03 Finishing the Story - Weak When Strong

Finishing the Story Pt. 3 – Weak When Strong By Louie Marsh, 9-20-2026 1) The Kingdom of God is wherever Jesus is LORD. "18He said therefore, "What is the kingdom of God like? (Luke 13:18a, ESV) The Kingdom of God in the New Testament refers to the sovereign rule, reign, or kingship of God—His active, dynamic authority exercised over creation, human lives, and history—rather than primarily a geographical territory or political state. It is the central theme of Jesus' preaching and teaching. · Different kingdoms – different RULES. 2) The Kingdom of God appears WEAK. "31He 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. 32It 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."" (Matthew 13:31–32, ESV) 3) The Kingdom of God is strong through WEAKNESS. "8Three times I pleaded with the Lord about this, that it should leave me. 9But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong." (2 Corinthians 12:8–10, ESV) · The Kingdom is this way so that only God is GLORIFIED. "8For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. 9Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead." (2 Corinthians 1:8–9, ESV) 4) The Kingdom of God always PREVAILS in the end. …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."" (Matthew 13:31–32, ESV) "18And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it." (Matthew 16:18, ESV) 5) Where do I go from here? · I must have faith in small BEGINNINGS. "8" 'I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept my word and have not denied my name." (Revelation 3:8, ESV) The mustard seed symbolizes how the kingdom of heaven starts small and seemingly insignificant. · I should prepare to be FRUSTRATED. "1But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. 2And he prayed to the Lord and said, "O Lord, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster. 3Therefore now, O Lord, please take my life from me, for it is better for me to die than to live." 4And the Lord said, "Do you do well to be angry?"" (Jonah 4:1–4, ESV) · Remember in the Kingdom I need faith and PATIENCE:. Just as the mustard seed requires time to grow, believers are encouraged to have faith and patience as they witness the unfolding of God's kingdom in their lives and communities.