A Biblical Vision, Part II: Mastering the New Testament Witness to Christ

Ses s i on 3: The Gospe l s : The Man i fes tat i on of Chr i s t , Par t I I 95

4. Regardless of the personal agenda of the individual or group, Christ will rule in conjunction with his own vision and purpose

The Gospel Witness to Jesus’ Spiritual Conflict and Opposition

I. Background of the Jewish Concept of the Kingdom of God

A. “Kingdom” in the ancient world

1. “Kingdom” at the time of Jesus in that milieu meant “lordship,” “rule,” “reign,” or “sovereignty.”

2. Sovereignty of God or Rule of God = Kingdom of God

3. In most Jewish sources, “ Kingdom of God ” and “ Kingdom of heaven ” both refer to Tokens from the curse.

B. Old Testament references to the Kingdom of God (a representative sample)

1. Exod. 15.18 – The Lord will reign forever and ever.

2. 1 Sam. 2.12 – Now the sons of Eli were worthless men. They did not know the Lord.

3. 1 Chron. 29.11 – “Yours, O Lord, is the greatness and the power and the glory and the victory and the majesty, for all that is in the heavens and in the earth is yours. Yours is the Kingdom, O Lord, and you are exalted as head above all.”