The Life Walk: Life Walk Lesson 71The Kingdom of God

Life Walk Bible Lesson 71 — The Kingdom of God

Unless otherwise stated, all Scripture references are from the New American Standard Version of the Bible

Jesus Christ, The Representative of the Kingdom of God

John 1:1-5

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him, and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being. In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.”

John 1:9-14

“There was the true Light which, coming into the world, enlightens every man. He was in the world, and the world was made through Him, and the world did not know Him. He came to His own, and those who were His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, glory as of the only begotten from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

Scripture Reading: John 3:1-20 — We must be born again: Born from Above

Luke 4:43

“But He said to them, ‘I must preach the Kingdom of God to the other cities also, for I was sent for this purpose.’”

Luke 6:20

“And turning His gaze toward His disciples, He began to say, ‘Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the Kingdom of God.”

Scripture Reading: Matthew 5:1-20 — The Beatitudes

Luke 9:2

“And He sent them out to proclaim the Kingdom of God and to perform healing.”

Luke 9:11

“But the crowds were aware of this and followed Him; and welcoming them, He began speaking to them about the Kingdom of God and curing those who had need of healing.”

Luke 10:8-9

“Whatever city you enter and they receive you, eat what is set before you; and heal those in it who are sick, and say to them, ‘The Kingdom of God as come near to you.’”

Luke 17:19-20

“And He said unto him, ‘Stand up and go; your faith has made you well.’ Now having been questioned by the Pharisees as to when the Kingdom of God was coming, He answered them and said, ‘The Kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, ‘Look, here is is!’ or ‘There it is!’ For behold, the Kingdom of God is in your midst [or: within you].’”

The New Living Translation translates this passage: “… ‘For the Kingdom of God is already among you [or: is within you, or is in your grasp].”

Matthew 12:28

“But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come among you.”

Mark 16:14-20

“Afterward He appeared to the eleven themselves as they were reclining at the table; and He reproached them for their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they had not believed those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation. He who has believed and has been baptized shall be saved; but he who has disbelieved shall be condemned. These signs will accompany those who have believed: in My name they will cast out demons, they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up serpents, and if they drink any deadly poison, it will not hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.

So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was received up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord worked with them, and confirmed the word by the signs that followed.] [And they promptly reported all these instructions to Peter and his companions. And after that, Jesus Himself sent out through them from east to west the sacred and imperishable proclamation of eternal salvation.]"

Matthew 28:16-20

“But the eleven disciples proceeded to Galilee, to the mountain which Jesus had designated. When they saw Him, they worshiped Him; but some were doubtful. And Jesus came up and spoke to them, saying, ‘All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.’”

The Apostle Paul Preaches the Wisdom of the Kingdom of God

1 Corinthians 1:19-24 New Living Translation (NLT)

“As the Scriptures say, ‘I will destroy the wisdom of the wise and discard the intelligence of the intelligent.’ So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world’s brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, He has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it’s all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God.”

1 Corinthians 2:6-16 (NLT)

“Yet when I am among mature believers, I do speak with words of wisdom, but not the kind of wisdom that belongs to this world or to the rulers of this world, who are soon forgotten. No, the wisdom we speak of is the mystery of God — His plan that was previously hidden, even though He made it for our ultimate glory before the world began.

“But the rulers of this world have not understood it; if they had, they would not have crucified our glorious Lord. That is what the Scriptures mean when they say, ‘No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love Him.’ But it was to us that God revealed these things by His Spirit. For His Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.

“When we tell you these things, we do not use words that come from human wisdom. Instead, we speak words given to us by the Spirit, using the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. But people who aren’t spiritual can’t receive these truths from God’s Spirit. It all sounds foolish to them and they can’t understand it, for only those who are spiritual can understand what the Spirit means. Those who are spiritual can evaluate all things, but they themselves cannot be evaluated by others. For, ‘Who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to teach him?’ But we understand these things, for we have the mind of Christ.”

Colossians 2:1-3

“For I want you to know how great a struggle I have on your behalf and for those who are in Laodicea, and for all those who have not personally seen my face, that their hearts many be encouraged, having been knit together in love, and attaining to all the wealth that comes from the full assurance of understanding, resulting in a true knowledge of God’s mystery, that is, Christ Himself, in Whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.”

