Living in the Tension of God's Kingdom

Summary

The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. It is here among us, breaking into our lives, transforming us, and yet it is also something we await in fullness—a kingdom that will one day be established in all its glory when Jesus returns. This tension of the “now and not yet” shapes our understanding of salvation: we have been saved through the cross, we are being saved as God continues to work in us, and we will be saved when we see Jesus face to face. This is not just an individual journey, but a movement of people, a new community, a kingdom that is growing and advancing even in the face of opposition.

Jesus described the Kingdom using parables that emphasize growth, multiplication, and transformation. The mustard seed becomes a great tree, the yeast works through all the dough, and the sower’s seed yields a harvest far beyond expectation. These images remind us that while the Kingdom faces resistance—the world, the flesh, and the devil—it is destined for increase and influence. The Kingdom is not a small, beleaguered remnant, but a glorious, expanding reality that will one day fill the earth with the knowledge of God’s glory.

This Kingdom is meant to permeate every aspect of life and society. It is not confined to our personal spirituality or church gatherings, but is to be seen in our families, workplaces, schools, politics, media, and every sphere of influence. As followers of Jesus, we are called to carry the values and presence of the Kingdom into all these areas, blessing others and seeking the renewal of all things.

Ultimately, the Kingdom is about Jesus—our King who was enthroned on a cross and who will return in glory to judge and renew all things. In the meantime, we are called to live as people of the Kingdom: filled with the Holy Spirit, using the gifts and resources God has given us, and remembering the poor and marginalized. The way forward is not passive waiting, but active participation—being filled with the Spirit, investing our talents, and serving those in need. In doing so, we join in God’s great plan to bring His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.

Key Takeaways

- The Kingdom of God is both present and future, “now and not yet.” We experience salvation as something accomplished, ongoing, and yet to be completed. This shapes our hope and our perseverance, knowing that God’s work in us and in the world is both secure and still unfolding. [01:21]

- The growth of the Kingdom is marked by both opposition and abundance. Jesus’ parables teach us that while there will be setbacks and resistance, the ultimate trajectory is multiplication and increase—thirty, sixty, a hundredfold. Our faith is not in a shrinking remnant, but in a Kingdom destined to fill the earth. [13:59]

- The Kingdom is meant to permeate every part of life and society, not just our private spirituality. We are called to bring Kingdom values into our families, workplaces, politics, and culture, trusting that even small acts of faithfulness can have a transformative impact far beyond what we see. [17:03]

- Our participation in the Kingdom requires being continually filled with the Holy Spirit. Like the wise virgins with oil in their lamps, we need the Spirit’s presence and power to sustain us, to bear fruit, and to give us boldness and discernment as we live out our calling in the world. [28:24]

- Advancing the Kingdom means using the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us, and remembering the poor. We are stewards, not owners, called to invest what we have for God’s purposes and to serve those in need, knowing that in serving “the least of these,” we serve Christ Himself. [34:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:21] - The “Now and Not Yet” of the Kingdom
[05:04] - Jesus: The King Who Was and Is to Come
[08:25] - The Kingdom’s Expansive Vision
[10:07] - The Holy City: God Dwelling with His People
[11:47] - Parables of Growth and Multiplication
[13:59] - Opposition and Abundant Harvest
[16:07] - The Kingdom’s Multiplication and Influence
[17:03] - The Kingdom Permeates All of Life
[18:18] - Bringing the Kingdom into Society
[19:22] - Blessing Others Through the Kingdom
[20:10] - God’s Plan: The Oasis Becomes the Norm
[22:59] - The Centrality of King Jesus
[25:31] - The King’s Return and the New Creation
[27:22] - How Do We Get There?
[28:24] - Filled with the Spirit: The Wise Virgins
[31:38] - Using Our Gifts for the Kingdom
[34:18] - Remembering the Poor: Serving Christ in Others
[35:15] - Standing Together in the Kingdom

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: The Kingdom of God—Now and Not Yet

---

### Bible Reading

1. Matthew 13:1-9, 31-33
(Parables of the Sower, Mustard Seed, and Yeast)

2. Matthew 25:1-13, 14-30, 31-40
(Parables of the Ten Virgins, the Talents, and the Sheep and the Goats)

3. Habakkuk 2:14
(“For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the sea.”)

---

### Observation Questions

1. In the parable of the sower (Matthew 13:1-9), what different outcomes happen to the seed, and what do these outcomes represent?
*([11:47])*

