Kingdom Consummated Part 4 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Consummated Part 4 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Steve explores how Jesus brings the power of life to overcome the enemy’s power of death and darkness. Through the cross and resurrection, believers don’t just wait for future salvation but have already been carried through death into eternal life with Christ. This means we’ve stepped into eternity early and are no longer under death’s dominion but under God’s authority. The sermon emphasizes that Jesus’ story of death and resurrection is also our story – we died with Him and were raised with Him, already seated in heavenly realms. This reality should transform how we live now, as people of eternity engaging in the heaven-earth connection that’s available to all believers.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us together today to explore Your Word and Your truth. As we dive into this discussion, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to see how Your power of life is already at work in our lives. May we not just hear these truths but truly understand and apply them. We invite You to speak to each person here in the way they need to hear from You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one simple thing you do regularly that you never expected would have a bigger impact than you initially thought?

Key Verses

John 1:1-9
Colossians 1:13
Galatians 2:20
Colossians 3:3
Romans 6:5
Ephesians 2:4-6

Questions

How does understanding that Jesus’ death and resurrection story is also your story change your perspective on your current circumstances?
What does it mean practically to live as ‘people of eternity’ while still dealing with everyday challenges in a fallen world?
Pastor Steve mentioned that we’ve already been ‘seated with Christ in heavenly realms.’ How might this truth impact the way you approach relationships and conflicts?
The sermon talks about the enemy trying to pull us back into the shadows. What are some specific ways you’ve experienced this, and how can you resist it?
How does the concept of the ‘heaven-earth connection’ challenge or encourage your prayer life and relationship with God?
What’s the difference between living under the ‘shadow of death’ versus living under the ‘fear of the Lord’?
Pastor Steve encouraged checking everything against Scripture like the Bereans. How can you practically implement this in your daily life when facing decisions or consuming information?
If you truly believed that the power of life has already begun working in you, what would you do differently this week?

Life Application

This week, live intentionally as someone who has already stepped into eternity. When you face fear, temptation, or despair, remind yourself ‘that’s not my story anymore’ and choose to walk in the light and life that Jesus has given you. Practice the ‘heaven-earth connection’ by having regular conversations with Jesus throughout your day, and look for opportunities to let His life shine through you to others who are still trapped in darkness.

Key Takeaways

Jesus defeats the enemy’s power of death by bringing the power of life into the world
Through faith in Christ, believers have already gone through death and resurrection with Jesus – His story becomes our story
We are no longer waiting for eternal life to begin; we have already stepped into eternity and are seated with Christ in heavenly realms
The heaven-earth connection is available to all believers now, not just in the future
We should live as people of eternity, allowing the power of life to transform our relationships, attitudes, and responses to hardship

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth that Your story is our story too. Thank You that we don’t have to wait for eternity to begin – it has already started through our faith in You. Help us to live this week as people who have been rescued from the dominion of darkness and brought into Your kingdom of light. When the enemy tries to pull us back into the shadows, remind us that we are no longer under death’s power but under Your authority. Give us courage to step boldly into the life You’ve given us and to be lights that help others find their way to You. May Your life shine through us in ways that bring glory to Your name. In Jesus’ powerful name, 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.