RSS Feed |
|
|
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Sunday School Lesson
It is quite difficult for us to understand the concept of the fact of kingdom of heaven or kingdom of God. In our society, we are more familiar with the republic system of government. The fact of the kingdom was the theme of the ministry of John the Baptist, and the message of Jesus. Matthew 3:2; 4:17. All kingdoms are considered to be designed by some deity. Kings or queens are seen as being in their position as the result of some deity designation. Thus, the laws that they enact are considered as unchangeable, since they are thought to be of a higher power source. Daniel 6:8,12,15; Esther 1:19;8:8. Succession of power is seen as being under deity control. Citizenship in the kingdom is at the pleasure of the king. Subjects live or die at the command of the king. Esther 7:8d. Since John and Jesus preached the kingdom of heaven, the hearers knew the strength of these words. No one can be a part of this kingdom unless the father draws him. John 6:44. This open invitation is accompanied by the reproving of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment by the holy spirit. John 16:8. The cleansing of sin is accomplished by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ for the sins of the world. 1 John 1:7; Romans 5:6-8. Jesus Christ is described as king of kings, and lord of lords. Revelation 19:16. The chief priests and scribes (Matthew 2:4) knew the prophecy concerning the coming messiah to be the "governor that shall rule my people Israel" (Matthew 2:6). Pilate used the term king in designing the sign that was placed on the cross. John 19:19. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5,6,7) can be seen as the constitution of the kingdom of heaven. The Sermon on the Plain (Luke 6:20-49) can be seen as an abbreviated form of the other discourse. It is important for us to remember that at that time in history, there was no mass media that would allow one presentation of the material to be seen by the masses. Thus, the teachings needed to be repeated to different groups in order for the message to be spread over a wider area. There is no discrepancy between the two accounts. For the individual to conform to this constitution, the conditions are impossible at the human level. The only way mere humans can conform to the directive is by the help of the holy spirit. The conditions cut across the grain of the fallen nature of the human race. Much non-scriptural tradition had been woven into the religious system that governed the worship of that day. The master said, "But I say unto you which hear, Love your enemies, do good to them which hate you…" Luke 6:27. This directive is followed by another impossibility - "Bless them that curse you, and pray for them which despitefully use you." Luke 6:28. To attempt to act in this way in the flesh shows the lack of ability of the lower nature to reach these divine standards. These two directives address the attitude of the citizens of this kingdom. The members of the kingdom of heaven have a dual citizenship. The Apostle Paul told the Philippian believers, "For our conversation is in heaven; from whence also we look for the savior, the Lord Jesus Christ." Philippians 3:20. Some aspects of the divine expectation are directed toward attitude. Other areas of life are addressed in a direct way - i. e., actions. "And unto him that smiteth thee on the one cheek offer also the other…" Luke 6:29a. It is important for all to understand that Jesus is not teaching his followers to live by the doormat principle. Yet, there are times when we are to surprise the enemy by the lack of retaliation that is shown. This lack of action can show to the abuser and those who observe these abusive actions that we live by the principles that were shown by our lord when he was dragged through the kangaroo court that preceded his crucifixion. Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:63. The Apostle Paul wrote, "Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus…" Philippians 2:5. The master addressed the attitude toward possessions. "…And him that taketh away thy cloak forbid not to take away thy coat also." Luke 6:29b. These were very important pieces of clothing. Yet, the citizen of the kingdom of heaven must not become attached to any possession. Our Lord often gave parables of stewards. All members of this kingdom must have a heart for giving. "Give to every man that asketh of thee; and of him that taketh away thy goods ask them not again." Luke 6:30. The master gave the men- tal demand that must be translated into actions and attitudes. "And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them, likewise." Luke 6:31. How do our lives measure up to this divine standard? Do we show to others the actions and attitudes that we expect? As our Lord continued this discourse, he gave some examples of the ways to apply these teachings. "For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them." Luke 6:32. It is easy for us to accept the wrong standard, and call it Christ's principles. Thus, the members of the kingdom of heaven must live by the divine standard, not on the level of those who have a single citizenship - only in this natural world. The savior gave other examples of applications of the divine principles. "And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? For sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again." Luke 6:34. The expectation is stated. "But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the highest: for he is kind unto the thankful and to the evil." Luke 6:35. Even though we live in the real world, we must realize the point of reference that we have for our lives. "Be ye therefore merciful, as your father also is merciful." Luke 6:36. The natural man can never reach this level by stretching the mind. Only with divine help can one expect to reach this plane.
Since these divine demands are impossible, each person must be guided and propelled by that divine power. Acts 1:8. The Apostle Paul wrote, "For the love of Christ constraineth us…" 2 Corinthians 5:14a. May we ever be motivated by this divine love to carry out the great commission. Mark 16:15-18.
|
for larger version       |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
