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.