Dressed, Sent and Equipped to Preach

Colossians 3:12-17

“So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

“Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity. Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful. Let the word of Christ richly dwell within you, with all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with thankfulness in your hearts to God. Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father.”

Ephesians 6:10-17 (NLT)

“A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm.

Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness.

For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared.

In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil.

Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.”

Wisdom Comes from Above

James 3:13-18

“Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.”

Scripture Reading: Sirach 1

Always Trust in God

Matthew 6:25-34

“For this reason I say to you, do not be worried about your life, as to what you will eat or what you will drink; nor for your body, as to what you will put on. Is not life more than food, and the body more than clothing? Look at the birds of the air, that they do not sow, nor reap nor gather into barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not worth much more than they?

And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life? And why are you worried about clothing? Observe how the lilies of the field grow; they do not toil nor do they spin, yet I say to you that not even Solomon in all his glory clothed himself like one of these. But if God so clothes the grass of the field, which is alive today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you? You of little faith! Do not worry then, saying, ‘What will we eat?’ or ‘What will we drink?’ or ‘What will we wear for clothing?’ For the Gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

1 Corinthians 1:4-9 (NLT)

“I always thank my God for you and for the gracious gifts He has given you, now that you belong to Christ Jesus. Through Him, God has enriched your church in every way—with all of your eloquent words and all of your knowledge. This confirms that what I told you about Christ is true. Now you have every spiritual gift you need as you eagerly wait for the return of our Lord Jesus Christ. He will keep you strong to the end so that you will be free from all blame on the day when our Lord Jesus Christ returns. God will do this, for He is faithful to do what He says, and He has invited you into partnership with His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”

The Kingdom of God — God’s Indwelling Wisdom

Matthew 6:33

"But seek first the Kingdom of God and all these things will be added to you."

A Reminder from Ancient History

Ezra 1:2

"Thus says Cyrus King of Persia, 'The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and He has appointed me to build Him a house in Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever there is among you of all His people, may the Lord His God be with him, and let him go up!'" [2Chronicles 36:22-23; (Jeremiah 25:1-14, Daniel 9;) Isaiah 45]

Ezra 7:23

"Whatever is commanded by the Lord God of Heaven, let it be done with zeal for the House of the God of Heaven, so that there will not be wrath against the kingdom of the king and his sons."

Psalm 45:6

"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever; a scepter of righteousness is the scepter of Your Kingdom."

Isaiah 37:16

[Hezekiah prayed] "O Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel, Who is enthroned above the cherubim, You are the God, You alone, of all the kingdoms of earth. You have made heaven and earth.”

Daniel 2:44

"In the days of those kings the God of Heaven will set up a Kingdom which will never be destroyed, and that Kingdom will not be left for another people; it will crush and put an end to all these kingdoms, but it will itself endure forever."

What the Kingdom of God is Like

Matthew 12:28

"But if I cast out demons by the Spirit of God, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you."

Mark 4:26-29

"And He was saying, 'The Kingdom of God is like a man who casts seed upon the soil; and he goes to bed at night and gets up by day, and the seed sprouts and grows -- how, he himself does not know. The soil produces crops by itself; first the blade, then the head, then the mature grain in the head. But when the crop permits, he immediately puts in the sickle, because the harvest has come.'"

[See also: Matthew 13; Leviticus 19:23, Laws of Tree Harvesting; Isaiah 65:1 and Matthew 3:15 (permitted, permit it now) Isaiah 55:10, Isaiah 61:11 and Psalm 85:10-13]

Regarding the Cross references: First of all, let me say here that when I include cross references, it is to encourage a personal time of Studying with the Lord, in addition to what I have given.

I have included the Scripture reference in the Book of Leviticus, because the apostle Paul gave instructions as to how to choose people to minister in the Kingdom of God, and to do so with wisdom, so that novices were not placed in a position they are not equipped for, so that they can be trained to produce fruit in keeping with the preaching of the Gospel, and to set a good example for the Kingdom of God. His guidance in these matters can be found in his letters to his Spiritual sons, Timothy and Titus. {See also: Judges 9:1-21 for what not to choose}