2. According to the parables of the mustard seed and the yeast (Matthew 13:31-33), what is Jesus saying about the way the Kingdom of God grows?
*([11:47])*

3. In Matthew 25, what are the key differences between the wise and foolish virgins, and what does the oil represent?
*([28:24])*

4. In the parable of the talents (Matthew 25:14-30), what does the master expect from his servants while he is away?
*([31:38])*

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon describes the Kingdom of God as “now and not yet”—both present and future. How does this tension affect the way Christians understand salvation and their daily lives?
*([01:21])*

2. The parables in Matthew 13 show both opposition and abundance in the Kingdom’s growth. What does this suggest about the challenges and the ultimate outcome for God’s people?
*([13:59])*

3. The yeast in the dough is described as working through “every part of the loaf.” What does this image teach about the reach of the Kingdom in society and in our personal lives?
*([17:03])*

4. In the parable of the sheep and the goats (Matthew 25:31-40), why does Jesus identify so closely with “the least of these,” and what does this reveal about the values of the Kingdom?
*([34:18])*

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon says the Kingdom is meant to permeate every part of life—not just church or private spirituality. What is one area of your life (work, family, school, community, etc.) where you feel the Kingdom is not yet visible? What is one small step you could take to bring Kingdom values there this week?
*([19:22])*

2. Jesus’ parables show that the Kingdom faces resistance but is destined for growth and influence. Where have you experienced setbacks or opposition in your faith? How can you persevere, trusting that God’s Kingdom will ultimately increase?
*([13:59])*

3. The wise virgins kept their lamps filled with oil, representing the Holy Spirit. What are some practical ways you can seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit daily? Is there a specific habit or prayer you want to start or renew?
*([28:24])*

4. The parable of the talents challenges us to use what God has given us for His purposes. What is one gift, resource, or opportunity you have that you could invest more intentionally for God’s Kingdom? What is holding you back?
*([31:38])*

5. The sermon highlights remembering the poor and serving “the least of these.” Is there a person or group in your community who is overlooked or in need? What is one concrete way you could serve or bless them this month?
*([34:18])*

6. The Kingdom is about Jesus—our King who will return. How does keeping your focus on Jesus as King shape your decisions, priorities, or hopes for the future?
*([22:59])*

7. The sermon says the way forward is not passive waiting, but active participation. What is one area where you have been waiting for change instead of stepping out in faith? What would it look like to take action this week?
*([35:15])*

---

Close in prayer, asking God to fill you with His Spirit, to help you invest your gifts, and to show you how to bring His Kingdom into every part of your life.

Devotional

Day 1: The Kingdom of God is Now and Not Yet
The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers live in the tension of having been saved, being saved, and awaiting the fullness of salvation when Christ returns or calls them home. This means that while God has already done a transforming work in our lives, He continues to shape us daily, and one day, all things will be made new—free from pain, mourning, and death. This perspective gives us confidence in the victory of Christ, even as we face challenges and setbacks, knowing that the final outcome is secure and glorious. [05:04]

Ephesians 2:4-7 (ESV)
But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need to remember that God is still at work, saving and transforming you, even as you wait for the fullness of His Kingdom?


Day 2: The Kingdom of God Grows and Multiplies Despite Opposition
The Kingdom of God is marked by growth, multiplication, and increase—even in the face of opposition and difficulty. Jesus’ parables of the sower, the mustard seed, and the yeast reveal that while not every seed will bear fruit and there will be challenges from the world, the flesh, and the devil, God’s Kingdom will still advance and produce an abundant harvest beyond what we can imagine. This growth is both individual and corporate, as God moves His people from one degree of glory to another. [16:07]

Matthew 13:31-33 (ESV)
He put another parable before them, saying, “The kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man took and sowed in his field. It is the smallest of all seeds, but when it has grown it is larger than all the garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and make nests in its branches.” He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Reflection: Where do you see small beginnings in your life or community that God might want to grow into something much greater for His Kingdom?


Day 3: The Kingdom of God Permeates Every Part of Life and Society
The Kingdom of God is meant to saturate not just individual hearts but every sphere of society—family, business, education, politics, media, and more. Like yeast working through a large batch of dough, the influence of God’s Kingdom is to reach every area, transforming it with the values, presence, and beauty of Jesus. This calls believers to carry the Kingdom into their workplaces, relationships, and communities, expecting God’s influence to bring renewal and blessing far beyond the church walls. [18:18]

Matthew 13:33 (ESV)
He told them another parable. “The kingdom of heaven is like leaven that a woman took and hid in three measures of flour, till it was all leavened.”

