Living as Kingdom People: Digging Deeper into the Kingdom of God - 6/3/26

This week, we are stepping away from our study of Mark 4 to take a deeper look at the Kingdom of God. Since Jesus’ teaching in Mark 4 centers on the kingdom, it is important that we understand what it is, how it advances, and what it means to live under Christ’s rule today.

Pastor Jon’s Definition – The Kingdom of God is God’s rule and reign over all creation, inaugurated through the person and work of Jesus Christ, advancing through the gospel as His people live under His lordship and make disciples, and one day fully revealed when Christ returns.

The Kingdom Reveals God’s Sovereign Rule

• Matthew 28:18; John 18:36–37; Ephesians 1:20–22; Colossians 1:16–17; Revelation 11:15

• God is King over all creation.

• Christ has been given all authority.

• He rules over nations, history, salvation, judgment, and eternity.

• Nothing exists outside His sovereign rule.

• The Kingdom begins with the King.
  

The Kingdom Advances Through the Gospel

• Mark 1:14–15; John 3:3–5; Acts 1:8; Acts 28:30–31; Romans 14:17; Colossians 1:13–14

• Jesus announced, “The kingdom of God is at hand” — Mark 1:15.

• The kingdom advances as the gospel is preached.

• Sinners are saved, disciples are made, churches are strengthened, and believers submit to Christ’s lordship.

• Entrance into the kingdom is through new birth, repentance, and faith in Christ.

• The Kingdom advances through the gospel, not human power.
  

The Kingdom Produces Kingdom People and Awaits Kingdom Glory

• Matthew 5:3–16; Matthew 6:33; Luke 17:20–21; Philippians 3:20–21; Titus 2:11–14; 2 Peter 1:10–11; Revelation 21:1–4

• Christ has come, died, risen, and reigns.

• The kingdom is already present, but not yet fully revealed.

• Believers live under Christ’s rule now.

• Kingdom people are marked by obedience, holiness, humility, gospel witness, fruitfulness, perseverance, and loyalty to Christ.

• The kingdom will be fully revealed when Jesus returns.

• Kingdom citizens live faithfully now while waiting for the King to return.
  

The What Now

• Live under Christ’s lordship every day. The Kingdom is not merely something we believe in; it is a reality we are called to live in as we submit our lives to King Jesus.

• Advance the Kingdom through gospel witness and disciple-making. God’s Kingdom grows as the gospel is shared, people are saved, and believers are equipped to follow Christ.

• Live with hope and faithfulness. Christ is reigning today, His Kingdom is advancing, and one day He will return. Until then, we press on in faithful obedience.