7 - Matthew 24 - The Millennial Kingdom

I. THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD

Luke 14
13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Acts 2
31Seeing what was ahead, he (David) spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Gospel faith is that Jesus was resurrected from the dead and the hope we are called into is that we too will be raised with Him.

Acts 4
They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Acts 24
14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

It is “safe” to live wholeheartedly for another age. This is the hope. This is the only way we are free enough to lay down our lives. We lay them down in the knowledge of picking them up again in the age to come.

Philippians 3
7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15
19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Our hope is in the age to come. We are free to live for another age because of the proof that Jesus was raised from the dead. This is our hope. This is our freedom. This in the foundation of the Gospel. This understanding provides the grace we need to walk out the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the 50 commands of Christ.

Hebrews 6
1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.

II. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM: JESUS’ 1,000-YEAR REIGN ON EARTH

Revelation 20
4 I saw thrones, and they (saints) sat on them...They lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years...6 They shall reign with Him 1000 years. (Rev. 20:4-6)

Jesus as King of Kings will personally govern a worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem. At this time the Kingdom of God will be openly manifest worldwide affecting every sphere of life (political, social, agricultural, economic, spiritual, educational, law enforcement, family, media, arts, technology, athletics, environment, social institutions, etc.).

The result will be a 1,000-year period of unprecedented blessing for the whole earth as Jesus establishes righteousness and prosperity, and restores the agriculture, atmosphere, and animal life to some of the conditions that were seen in the Garden of Eden (Rev. 20:1-6; Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 51:1-8; 60-62; 65:17-25; Ps. 2:6-12; 110:1-7; Deut. 8; 28; Mt. 5:5; 6:10; 17:11; 19:28; 28:19; Acts 1:6; 3:21). This period of blessing will be initiated by Jesus' Second Coming.

The centerpiece of God’s purpose: bringing heaven and earth together:

Ephesians 1
9 Having made known to us the mystery (plan) of His will...10 that He might gather together in one ALL things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth.

The centerpiece of God’s eternal purpose is for Jesus to come back to establish His Kingdom over all the earth as He joins the heavenly and earthly realms together. God’s purpose has always been for His people to live together with Him in this way.

Revelation 21
3 Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them...

Heaven speaks of the spiritual realm where God’s presence is openly manifest. Earth speaks of the physical realm where human process, emotions and physical sensation reach full expression.

III. THE FOUR FOUNDATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

The Father gave all authority to Jesus and then gave Jesus to the Church. The Church is God’s chosen vehicle to release His fullness throughout the earth for eternity.

22 He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

There are four foundational aspects of Jesus’ Kingdom necessary for the fullness of God to be experienced on earth. These four aspects of the Millennial Kingdom will converge together as they affect every sphere of life. Biblical hope and vision include all four aspects together.

The New Jerusalem coming down to earth brings the supernatural heavenly dimension to the Millennial Kingdom. It will include the supernatural aspects as seen in our resurrected body.

The Garden of Eden being restored brings a physical paradise aspect to the Millennial Kingdom with a renewed environment (agriculture, animals, atmosphere, etc.) with physical pleasures.

The Kingdom of David brings the political social dimension (social institutions, economic, educational, family, media, arts, technology, etc.). Righteousness and justice will be established in every sphere of life as every national government on earth is brought under Jesus’ authority.

The House of Prayer includes the Millennial Temple with the Holy of Holies as the center of the worldwide worship and prayer movement. This brings an intimate relational aspect to the Millennial Kingdom as we encounter God and partner with Him in ruling through intercession.

IV. THE FAITHFUL SAINTS WILL BE WITH JESUS AS HE RETURNS TO EARTH

Revelation 19
7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints...11 Behold, a white horse. And He (Jesus) who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war...14 The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

After this battle, Jesus will do many historically important things that include replacing all the governments of the earth with righteous leaders (Mt. 25:31-32).

The new government will consist of two groups of people. First, those with resurrected bodies who are the faithful from all redemptive history. These people will have the greatest measure of authority. Second, those with natural bodies who will be the recently converted survivors of the Great Tribulation. These will function under the authority of those with resurrected bodies.

Jesus will be the King over all the other kings in the Millennium (Rev. 19:16). In other words, Jesus will govern a worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem in partnership with two sets of kings: the Millennial kings with non-resurrected bodies, and the Resurrected kings (saints). Together they will establish a biblically based, social order that affects every sphere of life.

Revelation 1
5 Jesus...the ruler over the kings of the earth (Millennial kings). To Him who loved us...6 and has made us (resurrected saints) kings and priests to His God and Father.

The saints with resurrected bodies who are counted worthy (considered faithful) during their life on earth will be made kings in the age-to-come (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6; 22:5; Mt. 19:28; 20:21- 23; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rom 8:17).

He who overcomes...I will give power over nations, 27 he shall rule them... (Rev. 2:26-27) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne... (Rev. 3:21)  They (saints) shall see His (God’s) face... 5 They shall reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:4-5) The kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the saints... (Dan. 7:27)

As priests, the saints will worship, intercede and communicate the knowledge of God to others i.e., non- resurrected people on the Millennial earth and saints and angels in the New Jerusalem.

As kings, the saints will reign (rule) with judicial responsibility and authority. This role involves authority to evaluate the past (judging) and to determine action plans for the future for the people and areas that they are over. The ruling saints will appoint people into positions in the infrastructure that are within their sphere of Kingdom responsibility. This will include training and managing the people who are appointed. The saints will judge angels (1 Cor. 6:2).

2 Do you not know the saints will judge the world?...the world will be judged by you...3 Do you not know that we shall judge (evaluate) angels? (1 Cor. 6:2-3)

28 Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration (re-birth of the earth beginning in Millennium), when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. " (Mt. 19:28)

29 I bestow upon you a kingdom...30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Lk. 22:29-30)

23 His Lord said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Mt. 25:23)

17 He said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' 18 And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' 19 Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.' (Lk. 19:17-19)

1 A King (Jesus) will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. (Isa. 32:1)

V. MANY ARE CALLED BUT ONLY A FEW ARE CHOSEN TO RULE WITH JESUS

The primary premise is that only a small percent of the redeemed from history will rule with the Lord in Millennial Kingdom. Jesus reveals an important principle of how He evaluates and chooses people. This principle is applied in different ways, including the process of our salvation as well as the way the saints are rewarded.

Matthew 22
14 For many are called (invited), but few are chosen (commissioned to reign).

Many people are called or invited to inherit great things, from salvation to their reward after salvation. However, only a few are chosen or esteemed by God as responsive enough to receive the blessing that they are being offered by God. This applies to receiving salvation as well as to our rewards after salvation is received. In this teaching, we are focusing on being chosen or esteemed by God as faithful or worthy to be commissioned to rule with Jesus when He returns.

Only a few will have a sufficient maturity in faithfulness to share in the Millennial government. Let the words “many” and “few” resound in our being knowing how important they are. Our lives must be evaluated as having been proven in meekness and faithfulness (follow through) in our quest to be obedient under the varied pressures of opportunity, temptation and resistance.

Only overcomers who walked in faithfulness will rule in the Millennium. The only ones chosen or commissioned are the faithful who are proven and consistent in meek obedience under the varied pressures of opportunity, temptation, and resistance.

Matthew 25
14 For the kingdom...is like a Man traveling to a far country, who called his servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one...19 After a long time the Lord came and settled accounts with them. 20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents...' 21 "His lord said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'

We have each received talents or abilities from God. Our most valuable talents are the components of our inner man, including our mind and emotions. We must seek to multiply righteousness, peace and joy in them. God also measures the quality (not the size) of our impact on others by how much righteousness, peace and joy that we helped to multiply in their walk with God.

The kingdom of God is...righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17)

It is necessary to be found faithful in pursuing 100-fold obedience if we are to receive the maximum blessing of what God has offered or invited each one of us from our obedience in this life. Faithfulness is determined in the simple areas of our life including making a covenant with our eyes (Ps. 101:3; Job 31:1), bridling our speech (Jas 3:2; Eph. 4:29-5:4), managing our time (Eph. 5:15-16) and money to increase the Kingdom (beyond personal comfort and honor) (1 Tim. 6:8; Mt. 6:19-21) as we engage in communing prayer with the Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14).

I. THE RESURRECTION FROM THE DEAD

Luke 14 13But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, 14and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous."

Acts 2 31Seeing what was ahead, he (David) spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay. 32God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact. 33Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear.

Gospel faith is that Jesus was resurrected from the dead and the hope we are called into is that we too will be raised with Him.

Acts 4 They were greatly disturbed because the apostles were teaching the people and proclaiming in Jesus the resurrection of the dead.

Acts 24 14However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, 15and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked. 16So I strive always to keep my conscience clear before God and man.

It is “safe” to live wholeheartedly for another age. This is the hope. This is the only way we are free enough to lay down our lives. We lay them down in the knowledge of picking them up again in the age to come.

Philippians 3 7But whatever was to my profit I now consider loss for the sake of Christ. 8What is more, I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God and is by faith. 10I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in his sufferings, becoming like him in his death, 11and so, somehow, to attain to the resurrection from the dead.

1 Corinthians 15 19If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men. 20But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.

