Understanding the Kingdom We Are to Seek
· Summarized
Key takeaways
- The kingdom of God is a biblically rooted concept that begins with God's original creation purpose for humanity and is being restored through Jesus Christ.
- Understanding the 'already' and 'not yet' aspects of the kingdom helps believers see their role in the ongoing spiritual warfare and mission.
- Christians are called to display and spread the kingdom of God through love, righteousness, and cultural engagement, empowered by prayer and the Holy Spirit.
- Persistent prayer, as exemplified by historical movements like the Moravian watch, is vital for spiritual victory and kingdom expansion.
- Every believer's everyday actions and community involvement are part of God's plan to restore His creation — embracing their role as kingdom citizens.
Summary
Understanding the Kingdom of God: Biblical Foundations and Misconceptions
This section explores the biblical concept of the kingdom of God, starting from Genesis to Revelation. It highlights how the initial mandate given to Adam and Eve was to rule and steward the earth as kings and queens, and how this divine purpose was corrupted by Satan’s rebellion. The teaching clarifies that Jesus’ mission was to restore God’s righteous rule on earth, defeating Satan, sin, and death through His death and resurrection. The concept is explained as a two-stage process: the already-inaugurated spiritual victory at the cross and the future, eternal kingdom to be fully realized upon Christ’s return. It emphasizes the importance of understanding this biblical foundation to grasp the true meaning of seeking first the kingdom of God.
The Already and Not Yet of the Kingdom: A Realistic Perspective on Christian Hope and Mission
This part discusses the theological framework of the 'already' and 'not yet' aspects of God's kingdom. It uses analogies like D-Day in WWII to illustrate how Christ's victory at the cross signifies a decisive but not final victory, as ongoing battles against evil continue. Believers are encouraged to see their role in this ongoing spiritual warfare, advancing God's kingdom through discipleship, cultural influence, and prayer. The section underscores that Christ is reigning now in spiritual form and that His followers are called to participate actively in expanding His reign on earth.
Christ-Centered Discipleship: Displaying, Spreading, and Drawing Power from the Kingdom of God
This section emphasizes what it means to be kingdom disciples today. It highlights the importance of demonstrating Christ’s love, righteousness, and justice within communities, and spreading His influence globally through missions and cultural engagement. It underscores that disciples rely on Christ’s power, accessed through prayer and the Holy Spirit, to impact their environment. Several examples are shared, illustrating how churches are actively involved in outreach, education, prison ministry, and social justice, demonstrating the practical outworking of kingdom principles in everyday life.
The Power of Prayer and Historical Movements in Kingdom Advancement
This part examines the crucial role of prayer in advancing God's kingdom, citing historical examples like the Moravian prayer watch starting in 1727, which led to the Great Awakening and influential figures such as John Wesley, Jonathan Edwards, and George Whitefield. The narrative underscores that ongoing prayer and intercession are integral to spiritual victory and kingdom expansion, encouraging believers today to follow this example by praying persistently for nations and the return of Christ’s righteous reign.
Practical Implications for Christians Today: Living as Kingdom Citizens
The final section calls believers to actively participate in kingdom work through local church service, supporting moral and cultural issues, engaging in community outreach, and praying fervently. It challenges listeners to see their everyday lives as part of God's ongoing restoration of His creation. The goal is to align personal and communal efforts with the biblical vision of God's kingdom, embodying Christ’s righteousness here and now, and eagerly awaiting its complete fulfillment in the future.
Sponsors
- ForgingBonds.org · The podcast is available in printed format on ForgingBonds.org, including series indexes and resources for further study.
Show notes
Episode Summary: Jesus commanded us not to be preoccupied with what we will eat or drink or distracted by what we are going to wear. Rather, we are to seek first the kingdom of God. But how do you seek something you can’t describe and don’t know how to define? Modern Christians are not the only ones confused about what this means. Dr. Luke tells us that Jesus spent his last forty days on earth explaining this concept to his disciples, and they still got it wrong, asking “Lord, will you at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” But Jesus’ teachings about the kingdom of God are puzzle pieces that do fit together and can make a huge difference in understanding our mission. This episode puts some of those pieces together and illustrates how Christ-followers have sought and prayed for the kingdom of God to advance over the earth.
For Further Prayerful Thought:
- What is the most helpful thing you have ever learned about the term kingdom of God?
- Do you agree or disagree with the argument that Christians fail to understand what it means to seek first the kingdom of God because they don’t go back to Adam and Eve’s original creation as rulers of kingdom earth and calling to spread shape culture FOR the High King?
- How does understanding the ALREADY/NOT YET aspects of the kingdom help you understand it. What is still confusing to you?
- What examples of kingdom discipleship stood out most to you?
Feedback to the Host: Pease feel free to contact me at gyagel@forgingbonds.org with push back, questions about resources, other resources or additional ideas about how to help Christ’s men better be equipped for their mission.
This Week’s Past Series Highlight:
Surrounding Our Loved Ones With the Belt of Truth
- Kids and the SCIENCE DISPROVES GOD Argument S1 E #48 10/4/20
- Answering HOW COULD A GOOD GOD ALLOW SUFFERING? S1 E #49 10/11/20
- Answering THERE CAN’T BE JUST ONE TRUE RELIGION S1 E #50 10/18/20
- Answering YOU CAN’T TAKE THE BIBLE LITERALLY S1 E #51 10/25/20
- Shaping Culture In a World That Jesus Said Hates You S 1 E #52 11/1/20
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