Secondly, I have given (permitted, and permit) as references, in conjunction to this parable, because they are "let there be" words -- the soil produces, the crop permits its time of harvest, just has Jesus spoke to John the Baptist -- to permit it now. In the favor of God, "Permission Granted" is the majestic placing of the Royal Scepter on the recipient or asks for God's mercy and grace, His forgiveness or His provision and sustenance as God Almighty, our Healer, and Supplier of all good things for our benefit, to His Glory, and from His glorious riches -- referred to by Paul, and yet referring to forgiveness in the Gospels. [Matthew 5:23-24; Ephesians 1:7; Philippians 4:19]

Mark 4:30-32

"And He said, 'How shall we picture the Kingdom of God, or by what parable shall we present it? It is like a mustard seed, which, when sown upon the soil, though it is smaller than all the seeds that are upon the soil, yet when it is sown, it grows up and becomes larger than all the garden plants and forms large branches; so that the birds of the air can nest under its shade.'"

Scripture Reading: Genesis 1:11-12; Psalm 1; Ezekiel 17:23; Ezekiel 31 and 47; Luke 13:19; Luke 17:6

Genesis 23:16-18

"Abraham listened to Ephron; and Abraham weighed out for Ephron the silver which he had named in the hearing of the sons of Heth, four hundred shekels of silver, commercial standard [current according to the merchant]. So Ephron's field, which was in Machpelah, which faced Mamre, the field and cave which was in it, and all the trees which were in the field, which were within the confines of its border [in all its border around], were deeded [were ratified] over to Abraham for a possession in the presence of the sons of Heth, before all who went in at the gate of the city." {Acts 20:28 bought with Jesus' blood}

The Tree of Life

Genesis 2:9 in the Garden of Eden

Proverbs 3:18; 11:30; 13:12; 15:4 wisdom and righteousness, desire fulfilled, a wholesome, gentle, soothing, kind, healing, peaceable, tongue:

Ezekiel 47:12, Revelation 2:7 and 22:1— in the Kingdom of God

A Tree and its Fruit: A Message to the kings in the Kingdom

Matthew 7:15-19; Matthew 12:33; Matthew 21:18-21 — the Fig Tree on the side of the road which was, by implication, not cared for or tended, gave no fruit at all, it did not "use its talents" and God withered it from its roots, for He did not plant it. Just like the man who buried his talents, and the man who did not wear a wedding garment to the marriage supper and was thrown out; coming when called, and producing when assigned, is essential to success in the Kingdom.

[For an earlier example of this: in the Book of Enoch18:14-16, the stars which did not come when they were commanded, at the appointed time of their rising, where bound for 10,000 years for their rebellion against God's will. The Book of Enoch, R.H. Charles, Page 42]

Cross reference: Isaiah 24:21-23

Being a Godly Shepherd in His Kingdom, Doing Life God’s Way

Genesis 1:26-31~ Original command

Job 38-41~ God gives Job His Resume

Psalm 23, and 78 ~ written in the language of the prophet's perspective

Ezekiel 34 and 37 ~ and the King's perspective

The Kingdom we Build

Daniel 2:1-49

Beginning with verse 31-32, the image in the vision bore certain characteristics: head of gold, breasts and arms of silver, belly and thighs of bronze, legs of iron, feet of iron mixed with clay

Characteristics of the Gold [Daniel 2:37-38; Genesis 1:28]

Characteristics of the Silver [Daniel 2:39a]

Characteristics of the Bronze [Daniel 2:39b]

Characteristics of the Iron [Daniel 2:40]

Characteristics of Iron and Clay mixture [Daniel 2:41-43]

Characteristic of Stone (the Chief Cornerstone, the one the builders rejected) [Daniel 2:44-45]

Even though God has given human beings jurisdiction, and dominion, in the earth, He desires we do it with Him, and that we give Him the glory for every successful outcome, come to Him with our needs, and praise Him for His steadfast faithfulness to help us.

Isaiah 64:8

"Yet, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You are the Potter, and we all are the work of Your hand.

Jeremiah 18:1-10 God is the Potter

Once He is part of our life, there can be no more "I did it myself" attitude acceptable in God's sight, for we are His workmanship, [Ephesians 2:10] for His glory, through whom He works out His plans and purposes for our good and everyone's benefit. There can be no mixture of worldliness in us, which weakens our efforts, when we are one with God. God anointed Jesus with strength, ability and power, and as he is so are we in this world. [Acts 10:36-38; 1John 4:17]

Ephesians 6:10-17 The Armour of God

10 "In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].