Reflection: What is one specific area of your daily life or work where you can intentionally bring the values and presence of God’s Kingdom this week?


Day 4: The Kingdom of God Advances Through Spirit-Filled, Faithful Service
To move from where we are to the fullness of God’s Kingdom, we must be continually filled with the Holy Spirit and faithfully use the gifts and resources God has entrusted to us. Jesus’ parables in Matthew 25 teach us to keep our lamps burning with the oil of the Spirit, to invest our talents for the Master’s purposes, and to serve others with what we have. This Spirit-empowered living enables us to be bold witnesses, to discern God’s will, and to see His Kingdom advance through our unique contributions. [28:24]

Matthew 25:1-13 (ESV)
“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps. As the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and slept. But at midnight there was a cry, ‘Here is the bridegroom! Come out to meet him.’ Then all those virgins rose and trimmed their lamps. And the foolish said to the wise, ‘Give us some of your oil, for our lamps are going out.’ But the wise answered, saying, ‘Since there will not be enough for us and for you, go rather to the dealers and buy for yourselves.’ And while they were going to buy, the bridegroom came, and those who were ready went in with him to the marriage feast, and the door was shut. Afterward the other virgins came also, saying, ‘Lord, lord, open to us.’ But he answered, ‘Truly, I say to you, I do not know you.’ Watch therefore, for you know neither the day nor the hour.”

Reflection: How can you make space today to be filled afresh with the Holy Spirit and to use a specific gift or resource God has given you for His Kingdom?


Day 5: The Kingdom of God Blesses Others, Especially the Least
The Kingdom of God is not just for personal blessing but is designed to bring healing, justice, and compassion to others—especially the poor, the marginalized, and the hurting. Jesus teaches that whatever we do for the least of these, we do for Him. The ultimate vision of the Kingdom is a community where the blessings of God flow outward, bringing healing to the nations and inviting all to share in God’s goodness. Our calling is to remember the poor, serve those in need, and let the love of Christ overflow to others. [35:15]

Matthew 25:34-40 (ESV)
Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

Reflection: Who is one person in your life or community who is in need, and how can you tangibly serve or bless them this week as an act of Kingdom living?

Quotes

The bride in Revelation is a beautiful bride prepared for her husband. Not some bedraggled, horrible, hounded, haggard thing that looks like she's been dragged through a hedge. This is a beautiful bride. This is Jesus' bride. This is worth coming back for. [00:09:06] (00:00:20 seconds) Edit Clip

The kingdom of God is meant to permeate every part of our lives. It's meant to permeate every part of our society. The kingdom of God is meant to go through the whole thing into all the loaves. [00:17:16] (00:00:18 seconds) Edit Clip

The mustard seed grows into a huge tree for the blessing of all the birds of the air, Jesus said. The hundredfold harvest is a blessing for the community. When the shepherds came to Jesus at the manger, they went and told everyone what they had seen and heard. Jesus said, this good news will be preached in every nation and then the end will come. [00:21:29] (00:00:26 seconds) Edit Clip

There's a huge claim in Matthew 25. We're going to look at it in a minute. We're going to look at it in a minute. Jesus is talking about himself and he says when the son of man comes when I come in my glory with all the angels all the nations will be gathered before what a claim what a claim that this trumped -up rabbi might say to his few followers in Palestine he just says to them I'm going to return in glory with all the angels and all the nations will be gathered before me and then I'm going to separate them so the righteous the unrighteous the sheep and the goat that's that's a God job Jesus was claiming here to be divine he was claiming to be God very clearly but he was claiming to be king having the right to judge. [00:23:13] (00:01:05 seconds) Edit Clip

And as he takes his throne Satan is doomed. The dead are judged. There's a new heaven and a new earth. There's a renewed people of God. A new city that comes down out of heaven. And the declaration God is living with people now. Not just in the Holy of Holies. But now in this whole vast city. And he will wipe every tear from their eyes. And there will be no more death. Or mourning. Or crying. Or pain. [00:25:45] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip

The king will say to those on his right, come you who are blessed by my Father, take your inheritance. The kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world, for I was hungry and you gave me something to eat. I was thirsty, you gave me something to drink. I was a stranger, you invited me in. in. I needed clothes and you clothed me. I was sick and you looked after me. I was in prison and you came to visit me. When? When did we see you like that? And the king will reply, verse 40, I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me. [00:34:03] (00:00:38 seconds) Edit Clip