Definition and Concept:

The concept of "Focus on the Kingdom" in biblical theology emphasizes the centrality of God's Kingdom as a primary theme throughout Scripture. This focus is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ and the prophetic writings of the Old Testament, which highlight the Kingdom of God as both a present reality and a future hope. The Kingdom of God is understood as God's sovereign rule and reign over all creation, manifesting in the lives of believers and culminating in the eschatological fulfillment of God's redemptive plan.

Biblical Foundation:

1. Old Testament Foundations:
The anticipation of God's Kingdom is woven throughout the Old Testament. The prophets spoke of a future time when God's rule would be established on earth. Isaiah prophesied, "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders" (Isaiah 9:6). This messianic expectation laid the groundwork for the New Testament revelation of the Kingdom.

2. Jesus' Teachings:
Jesus Christ's ministry was marked by a profound focus on the Kingdom of God. He began His public ministry proclaiming, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel" (Mark 1:15). The parables of Jesus often illustrated the nature and value of the Kingdom, such as the Parable of the Mustard Seed (Matthew 13:31-32) and the Parable of the Hidden Treasure (Matthew 13:44).

3. The Lord's Prayer:
The centrality of the Kingdom is further emphasized in the Lord's Prayer, where Jesus taught His disciples to pray, "Your kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven" (Matthew 6:10). This prayer reflects the desire for God's sovereign rule to be realized in the present world.

4. Apostolic Preaching:
The apostles continued to focus on the Kingdom in their preaching and teaching. The Book of Acts records that Paul "proclaimed the kingdom of God and taught about the Lord Jesus Christ—with all boldness and without hindrance" (Acts 28:31). The Kingdom was central to the early church's message and mission.

Theological Implications:

1. Present Reality and Future Hope:
The Kingdom of God is both a present reality and a future hope. Believers are called to live under God's rule now, experiencing the transformative power of the Kingdom in their lives. At the same time, they look forward to the future consummation of the Kingdom when Christ returns.

2. Ethical Living:
Focusing on the Kingdom involves ethical living that reflects the values of God's reign. Jesus' Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) provides a blueprint for Kingdom living, emphasizing righteousness, mercy, and peacemaking.

3. Mission and Evangelism:
The focus on the Kingdom compels believers to engage in mission and evangelism, sharing the good news of the Kingdom with others. Jesus commissioned His followers to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19), extending the reach of the Kingdom to the ends of the earth.

4. Spiritual Warfare:
The Kingdom focus also involves recognizing and engaging in spiritual warfare. Paul reminds believers that "our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world" (Ephesians 6:12). The advancement of the Kingdom involves overcoming spiritual opposition through the power of God.

Conclusion:

The focus on the Kingdom of God is a unifying theme that permeates the biblical narrative, calling believers to align their lives with God's sovereign purposes and to participate in His redemptive mission in the world.