Kingdom Tension Part 10 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Tension Part 10 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Steve continues the ‘Kingdom Tension’ series, focusing on Galatians 2:20-21 and the concept of living the crucified life. He explores the tension between the ‘old I’ (our pre-Christ self), the yielded life (surrendering to Christ), and the ‘new I’ (our transformed identity in Christ). Using the example of Paul confronting Peter for his hypocrisy in Antioch, Pastor Steve illustrates how even spiritual giants struggle with yielding completely to Christ rather than reverting to old patterns and self-centeredness.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the crucified life, we ask that You would open our hearts to Your transforming work. Help us recognize where we still cling to our old selves rather than yielding to Your Spirit. Guide our conversation today, revealing the areas where we need to take our self-centered thoughts and actions to the cross. May we leave this discussion with a renewed commitment to living as our new selves in Christ. Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one small daily habit or routine that you find hard to change, even when you know a different approach might be better?

Key Verses

Galatians 2:20
Galatians 2:21
Romans 8:9
Matthew 16:24-25

Questions

Pastor Steve described three aspects of our identity: the ‘old I,’ the yielded life, and the ‘new I.’ How would you explain these concepts in your own words?
In what areas of your life do you find it most difficult to yield control to the Holy Spirit?
Why do you think Peter gave in to pressure from others, even though he knew better? Have you ever acted differently just to please people?
When you’re in a disagreement, how do you usually respond? Do you tend to fight to win, or do you try to show grace?
What does it look like to let Jesus live through you each day? Can you think of a small way to practice that this week?
The sermon mentioned Peter’s mistake of separating himself from Gentile believers. How can we recognize when we’re acting hypocritically in our own faith journey?
What practical steps can we take to recognize when our ‘old I’ is trying to take control in daily situations?
How is living by the Spirit’s guidance different from simply following religious rules? Why is this distinction important?

Life Application

This week, accept Pastor Steve’s challenge to pick one day (not your hardest day) and commit to living fully yielded to the Holy Spirit. Start your morning by reading and meditating on Galatians 2:20: ‘I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.’ Throughout the day, pause before responding to situations and ask, ‘Is this my old self responding, or am I yielding to the Spirit?’ At the end of the day, reflect on your experiences, celebrating your wins and honestly acknowledging where you struggled. Consider what you learned and how you might continue this practice beyond just one day.

Key Takeaways

The crucified life means recognizing that our old self-centered nature must die daily so that Christ can live through us.
Even spiritual giants like Peter struggled with yielding completely to Christ rather than reverting to old patterns.
The Holy Spirit empowers our transformation, but we must choose to yield to Him rather than following our first impulses.
Living the crucified life isn’t about following rules but about relationship with God and yielding to His Spirit’s guidance.
Transformation happens gradually as we practice taking a breath, pausing, and choosing to respond as our new self in Christ rather than our old self.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth that we have been crucified with You and that You now live in us. Forgive us for the times we’ve allowed our old selves to take center stage instead of yielding to Your Spirit. This week, as we attempt to live more fully yielded lives, give us the awareness to recognize our self-centered impulses and the courage to surrender them to You. May we experience the freedom and joy that comes from no longer living for ourselves but allowing Christ to live through us. Help us to take that breath, that pause, before responding to life’s challenges, so that Your life might be seen in ours. In Your name we pray, Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.