The Fourth Step Toward God
Notes
Transcript
The Fourth Step Toward God is to seek and enter into His Kingdom. (Maybe just call is The Kingdom of God)
The Reward of Moving Toward God is you are Born Again, and thereby entering into the Kingdom of God.
The Bible says, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” Matthew 6:33. We are commanded to seek FIRST the kingdom of God. Seeking the Kingdom would be an excellent way of moving toward God.
Steps Toward God:
1. Repent
2. Confess
3. Believe
4. Seek/Enter the Kingdom of God
5. Resist the Enemy
6. Learning to Love
7. Fasting?
Turn in your Bibles to Daniel 2.
“And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever.” Daniel 2:44
(Kingdom of God is used 70 times in 69 verses in the King James Bible, not counting Kingdom of Heaven).
Our fourth step toward God is to enter into His Kingdom.
What do we know about the Kingdom of God? Well, it’s here!
John the Baptist said, repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
Jesus said, repent for the Kingdom of God is at hand.
For me, the implication here is that the King has arrived, for where the King goes so goes the Kingdom but, perhaps I’ve seen too much Hollywood.
Jesus said, But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you. Matthew 12:28. Well, He did, therefore the kingdom is come.
Okay, it’s come but, can we necessarily see it?
Still, the point is that the Kingdom of God belongs to Jesus. The Old Testament does not use the phrase Kingdom of God. However, it does twice use the phrase Kingdom of the LORD, translated Kingdom of YHWH. 1 Chronicles 28:5 “And of all my sons, (for the LORD hath given me many sons,) he hath chosen Solomon my son to sit upon the throne of the kingdom of the LORD over Israel.” Jesus, being a son of David is the King that will sit upon the throne of the Kingdom of the LORD forever.
Jesus said, 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:” Luke 17. And in verse 21 “Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.”
Jesus said, behold the Kingdom of God is within you.
Truth is we live in this world, but the Kingdom of God is our destiny; it is our inheritance.
We are citizens of the Kingdom and Jesus is our King. (There is much more to say on the Kingdom of God.)
The kingdom has come in the form of Jesus Christ, And, it is a place to be entered into.
Jesus said, And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God. Matthew 19:24. So we are expected to enter into the Kingdom.
How do we Enter into the Kingdom of God? Though Jesus said the kingdom doesn’t come with observation we still must see it.
How do we see it?
To see it, there must be a childlike faith – 16 “But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God. 17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.” Luke 18. We must possess a child-like faith in God; we must become “as a little child.”
How so we become as a little child except that we first be born again.
Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. John 3:33
Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. John 3:5
To be born again we must receive the gospel message of the kingdom of God.
The Bible says, Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel. Mark 1:14.
What is the Gospel of the Kingdom of God? God sent His Son; God sent His Beloved. READ John 3:16-21
(Move from the Gospels to Acts)
The Gospels record much of what Jesus had to say about the Kingdom of God, but not all,
(Acts 1:3 “To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:”).
We are not told of all the many infallible proofs nor the things pertaining to the Kingdom of God.
Still, Luke records, “And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him.” Luke 8:1.
The book of Luke mentions the Kingdom of God 32 times. That’s way more than any of the other books.
The Book of Acts speaks about preaching the Kingdom of God.
Paul had just been stoned to death for preaching the gospel, and yet he lived on, “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.” Acts 14:22.
So, we are to enter but it is done through much tribulation.
Doesn’t mean we must all enter the Kingdom through much tribulation. I feel like the fore runners of Christianity suffered much tribulation to start the Church of Christ, and while many still suffer, many do not.
The suffering was brought about in the birthing and growing of the Church. Such as taking the Gospel into a heathen nation.
Paul tells us “the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.” (Romans 14:17) and that the Kingdom of God is our inheritance.
Have we yet received our inheritance, is my question? Actually, Paul tells us who will not inherit the kingdom of God:
· 1 Corinthians 6:9
· 1 Corinthians 6:10
· 1 Corinthians 15:50
· Galatians 5:21
Jesus said, 34 “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: 35 For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: 36 Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.” Matthew 25.
Many will Miss Out on the Kingdom:
Jeremiah 31:3 “The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” Many resist the drawing of God upon their life.
The Bible says, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John 17:22.
