Study 10
What is God's kingdom like?
We are shown in this passage that even though parables are confusing, God's purpose is for the truth to be understood by all.
No hiding
The Christian should not hide the fact that he has peace with God. His/her influence should affect all those around or it is as pointless as hiding a light under a bed. One day God will judge all people. Even the most secret things that we have ever done will be seen and judged by God. That is why it is so important to listen if we possibly can because through listening to the preaching of the bible, trusting in Jesus comes. (Romans 10: 13-17). If we trust Jesus as our saviour we will receive great riches in heaven. If we do not have Jesus all we have now will be taken from us on the day of judgement.
Growing kingdom
The parable of the growing seed (verses 26-29) shows that in God's creation, God works in his own time. And it is the same with the Kingdom of God (made up of those who accept God as king). This kingdom does not come in a spectacular way - there are no flashing lights - but it comes quietly. God often works slowly in people's hearts. When the time is right, the grain ripens and God's kingdom (the harvest/judgement day) will come. All who are in it will spend eternity praising Him.
It is sometimes difficult to see how God's kingdom does grow using the human eye but grow it does.
It started with 12 apostles. When Jesus rose from the dead there were over 500 believers. On the day of Pentecost 3,000 were added to the church (Acts 2:41). Throughout the world today there are millions of Christians in every continent and this growth will continue until there are people in God's kingdom from every tribe and language and people and nation (Revelation 5:9).
God's kingdom has grown so large that the benefits for others have been enormous - freedom of speech, the abolition of slavery and child labour, education for all, hospitals and Christian based laws which many countries use and benefit from.
Verse 33 and 34 remind us that nobody who wishes to listen to Christ can understand the great truths until they know Him.
Time to think
- In what ways have you had a good influence on others?
- What evidence is there that the Church is still growing today?
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