Kingdom Consummated Part 8 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Consummated Part 8 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon focuses on living as ‘small working models of new creation’ through the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-26. The pastor explains that when we live according to our sinful nature (the ‘no-no list’), we live sub-human lives that don’t inherit the kingdom of God – meaning we miss out on God’s rule and reign in our lives now. However, through Christ’s sacrifice, we can live as fully human beings by yielding to the Holy Spirit. The fruit of the Spirit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – are described as the ‘currency of the kingdom’ that flows naturally when we surrender to God’s Spirit. The message emphasizes that this transformed life isn’t about following rules but about being led by the Spirit through grace. When we yield to the Holy Spirit, our relationships, words, attitudes, and reactions become places where God’s work can flourish. We become people who reflect Jesus’ character, bringing light into rooms and demonstrating what true life looks like to a world that desperately needs to see genuine transformation.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging that we cannot fathom the depths of Your love for us. As we gather together in this small group, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us today. Holy Spirit, come and guide our discussion. Help us to be honest with ourselves and with each other as we explore what it means to live by Your Spirit. Give us the courage to examine our lives and the wisdom to yield more fully to You. We pray that through our time together, we would grow in understanding and be transformed more into the image of Christ. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

If you could have any superpower for just one day, what would it be and how would you use it to help others?

Key Verses

Galatians 5:22-26
Galatians 5:13
Galatians 5:16
Ephesians 2:1-3
Ephesians 2:4-9
Genesis 2:17

Questions

Looking at the ‘no-no list’ in Galatians 5:19-21, the pastor explained that living this way means we ‘will not inherit the kingdom of God’ – missing out on God’s rule and reign in our lives now. Which of these behaviors do you see most commonly affecting people today, and how does it rob them of true life?
The fruit of the Spirit were described as the ‘currency of the kingdom.’ What do you think this means, and which fruit do you see most evidently growing in your life right now?
The pastor shared that we often think of freedom as being able to do whatever we want, but God says we find freedom when we follow Him. How have you experienced this paradox in your own life?
Paul writes that the flesh and Spirit are in conflict with each other. Can you share about a time when you felt this internal battle, and how did you navigate it?
The message emphasized that we become ‘small working models of new creation.’ What would this look like practically in your workplace, family, or community relationships?
The pastor mentioned that when we’re yielded to the Spirit, ‘our relationships, words, attitudes, and reactions can become places where the Spirit’s fruit can grow.’ Which of these four areas do you feel God is calling you to surrender more fully to Him?
Jesus was described as someone who, when He entered a room, people wanted to be around Him – ‘the party was where Jesus was at.’ How can we cultivate this kind of life-giving presence in our own interactions with others?

Life Application

This week, take a personal inventory as suggested in the sermon. First, identify where you see the fruit of the Spirit growing in your life – celebrate these victories! Then, honestly assess where you’re still holding onto your old nature. Choose one specific area where you need to yield more fully to the Holy Spirit, and each morning this week, pray specifically for God to produce His fruit in that area of your life. Look for opportunities to be a ‘small working model of new creation’ in your daily interactions.

Key Takeaways

Living according to our sinful nature makes us sub-human and causes us to miss out on God’s kingdom rule in our lives now
Through Christ’s sacrifice, we can live as fully human beings by yielding to the Holy Spirit rather than trying to follow rules in our own strength
The fruit of the Spirit are the ‘currency of the kingdom’ – evidence of the Spirit’s work in our lives that flows naturally when we surrender to God
We are called to be ‘small working models of new creation,’ giving the world a glimpse of what restored life looks like
True freedom comes not from doing whatever we want, but from following God and serving others in love

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We are amazed by Your grace that makes it possible for us to live as fully human beings through Your Spirit. Help us to remember that we don’t have to wait for heaven to begin – Your kingdom life has already started in us. As we go from this place, may we be people who bring light into every room we enter. Help us to yield more fully to Your Holy Spirit so that Your fruit – love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control – would flow through us like streams of living water. Use us as small working models of new creation to show our world what true life looks like. We surrender our relationships, our words, our attitudes, and our reactions to You. Have Your way in us, Lord. In Jesus’ precious name we pray, 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.