Kingdom Consummated Part 7 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Consummated Part 7 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Steve continues the ‘Kingdom Consummated’ series by exploring the concept of biblical hope, specifically focusing on ‘living hope’ found in 1 Peter 1:3-7. He emphasizes that true hope is anchored not in temporary earthly things, but in the ultimate promise of God’s renewal of all creation. The sermon distinguishes between three types of hope: casual hopes (everyday wishes), precious hopes (things that drive our prayers), and ultimate hope (which should only be the renewal of all things).
The pastor challenges the common misconception that heaven is a distant, disembodied existence, instead teaching that God’s plan is to renew and restore this earth where we will live eternally with new bodies in God’s presence. He warns against allowing lesser hopes to become ultimate hopes, as this leads to heartbreak when they are deferred. The key message is that our ultimate hope should rest in the promise that everything good is kept safe in heaven’s treasuries and will be restored when Christ returns, transforming our perspective from ‘now or never’ to ‘now and forever.’

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together to discuss Your Word and the hope we have in Christ, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Help us to be vulnerable and honest with one another as we explore what it means to have living hope. Holy Spirit, guide our conversation and reveal to each of us where our ultimate hope truly rests. May we leave this time with a deeper understanding of the eternal promises You have for us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could witness any moment in history, what would it be and why?

Key Verses

Romans 8:5-6
1 Peter 1:3-7
Proverbs 13:12
Matthew 6:19-21
1 Corinthians 15:19

Questions

Pastor Steve mentioned three categories of hope: casual, precious, and ultimate. Can you give examples of each from your own life?
The sermon states that ‘hope deferred makes the heart sick.’ Share about a time when a deferred hope affected you deeply. How did you work through it?
What does it mean to you that ‘every good thing is kept safe for you in the treasuries of heaven’?
How might shifting from a ‘now or never’ mindset to a ‘now and forever’ perspective change the way you approach daily decisions?
Pastor Steve mentioned that our daydreams often reveal where our ultimate hope rests. What do you find yourself daydreaming about most often?
How can having our ultimate hope properly anchored help us navigate the precious hopes that don’t work out as we’d like?
In what practical ways can we cultivate this ‘living hope’ in our daily lives, especially during difficult seasons?

Life Application

This week, take time to examine where your ultimate hope is resting. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal if any of your precious hopes have shifted into the ultimate hope category. Spend time each day using your ‘holy imagination’ to contemplate what the renewal of all things will be like, and ask God to help shift your perspective from temporary to eternal in at least one area of your life.

Key Takeaways

We have been given new birth into a living hope through Christ’s resurrection
There are three categories of hope: casual, precious, and ultimate – only the renewal of all things should be our ultimate hope
Heaven is not a distant place we go to, but God’s kingdom coming to renew this earth where we’ll live eternally
Everything good is kept safe in heaven’s treasuries and will be restored when Christ returns
Our perspective should shift from ‘now or never’ to ‘now and forever,’ bringing peace and rest to our souls

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the living hope we have through Your death and resurrection. Help us to anchor our ultimate hope in Your promise to make all things new. When our precious hopes are deferred and our hearts feel heavy, remind us of the eternal perspective that changes everything. Holy Spirit, continue to renew our minds and shift our focus from temporary to eternal. May we live each day with the confidence that every good thing is safe in Your hands, and that we have forever with You. Give us peace as we rest in these promises, and help us to encourage others with this same hope. In Your precious 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.