I. THE KINGDOM OF HEAVEN SUFFERS VIOLENCE
Mt 11:11-12 There has not risen one greater than John the Baptist; but he who is least in the (New Covenant
era) kingdom of heaven is greater (in opportunity) than he. From the days of John the Baptist until now the
kingdom of heaven suffers (permits) violence, and the violent take it by force.
A. The measure of John’s greatness was not the number of people he impacted; it was the measure of his “spiritual
violence” or his resolve to seek God without compromise.
Mt 5:19 ...whoever does and teaches them (the commands of Mt 5-7), he shall be called great in the kingdom of
heaven.
B. Our evaluation of greatness before God will be on the scale of how large our hearts grew in love for God and
for people.
Mark 10:43-45 ...whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant... 45 even the Son of Man...
came to serve and give His life a ransom for the many.
C. John had a burning, driving vision to go deep into the heart of God. This vision outlined and led his life.
Proverbs 29:18 states that people without vision perish. (Where there is no prophetic revelation people live without
continual reaching and contending for fullness).
D. Jesus introduced two new ideas. First, that greater privilege and power in God was available. Second, that it would
require spiritual violence to experience it.
E. The Kingdom of God now suffers violence. To “suffer” violence means that God “permits” (requires and rewards)
spiritual violence in our pursuit of the deeper things of God. Jesus used the word “violence” to speak of a lifestyle of holy
abandonment to God. Jesus was speaking of spiritual violence, not physical violence.
F. Spiritual violence points to being willing to pay any price of self-denial in seeking and obeying God. Radical
obedience is violent because it is disruptive to our worldly pursuits. It violently confronts our sinful desires, pride and
selfishness. It “violently” reorders our priorities. It reorders the way we talk, spend time and money, how we relate to
our enemies, pursue comfort, success and honor, and express our sexuality.
G. Spiritual violence speaks of holy intensity in meekness and in loving God and people. It disrupts our life. It disrupts
the status quo that we have grown accustomed to. We declare war on our sin and a religious spirit. This has a dramatic
or violent impact on the devil’s kingdom and religious systems. The source of our spiritual violence is the love of God
and not fear.
II. JESUS THE BRIDEGROOM FUELS OUR SPIRITUAL VIOLENCE
John 3:29 He who has the bride is the bridegroom, but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices
greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled.
A. John identified himself as the friend of the Bridegroom (Jesus). John had revelation that Jesus, the Son of God,
was a Bridegroom pursuing a bride. He related to Jesus as ‘Jesus the Bridegroom’.
Is 62:5 ...as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride so shall your God rejoice over you.
B. John spent most of his life ‘standing and hearing’ the voice of God. He found no greater exhilaration in life than
hearing the Word of the Lord. He testifies that he rejoiced and found complete joy in hearing His voice.
Psalm 119:50 this is my comfort in my affliction for Your Word has given me life
C. He understood that Jesus was a fiery Bridegroom that would baptize people’s hearts with holy fire and captivate
them in holy abandonment.
Luke 3:16... He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and with fire.
Rev 1:14... His eyes like a flame of fire
Psalm 27:4 One thing I have desired of the Lord... to behold His beauty
D. Personal testimony.
E. Jesus carried an intense ability to capture people in a second with His eyes of love, tenderness, and kindness.
1. Peter, James, John, Paul, Stephen... all examples of leaving everything behind in an instant and giving it all. The gaze
of the Bridegroom will capture our hearts.
2. Many Muslims are converting to Christianity by open visions of Jesus and His majesty at present time. A common
testimony is about the power and influence of His eyes.
F. This is our hope, joy and vision... that we will be with Him forever. He’s worth it all!
1 Thess 4:17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the
Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.