What is God’s Kingdom: Part 3 Selected Passages Big Idea: God’s kingdom is his authority and ability to rule. We see this kingdom exercised over certain realms and people. God’s kingdom reigns over all of creation, over the kingdoms of men, and over the hearts of men. What is God’s Kingdom? God’s _______________ and ________________ to rule over any and all realms within the created order and beyond. God exercises his authority over: The Realms of Nature The Realms (kingdoms) of Men The Realm of the __________________ Proverbs 21:1 (ESV) — 1 The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord; he turns it wherever he will. Ezra 6:22 (ESV) — 22 And they kept the Feast of Unleavened Bread seven days with joy, for the Lord had made them joyful and had turned the heart of the king of Assyria to them, so that he aided them in the work of the house of God, the God of Israel. Exodus 7:1-4 (pg. 46) God is directing the affairs of men by either applying direct pressure to or removing his restraining hand from the hearts of men so that he might accomplish his purposes on this earth. “Concurrence may be defined as the co-operation of the divine power with all subordinate powers, according to the pre-established laws of their operation, causing them to act and to act precisely as they do.” Louis Berkhoff Systematic Theology “The Scriptures teach that Divine sovereignty and [creature] freedom co-operate in perfect harmony; that while God is the sovereign ruler and primary cause, [creatures are] free within the limits of [their natures and are] the secondary cause; and that God so controls the thoughts and wills of [all creatures] that they freely and willingly do what He has planned for them to do.” Loraine Boettner The Reformed Doctrine of Predestination God is directing the affairs of men by either applying direct pressure to or removing his restraining hand from the hearts of men so that he might accomplish his purposes on this earth. Ezekiel 36:26–27 (ESV) — 26 And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. 27 And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. John 1:9-13 (pg. 833), 3:1-8, 6:41-45, 66-69 In the church we see the kingdom of God manifested. We see a gathering of individuals who are compelled to do God’s will because the Spirit is joyously motivating them toward godliness. Titus 2:11–14 (ESV) — 11 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, 12 training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, 13 waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, 14 who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.
Questions to Consider
Why is it a good thing that God has the power and authority to change men’s hearts?
In what ways have you seen God change your heart?
How do our evangelistic efforts depend on God’s ability to change men’s hearts?
How are you displaying the goodness of God to transform our inner man to those around you?
