Sunday, February 19, 2017 am
THE NEW TESTAMENT CHURCH
(5)
The Church is The Kingdom
In
our last lesson in this study we discussed how the church was a part of
God’s eternal purpose even before the foundation of the world (Ephesians
3:10-11). We also addressed
3 OT prophecies that pointed toward the kingdom being established as God
planned and when God planned it.
It happened on Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2.
A
key element to understanding the significance of these things is a
realization that the kingdom and the church are the same thing.
This is important to understand in addressing the doctrine of
premillenialism which anticipates the coming of a future kingdom.
With this doctrine, some (not all) contend that the church was
established in place of the intended kingdom for various reasons (i.e.
the Jews were not ready for the physical kingdom).
This view is filled with problems including a challenge of the
omnipotence of God (His ability to accomplish His will), as well as
appealing to the materialistic attitude concerning the kingdom (which
was one thing Jesus had to deal with in explaining the nature of His
kingdom). So an
understanding that the church and kingdom are one and the same helps
deal with these errors. And with
that in mind, today we want to notice how they are.
a.
Why not use one term all
the time and alleviate confusion?
Perhaps the reason is because these two terms (and the others we have
noted – family, vineyard, temple, etc.) describe different aspects of
being part of the body of Christ.
In the same way that a person may have many different descriptions.
Consider this, as part of a family, I am both a husband and a
father. Those are distinct
roles yet they are both equally part of a family unit.
b.
Understand the
church/kingdom is a spiritual relationship with God – i.e. not of this
world (John 18:36-37, Luke 17:21, Romans 14:17, etc.).
While trying to explain the kingdom, Jesus used parables to help
the people understand its nature.
There were many parables explaining many different aspects of the
kingdom (Matthew 13 has 7 parables about the kingdom, etc.).
Together we get a better understanding.
The same is true with the use of varying descriptions – we better
understand what the church/kingdom is.
Consider:
i.
Kingdom –
Christ is our king, we are citizens of His kingdom and subject to Him
and His laws.
ii.
Church – we
are the assembly of Christ’s people, called out of the world and called
together to work
a.
Both the church and
kingdom are described as being a part of God’s eternal plans.
The kingdom in prophecies (Daniel 2:44, Isaiah 2:2-4, Joel
2:28-32, etc.) and the church in Ephesians 3:20-21
b.
The Kingdom prophesied
and prepared (as addressed last week) – again note the prophecies.
Also, consider Matthew 16:28 – some would see the Son of Man coming in
His kingdom. Mark 9:1 notes
they would see the kingdom of God present with power.
c.
The church spoken of by
Jesus – Matthew 16:18-19.
What is interesting is that Jesus used the term “church” very little.
But He was preparing His disciples for it, often using the term
kingdom.
For example – Matthew 18:15-18.
NOTICE also vs. 18 and compare that with Matthew 16:19.
NOTE: Here is a comparison – the apostles would be responsible for the
“binding” and “loosing” in both the kingdom and the church. The point of
this expression is not that they had legislative power (i.e. to make
laws), but that they would reveal God’s law concerning it.
Their teachings established both the church and kingdom!
d.
After Acts 2
– the Kingdom is spoken of as in existence.
Acts 8:12 - But when they believed
Philip as he preached the things concerning the kingdom of God and the
name of Jesus Christ, both men and women were baptized.
Acts 19:8, Paul in Ephesus reasoning with the Jews,
And he went into the synagogue and spoke boldly for three months,
reasoning and persuading concerning the things of the kingdom of God.
NOTE: Paul is seeking to
convince these Jews that is the fulfillment of the OT kingdom
prophecies. Consider with
this Acts 28:23 where Paul in Rome calls for the leaders of the Jews.
Notice that he explained and solemnly testified of the kingdom of
God, persuading them concerning Jesus from both the LOM and the
prophets. Some believed while others did not.
Colossians 1:13, we have been conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of
His love…
2 Thessalonians 1:5 – that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of
God, for which you also suffer (are suffering).
Hebrews 12:28, we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us
have grace…
e.