How can anyone who has truly received the glory of Christ ever be FULL of anger, bitterness, jealousy, envy, strife, unforgiveness?
How could anyone who has truly received the glory of Christ be a drunkard, a brawler, a whoremonger?
Paul wrote this to the people of Corinth - “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
What does all of this mean for you and for me?
· Well if we are Born Again, we shall see the Kingdom of God.
· We shall dwell in the Kingdom of God with Jesus as our King forever.
· We shall live in the presence of the King, worshiping HIM forever.
How much closer can you get that God than that?
If we are Born Again, children of God, disciples of Jesus Christ, then spiritually we are already a part of the Kingdom of God, though not yet living there. (Not in spirit nor in body).
We are part of the remnant left behind by the King to carry on the work of God.
We are the foot soldiers of Christ. Sent into all the world.
For now, we are to walk in the Spirit, living in the Spirit, being led by the Spirit.
Our hope is in Christ, and today we long to one day hear the words “well done thy good and faithful servant… enter thou into the joy of the Lord.” (Matthew 25:21).
Paul to Timothy, put it this way, “Thou therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also.” 2 Timothy 2:1-2.
So, the Kingdom of God
· Is at hand – it is here, even now
· We are to seek it First, and His righteousness
· Is IN the child of God
· We must be Born Again in order to see it
· We must receive it As A Little Child – one full of faith
· It is your Inheritance
· To get there may require Great Tribulation
· Not everyone goes into the Kingdom
So, perhaps, the Kingdom of God is something you become when you have been Regenerated by the blood of the Lamb of God, and thereby taken upon yourself His Righteousness. Remember, Jesus said, “The kingdom of God is within you.” Luke 17:21.
“And the Lord will appear to the eyes of all, and all shall know that I am the God of Israel and the Father of all the children of Jacob, and King on Mount Zion for all eternity. And Zion and Jerusalem shall be holy.” Jubilees 1:28.
Amen, and Amen.
Would you stand.
Are you a part of the Kingdom of God? You can be.
Are you a Born-Again child of the King? You can be.
ADD THIS SOMEWHERE.
The Bible says, “And the glory which thou gavest me I have given them; that they may be one, even as we are one:” John 17:22.
How can anyone who has truly received the glory of Christ ever be FULL of anger, bitterness, jealousy, envy, strife, unforgiveness?
How could anyone who has truly received the glory of Christ be a drunkard, a brawler, a whoremonger?
Is it any wonder the word of God says, “Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, 10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-10.
The Born-Again child of God has inherited the righteousness of Christ as well as His glory. If you have not, you shall not enter into the Kingdom of God.
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King James Version of the Bible
Search for: Kingdom of God - (69 verses)
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Matthew 12:28 But if I cast out devils by the Spirit of God, then the kingdom of God is come unto you.
Matthew 19:24 And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Matthew 21:31 Whether of them twain did the will of his father? They say unto him, The first. Jesus saith unto them, Verily I say unto you, That the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.
Matthew 21:43 Therefore say I unto you, The kingdom of God shall be taken from you, and given to a nation bringing forth the fruits thereof.
Mark 1:14 Now after that John was put in prison, Jesus came into Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God,
Mark 1:15 And saying, The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel.
Mark 4:11 And he said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables:
Mark 4:26 And he said, So is the kingdom of God, as if a man should cast seed into the ground;
Mark 4:30 And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it?
Mark 9:1 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, That there be some of them that stand here, which shall not taste of death, till they have seen the kingdom of God come with power.
Mark 9:47 And if thine eye offend thee, pluck it out: it is better for thee to enter into the kingdom of God with one eye, than having two eyes to be cast into hell fire:
Mark 10:14 But when Jesus saw it, he was much displeased, and said unto them, Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Mark 10:15 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child, he shall not enter therein.
Mark 10:23 And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:24 And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!
Mark 10:25 It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Mark 12:34 And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, Thou art not far from the kingdom of God. And no man after that durst ask him any question.
Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.
Mark 15:43 Joseph of Arimathaea, an honourable counsellor, which also waited for the kingdom of God, came, and went in boldly unto Pilate, and craved the body of Jesus.
Luke 4:43 And he said unto them, I must preach the kingdom of God to other cities also: for therefore am I sent.
Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be ye poor: for yours is the kingdom of God.
Luke 7:28 For I say unto you, Among those that are born of women there is not a greater prophet than John the Baptist: but he that is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.
Luke 8:1 And it came to pass afterward, that he went throughout every city and village, preaching and shewing the glad tidings of the kingdom of God: and the twelve were with him,
Luke 8:10 And he said, Unto you it is given to know the mysteries of the kingdom of God: but to others in parables; that seeing they might not see, and hearing they might not understand.
Luke 9:2 And he sent them to preach the kingdom of God, and to heal the sick.
Luke 9:11 And the people, when they knew it, followed him: and he received them, and spake unto them of the kingdom of God, and healed them that had need of healing.
Luke 9:27 But I tell you of a truth, there be some standing here, which shall not taste of death, till they see the kingdom of God.
Luke 9:60 Jesus said unto him, Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God.
Luke 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.
Luke 10:9 And heal the sick that are therein, and say unto them, The kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Luke 10:11 Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.
Luke 11:20 But if I with the finger of God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you.
Luke 12:31 But rather seek ye the kingdom of God; and all these things shall be added unto you.
Luke 13:18 Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it?
Luke 13:20 And again he said, Whereunto shall I liken the kingdom of God?
Luke 13:28 There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out.
Luke 13:29 And they shall come from the east, and from the west, and from the north, and from the south, and shall sit down in the kingdom of God.
Luke 14:15 And when one of them that sat at meat with him heard these things, he said unto him, Blessed is he that shall eat bread in the kingdom of God.
Luke 16:16 The law and the prophets were until John: since that time the kingdom of God is preached, and every man presseth into it.
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:
Luke 17:21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you.
Luke 18:16 But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Suffer little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:17 Verily I say unto you, Whosoever shall not receive the kingdom of God as a little child shall in no wise enter therein.
Luke 18:24 And when Jesus saw that he was very sorrowful, he said, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God!
Luke 18:25 For it is easier for a camel to go through a needle's eye, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.
Luke 18:29 And he said unto them, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or parents, or brethren, or wife, or children, for the kingdom of God's sake,
Luke 19:11 And as they heard these things, he added and spake a parable, because he was nigh to Jerusalem, and because they thought that the kingdom of God should immediately appear.
Luke 21:31 So likewise ye, when ye see these things come to pass, know ye that the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.
Luke 22:16 For I say unto you, I will not any more eat thereof, until it be fulfilled in the kingdom of God.
Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.
Luke 23:51 (The same had not consented to the counsel and deed of them;) he was of Arimathaea, a city of the Jews: who also himself waited for the kingdom of God.
John 3:3 Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God.
John 3:5 Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 1:3 To whom also he shewed himself alive after his passion by many infallible proofs, being seen of them forty days, and speaking of the things pertaining to the kingdom of God:
Acts 8:12 But when they believed Philip preaching the things concerning the kingdom of God, and the name of Jesus Christ, they were baptized, both men and women.
Acts 14:22 Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.
Acts 19:8 And he went into the synagogue, and spake boldly for the space of three months, disputing and persuading the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Acts 20:25 And now, behold, I know that ye all, among whom I have gone preaching the kingdom of God, shall see my face no more.
Acts 28:23 And when they had appointed him a day, there came many to him into his lodging; to whom he expounded and testified the kingdom of God, persuading them concerning Jesus, both out of the law of Moses, and out of the prophets, from morning till evening.
Acts 28:31 Preaching the kingdom of God, and teaching those things which concern the Lord Jesus Christ, with all confidence, no man forbidding him.
Romans 14:17 For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 4:20 For the kingdom of God is not in word, but in power.
1 Corinthians 6:9 Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind,
1 Corinthians 6:10 Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.
1 Corinthians 15:50 Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
Galatians 5:21 Envyings, murders, drunkenness, revellings, and such like: of the which I tell you before, as I have also told you in time past, that they which do such things shall not inherit the kingdom of God.
Colossians 4:11 And Jesus, which is called Justus, who are of the circumcision. These only are my fellowworkers unto the kingdom of God, which have been a comfort unto me.
2 Thessalonians 1:5 Which is a manifest token of the righteous judgment of God, that ye may be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which ye also suffer: