The Kingdom of God, Student Workbook, SW02

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T H E K I N G D O M O F G O D

8. What are the three senses in which kakos , according to the Bible, challenges God’s reign? How do these understandings of kakos help us better comprehend the problems of the city and spiritual warfare today?

This lesson highlights certain key truths regarding the reign of God, and its challenge in Satan’s rebellion and the disobedience of Adam and Eve. The triune God, YHWH (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit), is the Sovereign Majesty of the universe, self-existent, who created the world ex nihilo for his glory. As Creator and Owner of all things, God’s sovereignty is rooted in his person, and demonstrated in all his works in creation and his actions in history. God’s reign and right to rule was challenged, initially and most significantly by the devil in his rebellion in heavenlies. The overarching principle of satanic rebellion is pride; his twisted desire to receive the honor and glory that is due to God alone. Satan’s rebellion resulted in the fall of many angels who followed his path, as well as the temptation, disobedience, and voluntary rebellion of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. This rebellion in heaven and earth is referred to as “the Fall.” The Fall’s first result was the production of the kosmos , the current godless world system which operates on the power of greed, lust, and pride. The Fall’s second result was the emergence of the sarx , the twisting and turning of human nature, resulting in acts of personal sin, the introduction of a sin nature in human beings (i.e. the “flesh”), imputed sin and guilt through Adam’s trespass, and physical and spiritual death. The Fall’s third and most devastating result was the release of the kakos , the devil who now operates in the world as blasphemer against God, deceiver of the world, and accuser of the brethren. Through Jesus Christ, we can overcome him by the Holy Spirit through the Blood and the word of our testimony, (cf. 1 John 4.4; Rev. 12.9-11).

Summary of Key Concepts

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