Our hope is in the age to come. We are free to live for another age because of the proof that Jesus was raised from the dead. This is our hope. This is our freedom. This in the foundation of the Gospel. This understanding provides the grace we need to walk out the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) and the 50 commands of Christ.

Hebrews 6 1Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity, not laying again the foundation of repentance from acts that lead to death,[a] and of faith in God, 2instruction about baptisms, the laying on of hands, the resurrection of the dead, and eternal judgment. 3And God permitting, we will do so.

II. THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM: JESUS’ 1,000-YEAR REIGN ON EARTH

Revelation 20 4 I saw thrones, and they (saints) sat on them...They lived and reigned with Christ for 1000 years...6 They shall reign with Him 1000 years. (Rev. 20:4-6)

Jesus as King of Kings will personally govern a worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem. At this time the Kingdom of God will be openly manifest worldwide affecting every sphere of life (political, social, agricultural, economic, spiritual, educational, law enforcement, family, media, arts, technology, athletics, environment, social institutions, etc.).

The result will be a 1,000-year period of unprecedented blessing for the whole earth as Jesus establishes righteousness and prosperity, and restores the agriculture, atmosphere, and animal life to some of the conditions that were seen in the Garden of Eden (Rev. 20:1-6; Isa. 2:1-4; 9:6-9; 11:1-16; 51:1-8; 60-62; 65:17-25; Ps. 2:6-12; 110:1-7; Deut. 8; 28; Mt. 5:5; 6:10; 17:11; 19:28; 28:19; Acts 1:6; 3:21). This period of blessing will be initiated by Jesus' Second Coming.

The centerpiece of God’s purpose: bringing heaven and earth together:

Ephesians 1 9 Having made known to us the mystery (plan) of His will...10 that He might gather together in one ALL things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth.

The centerpiece of God’s eternal purpose is for Jesus to come back to establish His Kingdom over all the earth as He joins the heavenly and earthly realms together. God’s purpose has always been for His people to live together with Him in this way.

Revelation 21 3 Behold, the Tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them...

Heaven speaks of the spiritual realm where God’s presence is openly manifest. Earth speaks of the physical realm where human process, emotions and physical sensation reach full expression.

III. THE FOUR FOUNDATIONAL ASPECTS OF THE MILLENNIAL KINGDOM

The Father gave all authority to Jesus and then gave Jesus to the Church. The Church is God’s chosen vehicle to release His fullness throughout the earth for eternity.

22 He put all things under His feet, and gave Him to be head over all things to the church, 23 which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

There are four foundational aspects of Jesus’ Kingdom necessary for the fullness of God to be experienced on earth. These four aspects of the Millennial Kingdom will converge together as they affect every sphere of life. Biblical hope and vision include all four aspects together.

The New Jerusalem coming down to earth brings the supernatural heavenly dimension to the Millennial Kingdom. It will include the supernatural aspects as seen in our resurrected body.

The Garden of Eden being restored brings a physical paradise aspect to the Millennial Kingdom with a renewed environment (agriculture, animals, atmosphere, etc.) with physical pleasures.

The Kingdom of David brings the political social dimension (social institutions, economic, educational, family, media, arts, technology, etc.). Righteousness and justice will be established in every sphere of life as every national government on earth is brought under Jesus’ authority.

The House of Prayer includes the Millennial Temple with the Holy of Holies as the center of the worldwide worship and prayer movement. This brings an intimate relational aspect to the Millennial Kingdom as we encounter God and partner with Him in ruling through intercession.

IV. THE FAITHFUL SAINTS WILL BE WITH JESUS AS HE RETURNS TO EARTH

Revelation 19 7 Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready." 8 And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints...11 Behold, a white horse. And He (Jesus) who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war...14 The armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. 15 Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.

After this battle, Jesus will do many historically important things that include replacing all the governments of the earth with righteous leaders (Mt. 25:31-32).

The new government will consist of two groups of people. First, those with resurrected bodies who are the faithful from all redemptive history. These people will have the greatest measure of authority. Second, those with natural bodies who will be the recently converted survivors of the Great Tribulation. These will function under the authority of those with resurrected bodies.

Jesus will be the King over all the other kings in the Millennium (Rev. 19:16). In other words, Jesus will govern a worldwide Kingdom from Jerusalem in partnership with two sets of kings: the Millennial kings with non-resurrected bodies, and the Resurrected kings (saints). Together they will establish a biblically based, social order that affects every sphere of life.

Revelation 1 5 Jesus...the ruler over the kings of the earth (Millennial kings). To Him who loved us...6 and has made us (resurrected saints) kings and priests to His God and Father.

