Kingdom Influence Part 19 with Discussion Guide

BySteve

Kingdom Influence Part 19 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this Mother’s Day sermon, Pastor Doug explores Matthew 5:17-18 where Jesus declares He came not to abolish the law but to fulfill it. The message emphasizes that Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophets, which were always pointing toward Him. Rather than external rule-following, God has always desired heart transformation and internal change. The law served as a necessary foundation, like a rocket booster, but Jesus represents the new covenant where God’s law is written on our hearts. Formation and transformation happen through relationship with Jesus, not through behavior management or trying harder to follow rules. Using the analogy of how we’re shaped by those around us, particularly mothers who model love through presence and service, the pastor illustrates how abiding in Christ transforms us from the inside out.

Intro Prayer

Holy Spirit, we invite You to come and be with us today. As we gather to study Your Word and discuss what it means for our lives, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest with one another and receptive to Your truth. Guide our conversation and use this time to draw us closer to You and to each other. We pray this in Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one way your mother or a mother figure in your life showed love to you that you still remember today?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:17-18
  • John 15:4-5
  • Jeremiah 31:33
  • Ezekiel 36:26-27
  • 2 Corinthians 5:17

Questions

  • What does it mean that Jesus came to ‘fulfill’ the law rather than abolish it? How does this change our understanding of the Old Testament?
  • The pastor used the analogy of a rocket booster to describe the law. How does this illustration help you understand the relationship between the Old Testament law and Jesus?
  • How have you seen the difference between external rule-following and internal heart transformation in your own life or in others?
  • The message emphasized that ‘formation happens through relationship.’ Can you share an example of how being around someone has shaped who you are?
  • What does it look like practically to ‘abide in Christ’ in your daily life? What are some specific ways we can remain connected to Him?
  • The pastor mentioned that we’re formed by what’s around us. What influences in your life are shaping your heart, and are they drawing you closer to or further from Jesus?
  • How does understanding that transformation comes through relationship with Jesus (not trying harder) change the way you approach your spiritual growth?
  • What’s one small step you could take this week to draw closer to Jesus and allow Him to continue His transforming work in your heart?

Life Application

This week, identify one area where you’ve been trying to manage your behavior through rules or willpower alone. Instead of trying harder, commit to spending intentional time with Jesus in that area – whether through prayer, reading Scripture, or simply talking to Him about it. Add one minute to your current devotional time, or if you don’t have one, start with just five minutes of connecting with Jesus each day.

Key Takeaways

  • Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament law and prophets, not their replacement
  • God has always desired heart transformation over external rule-following
  • Formation and transformation happen through relationship with Jesus, not behavior management
  • We are shaped by what and who we’re around, making it crucial to abide in Christ
  • The Christian life is about becoming a new creation through relationship with Jesus, not trying harder to follow rules

Ending Prayer

Father, thank You for sending Jesus to fulfill the law and to transform our hearts from the inside out. Help us to remember that our relationship with You is not about perfect rule-following, but about abiding in Christ and allowing Him to shape us. As we go into this week, draw us closer to You. Write Your law on our hearts and continue the good work You’ve started in us. May we be people who reflect Your kingdom character to those around us. We love You and trust You to continue making us new. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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

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