Some thoughts on Jesus’ Teaching on the nature of the Kingdom of God, with particular reference to Matthew 13:1-52 and Matthew 5-7. A Study by Blair Humphreys.

 

1) Introduction

Throughout the New Testament, especially the Synoptic Gospels * The Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke, there are numerous references to the Kingdom of God or the Kingdom of Heaven, which *1 “ is generally considered to be the central theme of Jesus’ Teaching.

“ Although spoken to mainly Jewish Audience, some 2,000 years ago, in a province of the Roman Empire, it is still the same Life Changing and Revolutionary message today as it was then. *2 “ Jesus preached the Kingdom of God. We preach Jesus. In Him and through the power of His Message the Kingdom  *1 is available to us, but can we preach Jesus or even understand Him, without understanding God’s Kingly Rule, the central note in all His Teaching.”

*1 Encyclopaedia Britannica Article The Kingdom of God.

*2 Understanding the Kingdom of God, by Georgina Harkness, Chapter 1, Where We

Stand

It is my objective, through my own personal study of the above Scriptures and with

reading through the New Testament, especially the Synoptic Gospels, prayer

and reading through relevant articles, books such as Matthew Henry’s commentary ,

and using various translations of the Bible, to gain an understanding of the Lord’s

teaching of the Kingdom of God, and applying that teaching to myself and it’s

relevance for us today in the early part of the 21st Century.

The Kingdom of God/Heaven is the central theme and the essence of Jesus’ message

, when we read through the Gospels, we see how important this message is, there are

so many references to the Kingdom of God throughout the Gospels, (although there

several references to the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament, for example

in Psalm 145:13 Nlt “For your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom. You rule

throughout all generations, “ although the Old Testament saints, only saw a

glimmer of what was to come, Matt.13:17), we can only come to the conclusion

that if the Kingdom of God is mentioned so many times it must be important.

Indeed in Matthew 6:33, The Lord’s commends us to seek, the Kingdom above all

else, or in some versions “,make the Kingdom of God, your primary concern. “ If

the Kingdom of God was central to our Lord’s Teaching, it must be central to

our Christian Walk, Witness and Lifestyle.

Indeed the Kingdom of God is the Life force of Jesus’ Message, in Matthew Henry’s

Commentary on Matthew 13, it states that “ the word of the Gospel is the word of the

Kingdom. “ Our Message must be the same as Jesus’ Message. In Matt. 13:1-23

, it describes how a farmer when to sow some seed, (the word of God) and the

responses to that word, although Jesus spoke a message that everyone could

relate to, and hopefully understand, he used phrases, terms and illustrations that

people would know, I believe that the four times of soil, can relate to 4 times of

people that hear the Gospel, a) some seed fell on the path, some people hear the

message of the Kingdom, but don’t understand it, b) other seed fell on shallow

ground, some people hear the message gladly, but because of various problems

etc, turn away, c) other seed fell among thorns, some people hear the word, but

their lives become full of other things, turn away and don’t produce a crop, 

and finally d) some seed fell on good soil, and produced a huge harvest, speaks of

those who truly accept God’s message, and see other lives transformed by the

Gospel.

In Matt. 13:9 Jesus says “ Anyone who is willing to hear, should listen and

understand! “ I believe that although, the message of the Kingdom of God

can be easy to understand, not everything who hears it, will accept it .

The Lord only reveals a greater understanding of the Kingdom to those

, who truly accept the message ( I’m not speaking of a type of

special knowledge or revelation that is only available to some sort of

initiate of a secret society or an elite band of people, because that would be

a form of Gnosticism) , in Matthew 13:11f. Jesus tells the Disciples, “That you have

been permitted to understand the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, to those who are

open to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an

abundance of knowledge. “ although Jesus was speaking to the 12 here, he also

speaks to us, we can’t understand the Kingdom, unless we have a relationship

with the King, I believe because of our relationship with the King, we will have a

fuller understanding of Kingdom, the more time we spend with Him, and as we show

others the truth that we have learned from Him. See Matt 13:52. “, He can bring out

old treasures as well as new treasures from his storehouse.”

