Kingdom Consummated Part 1 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Consummated Part 1 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this sermon, the pastor addresses the increasing wave of violence in society and guides the congregation on how to respond as believers. He emphasizes the importance of prayer, spending time in God’s Word, and following Jesus rather than being swayed by quick opinions from various groups. The pastor references the Beatitudes from Matthew 5 and explains how Jesus’ teachings often appeared upside-down to the cultural expectations of His time, challenging the four main religious/political groups of that era: Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots.

The sermon includes two stories from Mark’s Gospel about following Jesus – the calling of the first disciples who were considered unworthy by society but were wanted by Jesus, and the rich young ruler who walked away from Jesus despite his dissatisfaction with life. The pastor concludes by urging everyone to pause, catch their breath, and listen for Jesus rather than letting cultural groups define good and evil for them. He emphasizes that true life is found only in following Jesus, and encourages those who haven’t started that journey to say yes to Jesus.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to hear what You want to say to us. In a world filled with violence and confusion, help us to find clarity in Your presence. Guide our conversation, Lord, and help each person here to encounter You in a personal way. May we leave this discussion with renewed hope and a deeper commitment to following Jesus in all circumstances. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

When you need to clear your head and hear from God, what’s your favorite place or activity that helps you connect with Him?

Key Verses

Matthew 5:3-11
Mark 1:16-20
Mark 10:17-22
Romans 10:9-10

Questions

The pastor mentioned four religious groups from Jesus’ time (Sadducees, Pharisees, Essenes, and Zealots). Which group’s approach to faith do you think is most similar to tendencies in our culture today?

How do you typically respond when faced with tragic news or violence in our world? What does your first reaction reveal about where you place your hope?

The pastor emphasized that Jesus often responds to our questions with questions of His own. Have you experienced this in your relationship with God? What was that like? In what ways might the Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11) seem ‘upside down’ to our modern culture’s values?

The sermon contrasted the first disciples (who were rejected by society but followed Jesus) with the rich young ruler (who was respected but walked away). Which story resonates more with your own spiritual journey and why?

The pastor said, ‘There’s no cliff notes for this relationship’ with Jesus. What practices have helped you develop a deeper, more personal relationship with Him?

How might our understanding of biblical hope (as described in Revelation 21-22) change how we respond to violence and tragedy in the world?

Life Application

This week, commit to a daily practice of ‘catching your breath’ with Jesus. Set aside 15 minutes each day to step away from social media, news, and the opinions of others. During this time, read a portion of the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), ask Jesus what He wants to show you about a situation you’re concerned about, and then sit quietly to listen. Journal what you sense Him saying. At the end of the week, reflect on how this practice affected your perspective on current events and your sense of hope.

Key Takeaways

In times of violence and confusion, our primary response should be to pray and spend time in God’s Word rather than rushing to form opinions.
Jesus’ teachings often appeared upside-down to cultural expectations, challenging every vision of power and influence.
Following Jesus is the only path to experiencing true life, both now and eternally.
We must be careful not to let cultural groups define good and evil for us, but instead seek Jesus’ perspective through prayer and Scripture.
Biblical hope, as seen in Revelation 21-22, provides the ultimate context for understanding and responding to current events.

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for inviting us to follow You. In a world filled with violence, confusion, and competing voices, we choose to fix our eyes on You. Help us to pause, catch our breath, and listen for Your voice above all others. Give us the courage to follow You even when Your ways seem upside-down to our culture. May we place our hope not in lesser things, but in the promise of Your kingdom fully realized. Use us to be salt and light in this broken world, pointing others to the life that can only be found in You. We pray this in Your precious name, Amen.

This series may be taken as a course offered by the Online Bible Institute. For more information check out the Keys Vineyard Ministries Courses page.

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