The Glorious Kingdom
The Story . . .
1 Kings 3:5-15; 10:1-29
After Solomon was established as the new king of
Israel, the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Ask
what I shall give thee." 1 Kings 3:5. The young king could have
requested money, fame, or long life, but he didn't. Instead, he
asked for wisdom to justly govern God's people. In answer to
that humble and heartfelt prayer, the Lord gave Solomon
tremendous wisdom and perception-surpassing every other
human. On top of that, God also blessed him with fame, riches,
and long life.
During Solomon's reign, Israel
enjoyed unparalleled peace and prosperity.
Precious metals were so abundant in
Jerusalem during his time that silver was
considered as common as stones (1 Kings
10:27). In addition to the magnificent
temple of marble and gold that Solomon
built for God, he also constructed a lavish
palace and courtyard plus entire cities to
house his chariots and horsemen. Splendid
flowering gardens with rare trees graced
every town. Monarchs, nobles, and
royalty came from around the world to
visit and bring gifts. They longed to hear
the profound wisdom that God had put
in Solomon's heart (1 Kings 10:24).
Among the many regal visitors was
a rich and beautiful queen from the far-away land of Sheba.
She wanted to see firsthand if the reports about Israel's king
were true. The Queen of Sheba tested Solomon with many
hard questions and was stunned by his brilliant answers.
Everywhere she looked, her senses were dazzled. But even Israel
at its zenith was as nothing compared to the glorious kingdom
God has prepared for you.
The Study
Fill in the blanks after reading each Bible text.
1. What did Jesus promise His people?
John 14:2 In my Father's house are many _______________: ... I go to
prepare a _______________ for you.
2. What do we know about this place Jesus is preparing?
Isaiah 65:17 For, behold, I create _______________ heavens and a new
earth.
Hebrews 11:16 For he hath prepared for them a _______________.
Matthew 5:5 Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the
_______________.
Isaiah 65:21 And they shall build _______________, and inhabit them.
NOTE: Talk about amazing! God has prepared for His people new
heavens, a new earth, and a new holy city. The righteous will inherit a glorious
mansion in the city built by Jesus (John 14:2), plus a fabulous country home on
the new earth that they will build themselves (Isaiah 65:21).
3.What more do we know about the holy city?
Revelation 21:16 And the city lieth _______________, ... and he
measured the city with the reed, _______________ _______________
furlongs. The length and the breadth and the height of it are equal.
Revelation 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming
down from God out of _______________.
Revelation 21:10, 12 The holy Jerusalem, descending out of heaven from
God, ... had a wall great and high, and had _______________ gates.
Revelation 21:18 And the building of the _______________ of it was
of _______________.
Revelation 21:21 The street of the city was pure _______________.
NOTE: The holy city is square, and the distance around it is 12,000
furlongs, or 1,500 miles (a furlong is one-eighth of a mile). It comes down from
heaven to the new earth and will land where the Mount of Olives now stands
(Zechariah 14:4). Each of its 12 gates are made of a single pearl (Revelation
21:21), and the city's jasper walls are 144 cubits (Revelation 21:17) or 216 feet
wide (a cubit is 18 inches).
4. What does the Bible say about the city's water and
food supply?
Revelation 22:1 He shewed me a pure _______________ of water of life.
Revelation 22:2 On either side of the river, was there the tree of
_______________, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her
fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of
the nations.
NOTE: An inexhaustible, pure river of water flows out of the throne of God,
and the tree of life yields a different fruit crop each month. This fabulous fruit
and its leaves provide the antidote of death and perpetuate eternal life. In
addition, God's saints will raise their own food at their country homes (Isaiah
65:21). The diet of God's people will be what it was before sin entered the
world-fruits, grains, and nuts (Genesis 1:29, 31). The taste will be
indescribably delicious, and the nutritional value will be perfect.
5. How will living in heaven be different from living
here on earth?
A. Isaiah 35:5 The eyes of the _______________ shall be opened.
B. Isaiah 35:5 The ears of the _______________ shall be unstopped.
C. Isaiah 35:6 Then shall the lame man _______________ as an
hart, and the tongue of the dumb _______________.
D. Isaiah 65:25 They [the beasts] shall not _______________
nor destroy.
E. Isaiah 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, ... and a
_______________ _______________ shall lead them.
F. Isaiah 35:1 The desert shall ... _______________ as the rose.
G. Isaiah 33:24 The inhabitant shall not say, I am _______________.
H. Revelation 21:4 There shall be no more _______________,
neither sorrow, nor crying.
6. What kind of bodies will the saints have?
Philippians 3:20, 21 The Lord Jesus Christ: Who shall change our vile
body, that it may be fashioned like unto his _______________ body.
7. Is Jesus' body real, or is He a spirit?
Luke 24:39 Behold my hands and my feet, that it is I myself: handle
me, and see; for a _______________ _______________
_______________ flesh and bones, as ye see me have.
NOTE: Jesus' body after His resurrection was real, with flesh and bones that you
could touch and feel. The disciples at first thought He was a spirit when He
appeared suddenly to them, but after they felt Him and watched Him eat (Luke
24:40-43), they knew that He was real. Forty days later, Jesus led them out to
Bethany and ascended to heaven (Luke 24:50, 51). The angels who appeared to
the disciples said to them, "This same Jesus [of flesh and bones] ... shall so come
in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven." Acts 1:11. Since His
incarnation, Jesus is forever linked with the human race, as well as being divine.
8. What other encouraging promise is found?
Acts 3:20, 21 And he shall send Jesus Christ, ... Whom the heaven must
receive until the times of _______________ of all things.
