Concepts of the Kingdom

Jesus talked a lot about the “Kingdom of God”

Kingdom - a region of activity, knowledge, or influence

Kingdom of God - God’s way of doing and being

Opening Thought:

If you’re tired of chasing life, tired of striving to be "enough," and wondering how to actually experience the life God promises, Jesus gives us a simple but powerful key:

Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”

Matthew 6:33 (AMP)“But first and most importantly seek (aim at, strive after) His kingdom and His righteousness [His way of doing and being right—the attitude and character of God], and all these things will be given to you also.”

THREE CONCETPS OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD

 Concept 1: The Kingdom Is Not a Place, It’s a Way of Life

Luke 17:20–21 (AMP)“The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed or with a visible display; nor will people say, ‘Look! Here it is!’ or, ‘There it is!’ For the kingdom of God is among you [because of My presence].”

The Kingdom isn’t something we’re waiting to show up on the horizon, it’s already here, living inside of us because of Jesus.

Romans 14:17 (NKJV)“For the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

The Kingdom shows up in your mindset when you choose peace over panic.It shows up in your relationships when you extend grace instead of judgment.It shows up in your decisions when you trust God instead of leaning on your own strength.

Concept 2: Righteousness Is Not Earned, It’s Received

2 Corinthians 5:21 (AMP)“He made Christ who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious lovingkindness].”

Romans 4:3 (AMP)“Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).”

You’re not righteous because you behave right, you’re righteous because you believed right.

Romans 1:17 (NIV)“For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Galatians 3:11 (NIV)“Clearly no one who relies on the law is justified before God, because ‘The righteous will live by faith.’”

Concept 3: Righteousness Brings Peace, Joy, and Confidence

Romans 5:1–2 (NKJV)“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.”

Romans 5:1–2 (AMP)“Since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God… and access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace…”

Because of righteousness:

• You have peace — no more fear of rejection from God.

• You have grace — the power to grow, heal, and live free.

• You have hope — confidence that your life is full of purpose and power.

Practical Application:When you know you're righteous:

• You stop striving to prove yourself to people.

• You stop disqualifying yourself from God's blessings.

• You start living boldly, praying confidently, and walking in purpose.

   

RECAP

1. The Kingdom is a lifestyle, not a location.

God’s presence in you transforms your mindset, your choices, and your relationships.

2. Righteousness is your identity, not your performance.

You are accepted by God not because you’re perfect, but because Jesus is.

3. Righteousness brings peace, joy, and grace into your life.

You can live free from fear, full of hope, and empowered by His Spirit.