11 Put on God’s whole armor [the armor of a heavy-armed soldier which God supplies], that you may be able successfully to stand up against [all] the strategies and the deceits of the devil.

12 For we are not wrestling with flesh and blood [contending only with physical opponents], but against the despotisms, against the powers, against [the master spirits who are] the world rulers of this present darkness, against the spirit forces of wickedness in the heavenly (supernatural) sphere.

13 Therefore put on God’s complete armor, that you may be able to resist and stand your ground on the evil day [of danger], and, having done all [the crisis demands], to stand [firmly in your place].

14 Stand therefore [hold your ground], having tightened the belt of truth around your loins and having put on the breastplate of integrity and of moral rectitude and right standing with God,

15 And having shod your feet in preparation [to face the enemy with the [a]firm-footed stability, the promptness, and the readiness [b]produced by the good news] of the Gospel of peace.

16 Lift up over all the [covering] shield of [c]saving faith, upon which you can quench all the flaming missiles of the wicked [one].

17 And take the helmet of salvation and the sword that the Spirit [d]wields, which is the Word of God."

Building the Right Foundation

1Corinthians 3:1-23

1Corinthians 3:12-15 [AMPC]

12 "But if anyone builds upon the Foundation, wether it be with gold, silver precious stones, wood, hay, straw,

13 the work of each one will become [plainly, openly] known (shown for what it is); for the day [of Christ] will disclose and declare it, because it will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test and critically appraise the character and worth of the work each person has done.

14 If the work which any person has built on this Foundation [any product of his efforts whatever] survives [this tes], he will get his reward. [Matthew 25:31-46; Matthew 6:1-3; Revelation 22:12]

15 But if any person's work is burned up [under the test], he will suffer the loss [of it all, losing his reward], though he himself will be saved, but only as [one who has passed] through the fire."

Scripture Reading: Revelation 21:1-27

The goal of every believer in the Body of Christ is to build on the Foundation of Christ with precious stones, "clothed in God's Glory in all its splendor and radiance." We are a royal priesthood in God's Kingdom. [1Peter 2:9]

[V. 11]

The Body [the Bride] of Christ is built on a foundation and walls of Jasper, shining clear as crystal, with gates of pearl.

[V.18] The wall was built of Jasper, while the city itself was of pure gold, clear and transparent like glass."

[V. 19-20] The foundation stones of the wall of the city were ornamented with precious stones: Jasper, Sapphire, Chalcedony [white agate], Emerald, Onyx, Sardius, Chrysolite, Jacinth, and Amethyst.

[V.21] The street of the city was of gold as pure and transparent as glass.

God created a being, who later rebelled against Him, and was thrown out of heaven. Beginning with verse one, through to verse ten, God details his infractions.

Yet this is how God created him:

Ezekiel 28:13

"You were in Eden, the garden of God; every precious stone was your covering, the carnelian, topaz, jasper, chrysolite, beryl, onyx, sapphire, carbuncle, and emerald; and your settings and your sockets and engravings were wrought in gold. On the day that you were creates they were prepared."

Exodus 28:17-20 The Precious Stones on the Priest's garments:

First row: sardius, topaz, carbuncle

Second row: emerald, sapphire, diamond

Third row: jacinth, agate, amethyst

Fourth row: beryl, onyx, jasper

We have been made in the image and likeness of God. [Genesis 1:26-27]

Revelation 4:3

"And He Who sat there appeared like [the crystalline brightness of] jasper and [the fiery] sardius, and encircling the throne there was a halo that looked like [a rainbow of] emerald."

Encouragement:

God is looking for a precious, holy, and spotless Bride, through whom He can build His Kingdom in the earth. Be found in Him, faithful, and clothed with Christ. [John 15]

Here is a website which describes the gems found in the Bible:

Precious Stones Gallery

Color Symbolism

The Voice that Builds

Proverbs 3:3-4 (The Passion Translation)

3 "Hold on to loyal love and don't let go, and be faithful to all that you've been taught. Let your life be shaped by integrity with truth written upon your heart.

4 That's how you'll find favor and understanding with both God and men -- you will gain the reputation of living life well."

Footnote: [a] or: "Tie them around your neck." The neck is a symbol of our will and conscience.

Psalm 45:2 [TPT]

"Beautiful! Beautiful! Beyond the sons of men! Elegant grace pours out through every word you speak. Truly God has anointed you, His favored one, for eternity!"

