My Kingdom Is Not Of This World. John 18:28-38

In The OT, the Kingdom is coming. Psalm 2, Isaiah 2 Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.

In the Gospels, the Kingdom is at hand. Matthew 3:1-2 In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea, 2 and saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand!” Matthew 4:17 From that time Jesus began to preach and to say, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” Mark 9:1 And He said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you that there are some standing here who will not taste death till they see the kingdom of God present with power.”

Acts 2 – The Kingdom is here! Therefore being exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He poured out this which you now see and hear. 34 “For David did not ascend into the heavens, but he says himself:       ‘ The LORD said to my Lord,       “ Sit at My right hand,        35 Till I make Your enemies Your footstool.”’ 36 “Therefore let all the house of Israel know assuredly that God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ.”

After Pentecost, the Kingdom is spoken of in the present tense. Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Revelation 1:9 I, John, both your brother and companion in the tribulation and kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was on the island that is called Patmos for the word of God and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

The Kingdom is the church. Matthew 16:18-19 Colossians 1:13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, Cf. Acts 2:47 … And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.

Jesus is the King, and we are His subjects. 1 Timothy 6:15 … He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords, Matthew 28:18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 1 Peter 5:6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time,

The Kingdom is spiritual in nature. John 18:36 Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here.” Freedom from sin, not earthly bondage. John 8:31-36 We become slaves of Christ. Romans 6:16 Do you not know that to whom you present yourselves slaves to obey, you are that one’s slaves whom you obey, whether of sin leading to death, or of obedience leading to righteousness? Earthly bondage is irrelevant. Colossians 3:22-24

The Kingdom is spiritual in nature. It grows by preaching and free will, not physical conquest. Matthew 28:19-20 2 Corinthians 10:3-5 It is unconcerned with riches. 1 Timothy 6:6-8 Matthew 6:19-21 1 Corinthians 16:1-2 1 Corinthians 9:14, Philippians 4:15

The Kingdom is spiritual in nature. It is indestructible. Daniel 2:44 And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever. Matthew 16:18 And I also say to you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hades shall not prevail against it. Hebrews 12:28 Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, (ESV)

The Kingdom is spiritual in nature. It is indestructible. Luke 8:11 “Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. Matthew 13:19a When anyone hears the word of the kingdom,… 1 Peter 1:22-25

It will be delivered up to God. 1 Corinthians 15:20-26 1 Corinthians 15:50-58

Enter the Kingdom today! Obey the gospel. Acts 2:38-47