The Reign of God on Earth, the Kingdom of God

https://jackhayfordsermons.com April 1, 2001 Scripture: Matthew 3:1-2 Introduction/Background Matthew 3:1–2 records John the Baptist’s cry: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” John announced the arrival of the King and the entry of God’s rule. The heartbeat of Jesus’ teaching was the Kingdom of God—the reign of God breaking into human history. Though parts of the world resist His authority, God reigns, and He desires most to reign in the hearts of His people. What humanity lost through sin, Jesus came to restore—and more. 1. The Message of John the Baptist John declared that the King had come and that participation in His kingdom required repentance and new birth. a. Repentance Opens New Horizons Repentance is not merely regret—it is turning from old ways and opening to God’s future. It changes how we think about life, purpose, and hope. b. Repentance Unclogs the Past Initial repentance clears the debris of old patterns. Ongoing repentance refines the mind and heart, making room for the Holy Spirit to establish the kingdom within us. 2. The Kingdom of God Jesus confirmed John’s message and expanded it: the kingdom is at hand, within reach, and He desires to give it to us. We learn to operate in the kingdom as we yield to the King. Matthew uses “kingdom of heaven” for Jewish readers; Luke and Mark use “kingdom of God” for Gentiles and Romans. Both terms refer to the same reality: God’s rule breaking into human life. 3. “Thy Kingdom Come” We pray for the kingdom to come here and now—in our world and in our lives. Jesus said the least in the kingdom is greater than John the Baptist, meaning: A new dimension of spiritual possibility opened with Jesus’ coming. Because of His ministry and the Cross, every possibility is now available to those in whom He dwells. We carry the kingdom wherever we go. 4. How the Kingdom Works The New Testament contains roughly 40 parables and 40 miracles—together revealing how the kingdom functions. a. Parables Parables were not just teaching tools; they were signs that the kingdom was present. They connected God’s purposes to everyday life. b. Miracles Miracles demonstrated the King’s authority: demons cast out the dead raised the blind seeing water turned to wine Jesus walking on water bread multiplied These were evidence that the Lord of Creation was here and that the kingdom had arrived. 5. The Unfolding of the Kingdom The kingdom existed before creation and extends beyond the universe, yet God intends it to be lived out here on earth. As we pray, study parables, and embrace kingdom principles, we live in His freedom and power. The rule of God transcends human systems and confirms the work of the Holy Spirit. 6. The Entry of the King Jesus arrived in glory and power, manifesting the kingdom. He is the second Adam, restoring what the first Adam lost. Humanity was destined for dominion and partnership with God. Through Jesus, we gain more than Adam lost—relationship restored and rulership regained. 7. Understanding the Kingdom The story of Israel prepares us to understand the kingdom: a people formed through struggle a land gained through conflict lessons on the heart prophetic preparation for the King Jesus arrived unexpectedly, emptying Himself of divine prerogative to walk as a sinless man. He modeled the mindset and ministry of the kingdom and invited us to follow. 8. Kingdom Reign The power of darkness has been broken. As we yield to God’s light and life, we become instruments that push back darkness because “greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.” a. The Great Commission Jesus repeatedly commissioned His disciples (Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, John 20, Acts 1) to preach the gospel and teach the kingdom. b. The Kingdom Comes Through the King Our place in Christ is not only salvation—it is participation in His anointing and His ruling life. c. The Kingdom Is Spreading The gospel is reaching the ends of the earth. The remaining unreached are often not in remote jungles but in the jungles of the mind—people all around us who have not yet seen the kingdom. Conclusion The kingdom of God is not distant or future—it is here and now. Through justification, Jesus opened the door to life, joy, and reigning in life. We learn to rule our behavior by kingdom order. Children must be taught kingdom dynamics, not merely human wisdom. God’s ways surpass even the best of human understanding. The King has come—and His kingdom is advancing through His people.