A Closer Look at the Gospel of the Kingdom

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The Kingdom of God is a prominent focus of the Bible’s gospel accounts. What is this Kingdom, why is it important, and how do we get there? 

 MATTHEW 13:10-13, 16-23 

(New King James Version, emphasis added) 

And the disciples came and said to Him, “Why do You speak to them in parables?” 

He answered and said to them, “Because it has been given to you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it has not been given. For whoever has, to him more will be given, and he will have abundance; but whoever does not have, even what he has will be taken away from him. Therefore I speak to them in parables, because seeing they do not see, and hearing they do not hear, nor do they understand . . . 

“But blessed are your eyes for they see, and your ears for they hear; for assuredly, I say to you that many prophets and righteous men desired to see what you see, and did not see it, and to hear what you hear, and did not hear it. 

“Therefore hear the parable of the sower: When anyone hears the word of the kingdom, and does not understand it, then the wicked one comes and snatches away what was sown in his heart. This is he who received seed by the wayside. But he who received the seed on stony places, this is he who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy; yet he has no root in himself, but endures only for a while. For when tribulation or persecution arises because of the word, immediately he stumbles. Now he who received seed among the thorns is he who hears the word, and the cares of this world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word, and he becomes unfruitful. But he who received seed on the good ground is he who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and produces: some a hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.” 

 

 STARTER QUESTIONS 

1. When Jesus began His earthly ministry, what specific action did He link together with believing “the gospel of the kingdom of God” in Mark 1:14-15? Why do you think this action comes first? 
2. Where is the Kingdom currently? (See Daniel 2:44.) Where will it ultimately be located? (See Revelation 21:1-2.) 
3. What must happen before we can “inherit the kingdom of God” (1 Corinthians 15:50)? When will this change take place? (See verses 51-54 and 1 Thessalonians 4:15-17.) 
4. A Kingdom implies a King, territory, subjects, and law. Who will be the King of this Kingdom? (See Revelation 11:15.) Who will serve Him? (See Daniel 7:14.) What laws will He use in governing? (See Isaiah 2:3.) Where will the boundaries of this Kingdom be? (See Zechariah 14:9.) 
5. The Bible describes the gospel in different ways, including “the gospel of your salvation” (Ephesians 1:13). What connections can you find between the Kingdom of God and our ultimate salvation? 
6. The Greek word for “gospel” means “good news” or “glad tidings.” What are three aspects of the coming Kingdom of God that you find encouraging? 

This Bible Study Starter was inspired by Lesson 5 of the Life, Hope & Truth Bible Study Course (“The Gospel of the Kingdom”). Start the course yourself by creating a free account at bsc.lifehopeandtruth.com!