Proverbs 14:1 [TPT]

"Every wise woman encourages and builds up her family, but a foolish woman over time will tear it down by her own actions."

Proverbs 4:8 [TPT]

"Wisdom will exalt you when you exalt her truth. She will lead you to honor and favor when you live your life by her insights."

Proverbs 19:8 [TPT]

"Do yourself a favor and love wisdom. Learn all you can, then watch your life flourish and prosper!”

Wisdom 6:17-21 [Catholic Canon]

17 For the first step toward Wisdom is an earnest desire for discipline

18 then, care for discipline is love of her; love means the keeping of her laws; To observe her laws is the basis for incorruptibility;

19 and incorruptibility makes one close to God;

20 thus the desire for Wisdom leads to a kingdom.

21 If, then, you find pleasure in throne and scepter, you princes of peoples, honor Wisdom, that you may reign as kings forever.

Luke 2:39-40 [TPT]

39 "When Mary and Jospeh had completed everything required of them by the Law of Moses, they took Jesus and returned to their home in Nazareth in Galilee.

40 The child grew more powerful in grace, for He was being filled with wisdom, and the favor of God was upon Him."

Luke 2:52 [TPT]

"As Jesus grew, so did His wisdom and maturity. The favor of men increased upon His life, for He was greatly loved by God."

Acts 7:9-10 [TPT]

9 "Isaac then became the father of Jacob, who was the father of our twelve patriarchs. Jacobs' sons became jealous of their brother Joseph and sold him to be a slave in Egypt. But God's favor and blessing rested upon Joseph, and in time,

10 God rescued him from all his oppression and granted him extraordinary favor before Pharaoh, the king of Egypt. Pharaoh appointed him as the overseer of his nation and even of his own palace. [Genesis 41:37-44]

Zechariah 3:6-7 [NASB]

6 "And the angel of the Lord admonished Joshua, saying,

7 'Thus says the Lord of hosts, 'If you walk in My ways and if you will perform My service, then you will also govern My house and also have charge of My courts, and I will grant you free access among these who are standing here.'"

John 1:14 [TPT]

"And so the Living Expression became a man [a] and lived among us! [b] And we gazed upon the splendor of His glory, [c] the glory of the One and Only [d] Who came from the Father overflowing with tender mercy [e] and truth!"

Footnotes:

John 1:14 Or “became visible.”
John 1:14 This is the fulfillment of Isaiah 7:14. The “God with us” is Jesus Christ our Immanuel. He is among us in that he is in human form, a man for all eternity. The Greek and Aramaic reads, “he pitched his tent among us.” This takes us back into the book of Exodus where God came down and lived in the tent (tabernacle) in the wilderness. See Exodus 25:8
John 1:14 The Aramaic is, “We gazed upon his preciousness.”
John 1:14 The Aramaic is, “Unique and Beloved Son.” The Greek word, monogenes, means “of a single [mono] kind [genes].” This word is also used for Isaac in Hebrews 11:17 as Abraham’s uniquely precious son, but not his only one.
John 1:14 The Aramaic word, taybootha, means “loving kindness or goodness.” The Greek word is charis, which can also be translated, “grace, favor, sweetness, pleasure or delight.” The translator has combined all those concepts in the words tender mercy. Truly, Jesus Christ is full of everything that our hearts crave.

Hebrews 3:1-6 [TPT]

1 "And so, dear brothers and sisters, you are now holy, and each of you is invited to the feast [a] of your heavenly calling. [b] So fasten your thoughts fully onto Jesus, [c] Whom we embrace [d] as our Apostle and King-Priest. [e]

2 For He was faithful to the Father Who appointed Him, in the same way that Moses was a model of faithfulness in what was entrusted to him. [f]

3 But Jesus is worthy to receive a much greater glory than Moses, for the one who builds a house deserves to be honored more than the house he builds.

