Kingdom Influence Part 18 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Influence Part 18 Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Steve continues the Kingdom Influence series, focusing on Matthew 5:14-16 where Jesus declares believers to be ‘the light of the world.’ He emphasizes that Christians don’t need to manufacture light but rather allow Jesus’ light to shine through them naturally. The sermon explores how good deeds should be an overflow of a transformed heart, not forced actions, and how our lives should serve as signposts pointing others to God rather than drawing attention to ourselves. Pastor Steve shares personal examples about responding with kindness in everyday situations and highlights how simple acts of obedience can have far-reaching kingdom impact, including a story about their Bible institute reaching students worldwide, even reconnecting ministry opportunities in Cuba.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we gather today hungry to understand what it means to be light in this world. Open our hearts to receive Your truth and help us see how You want to shine through our everyday lives. Give us ears to hear and hearts ready to be transformed by Your Word. May we be open to whatever You want to teach us today and help us leave here changed and ready to reflect Your light wherever You’ve placed us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one small act of kindness you witnessed or experienced this week that brightened your day?
Key Verses
- Matthew 5:14-16
- Ephesians 5:8-10
- James 2:17-18
- 1 Peter 2:12
- Colossians 3:17
- 1 Corinthians 10:31
Questions
- How does understanding that we don’t have to ‘manufacture’ light but simply reflect Jesus’ light change your perspective on Christian living?
- Pastor Steve mentioned that good deeds should be an overflow of a transformed heart rather than forced actions. What’s the difference between these two approaches in practical terms?
- What does it mean for our lives to be ‘signposts’ that point to God rather than drawing attention to ourselves?
- How can everyday moments like grocery store lines or traffic situations become opportunities for kingdom influence?
- Pastor Steve shared about staying present in difficult circumstances rather than just waiting for resolution. How can we practice this in our current challenges?
- What are some ways we might unknowingly put ourselves at the center of life’s story instead of keeping God there?
- How do you respond when you realize your life might be the only ‘Bible’ someone reads about Jesus?
- Pastor Steve emphasized saying ‘yes’ to simple opportunities God presents. What might be a simple ‘yes’ God is asking of you right now?
Life Application
This week, practice being intentionally kind in one ordinary daily situation (like driving, shopping, or interacting with coworkers). Before responding in these moments, pause and ask yourself: ‘How can I let Jesus’ light shine through me right now?’ Pay attention to how this simple shift in perspective affects both you and those around you.
Key Takeaways
- We are called to be light in the world by reflecting Jesus’ light, not manufacturing our own
- Good deeds should flow naturally from a transformed heart rather than being forced or performed
- Our lives should serve as signposts pointing others to God, not drawing attention to ourselves
- Every ordinary moment presents an opportunity for kingdom influence
- Simple acts of obedience and saying ‘yes’ to God can have far-reaching impact beyond what we can see
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for making us light in this world. Help us to live from the inside out, allowing Your transformation in our hearts to naturally overflow into good deeds that point others to You. Give us wisdom to recognize the simple opportunities You place before us each day to reflect Your love and kindness. Keep us close to You so that our lives become clear signposts directing others to Your goodness. May we never forget that our lives matter more than we realize and that You can use even our smallest acts of obedience for Your kingdom purposes. In Your precious name, Amen.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
