The Value Of The Kingdom

Introduction

Good morning, church family. I want to talk to you about something we all understand well—that feeling of finding something so valuable, so life-changing, you’re willing to give up anything to get it. Maybe it’s the love of your spouse or the birth of your child. There are moments in life where we realize, This is worth everything.

Jesus speaks of something like this in two short parables about a hidden treasure and a pearl of great price (Matthew 13:44-46). The treasure is so precious that the person who finds it sells everything to possess it. The pearl, so rare, is worth every penny to its seeker.

These stories aren’t just about treasure; they’re Jesus’ way of showing us the incredible worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. Today, I want us to reflect on a few questions together as a family.

I. What Is the Kingdom of Heaven?

A. The “Kingdom of Heaven” is primarily, “God’s system and ways of doing things.”

1. Jesus talks about the Kingdom not as a physical place but as God’s rule and presence in the hearts of people.

B. God’s Reign in Our Lives

1. God’s Kingdom is where His will is recognized and obeyed. It isn’t confined to a location but is active wherever He rules.

“Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.”- (Mat 6:10)

C. Both Present and Future

1. Present: The Kingdom takes root in our hearts and is expressed through the church

“And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” (Mat 16:18)

“Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son:” (Col 1:13)

2. Future: One day, Jesus will return, and His Kingdom will be fully realized (2 Peter 3:12-13; Revelation 21:1-4).

Challenge: What kind of kingdom are we choosing to serve today? Is it our own, ruled by our plans and priorities? Or are we examples to the families around us of what it means to live under God’s leadership and grace?

II. Why Is the Kingdom of Heaven Valuable?

Jesus emphasizes the immeasurable worth of the Kingdom of Heaven. Why is it so valuable?

A. It’s a Refuge from Darkness

1. God delivers us from the power of sin and Satan.

“Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Col 1:12-14)

2. Before Christ, we are dead in our trespasses READ (Ephesians 2:1-7), but through Him, we have freedom READ (Romans 6:15-18).

B. It Offers Righteousness, Peace, and Joy

1. Righteousness: Through faith in Christ, we are made right with God.

Philippians 3:8-11

8 Yes, furthermore, I count everything as loss compared to the possession of the priceless privilege (the overwhelming preciousness, the surpassing worth, and supreme advantage) of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord and of progressively becoming more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him [of perceiving and recognizing and understanding Him more fully and clearly]. For His sake I have lost everything and consider it all to be mere rubbish (refuse, dregs), in order that I may win (gain) Christ (the Anointed One),

9 And that I may [actually] be found and known as in Him, not having any [self-achieved] righteousness that can be called my own, based on my obedience to the Law's demands (ritualistic uprightness and supposed right standing with God thus acquired), but possessing that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ (the Anointed One), the [truly] right standing with God, which comes from God by [saving] faith.

10 [For my determined purpose is] that I may know Him [that I may progressively become more deeply and intimately acquainted with Him, perceiving and recognizing and understanding the wonders of His Person more strongly and more clearly], and that I may in that same way come to know the power outflowing from His resurrection [which it exerts over believers], and that I may so share His sufferings as to be continually transformed [in spirit into His likeness even] to His death, [in the hope]

11 That if possible I may attain to the [spiritual and moral] resurrection [that lifts me] out from among the dead [even while in the body].

2. Peace: God provides peace that surpasses understanding.

Philippians 4:6-9

6 Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

7 And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.