Matt. 12:46-50; John 1:9-13
Big Idea: The Kingdom of God belongs to those who have been born of God and have been declared to be his children through faith in the work of Jesus Christ the Righteous.
The Kingdom of God is God’s authority and ability to rule over any and all realms within the created order and beyond in order to bestow the blessings of his good and gracious rule on unworthy subjects for the purpose of displaying his glory to all peoples.
10 Kingdom Realities:
God’s Kingdom takes priority.
Jesus is Stronger!
God is preparing hearts to receive his gospel.
God is Building His Kingdom!
God’s Kingdom will Thrive.
God’s Kingdom is Spiritual.
God’s Kingdom is Re-generate.
God’s Kingdom belongs to the Child-like.
God’s Kingdom Requires a ________ _________________________
Matthew 12:48 But he replied to the man who told him, “Who is my mother, and who are my brothers?” 49 And stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers!
Natural connections have no bearing on our belonging to God’s Kingdom.
Belonging to the kingdom of God requires a new connection.
John 1:9–13 (ESV) — 9 The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. 11 He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, 13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
The ______________________ behind this connection.
John 1:12 (ESV) — 12 But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God,
“The NT word is exousia, meaning rightful, actual and unimpeded power to act, or to possess, control, use or dispose of, something or somebody.”
Psalm 93:1–2 (ESV) — 1 The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. 2 Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting.
John 10:29–30 (ESV) — 29 My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand. 30 I and the Father are one.”
The ______________________ of this connection.
John 1:13 (ESV) —13 who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
Our blessings still come from our connection to another. But it comes from our connection to Christ through faith and not to some earthly benefactor.
Questions to Consider
How does your connection to your family effect your standing before God? Is this good news? Why?
How does becoming a child of earthly parents resemble becoming a child of God? How does it not? Why is this distinction important?
Have you personally connected yourself to Christ through faith? What does this mean for your relationship to God?