I believe that as Jesus was sent by God, to reveal the message of the Kingdom of God

, today we’re sent by Him, to reveal to others the Gospel of the Kingdom, see

Romans 10:14, Mark 3:14 & Matt 9:37-38

The Kingdom of God is not of this world, see John 18:36, although it can be

, seen in the lives of His followers who express every day both the fullness and

revelation of His Kingdom. Indeed, there’s nothing quite like knowing the King and

being part of His Kingdom, see Matt 13:44-46.

In Matthew 5-7, we see practical and everyday Kingdom Teaching, that reaches

, through the pages of our Bibles into our lives, situations and personalities.

IVP Commentary, Matthew 5-7 Introduction “ The Ethics of God’s Kingdom”

“Jesus summons those who would be his followers to radical devotion and radical

dependence on God. His followers must be meek, must not retaliate, must go beyond

the letter's law to its spirit, must do what is right when only God is looking, must

depend on God for their needs and pursue his interests rather than their own, and must

leave spiritual measurements of others' hearts to God. In short, true people of the

kingdom live for God, not for themselves, “

This Kingdom teaching, starts with what’s commonly referred to as the Beatitudes in

Matt 5:3 Nlt. “ God blesses those who realise their need for Him, for the

Kingdom of Heaven belongs to them, “ we also see the types of people

, that God will bless in Matt 5:4f and basically it includes everyone. Amen

We’re called to be both salt and light in Society, salt purifies and light shows people

, the way to go, see Matt 5:13- 16

In Matthew 6:9f, we see the Lord’s Prayer,

“9 Pray like this: Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.

10 May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth,

as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today the food we need, 12 and forgive us our sins,

as we have forgiven those who sin against us. 13 And don’t let us yield to

temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.”

There are so many examples of the nature of Kingdom Living, found in

, these Chapters, Matt 5-7, but what summarises this teaching for me, can be found in

Matt 7:24-27” 24 Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them

into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock. 25 The rain came

down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not

fall, because it had its foundation on the rock. 26 But everyone who hears these

words of mine and does not put them into practice is like a foolish man who built his

house on sand.”

James 1:22 “ But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says, “

Matt 24:14 “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.”

Blair Humphreys

July 13th 2013

Bibliography

1) Encyclopaedia Britannica Article The Kingdom of God

2) Understanding the Kingdom of God, by Georgina Harkness

3) Matthew Henry’s Commentary on Matthew 13

4) IVP Commentary on Matthew 5-7

4 More Reasons Why Practicing Homosexuals Can't Be Christians 12:00PM EDT 6/10/2013 LARRY TOMCZAK

 

537

 

22

 

3

 

291

 

Can a practicing homosexual be a Christian?

Multitudes today are confused about gay-related issues. It’s easier to “go with the flow” and steer clear of the intimidation to conform. The P.C. (politically correct) police are ever present. This is Part 3 of a three-part series on whether Christians can be gay. (Check out Part 1 here and Part 2 here.) In Part 2, we looked at six reasons why practicing homosexuals can't be Christians. Here are four more arguments from Larry Tomczak.

7. Some people are definitely more susceptible to homosexuality than others (proclivity vs. practice).

Some individuals are “wired” more toward these artistic areas: music, singing, dance, poetry, cooking, clothing design, hairstyling and painting as opposed to football, baseball, basketball, hunting, wrestling and other athletics. These differences are healthy and make for diversity in the human family. Yet if a dad who enjoys contact sports ridicules a son who doesn’t, or if a parent doesn’t affirm a daughter’s femininity, a child can feel misunderstood and rejected and most vulnerable to outside, negative influences.

One of my sons was more athletic, the other more artistic. I tried to affirm their bent with unconditional love, while helping both develop their masculinity. Today my oldest son is about to be married and is a type A leader running aggressive, political campaigns. My younger son has been married for over a decade, has two adopted sons and is the pastor of a thriving church.

8. There is a difference between desire and deed.

Many good people lay in their beds wrestling with feelings and fantasies regarding homosexuality. Just because someone is tempted in an area does not mean they are guilty of sexual misconduct. As they say, “You can’t stop birds flying around your head, but you can stop them from building a nest in your hair!” 

Also, just because someone has homosexual desires and states they don’t “feel” there’s anything wrong with acting upon them, that doesn’t make it right. Objective standards, not subjective feelings, have to govern our lives, or else people can justify all kinds of behavior—such as pedophilia, rape or child molestation.