4 Every house is built by someone, but God is the Designer and Builder of all things.

5 Indeed, Moses served God faithfully in all He gave him to do. [g] His work prophetically illustrates [h] things that would later be spoken and fulfilled. [i]

6 But Christ is more than a Servant, He was faithful as a Son in charge of God's house. And now we are part of His house if we continue courageously to hold firmly to our bold confidence and our victorious hope. [j]

Footnotes:

Hebrews 3:1 Or “sharers of the feast.”
Hebrews 3:1 Or “you participate as partners in the heavenly calling.” The Greek phrase, “heavenly calling” implies an invitation to a celestial feast. It could also be translated “you are called to share the life of heaven.” This calling originates in heaven and draws us into heaven. However, in the Aramaic this phrase can be translated “called with a calling [from heaven],” which is the Aramaic title of the third book of the Torah, Leviticus, and refers to the calling of the Levites as priests.
Hebrews 3:1 Or “you have discovered this Jesus.” The Aramaic can be translated “Jesus, the Messiah.”
Hebrews 3:1 Or “with whom is our legally binding agreement.”
Hebrews 3:1 God joins the apostolic and priestly ministries together in Christ. An apostle will always release God’s people into their priestly calling of entering into the holy of holies without going through a system, a church or a person. The word “King-Priest” is from the Aramaic, which uses a word for a priest not of the Levitical order. Jesus could not be a “High Priest” for he was not born in the tribe of Levi, or a descendant of Aaron, but was of the tribe of Judah. So the word here for priest is not, cohen, but the Aramaic word, kumrea, the word used for Jethro and Melchizedek. See Gen. 14:18; Ex. 2:16; 3:1; 18:1.
Hebrews 3:2 Or “who was faithful in all his house.” See Num. 12:7.
Hebrews 3:5 Or “in all God’s house.”
Hebrews 3:5 Or “to testify.” The Aramaic can be translated “he believed all the evidence in the house” (or “tabernacle”). That is, Moses saw and believed that the tabernacle and all its furnishings were an illustration of something greater that God would unveil later on.
Hebrews 3:5 Or “to give testimony to things that would be spoken.”
Hebrews 3:6 As translated from the Aramaic. The Greek is “the pride [rejoicing] of our hope.”

John 1:17-18 [TPT]

17 "Moses gave us the Law, but Jesus, the Anointed One, unveils truth wrapped in tender mercy.

18 No one has ever gazed upon the fullness of God's splendor except the uniquely beloved Son, Who is cherished by the Father [ab] and held close to His heart. Now He has unfolded to us [ac] the full explanation of Who God truly is!"

Footnotes:

John 1:18 Or “from the lap of the Father.” This is an idiom for the place of closest intimacy.
John 1:18 Or “He has led the way into the knowledge of God.” The Greek word, hexegeomai, can mean either “to lead the way” or “to explain.”

Jeremiah 1:9-10 [NASB]

9 "Then the Lord stretched out His hand and touched my mouth, and the Lord said to me, 'Behold, I have put My words in your mouth.

10 See, I have appointed you this day over the nations and over the kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and overthrow, to build and to plant."

Matthew 12:13 [NASB]

"Then He said to the man, 'Stretch out your hand!" He stretched it out, and it was restored to normal, like the other."

1Corinthians 14:3 [TPT]

"But when someone prophesies, he speaks to encourage people, to build them up, and to bring them comfort."

1Thessalonians 5:11 [NASB]

"Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.”

The Gospel of the Kingdom of God

John the Baptist's Ministry

Matthew 3:1-2 (ESV Throughout)

1 "In those days John the Baptist came preaching in the wilderness of Judea,

2 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' [or: has come near]"

Jesus' Ministry

Matthew 4:12-17

12 "Now when He heard that John had been arrested, He withdrew into Galilee.

13 And leaving Nazareth He went and lived in Capernaum by the sea, in the territory of Zebulun and Naphtali,

14 so that what was spoken by the prophet Isaiah might be fulfilled:

15 'The land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, the way of the sea, beyond the Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles --

16 the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them a light has dawned.'

17 From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, 'Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand.' [or: the Kingdom of Heaven has come near]"

Matthew 4:23-25

23 "And He went throughout all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction among the people.

24 So His fame spread throughout all Syria, and they brought Him all the sick, those afflicted with various diseases and pains, those oppressed by demons, those having seizures, and paralytics, and He healed them.

25 And great crowds followed Him from Galilee and the Decapolis, and from Jerusalem, and from beyond the Jordan."

Matthew 5:1-2

1 "Seeing the crowds, He went up the mountain, and when He sat down, His disciples came to Him.

