Matthew 6:10 a "Thy Kingdom Come"

I. Kingdoms at war

            A. First century understanding of kingdom

            B. Jesus' challenge - Luke 17:20-21 "The kingdom of God is not coming with signs to be observed; nor will they say, 'Look, here it is!' or, 'There it is!' For behold, the kingdom of God is in your midst." entos - within, in midst

            C. The AFLC "The congregation is the right form of the kingdom of God on earth"

                        1. Matthew 18:20 - For where two or three have gathered together in my name, there I am in their midst.

                        2. The congregation is its people

                        Thus - a true home missions congregation is a husband

                                    who knows God as Father

                                    hallows the Father's name

                                    builds a holy family

                        3. The kingdom is the people of God and in the people of God

            D. Another kingdom -

                        1. Luke 11:14-18 - Jesus refers to Satan and his kingdom in the discussion about divided kingdoms

                        2. Ephesians 6:12 - our battle is against an organized kingdom with rulers and authorities

                        3. Daniel 10:13 - geographical organization or principalities 

                                    i.e. prince of the kingdom of Persia

            E. Two other forms

                        1. The world - James 4:4 - You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?  Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

                        2. The flesh - James 4:1 - What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members?

II. Reality of war

            A. Matthew 13:24-30, 36-46 - Wheat and tares

            B. John 10:10 - the thief comes only to steal, kill, destroy

            C. Ephesians 6:10-11

                        1. Finally be strong - assumption of our weakness and need for the strength of God to do battle

                        2. Put on the full armor - again assumption of our need of God's protection and weaponry for battle

                        3. For our struggle (wrestling) is not against flesh and blood but against rulers, powers, world forces of this darkness, spiritual forces of wickedness

            D. I Thessalonians 2:18 - For we wanted to come to you...and yet Satan thwarted us.  Satan is at work in the church keeping God's servants from doing ministry.  

            E. James 3:15, 16 - Earthly, natural, demonic wisdom leads only to jealousy, selfish ambition, disorder, every evil thing

            F. I Peter  5:8 - Your adversary, the devil, prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour

            "If we think there is no battle, God is not our Father and we are not hallowing His name." - Paul Nash

III. Victory in  War

LSC - When our heavenly Father gives us His Holy Spirit, so that by His grace we believe His holy Word, and live a godly life here on earth, and in heaven for ever.

            A. Our relationship with the Father is not our doing

                        1. The Father gives His Holy Spirit

                        2. The Father give grace

                        3. The Father gives faith

            B. His holy Word (see Day by Day, p. 125) from a 1539 Luther sermon - Know the Word - Pray to the Word

            C. Living godly lives

                        1. Recognize a king and become obedient to him

                        2. There are two kingdoms - before which king will we bow in obedience?

                        3. Obedience that comes by faith is to live godly lives –

                                    To know God as Father

                                    To hallow His name