After Acts 2
– the church is established and spoken of as in existence.
In fact, reference to the church becomes MORE prominent than references
to the kingdom.
IN the Gospels and Acts 1 – Kingdom is mentioned – 131 times, after Acts
1, the kingdom is mentioned 32 times. NOTE: In both of these, there are
references to other kingdoms, but the majority are addressing the
kingdom of God/heaven, i.e. the church!
In the Gospels – Church is mentioned 2 times, but in Acts 2 and
following – 108 times in reference to the church.
Acts 2:47 – the Lord added to the church daily those who were being
saved
Acts 5:11 – fear came upon all the church
Acts 20:28- the elders were to take heed to shepherd the church over
whom they had been made overseers.
Romans 16:16 – the churches of Christ salute you
Ephesians 1:22-23 – Christ has been made head over the church, which is
His body.
Many of the letters of Paul were specifically directed to churches
(congregations).
f.
Conclusion
– people entered the kingdom and church at the same time!
a.
Christ is the Head
–
i.
Kingdom - He is Lord,
reigning on David’s throne.
Consider John 18:36-37 – Jesus said He IS a king.
Acts 17:7 – in Thessalonica, Jews understood what Paul was
teaching including Jesus being a king.
ii.
Church - Ephesians
1:22-23, Colossians 1:18 – both identify Christ as the head of the
church which is His body.
b.
Our invitation – we are
called
i.
Kingdom – 1
Thessalonians 2:12 – walk worthy of God who calls you into His own
kingdom and glory.
ii.
Church – Colossians 3:15
– let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you are called
into one body, and be thankful.
That “body” is the church – Colossians 1:18
c.
What was preached? The Gospel
i.
Kingdom – Acts 8:12 –
Philip preached the things concerning the kingdom of God.
Jesus had earlier said in Matthew 24:14, “And this gospel of the kingdom
will be preached in all the world…”
(Also Matthew 4:23 where Jesus was preaching the gospel of the
kingdom
ii.
Church – 1 Corinthians
15:1-4 – the gospel Paul preached.
2 Corinthians 8:18 – we sent the brother whose praise is in the gospel
throughout all the churches
Ephesians 3:6 – fellow heirs of the same body, and partakers of the
promise in Christ through the gospel
d.
Terms of admission – how
does one enter?
i.
The kingdom - John 3:3,
5 - born again of water and Spirit, Acts 8:12 – as Philip preached the
kingdom in Samaria, many were baptized
ii.
The church – it is His
body (Eph. 1:22-23). We are
baptized into that body – 1 Cor. 12:12-13 -we are baptized into that one
body. Acts 2:38, 47 –
baptized, added to the church.
e.
Who is in it? Both use
terminology tying us to God
i.
The kingdom – Ephesians
2:19-20 – we are fellow citizens.
Colossians 1:13 – we have delivered ourselves from the power of darkness
(sin, ungodliness) and conveyed into the kingdom of the Son of His love
(forgiveness).
ii.
The church – Ephesians
2:19-20 - we are members of the household of God.
Ephesians 5:23 – He is Savior of the body.
f.
How long will it endure?
i.
The kingdom – Hebrews
12:28 – we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken.
Also note Daniel 2:44 – it shall endure forever
ii.
The church – Mathew
16:18 – build His church, the gates Hades
Ephesians 3:21 – to Him be glory in the church…forever and ever
g.
The Lord’s Supper -
i.
The kingdom – Matthew
26:29 – Jesus noted that He would not drink the fruit of the vine (the
Lord’s Supper) with them until in His Father’s kingdom.
ii.
The church – 1
Corinthians 10:16 – as we partake of the Lord’s Supper we are in
communion (fellowship) with Him
1 Corinthians 11:18-20 – note this letter was written to the church at
Corinth. They came together
as the church and they SHOULD be properly partaking of the Lord’s
Supper.
These are a few examples of how the kingdom and church are not merely
related, but are terms used synonymously.
In other words, if you are in the church, you are in the
kingdom; AND if you are in the kingdom, you are in the church.
What about you? Are
you a part of His kingdom?