Covenant Baptist Church
Sermon Guide for February 3, 2019
What is the gospel of Jesus?
The Gospel is…
The life giving news that the kingdom of God has come to us in Jesus Christ who is the Son of God. Now, real life with God, overflowing with all that is truly good, (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control), is available in His kingdom here, now and forever, to everyone willing to trust and follow Jesus.
The first and most frequent reality of the gospel spoken of by Jesus was the kingdom of God having come to earth.
The common understanding of a kingdom in Jesus day:
● A kingdom had a king.
● The king must rule. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke
● The king rules over a people.
● The king rules by a law.
● A Kingdom had a location.
In most instances when the word kingdom is used in the biblical text it is referring to an action – kingdom-ing.
To say a person was in a kingdom would be saying they were under the rule of a certain king.
A kingdom was understood to be the rule of a king over a certain group of people in a certain place.
● The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel. Mark 1:15
● He (Jesus) began going around from one city and village to another, proclaiming and preaching the kingdom of God. Luke 8:1
The kingdom of God was central to the message Jesus came proclaiming.
…the kingdom of God has come to us…: Life under God’s authority and care is now available to anyone and everyone through trust and obedience to Jesus.
The kingdom of God at hand:
● This kingdom’s king is Jesus. …He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and lord of lords. I Timothy 6:15
● Jesus rules or exercises His authority to carry out His will. For the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
● As king, Jesus rules over a people today called the church. …I will build my church; and the gates of Hades will not overpower it. Matthew 16:18
● As king, Jesus rules by law which are His commands and teachings. This is my commandment, that you love one another just as I have loved you. In everything, therefore, treat people the same way you want them to treat you for this is the Law and the Prophets. Matthew 7:12
● Jesus rule has now come to earth. Your kingdom come. Your will be done. On earth as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:18
What God wants (His will) is for all mankind to find and enter into life with Him by trusting and obeying Jesus. This is to the great glory of God and is the highest good any person will ever find.
Life in the kingdom of God – under the authority and care of Jesus – is, instead, a life filled with love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, faithfulness, goodness and self-control. It truly is the only life and is indescribably beautiful and overflowing with all that is good.
Whose kingdom are you living in today?
Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear and the burden I give you is light. Matthew 11:28-30