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

Jesus’ death broke the power of the devil and his minions, as well as paid the penalty for our sins. As ultimate sacrifice and Great High Priest, Jesus has paid it all for humankind, as the Christus Victum . Jesus’ resurrection occurred: a sign of his divine Sonship, a fulfillment of the Davidic covenant, a confirmation that God has forgiven us for our sins, and a token of the first fruits of all those who one day will rise again to eternal life through faith in him. The ascension of Jesus to the Father’s right hand is a visible sign of Jesus’ authority and headship, as Head of the Church and the armies of God, as Lord of the harvest work of mission, and as Conquering Lord of all, who soon will come and consummate the Kingdom. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about the Kingdom of God inaugurated and realized today. The implications of Jesus having brought the Kingdom into view are numberless and important, and undoubtedly you will have questions regarding the significance of his work on your life and ministry. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Can we actually pinpoint a time when the Father determined to overturn and overthrow the events of Satan’s rebellion and Adam and Eve’s disobedience? * If the Kingdom is already present in some degree today, why is the world still so incredibly unjust and oppressed? More specifically, why are the poor still mistreated, abused, and overlooked if the Year of Jubilee has come into focus already? * Will the specific promises about a literal, physical Kingdom be fulfilled, or are they to be understood only in a spiritual way? * Why does it appear as if the devil is still so powerful and strong if Jesus defeated him decisively on Calvary at the cross? How much can we as believers appropriate of this great power, and how do we do it? * What role does the city play in terms of the Kingdom of God today? If the Kingdom is already present in some fashion, what does this mean for us in urban ministry?

Student Application and Implications

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