IN OUR STUDY OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WE HAVE LEARNED THAT THE KINGDOM OF GOD

IS REPRESENTED BY THREE MAJOR TRUTHS:

1. THE KINGDOM OF GOD REPRESENTS GOD'S RULE AND REIGN AS SOVERIGN LORD. THE

VERY WORD, KINGDOM SUGGESTS THE IDEA OF POWER, DOMINION, AUTHORITY AND THEN

THE IDEA OF GOVERNMENT, ESP. THE GOVERNMENT OF GOD KNOWN AS THE THEOCRACY.

2. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS A RELM INTO WHICH WE CAN NOW ENTER TO EXPERIENCE THE

BENEFITS AND BLESSINGS OF HIS REIGN. THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS HERE REPRESENTED

AS HIS DOMAIN, HIS TERRITORY, WHICH IS NEVER REPRESENTED IN GEOGRAPHICAL

TERMS OF SPACE AND TIME BUT THAT WHICH IS INTERNAL AND SUBJECTIVE--THE HEARTS

OF MEN.

Luke 17:20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when

the kingdom of God should come, he answered them

and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with

observation: (KJV)

Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there!

for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.

3. THE KINGDOM OF GOD REFERS TO A FUTURE REALM WHICH WILL COME ONLY WITH THE RE-

TURN OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST INTO WHICH WE SHALL THEN ENTER AND EXPERIENCE

THE FULL BLESSINGS OF HIS REALM.

Rev 11:15 And the seventh angel sounded; and there were

great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of

this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord,

and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and

ever. (KJV)

Rev 12:10 And I heard a loud voice saying in heaven, Now is

come salvation, and strength, and the kingdom of

our God, and the power of his Christ: for the

accuser of our brethren is cast down, which

accused them before our God day and night. (KJV)

FUNDAMENTALLY THE KINGDOM OF GOD IS GOD'S SOVERIGN REIGN, BUT GOD'S REIGN

EXPRESSES ITSELF IN ALL THREE OF THESE DIFFERENT STAGES THROUGH REDEMPTIVE

HISTORY. THEREFORE MEN MAY ENTER INTO THESE VARIOUS STAGES OF THE KINGDOM

OF GOD AND EXPERIENCE THE BLESSINGS OF HIS REIGN IN VARYING DEGREES AND

MEASURES--AND THAT WILL BE DETERMINED BY OUR PROGRESSIVE DECISION TO FOLLOW

HIM.

Matt 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the

kingdom of heaven is at hand. (KJV)

JESUS'S MESSAGE WAS REPENT, THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN IS AT HAND. THE BASIC

MEANING OF REPENTANCE IS TO TURN AROUND, TO REVERSE THE COURSE OF LIFE, TO

CHANGE THE WHOLE DIRECTION OF ACTION, TO TURN AND EMBRACE IN DECISION THE KING-

DOM OF GOD. LIFE IS MADE UP OF THE DECISIONS AND CHOICES WE MAKE. SOME PEOPLE

GO THROUGH LIFE, VACILLATING, WAVERING, UNSURE OF THEMSELVES, NEVER ABLE TO SAY

A DISTINCT YES OR NO. THESE ARE PEOPLE WHO NEVER ACCOMPLISH ANYTHING WORTH

WHILE FOR THEMSELVES OR THEIR FELLOW MAN,THEY DISSIPATE LIFE AND ENERGY IN INNER

CONFLICT AND INDECISION. THE ESSENCE OF REPENTANCE IS DECISION WHICH DETERMINES

THE QUALITY OF PRESENT LIFE AND FUTURE DESTINY. WE MUST CHOOSE TO WHOLEHEART-

EDLY SUBMIT OUR LIFE TO CHRIST AND EMBRACE HIM AS OUR SOVERIGN LORD AND KING

SHOWING HIM ABSOLUTE LOYALTY AND DEVOTION.

