As we continue our study in 1 Corinthians 10, we had an opportunity to look deeper into the message of John the Baptist, as the last Old Testament prophet. His message was very clear to the nation of Israel — the Messiah is here and the Kingdom of Heaven, the earthly, physical messianic kingdom of King Jesus is within reach. It is at hand.
In review, Matthew was written to the Jews, showing Jesus as the King of the Jews; Mark was written to the Romans, showing Jesus as the sacrificial servant (Mark 10:44-45); Luke was written to Greek culture that wanted to know who Christ really was (Luke 1:1-4); John was written to all the world to reveal Jesus as the Son of God (John 1:1-18).
The verses we studied in Matthew reinforced the message that the kingdom was ready and available. Jesus declared that John the Baptist was Elijah, if the nation would accept him as that prophet.
Matthew 11:13-15: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence, and the violent take it by force. For all the prophets and the law prophesied until John. And if ye will receive it, this is Elias, which was for to come. He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Malachi 4:5-6: Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord: And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
We must remember that there are two kingdoms taught in the gospels:
1. The Kingdom of Heaven — the literal, physical heavenly kingdom on earth, ruled by Messiah King Jesus, beginning with the 1,000 year millennial kingdom, and on into eternity future. This is the kingdom that was presented to the nation of Israel in the gospel of Matthew.
Matthew 3:1-2: In those days came John the Baptist, preaching in the wilderness of Judaea, And saying, Repent ye: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 4:17: From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Matthew 10:5-7: These twelve Jesus sent forth, and commanded them, saying, Go not into the way of the Gentiles, and into any city of the Samaritans enter ye not: But go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. And as ye go, preach, saying, The kingdom of heaven is at hand.
Isaiah 9:6-7: For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
Outline of Matthew:
I. The Person of the King — Ch. 1:1-4:16
II. The Presentation of the King — Ch. 4:17-16:21
A. The Constitution of the Kingdom of Heaven — Ch. 5-7
B. The Credentials of the King / Messiah through miracles — Ch. 8-11
C. The Rejection of the King and the Kingdom — Ch. 12 – 16
III. The public offer of Salvation — Ch. 16:21 – 28:20
2. The Kingdom of God — the spiritual kingdom in operation in this Dispensation of Grace.
Romans 14:17: For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.For the kingdom of God is not meat and drink; but righteousness, and peace, and joy in the Holy Ghost.
1 Corinthians 15:50: Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption.
2 Corinthians 10:3-6: For though we walk in the flesh, we do not war after the flesh: (For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God, and bringing into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ; And having in a readiness to revenge all disobedience, when your obedience is fulfilled.
Ephesians 6:12: For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.
Understanding these two kingdoms opens our understanding of God’s eternal plan for man. Remember this simple rule: Things different are not alike. Things different are not the same. Although the kingdoms have similarities, we cannot forget that one is a physical kingdom and one is a spiritual kingdom.
We will continue our study of the spiritual pictures given us in the first four verses of 1 Corinthians 10 next Sunday.