The Brown University student health plan is now going to cover sex changes (called "gender reassignment") if a girl wants to morph into a male or vice versa! Scriptural standards, not experience or feelings, must be our guide, or the moral confusion will only get worse.

9. God loves all people, and it is His plan to see us change to fulfill our destiny.  

Jesus Christ welcomed and accepted everyone but called them to change unrighteous lifestyles—the adulteress, the multi-lover Samaritan, the corrupt tax collectors. He said,  “Go and sin no more!”  And when they obeyed, they discovered the same life of freedom, peace and joy available to us today!

10. Homosexual behavior can be changed, as evidenced by multitudes throughout America and in the Bible.

I personally know a woman who left a lesbian lifestyle after 42 years and a male former homosexual who today is married with numerous children. Organizations helping homosexuals find freedom through compassionate counseling are filled with the testimonies of thousands of real people who really have changed. Consider also high-profile celebrities who’ve done likewise:

• Actress Anne Heche left her homosexual partnership with Ellen DeGeneres to marry a man, as did singer Sinead O’Connor when she married Nick Sommerlad.
• Three-time MVP in the WNBA and two-time gold medalist Sheryl Swoopes actually did it in reverse! She was married with an 8-year-old when she decided to divorce her husband for her “lover,” Alisa Scott.

Going from “straight to gay” or “gay to straight” undermines the theory that sexual orientation is inherited and unchangeable. You might call this “inconvenient truth.” California has even passed a law forbidding anyone to counsel anyone until age 18 that change is possible! 

In light of all we’ve examined, it should be clear to anyone who calls, writes or asks about the issues we’ve discussed that there really are answers to the legitimate questions being asked. Maybe the reader believed some of the myths and misinformation circulating in our culture, believing them to be fact. But as John Keynes, the British economist who influenced the economic policies of many governments, used to say, “When facts change, I change my mind! What do you do?”

Read Part 1 and Part 2.  

---

Larry Tomczak is the apostolic leader and evangelist with Larry Tomczak Ministries www.larrytomczak.com. He is the author of six books, including Divine Appointments (Destiny Image).

Some thoughts on Christian Maturity (1)

Hebrews 6

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

6 We must try to become mature and start thinking about more than just the basic things we were taught about Christ. We shouldn’t need to keep talking about why we ought to turn from deeds that bring death and why we ought to have faith in God. 2 And we shouldn’t need to keep teaching about baptisms or about the laying on of hands or about people being raised from death and the future judgment. 3 Let’s grow up, if God is willing.

4-6 But what about people who turn away after they have already seen the light and have received the gift from heaven and have shared in the Holy Spirit? What about those who turn away after they have received the good message of God and the powers of the future world? There is no way to bring them back. What they are doing is the same as nailing the Son of God to a cross and insulting him in public!

7 A field is useful to farmers, if there is enough rain to make good crops grow. In fact, God will bless that field. 8 But land that produces only thornbushes is worthless. It is likely to fall under God’s curse, and in the end it will be set on fire.

9 My friends, we are talking this way. But we are sure that you are doing those really good things that people do when they are being saved. 10 God is always fair. He will remember how you helped his people in the past and how you are still helping them. You belong to God, and he won’t forget the love you have shown his people. 11 We wish that each of you would always be eager to show how strong and lasting your hope really is. 12 Then you would never be lazy. You would be following the example of those who had faith and were patient until God kept his promise to them.

God’s Promise Is Sure

13 No one is greater than God. So he made a promise in his own name when he said to Abraham, 14 “I, the Lord, will bless you with many descendants!” 15 Then after Abraham had been very patient, he was given what God had promised. 16 When anyone wants to settle an argument, they make a vow by using the name of someone or something greater than themselves. 17 So when God wanted to prove for certain that his promise to his people could not be broken, he made a vow. 18 God cannot tell lies! And so his promises and vows are two things that can never be changed.

We have run to God for safety. Now his promises should greatly encourage us to take hold of the hope that is right in front of us. 19 This hope is like a firm and steady anchor for our souls. In fact, hope reaches behind the curtain and into the most holy place. 20 Jesus has gone there ahead of us, and he is our high priest forever, just like Melchizedek.