2 And He opened His mouth and taught them saying:

Matthew 5-7 Sermon

These are the Categories Headings of the Core Values of the Kingdom of God (ESV Translation)

Chapter 5

* The Beatitudes

* Salt and Light

* Christ Came to Fulfill the Law

* Anger

* Lust

* Divorce

* Oaths

* Retaliation

* Love Your Enemies

Chapter 6

*Giving to the Needy

* The Lord's Prayer

* Fasting

* Lay up Treasures in Heaven

* Do not be Anxious

Chapter 7

* Judging Others

* Ask, and it will be Given

* The Golden Rule

* A Tree and its Fruit

* I Never Knew You

* Build Your House on the Rock

* The Authority of Jesus

Matthew 8-10 Jesus Demonstrates and puts into Practice what He has just Taught

Chapter 8

* Jesus Cleanses a Leper

* The Faith of a Centurion

* Jesus heals many (including Peter's Mother-in-Law), and cast out demons

* The Cost of Following Jesus

* Jesus Calms the Storm

* Jesus heals Two Men with Demons (in the region of The Gadarenes)

Chapter 9

* Jesus Heals a Paralytic

* Jesus calls Matthew (and teaches the Pharisees about Mercy)

* A Question about Fasting (Jesus teaches about combining old and new things)

* A Girl Restored to Life and a Woman Healed

* Jesus Heals two Blind Men (they ask for mercy from the Son of David)

* Jesus Heals a Man Unable to Speak

* The Harvest is Plentiful, the Laborers Few

Matthew 9:35-38

35 "And Jesus went throughout all the cities and villages, teaching in their synagogues and proclaiming the Gospel of the Kingdom and healing every disease and every affliction.

36 When He saw the crowds, He had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.

37 Then He said to His disciples, 'The Harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few;

38 therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into His harvest."

Jesus Delegates Authority to Twelve Disciples

Matthew 10:1-4

1 "And He called to Him His twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction.

2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother;

3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;

4 Simon the Zealot, and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Him."

Jesus Sends the Apostles

Matthew 10:5-10

5 "These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, 'Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans,

6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel.

7 And proclaim as you go, saying, 'The Kingdom of God is at hand.'

8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse the lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay.

9 Aquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts,

10 no bag for your money, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food."

Matthew 10:11-39 More Instructions for their Journey

See also: Luke 10 Jesus sends out the Seventy Disciples (corresponding to the 70 Shepherds under the Old Kingdom; see also: Ezekiel 8:10-12)

Note: Jesus sent them out in pairs; no one walks alone in the Kingdom of God.

Rewards

Matthew 10:40-42

40 "Whoever receives you receives Me, and whoever receives Me receives Him Who sent Me.

41 The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet's reward, and the one who receives a righteous person because he is a righteous person will receive a righteous person's reward.

42 And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward."

Matthew 11:11

"Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the Kingdom of Heaven is greater than he."

Matthew 12:25-26

25 "Knowing their thoughts, He said to them, 'Every kingdom divided against itself is laid waste, and no city or house divided against itself will stand.

26 And if Satan casts out Satan, he is divided against himself. How then will his kingdom stand.

27 And if I cast out demons by Beelzebul, by whom do your sons cast them out? Therefore they will be your judges.

28 But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the Kingdom of God has come upon you."

Note: Doing the will of God by the power of the Holy Spirit shows that the Kingdom of God is at hand.

Matthew 13:10-12 The Purpose of Parables

10 "Then the disciples came and said to Him, 'Why do You speak to them in parables?'

11 And He answered them, 'To you it has been given to know the secrets of the Kingdom of Heaven, but to them it has not been given.

12 For to the one who has, more will be given, and he will have an abundance, but from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away."

Matthew 13 The Parables of Jesus and their Explanations; Jesus Rejected at Nazareth

*The Parable of the Sower

* The Purpose of Parables

* The Parable of the Sower Explained

* The Parable of the Weeds

* The Mustard Seed and the Leaven

Matthew 13:34-35

34 "All these things Jesus said to the crowds in parables; indeed, he said nothing to them without a parable.

35 This was to fulfill what was spoken by the prophet: 'I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter what has been hidden since the foundation of the world.'"

* The Parable of the Weeds Explained

Matthew 13:41-43 (as was written about in 1Enoch, specifically between chapters 1 and 16)

41 "The Son of Man will send His angels, and they will gather out of His Kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers,

42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

43 Then the righteous will shine like the sun in the Kingdom of their Father. He who has ears, let him hear.”