NOTE: Praise God, every glorious good thing that was lost by the entrance of
sin will be restored in God's new kingdom. All people will genuinely love, trust,
and support each other. As a result, there will be no more violence (Isaiah
60:18), and no more betrayal, abuse, disloyalty, dishonesty, backbiting,
insecurity, depression, danger, disappointment, or heartache. It will be joyful,
happy, contented, abundant living for eternity.
9. Will sad or painful memories from this life trouble
people in heaven?
Isaiah 65:17 The former shall _______________ be remembered, nor
come into mind.
NOTE: The words "come into mind" are better translated "move upon the
heart." The Lord is here promising that the sorrows of earth will not bring
sorrow to His saints in heaven.
10. Will people from earth recognize each other in God's
new kingdom?
1 Corinthians 13:12 Then shall I _______________ even as also
I am known.
NOTE: We will indeed recognize each other by our appearance, walk,
mannerisms, speech, etc. Our abilities to discern each other will be improved in
heaven. Heaven will be an utterly fantastic family reunion.
11. What other thrilling promises does God give us
regarding His coming kingdom?
A. Isaiah 35:10 The ransomed of the Lord shall ... come to Zion with
songs and everlasting _______________.
B. Psalm 16:11 There are _______________ for evermore.
C. Zechariah 8:5 The streets of the city shall be full of boys and girls
_______________ in the streets thereof.
D. Isaiah 40:31 They shall run, and not be _______________; and
they shall walk, and not _______________.
E. Isaiah 40:31 They shall mount up with _______________
as eagles.
NOTE: The saints will be able to fly like angels at speeds faster than light.
Since they inherit all things (Revelation 21:7), they may visit other worlds,
taking only moments to get there. According to Scripture, God has made other
worlds that are unfallen (Job 1:6; Hebrews 1:2; 11:3).
12. Can we adequately describe God's new kingdom
with words?
1 Corinthians 2:9 Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have
entered into the _______________ of _______________, the things
which God hath prepared for them that love him.
NOTE: You and I in our present state are not able even to imagine the
wonderful things God has prepared for His children. No words, thoughts, or
even dreams can truly picture the fantastic joys and bliss of heaven. No matter
what we may suffer on earth, being in heaven will outweigh all of earth's trials
(Romans 8:18).
13. What is the highest reward of God's new kingdom?
Revelation 21:3 God himself shall be _______________ them.
NOTE: Believe it, and stand in awe! God will actually live in the new earth with
His people. Nothing can compare to this for sheer delight and glory.
14. What will exclude people from God's
heavenly kingdom?
Revelation 21:27 There shall in no wise enter into it any thing
that _______________.
Revelation 21:7 He that _______________ shall inherit all things.
NOTE: Sin defiles and cannot be allowed into heaven, else rebellion might start
all over again. (See Supplement entitled "The Kingdom of God.")
15. What can I do about sin?
1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our
sins, and to _______________ _______________ from all
unrighteousness.
NOTE: If I ask Jesus to forgive my sins, He forgives me and cleanses me from sin
and makes me His child.
16. What did Jesus say is the formula for success in this life
and the next?
Matthew 6:33 But seek ye first the _______________ of
_______________, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be
added unto you.
NOTE: This is exactly what King Solomon did when God asked, "What do
you want?" His first thought was for God's kingdom and His righteousness. In
return, the blessings of a glorious kingdom followed. This will happen for us too
when we seek first God's kingdom.
Your Response
Recognizing that God is in full control of earthly events, are you willing to let
Him have full control of your life?
ANSWER: _______________
Supplement
This section provides additional information for further study.
The Kingdom of God
The Bible is a record of two kingdoms in constant conflict-the kingdom
of God and the kingdom of Satan. Jesus made the kingdom of God central in
His preaching. There are over 100 references to the kingdom of God in the
New Testament alone, and many are contained in Jesus' parables. From His
teachings we learn that God's divine kingdom is divided into two different
categories-the spiritual and the literal.
Citizens of the spiritual kingdom of heaven have God ruling and reigning
in their hearts. Before conversion, the throne in our hearts is occupied by
Satan, sin, and self. But after we accept the forgiveness and power of Jesus,
that bondage is broken. This is why Paul says, "Let not sin therefore reign in
your mortal body, that ye should obey it in the lusts thereof. ... For sin shall
not have dominion over you." Romans 6:12, 14. "But if I with the finger of
God cast out devils, no doubt the kingdom of God is come upon you." Luke
11:20.
As soon as a person accepts Christ, he instantly becomes a citizen of God's
spiritual kingdom. This is why both Jesus and John the Baptist began their
ministries by urging people to repent, "for the kingdom of heaven is at hand."
Matthew 3:2; 4:17. "At hand" means available or accessible now. This is why
Jesus said, "The kingdom of God cometh not with observation: Neither shall
they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within
you." Luke 17:20, 21. As soon as a person is baptized, he leaves Satan's
kingdom of darkness and joins God's kingdom of light.
Every true follower of Christ is an ambassador to this world from God's
spiritual kingdom. Ambassadors from other countries often speak a different
language, wear different clothes, eat different food, use different currency, and
have different customs. In the same way, as Christian ambassadors we should
be very careful to rightly represent our Lord's kingdom by the way we eat,
talk, dress, and spend our time and money.
Someday God's people will inherit the literal, physical kingdom of God
that is discussed in this lesson. It is this kingdom we are longing for when we
pray in the Lord's prayer, "Thy kingdom come." Matthew 6:10. God's literal
kingdom will be fully and finally established after the post-millennium
judgment and battle described in Revelation 20.
