Kingdom Influence Part 5 with Discussion Guide

BySteve

Kingdom Influence Part 5 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor explores how the Corinthian church was struggling with divisions and comparisons despite being spiritually gifted. He emphasizes that their problem wasn’t lack of knowledge but rather relating to each other in worldly ways through jealousy and quarreling. The core issue was forgetting God’s abundant provision and living as if the kingdom were scarce rather than abundant.

The sermon focuses on building properly on the foundation of Christ through relationships shaped by love rather than comparison and division. Paul challenges the congregation to remember that in Christ, they already have everything they need – all things are theirs. The key transformation happens when we stop grasping for more and start growing in trust, moving from comparison to contentment in God’s sufficiency.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, knowing that every good thing comes from Your loving hand. As we gather together today, help us to be open to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice clearly. Give us hearts that are ready to receive, minds that are willing to be challenged, and spirits that are eager to grow. Help us to see ourselves and others through Your eyes of love. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one thing you remember having to share as a child that you really didn’t want to share?

Key Verses

  • 1 Corinthians 3:5-7
  • 1 Corinthians 3:11
  • 1 Corinthians 3:16-17
  • 1 Corinthians 3:21-23

Questions

  • Paul says the Corinthians were ‘still worldly’ despite being spiritually gifted. What’s the difference between having spiritual gifts and being spiritually mature?
  • The pastor mentioned that ‘rivalry is rooted more in believing that there isn’t enough.’ How does scarcity thinking affect our relationships with others?
  • Paul writes ‘All things are yours’ in verse 21. How should this truth change the way we view competition and comparison with other believers?
  • What are some ‘good things’ in your life that might be getting in the way of the ‘best thing’ (Christ)?
  • The sermon emphasized that formation takes ‘time, intention, and trust.’ Which of these three is most challenging for you personally and why?
  • How can we tell the difference between building with ‘gold, silver, and costly stones’ versus ‘wood, hay, and straw’ in our spiritual lives?
  • The pastor asked, ‘Where am I still comparing instead of trusting?’ How would you honestly answer that question?
  • What does it practically look like to ‘love more than we label’ in our current cultural climate?

Life Application

This week, practice the prayer ‘Jesus, help me live as if you are enough.’ When you catch yourself comparing, competing, or feeling like there isn’t enough (time, resources, opportunities, etc.), pause and remind yourself of God’s abundant provision. Choose one relationship where you’ve been comparing or competing and intentionally show love and encouragement to that person instead.

Key Takeaways

  • The gospel saves us, but formation in Christ-like relationships takes time, intention, and trust
  • Many church divisions come from forgetting God’s abundant provision rather than from arrogance
  • In Christ, we already have everything we need – all things are ours
  • We must build on the foundation of Christ with lasting materials, not quick cultural fixes
  • Kingdom influence flourishes when our relationships are shaped by love rather than comparison

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for reminding us that in You, we have everything we need. Help us to stop grasping for more and start growing in trust. Forgive us for the times we’ve compared ourselves to others or lived as if Your kingdom were scarce rather than abundant. Transform our hearts to love more than we label, and shape our relationships by Your love rather than worldly standards. As we go from this place, help us to build with materials that will last – gold, silver, and costly stones of Your truth, love, and grace. May our lives reflect the reality that Christ is enough, and may our influence in this world be marked by the love You’ve shown us. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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

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