10 Basic Steps Toward Christian Maturity

Introduction: The Uniqueness of Jesus

Every day more and more people everywhere are getting excited about Jesus of Nazereth. Wherever the true message of Jesus Christ has gone, people and nations have been revolutionized, resulting in new life, new hope, and new purpose for living.

Step 1: The Christian Adventure

Have you been living in spiritual defeat - powerless and wondering if you can make it as a Christian? This study will show you how to enjoy what millions of other Christians around the world have experienced - the adventure of a full, abundant, purposeful and fruitful life in Christ.

Step 2: The Christian and the Abundant Life

Have you ever wondered if there was something more exciting than you are experiencing as a Christian? This step describes the Christian way of life - what it is and how it works practically. The study discusses the problems of sin and temptation and the spiritual warfare of life.

Step 3: The Christian and the Holy Spirit

Is your life filled with purpose and power? Are you living in joy and victory? Or does your Christian life seem dull? Discover how the revolutionary power of the Holy Spirit can help you rise above your discouragement and defeat and move into a life filled with God's supernatural power.

Step 4: The Christian and Prayer

Prayer is the most revolutionary source of power known to man. This step will teach you how to tap into this power. The truths you learn will ignite your spirit.

Step 5: The Christian and the Bible

The Bible - God's holy, inspired Word - is without comparison. The heart-warming story of God's love for mankind, the Bible is an exciting and joyful adventure of reading, meditation and study. No other book written can equal it. And no one can live a full, abundant, supernatural life without daily drawing upon the supernatural resources of God's word.

Step 6: The Christian and Obedience

What is the secret to personal purity and power as a Christian? How can you experience a deep, abiding sense of God's holy presence as a way of life? Surrendering to the will of God and living daily in His grace is the key.

Step 7: The Christian and Witnessing

Now you can learn to share your faith with confidence in the power of the Holy Spirit. The principles presented in this step have been learned on the front line of experience. They have changed millions of silent, guilt-ridden Christians into radiant witnesses for our Lord.

Step 8: The Christian and Giving

Does God reserve a special blessing for those who give generously to His work? Does the "Law of the Harvest" hold true today? Can you give liberally and still miss God's blessing? Learn the answers to these and many other vital questions concerning your money.

Step 9: Exploring the Old Testament

Is the Old Testament a big mystery to you? Do you wonder if it is really important for the Christian? What does the Bible mean when it talks about a time of law and a time of grace? And who are some of the major players in the drama of God's dealings with mankind? This step explores the answers and shows what God did to prepare the way for Jesus Christ.

Step 10: Exploring the New Testament

What is the key idea of each book in the New Testament? Why do we have four Gospels? Why did Paul write so many letters? And what is in store for us in the not-too-distant future? This step explores the answers and surveys the message of the New Testament as a whole. The study shows the focus of the four Gospels and highlights the exciting beginning of the Church.

Campus Crusade for Christ…http://www.cru.org/training-and-growth/classics/10-basic-steps/index.htm

Matthew Henrys’ Commentary Hebrews 6:1-8

We have here the apostle’s advice to the Hebrews—that they would grow up from a state of childhood to the fullness of the stature of the new man in Christ. He declares his readiness to assist them all he could in their spiritual progress; and, for their greater encouragement, he puts himself with them: Let us go on. Here observe, In order to their growth, Christians must leave the principles of the doctrine of Christ. How must they leave them? They must not lose them, they must not despise them, they must not forget them. They must lay them up in their hearts, and lay them as the foundation of all their profession and expectation; but they must not rest and stay in them, they must not be always laying the foundation, they must go on, and build upon it. There must be a superstructure; for the foundation is laid on purpose to support the building. Here it may be enquired, Why did the apostle resolve to set strong meat before the Hebrews, when he knew they were but babes? Answer. 1. Though some of them were but weak, yet others of them had gained more strength; and they must be provided for suitably. And, as those who are grown Christians must be willing to hear the plainest truths preached for the sake of the weak, so the weak must be willing to hear the more difficult and mysterious truths preached for the sake of those who are strong. 2. He hoped they would be growing in their spiritual strength and stature, and so be able to digest stronger meat.