The New Testament Witness to Christ and His Kingdom, Student Workbook, SW13

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T H E N E W T E S T A M E N T W I T N E S S T O C H R I S T A N D H I S K I N G D O M

1. Israel as a nation is wrapped up in this struggle between God and Satan for the control of the world.

a. They are God’s special people because of the Covenant, Gen. 12-17.

b. Though called as God’s special people, they live in a milieu (situation) that is dominated by the kingdom of Satan . (1) Political, governmental, and other social forces which were hostile to Israel are in fact under Satan’s control. (2) God used these systems for his purposes (even though they were not aware of it).

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2. The Kingdom of God would come in power through the Messiah and would bring an end to Satan’s control and influence over the world and humankind.

a. A dramatic invasion of God’s power to once and for all end Satan’s control over humankind (1) God’s kingdom invasion would be immediate (it would happen suddenly). (2) God’s kingdom invasion would be cataclysmic (it would involve all the world). (3) God’s kingdom invasion would be decisive (it would bring an end to Satan’s rule).

b. A reversal of fortune for God’s people (i.e., when the Kingdom came, Israel would become the greatest of all peoples on the earth)