The fundamental reality of Scripture is that God is king of the world. We will trace the theme of the kingdom of God throughout the Old Testament, with examples from Adam and Eve, Samuel and the judges, King Saul and King David, the prophets and exile, Daniel’s apocalyptic, and Messianic expectations.
Genesis 1-2; 1 Samuel 8:1-9; Psalm 24; Daniel 2:29-49; 7:1-28
SERMON OUTLINE
“Who is this King of glory? The Lord strong and mighty.” (Psalm 24:8)
God is King over all (Genesis 1-2)
- He has made and rules over everything
- Humanity is made in God’s image and serves as God’s representative upon earth
God is King and His people play a part (Genesis, Exodus, Joshua)
- God promises Abraham to raise up a new people (Genesis 12:1-3)
- God delivers Israel at the Exodus and brings them to the Promised Land (Exodus 6:1-8)
- God’s kingdom is different; He’s on His own “side” (Joshua 5:13-15)
God is King but Israel wanted another king (1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings)
- Samuel and Israel’s rejection of God (1 Samuel 8)
- Saul the first and faulty king (1 Samuel 9)
- David the new, but imperfect, king (1 Samuel 16; 2 Samuel 5)
- Solomon and the decline of the kingship toward exile (1 Kings 11)
God is King and His kingdom is coming (Isaiah)
- A day will come when the nations will stream to Jerusalem (Isaiah 2)
- A messianic king will reign on David’s throne and bring God’s kingdom (Isaiah 9 & 11)
- He will restore Zion’s glory, rebuild the exiled ruins, and bless the nations (Isaiah 60 & 61)
God is King and no other kingdom will endure (Daniel)
- God’s kingdom will overwhelm and supplant the kingdoms of earth (Daniel 2:29-45)
- God’s kingdom will break through the beastly kingdoms of earth when the Son of Man appears (Daniel 7:1-28)
Key themes of the kingdom of God in the Old Testament
- God is King
- God’s kingdom is different than and superior to all other kingdoms
- God’s kingdom will come when the Messiah arrives
- God’s people play a part in His kingdom
- God’s kingdom brings blessing to the nations
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- When you hear the words “king” and “kingdom” what comes to your mind? How is that helpful or not helpful in considering the kingdom of God?
- Thisweekwebeginanewseries“TheKingdomofGod”bylookingatthethemeofthe kingdom of God in the Old Testament. A short definition of God’s kingdom is God’s kingly rule over all creation. Begin your study in prayer, asking God to speak to you through His Word.
- The idea of God’s kingship is rooted in His creation of the entire cosmos described in Genesis 1-2. Read either Genesis 1:1-2:3. What do these verses tell you about God’s power and reign, as well as about humanity’s place within God’s plans?
- The story of God’s promises to Abraham, Moses, and more all reveal that God’s reign is advanced through His people. Read God’s promises to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3. How do you think this relates to God’s kingdom?
- One of the most interesting episodes about God’s kingdom is found in Joshua 5:13-15, just before the fall of Jericho. Read those verses. What does this tell you about God and His kingdom in relation to the kingdoms of earth?
- Read 1 Samuel 8. Why did Israel want a king? What did God say this signaled about His relationship with the people? What warnings to God offer through Samuel?
- The story of the kings is one of steady decline toward the eventual exile from the land. The book of Isaiah speaks often of God’s kingdom. Read some or all of the following passages that speak in one way or another about God’s coming king or kingdom.
- What is one thing God is speaking to you through this study of the kingdom of God? If you are on your own, write that down. If you are in a small group, discuss your answers with one another. Close in prayer. Choose one person in your life with whom you will share something you learned through this study.
DIG DEEPER
- As you live life this week pause in the midst of your work, school, activities, or quiet to remember that “God is King.” Perhaps you could say that quietly or aloud. Submit your daily life to the kingship of God.
- Read Daniel 2:29-45. To understand this passage more deeply listen to Pastor Ruth’s sermon on this text, “Faith to Speak God’s Words,” in our Daniel series: eastbrook.org/dan- iel. Reflect on how God’s kingdom relates to the kingdoms of this earth.
- Read Joshua 5:13-15. Write a reflection, paint a picture, or sketch something in response to what you see in this passage and how it shapes your understanding of God’s kingdom.
- If you are interested in a broader and deeper understanding of the kingdom of God in the Old Testament, read John Bright’s scholarly yet accessible book, The Kingdom of God.