even remotely interesting to you – but it OUGHT to be!
1. It is probably because you have not been born again yet
a. You have tried being religious
b. You may still be trusting in your own righteousness, your own goodness, your own ways of thinking and acting
c. It will fail you – guaranteed
2. And one day, you will face God, and answer for all your sins that could have been forgiven and washed away
3. Heb 9:27 And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment
4. You need the Son of God, to give you the mercy of God, or else you WILL face the justice of God, and there will be no more mercy that day!
5. Please believe on the Lord Jesus Christ – and you will be saved!
A Review of The Kind of Kingdom Christ Placed Us In
Matthew 6:33
I. Introduction (Matthew 6:33)
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
B. Jesus Preached the MOST about the Kingdom of God
C. The Apostle Paul loved preaching about the Kingdom of God
D. It excited absolutely everyone who heard about it
E. Does it Excite YOU? Or Why Not?
F. We desperately need to SEEK after the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
Meaning: to hunger for it, to own it, yearn to live IN it instead of only in this world
II. Message
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
1. It is a KINGDOM (Matthew 6:33)
2. It is PRESENT (Luke 17:20,21) – It is right here, right now!
3. It is IN Every Believer (Luke 17:20,21)
4. It is INVISIBLE – can’t be seen, or touched (Romans 14:17)
5. It is at REST (Matthew 6:25-33)
6. It is ETERNAL (Luke 9:27)
7. It is HOLY (Romans 14:17)
8. It is ENJOYABLE (Romans 14:17)
9. It is the MOST POWERFUL Kingdom to ever exist so far
No other kingdom of all of history has ever been anything like what a believer has resting IN their heart and minds already!
B. Why is the Kingdom of God So Important?
1. Because there is another world – another dimension beyond what we can feel and see.
2. Because YOU are a soul living in a body, and you were not meant to just live, and eat and then die here!
3. Because Jesus came into this world to save sinners FROM this world (1Tim 1:15)
4. Because it is leading to something even bigger – the Second Coming of Christ!
B. How to Get Into The Kingdom of God
1. You do NOT have to be religious or perfect to get in
2. But you MUST be born
again into it (John 3:3) Just receive the kingdom - like a child
receives a gift – with gratefulness (Luke 18:16,17)
A Review of The Kind of Kingdom Christ Placed Us In
Matthew 6:33
I. Introduction (Matthew 6:33)
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
B. _________ Preached the MOST about it
C. The Apostle _________ loved preaching about it
D. It excited absolutely everyone who heard about it
E. Does it Excite YOU? Or Why Not?
F. We desperately need to ________ after the Kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33)
Meaning: ____________________________________________________________
II. Message
A. What is the Kingdom of God?
1. It is a _______________ (Matthew 6:33)
2. It is ________________ (Luke 17:20,21) – It is right here, right now!
3. It is _______ Every Believer (Luke 17:20,21)
4. It is _________________ – can’t be seen, or touched (Romans 14:17)
5. It is at __________ (Matthew 6:25-33)
6. It is _________________ (Luke 9:27)
7. It is _____________ (Romans 14:17)
8. It is _______________________ (Romans 14:17)
9. It is the __________________________ Kingdom to ever exist so far
No other kingdom of all of history has ever been anything like what a believer has resting IN their heart and minds already!
B. Why is the Kingdom of God So Important?
1. Because there is another __________ beyond what we can feel and see.
2. Because YOU are a soul living in a body, and you were not meant to just live, and eat and then die here!
3. Because Jesus came into this world to save sinners FROM this world (1Timothy 1:15)
4. Because it is leading to something even bigger – the Second Coming of Christ!
B. How to Get Into The Kingdom of God
1. You do NOT have to be religious or perfect to get in to it!
2. But you MUST be ________________ into it (John 3:3)
3. Have you done that? Yes or No? When? ___________________________________