Spread of Peace: Taking the Gospel to All Nations

The Kingdom of God stands at contrast to the kingdoms of this world. The multinational citizens become brothers and sisters. They are closer in bond to a brother or sister in Christ across the world than their own neighbor. The soldiers march not to destroy but bring life. In fact, willing to lay down their life rather than take another. The leaders do not gain power by pushing others down, but by lifting others up. How are two very different kingdoms going to exist in the same world?

Discussion Questions

Review: Romans 13:1-7 and 1 Peter 2:13-17

1.  According to Romans 13:3-4 and 1 Peter 2:13-14, how does violence play a part in the rule of earthly kingdoms?

2.  According to what we have learned in the Old Testament (Genesis 15:13-16, Deuteronomy 9:4-6), what will happen to a nation if it fails to restrain evil?

Review: Romans 12:14-21 and 1 Peter 2:11-12

3.  According to Romans 12:17, how are Christians to respond to evil?

4.  Of course, God does not want us to do evil to the one that has done evil to us, but shouldn’t we at least seek justice? How does Romans 12:19 answer the question of justice?

5.  How does this require a believer to have faith?

6.  How does it show a lack of faith for a believer to seek vengeance?

7.  Not only are we not to seek vengeance, but how does Romans 12:20-21 make our response unlike the government?

8.  What would happen if a government did not repay evil?

9.  What would happen if a Christian did repay evil?

10.  If the role of the Christian and the government are completely contrary of one another, then how can a government be Christian?

11.  According to 1 Peter 2:11, how does Peter view our earthly citizenship?

12.  How might viewing our earthly citizenship as temporary citizens assist the Kingdom of God in our fulfilling of the Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-20)?

13.  How might viewing our earthly citizenship as temporary citizens bring about persecution?

Summary

Paul and Peter continue the principles taught by Jesus. Not only did they teach it, but they lived it. After all the persecutions that Paul endured, did he ever justify retaliation against anyone. Instead, he made it his aim to have the same mind and attitude of Christ. Peter mentions the suffering of Christ and of believers numerous times in his letter. Again, pointing to Christ as our example.

Look ahead: Revelation 1:5-6, 2:26-27, 5:9-10, 6:9-11, 12:10-11, 13:9-10, 16:5-6, 17:6, 17:18, 18:24; 19:2

Exercises

1.  Create a table with two columns. Place “Kingdom of God” as the heading for the left column and “Kingdoms of the World” as the heading for the right column. List the functions of your local church in the left column and the functions of your local government in the right.

2.  Once complete, what would be the potential dangers for the church to take over the role of the local government?

3.  What would be the potential dangers if the local government took over the roles of the church?

References

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