Jesus Kingdom Unlike any other Prophecy a kingdom

Jesus’ Kingdom: Unlike any other • Prophecy: a kingdom which will never be destroyed. Dan 2: 44 -45 • All peoples, nations, and men of every language… would serve Him. Dan 7: 13 -14

Who’s in this kingdom? • Those who choose – from their heart – to live God’s way, not their own. Rom 6: 17 (see ch. 6) • They have died (baptism) to sin and raise to walk in newness of life. Rom 6 -8 • In other words, they put off the man of flesh and put on Christ. • The Bible’s focus (last week): one’s fruit, and what that fruit consists of. Jn. 15: 1 -8

Distinguishing Distinctions • Christians who create man-made laws as a means of distinction. Cp. Col 2: 20 -23 • Those with “legalistic” mindset: don’t mandate laws where God hasn’t. Versus • Christians are to apply God’s spirit to life’s many situations. 1 Pet 4: 1 -3; Gal 5: 19 ff • Those with “freedom” mind: don’t use your freedom in Christ as a license for the flesh. Ro 6: 1

Since We’re Not of This World Live like it… be distinguished from the world: • Don’t get caught up in materialism. 1 Co 3: 10 -15 • Be busy in His kingdom work. 1 Co 4: 1 -5 • In other words, live like you are “not of the world”. Jn 15: 19

The world is surprised… and malign you • You are to bear fruit, thus reflecting God’s image/light. Jn. 15: 16 -19 (Jn. 1: 5; Matt 5: 14 ff) • The world hates you because you follow Jesus and His kingdom ways. 1 Pe 4: 4 • However, there are those in darkness who will be attracted to your distinctive light. Jn. 3: 19 -21