Kingdom Influence Part 14 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Influence Part 14 Discussion Guide
Summary
This Easter sermon focuses on the eighth and final Beatitude: ‘Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.’ The pastor explains that persecution is the natural result of living by kingdom values in a world that operates by different values. Using Jesus’ journey from Palm Sunday celebration to crucifixion as the ultimate example, the sermon demonstrates how righteousness often leads to opposition. However, the resurrection changes everything, proving that God’s kingdom cannot be stopped. The pastor connects this to the Genesis story, explaining how Jesus became the way back to the Tree of Life, offering redemption from humanity’s exile. The message concludes with a personal invitation to accept Jesus, emphasizing that the resurrection offers hope and new life to all who believe.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together on this Easter morning, we thank You for the victory of the resurrection. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us today through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to understand more deeply what it means to live as citizens of Your kingdom. May our time together draw us closer to You and to one another. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What is one Easter tradition or memory from your childhood that you still enjoy or remember fondly today?
Key Verses
- Luke 18:31-33
- Matthew 5:10
- 1 Peter 2:23-24
- 1 Corinthians 15:20-22
- 2 Timothy 3:12
- Romans 8:11
Questions
- How do you see the conflict between kingdom values and cultural values playing out in today’s world?
- The pastor mentioned that ‘everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.’ What forms might this persecution take in our current context?
- How does understanding Jesus’ experience from Palm Sunday to Easter help us process our own experiences of rejection or opposition?
- What does it mean to you that Jesus ‘became the Tree of Life again’ and made a way back from exile?
- How can we maintain hope and joy when facing opposition for doing what’s right?
- In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to live by kingdom values rather than cultural values?
- How does the reality of the resurrection change the way we should respond to persecution or opposition?
- What practical steps can we take to support fellow believers who are facing persecution for their faith?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you’ve been compromising kingdom values to avoid conflict or opposition. Commit to ‘doing the next right thing’ in that situation, trusting that God’s kingdom cannot be stopped even when we face pushback for living righteously.
Key Takeaways
- Persecution is the natural result of living by kingdom values in a world with opposing values
- Jesus experienced the ultimate persecution – rejection and crucifixion – not because He was wrong, but because He was right
- The resurrection proves that righteousness is not wasted and that God’s kingdom cannot be stopped
- Jesus became the way back to the Tree of Life, offering redemption from humanity’s exile through His death and resurrection
- When we say yes to Jesus, we receive new life and are invited to live differently, even when it’s difficult or misunderstood
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the victory of the resurrection that we celebrate today. Thank You for showing us that persecution for righteousness is not the end of the story, but that Your kingdom will ultimately prevail. Help us to live courageously by kingdom values, even when we face opposition. Give us strength to do the next right thing, trusting in Your faithfulness. May we carry the hope of the resurrection into every situation we face this week. He is risen indeed! In Your powerful name, Amen.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
