Kingdom Tension Part 17 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Tension Part 17 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon, Pastor discusses the concept of ‘Kingdom Tension’ and focuses on making consistent choices that honor God. Using the metaphor of trees from Scripture, he contrasts the Tree of Life (God’s way) with the Tree of Knowledge of Good and Evil (our way), emphasizing that daily we face choices between following God’s path or our own desires. The pastor shares the story of Eli’s sons from 1 Samuel who began with small compromises in their priestly duties that eventually led to great sin, illustrating how small compromises can spiral into major problems in our spiritual lives.

The message outlines three practical steps for consistently choosing God’s way: 1) Take hold of Jesus through an intimate relationship rather than just following rules, 2) Practice confession both to God and to safe people who can help bring issues from darkness into light, and 3) Recognize patterns of sin by identifying triggers, actions, and rewards that lead to compromise. The pastor concludes by challenging listeners to hang onto Jesus, identify one area of compromise to work on, and find or become a safe person who can provide accountability and support.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with open hearts and minds, ready to receive what You have for us today. Thank You for Your presence in our lives and for the opportunity to gather as a community to learn more about following Your path. As we discuss the choices we make daily between Your way and our own, we ask that You would speak clearly to each person here. Help us to recognize areas where we might be compromising and give us the courage to bring those into the light. May Your Holy Spirit guide our conversation and help us apply these truths to our lives in practical ways. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s your favorite comfort food and when do you tend to crave it most?

Key Verses

Philippians 3:12-16
1 Samuel 2:12-17
1 John 1:9
James 1:14-15

Questions

The pastor used the metaphor of trees to represent our choices. How does thinking about your daily decisions as choosing between ‘trees’ help clarify your spiritual journey?
In what ways have you experienced small compromises growing into bigger issues in your spiritual life?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus wants a relationship with us, not just rule-following. How is your relationship with Jesus different from simply following religious rules?
What does it mean to ‘take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me’ (Philippians 3:12)?
The pastor described confession as saying ‘God, you were right, I was wrong.’ How is this different from how you might have previously understood confession?
Why is it important to have a ‘safe person’ to confess to, and what qualities make someone safe for this kind of vulnerability?
The sermon described a pattern of sin: trigger, action, reward. Can you identify this pattern in an area where you struggle?
What is one area of compromise in your life that you feel God is asking you to address, and what practical step could you take this week?

Life Application

This week, identify one specific area where you tend to compromise in your walk with God. Pay attention to the pattern: What triggers you? What action do you typically take? What temporary reward do you receive? Then, create a plan to interrupt this pattern by choosing a godly alternative response to the trigger. For example, if anxiety triggers unhealthy eating, commit to reading Scripture or praying first. Write down your plan, share it with a trusted friend who can pray for you, and check in with them at the end of the week to discuss how it went. Remember, the goal isn’t perfect performance but pressing on toward Christ and taking hold of what He has for you.

Key Takeaways

Small compromises in our spiritual lives can gradually lead to major problems if not addressed.
The solution to compromise isn’t just behavior modification but a transformative relationship with Jesus.
True confession involves agreeing with God about our sin rather than just expressing regret.
Breaking patterns of sin requires identifying triggers and replacing unhealthy responses with godly alternatives.
Having safe people in our lives who can hear our struggles without judgment is essential for spiritual growth.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for Your incredible grace that not only forgives us but empowers us to change. We confess the areas where we’ve been compromising and choosing our way over Yours. Thank You that You don’t leave us in our struggles but provide a way out through Your presence and power. Help us to recognize the patterns that lead us away from You and give us courage to bring these areas into the light. Strengthen our relationships with trusted believers who can walk alongside us. As we move forward this week, may we consistently choose Your tree, Your way, and Your life, knowing that Your path leads to true fulfillment and joy. 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.