Christ's Kingdom Series

CHRIST’S KINGDOM

JOHN 18:36, 37

A. OUR LORD ASSURES US THAT HE IS A KING

1. John 18:36, 37; Matt. 22:11

2. That He has a kingdom: Luke 16:28; 22:30; John 1:49;12:13

3. The Bible speaks of Him as "King of kings and Lord of Lords":

a. Because the world and all that is in it was made by and for Him - Col. 1:14-17; Heb. 1:3, 8, 9

b. He is the rightful heir to the universe - Heb. 1:1-6; Matt. 21:38; Ps. 2:6-12

4. He assures us that one reason why He went back to His Father was to receive a kingdom: Luke 19:12; Dan. 7:14

5. He was anointed King: Heb. 1:8; Ps. 24:1-10

6. He is the King of glory:

a. Because He was valiant in battle and His right hand has given Him glorious victory.

b. He defeated Lucifer in heaven and He defeated him on the earth - Rev. 12:7, 8; Luke 4:1-11; Matt. 4:1-9

B. NATURE OF THE KINGDOM OF JESUS CHRIST

1. It is not of this world: That means that His kingdom is not the result of war and bloodshed. John 6:15; 18:36

2. The kingdoms of this world are based upon physical force: Dan. 2:7, 8; John 5:19

3. His kingdom is based:

a. Upon love - John 13:1-3; Hos. 11:4

b. Everlasting righteousness - Heb. 1:8, 9; 2 Pet. 3:13; Isa. 11:5

4. Subjects of His Kingdom:

a. The meek of the earth - Matt. 5:5; Ps. 11:5

b. The overcomers - Rev. 21:7

c. The faithful - Matt. 25:31-34

d. They that endure unto the end - Matt. 24:12

e. Those that keep his commandments - Rev. 14:12; 22:14

f. They that are born again - John 3:1-9; 2 Cor. 5:17

5. Territory of His kingdom:

a. The earth made new - 2 Pet. 3:13; Heb. 12:28; Isa. 65:17; 66:22

b. The curse which rested upon the earth because of sin will have been removed for ever. Compare Gen. 3:17 with Rev. 22:3

c. His kingdom will be the reign of peace for ever and ever.

C. WILL YOU BE THERE?

1. Many will seek to enter in but shall not be able: Matt. 7:13, 14; Luke 13:23-27

2. At the present they prefer to remain on the broad road: Matt. 7:13, 14

3. They are unwilling to pay the price of the kingdom of the Lord Jesus Christ:

EXAMPLES -

a. The rich young ruler - Matt. 19:16-19

b. The invited guests - Luke 14:16-32

4. Seven specific conditions of being citizens of the kingdom of Christ:

a. Accept Christ as our personal Saviour -John 3:16; 8:31-36; Luke 23:42-44

b. We must be born again - John 3:1-9; 1 John 5:1-6

c. We must bring the fruit of the kingdom - Matt. 21:43

d. We must do the will of our Father which is in heaven - Matt. 7:21-26; Rev. 22:14

e. Purity of heart is a must - 1 John 3:1-6; Rev. 19:27; Matt. 5:8

f. We must be overcomers - Rev. 21:7, 8

g. Keep God’s commandments - 1 John 2:4-7; Matt. 5:17-19; Rev. 12:17; 14:12

5. Our being in the Kingdom of Jesus Christ depends also on our wanting to be there:

a. Some simply do not want to be there - John 5:40; Luke 14:16-25

b. The way is open to all - John 14:6; Rev. 22:17

c. The invitation to enter the kingdom of Christ still holds good; if we fail, it will be our

own fault.