The Kingdom of God - Dr. R.C. Sproul

Summary

In this engaging lesson by Dr. R.C. Sproul, the concept of God's kingdom is explored in depth. Sproul emphasizes that the kingdom of God is both a present and future reality, growing progressively until its final manifestation at Christ’s return. Through examining the teachings of Jesus, particularly his parables, Sproul explains how the church’s mission is to witness to this kingdom and seek its priority in the lives of believers. The message challenges Christians to align their lives with God's kingdom while understanding its growing nature and ultimate fulfillment.

Takeaways

• 😀 The kingdom of God is a central theme in both the Old and New Testaments of the Bible, with Jesus and Paul frequently addressing it.
• 😀 Jesus taught his followers to pray for the coming of God's kingdom, indicating its importance in Christian life and faith.
• 😀 The kingdom of God is already present in heaven, where God's will is fully obeyed, but it is not yet fully realized on Earth.
• 😀 The Old Testament prophesied a future realm where God's sovereignty would be universally recognized, with some obeying willingly and others being forced to submit.
• 😀 In the New Testament, 'kingdom of heaven' and 'kingdom of God' are used interchangeably, with the difference mainly being a linguistic choice based on Jewish tradition.
• 😀 The kingdom of God was believed to be entirely future by many, but Dr. Sproul argues that this view overlooks the kingdom's present reality and ongoing manifestation.
• 😀 John the Baptist heralded the imminent arrival of God's kingdom, calling for repentance because it was 'at hand'—about to arrive imminently.
• 😀 Jesus continued this message, asserting that the kingdom was already present in his ministry, marking the beginning of its realization on Earth.
• 😀 Jesus' message of the kingdom was progressive, and it grows from something small (like a mustard seed) into something vast and all-encompassing.
• 😀 The task of the Church is to make the invisible kingdom of God visible to the world, through bearing witness to Christ's kingship and furthering the kingdom's growth.
• 😀 The kingdom of God will not reach its full consummation until Christ's return at the end of human history, when God's kingdom will be visible and complete.

Q & A

What is the central theme of the Kingdom of God in the Bible?

The central theme of the Kingdom of God in the Bible is God's sovereign rule over all creation, both in the present and in the future. It emphasizes God's reign as king, which is fully realized in heaven and is progressively being made visible on earth, especially through the life and work of Jesus Christ.

How does Dr. R.C. Sproul explain the phrase 'Thy Kingdom Come' in the Lord's Prayer?

Dr. R.C. Sproul explains that 'Thy Kingdom Come' is a prayer asking for God's will to be fully realized on earth, just as it is in heaven. It highlights both the present aspect of God's Kingdom and the future expectation of its complete fulfillment.

What does Dr. Sproul mean when he says the Kingdom of God is both 'already' and 'not yet'?

Dr. Sproul uses the phrase 'already' to describe the current reality of the Kingdom of God, where Jesus' reign has begun, but the full establishment of God's Kingdom has not yet occurred. The 'not yet' refers to the future consummation of God's Kingdom when it will be fully realized at the return of Christ.

Why does Dr. Sproul stress the importance of the Church in the Kingdom of God?

Dr. Sproul stresses that the Church is crucial in making the invisible Kingdom of God visible to the world. The Church, as the body of Christ, is tasked with proclaiming the message of the Kingdom and demonstrating God's rule in the lives of believers, making the reality of God's reign apparent to others.

What role do parables play in illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of God?

Parables play a significant role in illustrating the nature of the Kingdom of God by describing its growth, influence, and eventual fulfillment. Jesus used simple, relatable stories, such as the mustard seed and leaven, to explain how the Kingdom starts small but grows and spreads to encompass the world.

What does Dr. Sproul say about the expectations of the Jewish disciples regarding the Kingdom?

Dr. Sproul explains that the Jewish disciples expected the Kingdom of God to be a physical, political restoration of Israel, where the Messiah would overthrow earthly rulers and establish a new earthly kingdom. However, Jesus redirected their focus, emphasizing a spiritual and eternal Kingdom that was not of this world.

How does Dr. Sproul define the relationship between the Kingdom of God and salvation?

Dr. Sproul defines the Kingdom of God as inherently linked to salvation, as entering the Kingdom requires repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. Those who embrace God's rule through Christ experience salvation, which is a key element of the Kingdom.

What does the Bible teach about the future fulfillment of the Kingdom of God?

The Bible teaches that the future fulfillment of the Kingdom of God will be marked by the return of Jesus Christ, where God's reign will be fully established on earth. At that time, evil will be defeated, and God's people will experience perfect peace and justice in the new heaven and new earth.

How does the Kingdom of God relate to the Church's mission on earth?

The Kingdom of God relates directly to the Church's mission on earth because the Church is called to proclaim the Kingdom's message and bring people into submission to God's rule. The Church's mission is to make disciples, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all that Jesus commanded, thus advancing the Kingdom.

What can believers do to actively participate in the Kingdom of God today?

Believers can actively participate in the Kingdom of God today by living out the values of the Kingdom, such as love, justice, mercy, and truth. This involves following Christ’s teachings, sharing the gospel, and engaging in acts of service and compassion that reflect God's rule in the world.