THEIRS IS THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
Text: Matthew 5
6 December 2009
(I) PROCLAMATION OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
1. Proclamation that the Kingdom of heaven is at hand
“Repent, for the Kingdom of heaven is at hand” Matthew 4:17
a) The Kingdom of heaven
b) The Kingdom of heaven is at hand
c) Repentance needed to enter into the Kingdom of heaven
2. Program of Jesus
“And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the gospel of the kingdom of God, and healing all kinds of sicknesses and all kinds of diseases among the people.” Matthew 4:23
a) Teaching- To explain about the Gospel
b) Preaching- To evangelise through the presentation of the Gospel of the Kingdom of Heaven
c) Healing- To demonstrate the Power associated with the Kingdom of heaven
(II) PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
1. The First Beatitude: Humbling of self to enter into the Kingdom of heaven
“Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” Matthew 5:3
2. The Last Beatitude: Suffering for the sake of the Kingdom
“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
3. Significance of the Beatitudes
a) Entrance into the Kingdom
i) The Pre-requisite of Repentance
( Matthew 3:7-12 ) The Message of John the Baptiser
ii) The Necessity of Humility to accept the Gospel of Christ
( Ephesians 2:8-9 ) The Message of Salvation by grace
iii) The adoption of a spirit of humility
( Matthew 5:3 ) The Message of Jesus
b) Proof of Entrance into the Kingdom of Heaven
i) Imputed Righteousness: The Doctrine of Justification ( Romans 3:21-31 )
ii) Personal Righteousness: The Doctrine of Sanctification ( Romans 6:1-11 )
iii) Suffering for Righteousness’ sake: The Doctrine of Identification with Christ ( Philippians 1:29 )
(III) PERSONAL APPROPRIATION OF THE PROMISE OF THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN
1. An Example of one who has appropriated the Promises of God
The apostle Paul ( 1 Timothy 1:12-17 )
2. Encouragement to personally appropriate the Promise of the kingdom of heaven