Kingdom Tension Part 19 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Tension Part 19 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon from the Kingdom Tension series, Pastor discusses how to live out the gospel based on Colossians 1:9-14. He emphasizes four key aspects: the importance of prayer as the foundation for spiritual growth, gaining knowledge of God’s will through spiritual wisdom rather than human understanding, bearing fruit through good works that advance the gospel, and growing in relationship with God rather than just accumulating facts about Him.
The pastor uses football analogies to illustrate the importance of persistent prayer (“establishing the run”) rather than just desperate “Hail Mary” prayers. He encourages believers to trust God’s provision rather than leaning on their own understanding, comparing it to the Israelites learning to trust God for daily manna. The ultimate goal is to live in a way that reflects Jesus so that people not only hear the gospel but see it lived out through believers’ actions.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, we invite Your presence among us. Open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to truly live out the gospel in our daily lives. Help us to see the importance of prayer, to seek Your will with spiritual wisdom, and to bear fruit that advances Your kingdom. May this discussion transform us to be more like Jesus, not just in what we know, but in how we live. Guide our conversation today, Lord, and show each of us what You want us to take away from this time together. In Jesus’ name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one daily habit or routine that you never skip, no matter how busy life gets?

Key Verses

Colossians 1:9-10
Proverbs 3:5-6
Psalm 143:10

Questions

The pastor compared persistent prayer to “establishing the run” in football. How might this perspective change your approach to prayer?
What’s the difference between finding God’s will and actually doing God’s will? Which do you find more challenging?
The sermon distinguished between “knowledge about God” and “knowledge of God.” How would you explain this difference to someone else?
When have you experienced the tension between leaning on your own understanding versus trusting God’s wisdom?
The pastor mentioned that not all good works bear fruit for the gospel. What makes the difference between a good deed and one that advances the kingdom?
How has your understanding of prayer evolved throughout your spiritual journey?
What area of your life do you find it most difficult to trust God’s provision rather than stockpiling your own resources?
How might our church community better demonstrate living out the gospel so that people both hear and see it?

Life Application

This week, commit to making prayer your first step, not your last resort. Before making decisions (both big and small), pause and ask yourself: “Am I leaning on my own understanding or inviting God’s Spirit to guide me?” Then, intentionally do something that bears fruit for the gospel – serve someone, encourage someone, forgive someone, or share Christ with someone. Keep a simple journal noting how this intentional approach affects both your decisions and your witness to others.

Key Takeaways

Prayer is the foundation of spiritual growth and living out the gospel – it should be persistent and consistent, not just a desperate last resort.
Understanding God’s will requires spiritual wisdom that goes beyond human understanding and logic.
True good works are those that bear fruit by pointing people to Jesus, not just acts of kindness for their own sake.
Growing in knowledge of God means developing a relationship with Him, not just accumulating facts about Him.
When we live out the gospel authentically, opportunities to share it will naturally present themselves.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for rescuing us from the dominion of darkness and bringing us into Your kingdom of light. We’re grateful for the forgiveness of sins and the hope of new life that drives us forward. Help us to be a church that doesn’t just talk about the gospel but truly lives it out. Give us the courage to pray persistently, to trust Your wisdom over our own understanding, and to do good works that bear fruit for Your kingdom. May our lives reflect You so clearly that others don’t just hear about You but see You through us. Strengthen us to walk in a manner worthy of You this week, bearing the fruit of Your Spirit in everything we do. In Your powerful 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.