Matt 6:31 Therefore take no thought, saying, What shall we eat? or, What shall

we drink? or, Wherewithal shall we be clothed? (KJV)

Matt 6:32 (For after all these things do the Gentiles seek:) for your heavenly

Father knoweth that ye have need of all these things. (KJV)

Matt 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all

these things shall be added unto you. (KJV)

LOYALTY: THE STATE OR QUALITY OF BEING LOYAL, FAITHFULNESS OR FAITHFUL ADHERENCE

TO A PERSON, A GOVERNMENT OR A CAUSE, DUTY, ETC. FROM THE ROOT WORD,

LEGALIS--PERTAINING TO LAW--FAITHFUL TO THE CONSTSTITUTED AUTHORITY OF

ONES COUNTRY HENCE FAITHFUL TO THOSE PERSONS, IDEALS, ETC. THAT ONE

SHOULD STAND UNDER THE OBLIGATION TO DEFEND AND SUPPORT.

Isaiah 9:7 Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end,

upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to

establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for

ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this. (KJV)

WE CANNOT WHOLEHEARTEDLY EMBRACE CHRIST AS KING & SHOW UNWAVERING LOYALTY UNLESS

WE CONSTANTLY MAKE A PROGRESSIVE DECISION TO DENY OURSELVES, TAKE UP OUR CROSS

AND FOLLOW HIM. WE MUST CONSTANTLY CHOOSE HIM AS KING. TO DENY OURSELVES LIT.

MEANS THAT SELF IS NO LONGER SITTING ON THE THRONE OF OUR LIFE BUT JESUS IS

RULING AND REIGNING THERE AS KING. MOST MEN ARE SELF-CENTERED, TO DENY SELF

MEANS WE BECOME CHRIST-CENTERED. CROSS BEARING INVOLVES THE QUESTION OF LORD-

SHIP, RULERSHIP, OF KINGSHIP. CHRIST CANNOT RULE MY LIFE UNTIL I MAKE THE DE-

CISION TO SURRENDER IT TO HIM AND IDENTIFY WITH HIS DEATH AND DYING. THERE CAN

BE ONLY ONE RULER IN MY LIFE, SELF OR CHRIST. WHEN I TAKE UP MY CROSS AND DIE,

CHRIST CAN RULE.

Luke 9:23 And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny

himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me. (KJV)

Luke 9:24 For whosoever will save his life shall lose it: but whosoever will

lose his life for my sake, the same shall save it. (KJV)

NOW AT THE OUTSET WE MUST UNDERSTAND THAT REPENTANCE IS A DECISION AND

IF WE ARE TO MAKE THAT DECISION WE MUST FIRST SIT DOWN AND COUNT THE COST.

THERE WERE THREE MEN IN THE BIBLE THAT JESUS CONFRONTED REGARDING THE DECISION

TO FOLLOW HIM. LET'S LOOK AT THIS IN LK.9

Lk 9:51 And it came to pass, when the time was come that he should be received

up, he stedfastly set his face to go to Jerusalem, (WHAT WAS AWAITING

HIM IN JERUSALEM? BETRAYL, JUDGEMENT, RIDICULE, AND DEATH--THE IGNOBLE

CRUEL, HUMILIATING DEATH OF THE CROSS.

Lk 9:57 And it came to pass, that, as they went in the way, a certain man said

unto him, Lord, I will follow thee whithersoever thou goest. (KJV)

1. THIS REPRESENTS THE MAN OF IMPULSE--RESPONDING ON THE SPUR OF THE

MOMENT WITHOUT CAREFUL CONSIDERATION OF THE COST. HE REPRESENTS THE

ONE WHO HEARS THE WORD WITH JOY BUT HAS NO ROOT IN HIMSELF. THERE

ARE MANY DISSAPPOINTED PEOPLE WHO MAKE AN EMOTIONAL DECISION TO FOL-

LOW CHRIST BUT WHEN DIFFICULTY OR ADVERSITY COME THEIR WAY THAY THEY

FALL AWAY.

Luke 14:28 For which of you, intending to build a tower,

sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost,

whether he have sufficient to finish it? (KJV)

Luke 14:29 Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation,

and is not able to finish it, all that behold it

begin to mock him, (KJV)

Luke 14:30 Saying, This man began to build, and was not able

to finish. (KJV)

Luke 14:31 Or what king, going to make war against another

king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth

whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him

that cometh against him with twenty thousand?

