Kingdom Consummated Part 6 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Consummated Part 6 Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor Steve continues the series on new creation life, building on last week’s message about renewing our minds. He emphasizes that while we become new creations when we say yes to Jesus, our minds need to catch up to this reality through the Holy Spirit’s work. The sermon focuses on how we cannot renew our own minds through willpower, but must yield to the Holy Spirit who knows God’s thoughts and wants to transform our thinking. Pastor Steve shares a personal story about a vow he made at 19 that impacted his life for years, illustrating how past experiences and forgotten thoughts can shape our present responses. He encourages believers to ask the Holy Spirit to reveal and heal old patterns of thinking that keep us from experiencing new creation life. The key message is that renewing our minds is not about trying harder but yielding deeper to the Holy Spirit. Pastor Steve offers practical advice for filtering thoughts and responses through the fruit of the Spirit, especially when quick decisions are needed. He challenges the congregation to be willing to let God edit what they think is true about the world, recognizing that none of us have everything figured out yet.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for gathering us together today to learn from Your Word. As we dive into this discussion about renewing our minds and yielding to Your Holy Spirit, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be honest about areas where we need Your transformation and give us the courage to let You edit our thinking. Holy Spirit, we invite You to guide our conversation and reveal truth to each person here. May we leave this time more aligned with Your heart and Your ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one household task or project that you always insist on doing yourself, even when others offer to help?
Key Verses
Ephesians 4:22-24
Philippians 3:12-16
1 Corinthians 2:11-12
John 16:13
Romans 8:5-6
Galatians 5:22-23
Questions
Pastor Steve mentioned that we often get sidetracked by wrestling with the flesh instead of recognizing we’re in a spiritual battle. How does this perspective change the way you approach personal struggles?
Paul says in Philippians 3 that he presses on toward the goal, forgetting what’s behind. What are some things from your past that you need to ‘forget’ in order to move forward in your faith?
The sermon emphasized that we cannot renew our own minds but must yield to the Holy Spirit. What’s the difference between ‘trying harder’ and ‘yielding deeper’ in your spiritual life?
Pastor Steve shared about a vow he made at 19 that affected him for years. Can you think of any statements, decisions, or vows from your past that might still be influencing your life today?
How can we practically use the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, self-control) as a filter for our thoughts and responses?
The message asked: ‘Are you willing to let God edit what you think is true about the world?’ What areas of your thinking might need God’s editing?
Pastor Steve mentioned that experiences shape us far more than we understand. How can we invite the Holy Spirit to reveal and heal patterns from past experiences?
What does it look like practically to ‘make space’ for the Holy Spirit in your daily life so He can renew your mind?
Life Application
This week, when you notice strong emotions like fear, anger, or frustration arising, pause and ask the Holy Spirit, ‘What are You saying right now?’ Then listen for His response. Additionally, practice filtering your thoughts and potential responses through the fruit of the Spirit before reacting to situations. Make intentional space each day to withdraw to a quiet place, like Jesus did, to connect with the Father and allow Him to renew your perspective.
Key Takeaways
We are new creations in Christ, but our minds need to catch up to this reality through the Holy Spirit’s work
Renewing our minds is not about trying harder through willpower, but about yielding deeper to the Holy Spirit
Past experiences, forgotten thoughts, and vows can continue to impact our present responses and need healing
The fruit of the Spirit serves as a practical filter for evaluating thoughts, emotions, and responses
We must be willing to let God edit what we think is true about the world, recognizing we don’t have everything figured out
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for making us new creations and for giving us Your Holy Spirit to guide us into all truth. We confess that we don’t have everything figured out, and we need Your help to renew our minds. Help us to yield more deeply to Your Spirit rather than trying to change ourselves through our own efforts. Reveal to us any past experiences, vows, or patterns of thinking that are keeping us from experiencing the fullness of new creation life. Give us the courage to let You edit our perspectives and align our thoughts with Yours. May we make space for You this week and filter our responses through Your fruit of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Transform us from the inside out, that we might experience more of Your life and peace. 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.
