Kingdom Influence Part 1 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Influence Part 1 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Steve explores the critical importance of developing a biblical worldview as the foundation for kingdom influence. He emphasizes that we cannot live the life Jesus calls us to if we’re not seeing the world through His eyes. Many believers have inherited their worldview from culture, media, and personal experiences rather than intentionally forming it through Scripture. The sermon challenges listeners to examine where their worldview is being shaped and calls them to step out of cultural formation into spiritual transformation. A biblical worldview starts with God at the center and sees people through the lens of His kingdom, recognizing every person as created in God’s image and the object of His redeeming love.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we thank You for Your faithfulness and mercy. We ask that You would open our hearts and minds to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Help us to be receptive to Your Spirit’s leading and to see ourselves and our world through Your eyes. May we lay aside any preconceived notions or cultural influences that might hinder us from receiving Your truth. Prepare our hearts to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one thing you absolutely need to see the ‘big picture’ or instructions for before you can successfully complete it? (Like assembling furniture, following a recipe, or building a puzzle)

Key Verses

Romans 12:1-2
Genesis 1:1
2 Corinthians 5:16-17
Psalm 24:1

Questions

Pastor Steve mentioned that many believers are ‘discipled more by news outlets and social media’ than by Scripture. How do you see this playing out in your own life or in the lives of people around you?
What does it mean practically to ‘step out of cultural formation and step into spiritual transformation’? Can you share an example of where you’ve had to make this shift?
The sermon emphasized that ‘kingdom influence doesn’t start with doing, it starts with seeing.’ How does this challenge common approaches to making a difference in the world?
Pastor Steve said that if God isn’t shaping our worldview, something else is. What are some of the strongest influences competing for the formation of our worldview today?
How does seeing people as ‘created in the image of God and objects of His redeeming love’ change the way we interact with those we disagree with?
The pastor used a puzzle analogy, saying we need the ‘picture on the box’ to make sense of life’s pieces. How has having a biblical worldview helped you make sense of difficult circumstances?
What are some practical ways we can ensure that Scripture is the primary influence shaping our worldview rather than culture?
Romans 12:2 talks about being ‘transformed by the renewing of your mind.’ What does this renewal process look like in daily life?

Life Application

This week, start each day with the simple prayer: ‘Jesus, help me see like you see.’ Before making decisions, reacting to news, or interacting with difficult people, pause and ask this question. Additionally, examine where your worldview is primarily being formed – is it through Scripture or through cultural influences? Make one specific change to increase the Bible’s influence in shaping how you see the world.

Key Takeaways

You cannot live the life Jesus calls you to if you’re not seeing the world the way Jesus sees it
A biblical worldview starts with God at the center – He is creator and King
We must see people through the lens of the kingdom, recognizing everyone as created in God’s image
Kingdom influence starts with seeing, not doing – perspective must come before action
We are called to step out of cultural formation and into spiritual transformation through the renewing of our minds

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for opening our eyes to see the importance of having a biblical worldview. We confess that too often we have allowed culture and other influences to shape how we see the world instead of Your Word. Help us to be intentional about allowing You to renew our minds daily. Give us the courage to step out of cultural formation and into spiritual transformation. May we see people the way You see them – as beloved creations made in Your image. Help us to be kingdom influencers who start with Your perspective before we act. Transform us from the inside out so that we can partner with You in changing the world around us. In Your precious name, Amen.

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