Luke 14:32 Or else, while the other is yet a great way off,

he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions

of peace. (KJV)

Luke 14:33 So likewise, whosoever he be of you that

forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my

disciple. (KJV)

2. THIS MAN WAS ATTRACTED TO JESUS IN THE REALM OF ADMIRATION, HE

WAS PLEASED WITH WHAT HE SAW--IT MEET WITH HIS APPROVAL AND FAVOR.

IN FACT THERE WERE MANY PEOPLE THAT SAW HIS MIRACLES AND WERE

DRAWN TO HIM ON AN EMOTIONAL AND EXTERNAL BASIS, BUT HE DID NOT

COMMITT HIMSELF TO THEM.

Jn 2:23 Now when he was in Jerusalem at the passover, in the

feast day, many believed in his name, when they saw

the miracles which he did. (KJV)

Jn 2:24 But Jesus did not commit himself unto them, because

he knew all men, (KJV)

COMMIT: Strong's # 4100 pisteuo (pist-yoo'-o);

from 4102; to have faith (in, upon, or with

respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit;

by implication, to entrust (especially one's

spiritual well-being to Christ):

KJV-- believe (-r), commit (to trust), put

in trust with. (DIC)

Jn 2:25 And needed not that any should testify of man: for

he knew what was in man. (KJV)

Lk 9:58 And Jesus said unto him, Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have

nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head. (KJV)

1. THE CONDIDTION FOR FOLLOWING CHRIST WAS TOTAL DETACHMENT FROM

EVERYTHING THAT PREVENTS PROGRESS TOWARDS THE FULFILLMENT OF

THE KINGDOM.

2. THE SON OF MAN HAD NO ANCHORAGE IN THE WORLD THAT COULD HOLD HIM

BACK FROM FINISHING HIS COURSE AND SO IF WE WANT TO FOLLOW HIM

WE MUST LEAVE EVERYTHING: HOME, PROPERTY, POSSESSIONS, AND EARTHLY

PLEASURE TO FOLLOW HIM. IF WE HAVE ROOTS THAT TIE US DOWN AND

HINDER US FROM FOLLOWING HIM WE CANNOT BE LOYAL TO HIM AS KING.

WE CANNOT SERVE GOD AND MAMMON--WE ARE UNFIT FOR THE KINGDOM OF

GOD.

3. WE MUST ALWAYS KEEP THIS THOUGHT IN OUR MIND: WHAT WAS HIS DESTIN-

ATION, WHERE WAS HE GOING? HE WAS GOING TO JERUSALEM TO DIE--HIS

DESTINATION WAS THE CROSS--DEATH TO SELF. IF WE WANT TO FOLLOW

HIM--THAT IS WHERE WE ARE GOING--THAT IS OUR DESTINATION TOO.

Lk 9:59 And he said unto another, Follow me. But he said, Lord, suffer me first

to go and bury my father. (KJV)

Lk 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and

preach the kingdom of God. (KJV)

LK.9:59 REPRESENTS THE CALL OF GOD UPON THIS MAN'S LIFE. JESUS SAW

SOMETHING OF POTENTIAL IN HIM AND EXTENDED TO HIM AN INVITATION TO

FOLLOW HIM.

1. THIS MAN'S FATHER WAS NOT DEAD, BUT HE WAS EXPRESSING DEVOTION TO

HIS FATHER; SAY THAT HE COULD NOT POSSIBLE GO AWAY AS LONG AS HIS

FATHER WAS ALIVE.

2. WHAT THIS MAN WAS REALLY SAYING WAS, I WANT TO COME, I WOULD LIKE

TO COME, BUT I HAVE HOME TIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES THAT HOLD ME SO

I CANNONT COME WHILE MY FATHER IS LIVING.

3. DEVOTION TO THE KING AND LOYALTY TO THE KINGDOM MEANS SEPARATION FROM

EVERYTHING AND EVERYONE. OUR REALTIONSHIP WITH JESUS MUST BE FIRST

AND FOREMOST, ALL OTHER RELATIONSHIPS ARE OF DECENDING PRIORITY.

Lk 14:25 And there went great multitudes with him: and he

turned, and said unto them, (KJV)

Lk 14:26 If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and

mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and

sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be

my disciple. (KJV)

HATE: Strong's # 3404 miseo (mis-eh'-o);

from a primary misos (hatred); to detest

(especially to persecute); by extension, to

love less:

KJV-- hate (-ful). (DIC)

Lk 14:27 And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come

after me, cannot be my disciple. (KJV)

Mark 3:31 There came then his brethren and his mother, and,

standing without, sent unto him, calling him.

