Kingdom Incarnate Part 11 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Incarnate Part 11 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon focuses on forgiveness and its importance in Christian life, using the story of the paralyzed man from Luke 5 and Mark 2. The pastor emphasizes how Jesus prioritized forgiving the man’s sins before healing his physical condition, demonstrating that spiritual healing is often more crucial than physical healing. The message explores how unforgiveness acts like a spiritual paralysis, preventing personal growth and affecting all aspects of life.

The sermon delves into what forgiveness is and isn’t, highlighting that while we’re not expected to forget wrongs done to us (only God can do that), we are called to release resentment and trust God to handle justice. The pastor also discusses the physical and mental health benefits of forgiveness, supported by medical research.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss forgiveness, open our hearts to Your wisdom and truth. Help us to be honest with ourselves about any unforgiveness we may be harboring, and grant us the courage to release it. Guide our discussion and help us learn from one another as we seek to better understand Your heart for forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s the kindest thing someone has done for you recently that made you feel grateful?

Key Verses

Luke 5:20
Matthew 6:14-15
Ephesians 4:31-32
Micah 7:18-19

Questions

What stood out to you most about Jesus forgiving the paralyzed man before healing him?
How do you typically respond when someone offends you? What’s your first reaction?
Why do you think it’s sometimes harder to forgive ourselves than to forgive others?
How has holding onto unforgiveness affected your life or relationships in the past?
What’s the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation? Why is this distinction important?
How does knowing that God delights in showing mercy impact your view of forgiveness?
What are some practical steps we can take to prepare ourselves for future offenses?
How can we help others who are struggling with unforgiveness in their lives?

Life Application

This week, identify one person or situation where you’ve been holding onto unforgiveness. Spend time each day praying for that person and asking God to help you release any resentment. Take one practical step toward forgiveness, even if it’s simply writing a letter you never send expressing your feelings and your choice to forgive.

Key Takeaways

Unforgiveness is like spiritual paralysis that affects all areas of life
Forgiveness empowers and benefits the forgiver, leading to better mental and physical health
Only God can truly forget sins; we’re called to release resentment and trust His justice
Forgiveness isn’t pretending everything is fine or necessarily reconciling with the offender
People will inevitably hurt us, so we should prepare by extending grace in advance

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for being the ultimate example of forgiveness. Help us to release any unforgiveness we’re holding onto and trust You with our pain. Give us the strength to forgive as You have forgiven us. Let Your healing power work in our hearts as we choose to walk in forgiveness. In Jesus’ 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.