Chp.10 The Kingdom of God Interactive Questions
What concepts does our study identify with a kingdom?
A realm--that is, an area with physical, visible limit--or a ruler and the subjects over which he rules; a set of rules that governs the affairs of the kingdom or a sense of security or personal well-being that one is safe from outside intrusion.
In your opinion, what view of the Kingdom has the most scriptural support?
As presented in this chapter, we take the view that the Kingdom is "already but not yet". That is, the kingdom of God has come (present) but is still to come (future).
Compare Christ's initiation of the prison aspect of the Kingdom with the initiation of the future aspect.
Christ initiated the present aspect with His redemptive death and resurrection, and He will initiate the future aspect with His coming in power and glory.
How did Christ define the Kingdom in His teaching?
It is a spiritual rather than a physical realm. God rules over it and shares authority with Christ. Born again people are the subjects, and Christ's teachings are the rules under which they live.
What priority does the kingdom of God have in Jesus' teachings?
It is the central theme of Jesus' teaching.
What are the requirements for membership in Christ's kingdom?
Making Christ the Lord of one's life and living in obedience to His commandments; permitting the undesirable traits of the inner person to give way to the desirable traits that characterize Christ's followers
Why does Matthew use "kingdom of Heaven" rather than "kingdom of God" as used by Mark and Luke?
Most likely Matthew uses "kingdom of Heaven" because he is writing for a Jewish audience. Out of respect for God, Jews used words like "heaven" as a substitute for His name.
According to our study, scriptural at support for the future aspect of the Kingdom occurs primarily in which of Jesus' discourses?
Olivet Discourse
Briefly explain how a kingdom can be "already but not yet."
The Kingdom is already present in Christ's person and work, but it has not yet been consummated in all of its fullness.
Discuss briefly the present aspect of the Kingdom and cite scriptural support for it.
The Kingdom was present in the person and works of Jesus. Jesus said it was near (Matt. 4:17), had come upon His hearers (Luke 11:20), was within people (Luke 17:20-21), was advancing (Matthew 11:11-13) and people were entering into it (Matthew 21:31). These verses indicate clearly the present aspect of the Kingdom.
Why is the current reign of Christ not like an empire?
The kingdom of God as it currently exists does not claim any geographical or political area over which it reigns. God's kingdom exert its rule over human lives as those people willingly and joyfully surrender to the loving and wise authority of Jesus.
Why did the Jews reject Christ and His teachings on the Kingdom?
The realm was no longer the nation of Israel, and Christ was assuming equality with God and ruling the Kingdom. The subjects were not necessarily Jews and the Law was no longer the only infallible guide for living.
Contrast the rules governing God's kingdom with those of a worldly kingdom.
The rules that govern God's kingdom concern attitudes and behavior that are acceptable to God: they are chiefly internal. By contrast, the rules of a worldly kingdom are mainly external.
Read John 3:3, 5, and Matthew 5: 3-10, 17. Describe the subjects of God's kingdom.
They are people who have been born again--experienced the new birth. They are governed by the teachings of Christ who came to fulfill the Law.
Read Matthew 21:1-2, 24:30; 25:31-33, and indicate what these verses imply about the future kingdom of God.
They imply that the future aspect of God's kingdom has a literal, physical manifestation, Christ, angels and the people of all nations will be there. The wedding feast also suggest this.