Plain Talk Vol.18, No.10, Pg.5 - Cedar Park Church of Christ

Vol. 18, No. 10	December, 1981
*USE YOUR BIBLE*

A KINGDOM NOT OF THIS WORLD (Jn. 18:33-37)

I. A KINGDOM NOT OF THIS WORLD MUST HAVE A KING NOT OF THIS WORLD A. Not of this world in his origin

1. Pre-existent (v.37 "to this end am I come into the world") 2. Phil. 2:5-11; Jn. 5:30; 8:23, etc.

B. Not of this world in his character

1. "...even as I am not of this world" (Jn. 17:16) 2. "...in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" (Heb. 4:15) 3. Neither sought nor loved the things of the world. The world has known good kings, but never one of this character

C. Not of this world in the tenure of his kingly office

1. Even greatest worldly kingdoms flourish, but then fade (David, Solomon) 2. His kingdom and rule to outlast this world (Lk. 1:31-33; Dan. 2:44) 3. His reign consummated in victory, not defeat (1 Cor. 15:24-28) 4. NOW reigning (Eph. 1:20-23; Col. 1:13; Acts 2:36)

II. A KINGDOM NOT OF THIS WORLD MUST HAVE LAWS NOT OF THIS WORLD A. Not of this world in their origin

1. "from heaven or from men?" principle (Matt. 21:25) 2. Not of man (Gal. 1:11; 1 Thss. 2:13)

B. Only the sovereign King has legislative authority (Matt. 28:18)

1. His rule is according to divine truth ("Law of Christ", 1 Cor. 9:21) 2. "to Him shall ye hearken in all things" (Acts 4:22,23) 3. His kingdom a monarchy, not a democracy governed by voice of people, by ecclesiastical councils, Popes, elders, etc.

C. Laws not of this world in their nature

1. Not according to man's wisdom nor appealing to carnal nature 2. Example: sermon on the Mount "astonished" hearers (Matt. 7:28)

D. Laws not of this world in their design and power

1. Intended to bring men to faith (Jn. 20:31; Rom. 10:17) and able to do so 2. Intended to convict, persuade, convert (Jn. 16:8; Ps. 19:7) and able to do so 3. Ultimate aim of salvation (Rom. 1:16; Jn. 8:32; Jas. 1:21) and able to do so 4. Basis of fellowship with heaven (2 Jn. 9; 1 Jn. 2:3) 5. "Laws" of this world have now such power

III. A KINGDOM OF THIS WORLD MUST HAVE SUBJECTS THAT ARE NOT OF THIS WORLD A. In their conduct

1. Not conformed to this world (Rom. 12:2); no fellowship with it (Eph. 4:11) 2. Keep selves unspotted from the world (Jas. 1:27)

B. In their thinking, values, objectives 1. Col. 3:1,2; Matt. 6:33; 2 Cor. 5:9

C. In their destiny

1. Eternal life, the hope laid up in the heavens (Matt. 25:46; Col. 1:4; etc.) Dan S. Shipley

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