Kingdom Consummated Part 9 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Consummated Part 9 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon concludes a two-year series working through the Bible by examining the Great Commission in Matthew 28:16-20. Pastor Steve emphasizes that Jesus calls imperfect people (the 11 disciples) to carry out His perfect mission. The message traces God’s story from creation, where humanity was given dominion over earth, through the fall when that authority was lost to the enemy, to Jesus’ victory at the cross where He reclaimed all authority. Now Jesus sends us out with His authority to make disciples, promising to be with us always. The sermon highlights that God doesn’t require perfection from us, just our willingness to show up and trust Him. The key theme is encapsulated in the ‘pericope’ structure of the passage: it begins with ‘all authority’ and ends with ‘I am with you always.’ This combination of Jesus’ complete authority and His constant presence should eliminate fear, doubt, and despair from our lives. We are restored to our original calling as God’s partners in making the world like Eden, but now we do it through Jesus’ authority and with His presence, not in our own strength.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You grateful for Your Word and the amazing story You’ve invited us into. As we gather together today, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to see how Your truth applies to our lives. Lord, we know that You are always with us and that all authority belongs to You. May this truth settle deep in our hearts as we discuss and learn together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one place from your childhood that holds special memories for you, and how has it changed when you’ve visited it as an adult?

Key Verses

Matthew 28:16-20
Genesis 1:28
Matthew 1:23

Questions

Why do you think Matthew specifically mentions that there were only ’11’ disciples when Jesus gave the Great Commission? What does this teach us about how God uses imperfect people?
The passage says ‘some doubted’ even when they saw the resurrected Jesus. How does this encourage you in your own faith journey when you experience doubts?
Jesus calls the disciples back to Galilee, the place of their beginning. Why is it important to stay rooted in our story with God? How can we do this practically?
What does it mean that ‘all authority in heaven and on earth’ has been given to Jesus? How should this truth impact how we live daily?
The Great Commission says to make disciples ‘as you go’ rather than requiring us to go somewhere special. What opportunities do you have in your regular routine to make disciples?
How does knowing that Jesus is ‘with you always’ change your perspective on challenges, fears, or difficult situations you’re facing?
The sermon connects our original calling in Genesis to partner with God in making the world like Eden. How can we live out this calling today through Jesus’ authority?
What’s the difference between trying to live the Christian life in our own strength versus living it through Jesus’ authority and presence?

Life Application

This week, practice living with the constant awareness of Jesus’ presence and authority. When you face a challenging situation, fear, or doubt, remind yourself: ‘All authority belongs to Jesus, and He is with me always.’ Look for one specific opportunity in your regular routine (work, school, errands, etc.) to share God’s love or make a disciple as you go about your normal activities.

Key Takeaways

God uses imperfect, incomplete people who simply show up and trust Him – He’s looking for willing hearts, not perfection
Jesus has reclaimed all authority that was lost at the fall and now sends us out in His authority, not our own
The Great Commission is about making disciples ‘as we go’ in our regular activities, not requiring special mission trips
The combination of Jesus’ complete authority and His constant presence should eliminate fear, doubt, and despair from our lives
We are restored to our original calling to partner with God in making the world reflect His kingdom, but now we do it through Jesus

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for the incredible truth that all authority belongs to You and that You are with us always. Help us to live each day with the confidence that comes from knowing You have overcome sin and death and that we don’t have to face anything alone. Give us courage to step into the calling You’ve placed on our lives, knowing that You will meet us there. As we go about our daily routines this week, open our eyes to opportunities to make disciples and share Your love. We don’t need to be perfect – we just need to show up and trust You. Thank You for inviting us into Your amazing story. In Your powerful 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.