2. The Kingdom Of God 1 Thessalonians 2:8-12

3. Israel As A Kingdom  Clearly foretold (Ex. 19:5-6)  God as King over Israel (Jdg. 8:23; Psa. 10:16)  Israel was to have a system of judges (Ex. 18:21; Deut. 16:18-19)  Yet, Israel forsook God and demanded a king (1 Sam. 8:1-8)

4. Jesus Preached A New Kingdom  Kingdom is at hand (Matt. 4:17; Lk. 4:43)  “Not far from” (Mk. 12:34)  This indicates a different kingdom (Jn. 18:36; Rom. 14:17)  Jesus continues along this line and says something quite radical in the Sermon of the Mount (Matt. 5:20)

5.  He then follows up on this with a series of pronouncements showing the contrast between the old kingdom and the new kingdom (Matt. 5:21-47)

6. “You have heard that it was said to those of old…But I say unto you” 21-26 Shall not murder Shall not be angry 27-30 31-32 33-37 38-42 43-47 Shall not commit adultery Shall not look with lust Give her a certificate of divorce Only for fornication Not swear falsely Not swear at all Eye for eye; tooth for tooth Not to resist Love your neighbor Love your enemy

7. More To Consider  The righteousness of the kingdom IS different (re. Matt. 5:20)  The kingdom and righteousness IS to be sought (Matt. 6:33)  In the old kingdom one entered by birth; in the new kingdom one enters by the new birth (Jn. 3:3-5)