The saints with resurrected bodies who are counted worthy (considered faithful) during their life on earth will be made kings in the age-to-come (Rev. 2:26-27; 3:21; 5:10; 20:4-6; 22:5; Mt. 19:28; 20:21- 23; 25:23; Lk. 19:17-19; 22:29-30; 1 Cor. 6:2-3; 2 Tim. 2:12; Rom 8:17).

He who overcomes...I will give power over nations, 27 he shall rule them... (Rev. 2:26-27) To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My Throne... (Rev. 3:21)  They (saints) shall see His (God’s) face... 5 They shall reign forever and ever. (Rev. 22:4-5) The kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the saints... (Dan. 7:27)

As priests, the saints will worship, intercede and communicate the knowledge of God to others i.e., non- resurrected people on the Millennial earth and saints and angels in the New Jerusalem.

As kings, the saints will reign (rule) with judicial responsibility and authority. This role involves authority to evaluate the past (judging) and to determine action plans for the future for the people and areas that they are over. The ruling saints will appoint people into positions in the infrastructure that are within their sphere of Kingdom responsibility. This will include training and managing the people who are appointed. The saints will judge angels (1 Cor. 6:2).

2 Do you not know the saints will judge the world?...the world will be judged by you...3 Do you not know that we shall judge (evaluate) angels? (1 Cor. 6:2-3)

28 Jesus said to them, "Assuredly I say to you, that in the regeneration (re-birth of the earth beginning in Millennium), when the Son of Man sits on the Throne of His glory, you who have followed Me will also sit on twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel. " (Mt. 19:28)

29 I bestow upon you a kingdom...30 that you may eat and drink at My table in My kingdom, and sit on thrones judging the twelve tribes of Israel. (Lk. 22:29-30)

23 His Lord said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your lord.' (Mt. 25:23)

17 He said to him, 'Well done, good servant; because you were faithful in a very little, have authority over ten cities.' 18 And the second came, saying, 'Master, your mina has earned five minas.' 19 Likewise he said to him, 'You also be over five cities.' (Lk. 19:17-19)

1 A King (Jesus) will reign in righteousness, and princes will rule with justice. (Isa. 32:1)

V. MANY ARE CALLED BUT ONLY A FEW ARE CHOSEN TO RULE WITH JESUS

The primary premise is that only a small percent of the redeemed from history will rule with the Lord in Millennial Kingdom. Jesus reveals an important principle of how He evaluates and chooses people. This principle is applied in different ways, including the process of our salvation as well as the way the saints are rewarded.

Matthew 22 14 For many are called (invited), but few are chosen (commissioned to reign).

Many people are called or invited to inherit great things, from salvation to their reward after salvation. However, only a few are chosen or esteemed by God as responsive enough to receive the blessing that they are being offered by God. This applies to receiving salvation as well as to our rewards after salvation is received. In this teaching, we are focusing on being chosen or esteemed by God as faithful or worthy to be commissioned to rule with Jesus when He returns.

Only a few will have a sufficient maturity in faithfulness to share in the Millennial government. Let the words “many” and “few” resound in our being knowing how important they are. Our lives must be evaluated as having been proven in meekness and faithfulness (follow through) in our quest to be obedient under the varied pressures of opportunity, temptation and resistance.

Only overcomers who walked in faithfulness will rule in the Millennium. The only ones chosen or commissioned are the faithful who are proven and consistent in meek obedience under the varied pressures of opportunity, temptation, and resistance.

Matthew 25 14 For the kingdom...is like a Man traveling to a far country, who called his servants and delivered his goods to them. 15 To one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one...19 After a long time the Lord came and settled accounts with them. 20 So he who had received five talents came and brought five other talents, saying, 'Lord, you delivered to me five talents; look, I have gained five more talents...' 21 "His lord said, 'Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.'

We have each received talents or abilities from God. Our most valuable talents are the components of our inner man, including our mind and emotions. We must seek to multiply righteousness, peace and joy in them. God also measures the quality (not the size) of our impact on others by how much righteousness, peace and joy that we helped to multiply in their walk with God.

The kingdom of God is...righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. (Rom. 14:17)

It is necessary to be found faithful in pursuing 100-fold obedience if we are to receive the maximum blessing of what God has offered or invited each one of us from our obedience in this life. Faithfulness is determined in the simple areas of our life including making a covenant with our eyes (Ps. 101:3; Job 31:1), bridling our speech (Jas 3:2; Eph. 4:29-5:4), managing our time (Eph. 5:15-16) and money to increase the Kingdom (beyond personal comfort and honor) (1 Tim. 6:8; Mt. 6:19-21) as we engage in communing prayer with the Spirit (2 Cor. 13:14).