| Introduction We see that happening here in 1 Corinthians. Paul proclaimed to them the power of the Gospel in the cross of Jesus Christ. Relatively soon after that, teachers arose from within the church teaching that the Gospel was too simple. The issues of life were too complicated to be solved by the simple message of Christ and him crucified. They promoted a worldly wisdom of flowery words. To that, Paul asks, "Where is the power of that message?" I. Show Me the Power! 18-19 A. These false teachers of worldly wisdom were emboldened by Paul's absence, 18. B. When Paul comes, he is not interested in the flowery words of worldly wisdom as much as he is interested in seeing the effect it has had on the people, 19-20. C. These changed people with changed hearts will change the world they live in. II. What Is The Kingdom of God? A. The whole of creation as the kingdom of God B. All the nations and peoples as the kingdom of God C. The elect as the kingdom of God D. A future time in which Christ will reign bodily on earth. E. The kingdom of God as the collection of God's people – the Church. III. The Citizens of the Kingdom A. God is not looking for strong, the powerful, the wise, the influential of this world. B. God wants the broken, the sick, the unrighteous to become citizens of his kingdom. C. He wants the sinner to come into his kingdom. Conclusion & Application What do we take away from this brief, but necessary consideration of the kingdom of God? · Jesus Christ reigns! He is the King of kings and the Lord of lords. All the kingdoms of this world are subject to him. "Jesus shall reign where'er the sun
Does his successive journeys run;
His kingdom stretch from shore to shore,
Till moons shall wax and wane no more." Isaac Watts · He reigns over his church as a loving and holy dictator, blessing it and sanctifying it. · Only the broken, the sinner, those who know they are not good enough to be part of the kingdom can actually be part of the kingdom. · This collection of broken people are being transformed into the most lovely body – the Bride of Christ. · We who are broken sinners have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to change the entire world, one heart at a time – Jesus has a long-term plan for his kingdom. Kingdom living is the life that we live by faith in Jesus Christ. Our faith is an active faith. The Gospel will have a living effect in our lives. And as citizens of the kingdom of God and of Christ, we will live out the Gospel of our King in every area of life.  | |||
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Saturday, October 27, 2012
The Kingdom of God - 1 Cor. 4:18-21