Mark 3:32 And the multitude sat about him, and they said

unto him, Behold, thy mother and thy brethren

without seek for thee. (KJV)

Mark 3:33 And he answered them, saying, Who is my mother, or

my brethren? (KJV)

Mark 3:34 And he looked round about on them which sat about

him, and said, Behold my mother and my brethren!

Mark 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same

is my brother, and my sister, and mother. (KJV)

4. WHEN MY HIGHEST EARTHLY LOVE AND OBLIGATION COMES INTO CONFLICT WITH

MY LOYALTY TO HIM, THEN LET THE DEAD BURY THEIR OWN DEAD; I AM TO GO

FOR HIM AND UPON HIS BUSINESS.

5. THE DEMAND OF THE KINGDOM IS STILL A COSTLY DECISION. IF WEALTH,

QUOTE BY: POSITION, INFLUENCE, OR AMBITION COMMAND A MAN'S LOYALTY SO THAT HIS

GEORGE LIFE IS DIRECTED TO THE ATTAINMENT OF PERSONAL ENDS, WHETHER MATERIAL

ELDON OR SOCIAL, RATHER THAN THE GLORY OF GOD, HIS LIFE MUST HAVE A NEW

LADD CENTER OF ORIENTATION. EVERY OTHER INTREST MUST BECOME SECONDARY AND

SUBSERVIANT TO THE RULE OF GOD. THE ISSUE RELATES ITSELF FUNDAMENT-

ALLY TO MAN'S WILL AND TO THE OBJECTIVES HE CHOOSES TO SERVE.

Lk 9:61 And another also said, Lord, I will follow thee; but let me first go bid

them farewell, which are at home at my house. (KJV)

Lk 9:62 And Jesus said unto him, No man, having put his hand to the plough, and

looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God. (KJV)

FIT: Strong's # 2111 euthetos (yoo'-thet-os);

from 2095 and a derivative of 5087; well placed, i.e.

(figuratively) appropriate:

KJV-- fit, meet. (DIC) READY FOR USE, WELL ADAPTED FOR, MORALLY

GOOD OR ACCEPTABLE; WELL PLACED, USEFUL; PREPARED; IN GOOD

SPIRITUAL CONDITION, TRAINED, QUALIFIED, ADAPTED FOR A CERTIAN

END OR PURPOSE, COMEPETENT.

Gen 19:24 Then the LORD rained upon Sodom and upon Gomorrah brimstone and fire

from the LORD out of heaven; (KJV)

Gen 19:25 And he overthrew those cities, and all the plain, and all the

inhabitants of the cities, and that which grew upon the ground. (KJV)

Gen 19:26 But his wife looked back from behind him, and she became a pillar of

salt. (KJV)

I DON'T THINK THIS IS WHAT JESUS HAD IN MIND WHEN HE SAID THAT WE WERE TO

BE THE SALT OF THE EARTH. IF WE WANT TO BE A PART OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD WE MUST

FIRST ACCEPT CHRIST AS SAVIOR AND SUBMIT OUR WHOLE LIFE TO HIM AS KING. THIS IS

NOT AN EASY THING BECAUSE IT WILL COST YOU EVERYTHING. ONCE WE HAVE PUT OUR

HAND TO THE PLOW AND LOOK BACK AT WHAT WE WANT OR WHAT THE WORLD HAS TO OFFER US

IN ADDITION TO THE KINGDOM OF GOD, JESUS SAID WE WOULD NOT BE FIT OR QUALIFIED

TO RECEIVE THE KINGDOM OF GOD. IF WE TRULY WANT JESUS TO EXERCISE HIS RULE OVER

EVERY AREA OF OUR LIFE AND TO ESTABLISH HIMSELF AS KING THEN WE MUST SHOW HIM

ABSOLUTE LOALTY AND DEVOTION--EVEN TO THE POINT OF DEATH. IT IS ONLY THEN THAT

HE WILL ENTRUST US WITH THE AUTHORITY OF HIS KINGDOM TO HEAL THE SICK, RAISE THE

DEA AND SET THE CAPTIVES FREE.