Slides: Already But Not Yet

Already But Not Yet
David Feddes

Hard questions

• Kingdom
• Victory
• Resurrection
• Church
• Status
• Holiness
• Prayer
• Healing
• Guidance
• Encounter

We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. (Romans 8:22)

First fruits of the Spirit
Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom 8:23)

Spirit as down payment
God anointed us, sealed us, and gave the down payment of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Cor 1:21)

NT speaks of two world-ages (aions). These overlap between Jesus’ first and second coming. God’s kingdom is “already/not yet.”

Already But Not Yet

• Kingdom
• Victory
• Resurrection
• Church
• Status
• Holiness
• Prayer
• Healing
• Guidance
• Encounter

Kingdom

Already: If I drive out demons by the finger of God, then the kingdom of God has come to you. (Luke 11:20) The kingdom of God is within you. (Luke 17:21)

Not yet:Thy kingdom come. (Matthew 6:10) I will not drink again of the fruit of the vine until the kingdom of God comes. (Luke 22:18)

Victory

Already: I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven. (Luke 10:18) Having disarmed the powers and authorities, he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross. (Colossians 2:15)

Not yet: Satan hindered us. (1 Thess. 2:18)

The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. (Romans 16:20)

Resurrection

Already: Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life. (Romans 6:4)

Not yet: We wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. (Rom 8:23)

The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (1 Cor. 15:26)

Church

Already Marvel: His intent was that now, through the church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms. (Ephesians 3:10).

Not yet  Muddle: I am astonished that you are turning to a different gospel. (Gal 1:6)

Status

Already: Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. (Rom 5:1)

Not yet: But by faith we eagerly await through the Spirit the righteousness for which we hope. (Galatians 5:5)

Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness. (2 Timothy 4:8)

Holiness

Already: We died to sin… You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness. (Rom 6:2,18)

Not yet: I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. (Rom 7:18)

Flesh and Spirit are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. (Galatians 5:17)

Prayer

Already: Whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. (Mark 11:24)

Not yet: We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with unspoken groans. (Rom 8:26)

Healing

Already: Jesus healed all the sick. (Matthew 8:16) Crowds gathered … and all of them were healed. (Acts 5:16) God did extraordinary miracles through Paul. (Acts 19:11)

Not yet: Use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses. (1 Tim 5:23)

I left Trophimus sick in Miletus. (2 Tim 4:20)

Guidance

Already: We have the mind of Christ. (1 Cor 2:16)

Paul had a vision of a man of Macedonia standing and begging him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us.” (Acts 16:9)

Not yet: I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia… When I planned this, did I do it lightly? (2 Cor 1:16-17)

Encounter

Already: God made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory in the face of Christ.  (2 Cor 4:6-7)

Not yet: Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (1 Cor 13:12)

Healthy realism

• Treasure what has already been given.
• Accept that these last days mix kingdom glory with a fallen, fading world.
• Don’t give up on others or yourself due to faults and failures.
• Expect and groan for Jesus to return and bring heaven to earth fully.
• Keep seeking more each day. Press on!

 
Press on toward the goal!

• Kingdom
• Victory
• Resurrection
• Church
• Status
• Holiness
• Prayer
• Healing
• Guidance
• Encounter

Certain hope

In this hope we were saved. (Rom 8:24)

He will keep you strong to the end, so that you will be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:8)

He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. (Philippians 1:6)