Kingdom Influence Introduction with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Influence Introduction Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon introduces a new series called ‘Kingdom Influence’ and focuses on understanding our identity in Christ as the foundation for making a kingdom impact. Pastor Doug emphasizes that before we can influence others for Jesus, we must first know who we are in Christ. He explains that God chose us before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless, not based on our abilities or qualifications, but purely out of His love and grace. The message highlights that holiness isn’t just about avoiding certain behaviors, but about reflecting God’s love in our relationships with others, just as He has loved us. True kingdom influence flows naturally from understanding our identity as chosen, loved, and appointed by God to bear fruit that lasts.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for bringing us together today to study Your Word. As we begin this discussion about our identity in Christ, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to set aside any distractions or preconceived notions, and give us soft hearts that are willing to listen and learn. Lord, we pray that each person here would discover something new about their spiritual identity or be reminded of truths they may have forgotten. Guide our conversation and help us to encourage one another as we grow in understanding who we are in You. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one thing you received for Christmas this year that you’re still figuring out how to use or that came with complicated instructions?

Key Verses

Ephesians 1:3-4
2 Corinthians 5:17
Matthew 28:19-20
John 15:12-17
Leviticus 19:2-3

Questions

What does it mean to you personally that God chose you ‘before the creation of the world’? How does this truth impact your sense of worth and purpose?
Pastor Doug mentioned that ‘identity comes before impact.’ Why do you think it’s important to understand who we are in Christ before we try to influence others?
How does the world’s definition of being ‘chosen’ (based on qualifications and abilities) differ from God’s way of choosing us?
The sermon explained that holiness involves loving relationships rather than just avoiding certain behaviors. How does this change your understanding of what it means to be holy?
What are some lies or negative labels that the enemy tries to place on people regarding their identity? How can we combat these with biblical truth?
Jesus said ‘You didn’t choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit.’ What kind of ‘fruit’ do you think God wants to produce through your life?
How can understanding our identity as ‘chosen’ change the way we interact with difficult people or challenging situations?
What’s the difference between striving to influence others and allowing influence to flow naturally from our identity in Christ?

Life Application

This week, spend time each day asking God to remind you of your true identity in Christ. When you face moments of doubt, guilt, or shame, intentionally push back against those lies by declaring the truth that you are chosen, loved, and appointed by God to bear fruit. Look for one specific opportunity this week to reflect God’s love to someone else in the same way He has shown love to you.

Key Takeaways

You are chosen by God not because of your abilities or qualifications, but purely because of His love and grace
Identity must come before impact – you must know who you are in Christ before you can effectively influence others for the kingdom
Holiness is not just about avoiding sin, but about reflecting God’s love in our relationships with others
Every Christian is called to be productive and bear fruit that lasts, not to live an unproductive life
True kingdom influence flows naturally from walking in your God-given identity rather than striving to become someone

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and for the truths You’ve revealed to us about our identity in You. We are amazed that You chose us before the foundation of the world, not because of anything we could offer, but simply because You love us. Help us to walk confidently in this identity throughout the coming week. When the enemy whispers lies about who we are, remind us of our true identity as Your chosen, beloved children. Give us opportunities to reflect Your love to others and to bear fruit that will last for Your kingdom. May our lives be a testimony of Your grace and love. We commit this week to You and ask for Your strength to live out our calling. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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