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I. THE STATE OF THE CHURCH IN THE NEW TESTAMENT.

1. A kingdom.

2. The kingdom of heaven.

II. THE DISPOSITION OF THOSE WHO SEEK THIS KINGDOM. Violent.

1. Between us and the blessed state we aim at there is much opposition; and therefore there must be violence.

(1)  The means of grace and salvation are opposed from within us.

(2)  There is also opposition from the world.

(a)  Snares and delights, to quench our pleasure in the good things of the Spirit.

(b)  Fears, terrors, and scandals, to scare us from doing what we ought.

2. God will have this violence and striving, to test the truth of our profession.

3. God will have us get these things with violence, that we may value them more when we have them.

4. The excellence of the thing requires violence.

5. The necessity requires it. The kingdom of heaven is a place of refuge as well as a kingdom to enrich us.

III. THE SUCCESS OF THIS EAGERNESS. The violent take the kingdom by force. Why?

1. Because it is promised to the violent (Matthew 7:7; Revelation 3:19-21).

2. The spirit whereby a man is earnest is a victorious spirit. The Spirit of God possesses them; and with His help they cannot fail.

3. Only the violent take it, because God offers it on this condition alone.

4. Only the violent can prize it when they have it.

(R. Sibbes, D. D.)

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KJV: And the Pharisees also, who were covetous, heard all these things: and they derided him.

WEB: The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they scoffed at him.