1. By Robert C. Archer

2. Thayer – “royal power, kingship, dominion, rule” Vine: – “sovereignty, royal power, dominion…, by metonymy, a concrete noun, denoting the territory or people over whom a king rules… It is used especially of the “kingdom” of God and of Christ – The Kingdom of God is (a) the sphere of God’s rule…the sphere in which, at any given time, His rule is acknowledged

3. So when we think of the kingdom, think “rule” - rule over people who yield or not yield to his rule

4. God’s universal reign God’s reign over fleshly Israel God’s eternal kingdom—heaven God’s kingdom of Christ—the church

5. God’s universal reign – Daniel 4:25 25 They shall drive you from men, your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field, and they shall make you eat grass like oxen. They shall wet you with the dew of heaven, and seven times shall pass over you, till you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses.

6. God’s universal reign – Daniel 4:32 32 And they shall drive you from men, and your dwelling shall be with the beasts of the field. They shall make you eat grass like oxen; and seven times shall pass over you, until you know that the Most High rules in the kingdom of men, and gives it to whomever He chooses."

7. God’s universal reign – Daniel 4:34 34 And at the end of the time I, Nebuchadnezzar, lifted my eyes to heaven, and my understanding returned to me; and I blessed the Most High and praised and honored Him who lives forever: For His dominion is an everlasting dominion, And His kingdom is from generation to generation.

8. God’s reign over fleshly Israel – 2 Samuel 5:12 12 So David knew that the LORD had established him as king over Israel, and that He had exalted His kingdom for the sake of His people Israel. – 1 Kings 11:11 11 Therefore the LORD said to Solomon, "Because you have done this, and have not kept My covenant and My statutes, which I have commanded you, I will surely tear the kingdom away from you and give it to your servant.

9. God’s eternal kingdom—heaven – Acts 14:22 22 strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, "We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God." – 2 Timothy 4:18 18 And the Lord will deliver me from every evil work and preserve me for His heavenly kingdom. To Him be glory forever and ever. Amen! – 2 Peter 1:11 11 for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

10. God’s kingdom of Christ—the church – Matthew 16:18-19 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. 19 And I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."

11. Cf. Matt. 13:31 with Mk. 4:30-31 – Matthew 13:31 31 Another parable He put forth to them, saying: "The kingdom of heaven is like a mustard seed, which a man took and sowed in his field, Mark 4:30-31 30 Then He said, "To what shall we liken the kingdom of God? Or with what parable shall we picture it? 31 It is like a mustard seed which, when it is sown on the ground, is smaller than all the seeds on earth;

12. Not – God’s universal reign – God’s reign over fleshly Israel – God’s eternal kingdom—heaven

13. The kingdom of God—the church (Matt. 16:18-19) – The kingdom of God is Christ’s reign over people who have submitted their will to His will – It is another description like body, church, vineyard, bride that helps us understand the nature of people who belong to God

14. Spiritual – Not of this world John 18:36 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”

15. Spiritual – Kingdom within you Luke 17:20-21 20 Now when He was asked by the Pharisees when the kingdom of God would come, He answered them and said, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; 21 nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you”

16. Spiritual – Not far from the kingdom Mark 12:34 34 Now when Jesus saw that he answered wisely, He said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” But after that no one dared question Him

17. Kingdom at hand – Mark 1:14 14 Now after John was put in prison, Jesus came to Galilee, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God – Mark 1:15 15 and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand. Repent, and believe in the gospel."

18. Kingdom come with power – Mark 9:1 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”

19. Paul and others in the kingdom – Colossians 1:13 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love

20. John in the kingdom – Revelation 1:9 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