Kingdom Influence Part 20 with Discussion Guide

BySteve

Kingdom Influence Part 20 Discussion Guide

Summary

In this final sermon of the Kingdom Influence series, Pastor Doug explores Jesus’ challenging statement that our righteousness must surpass that of the Pharisees. He explains that Jesus wasn’t calling for external rule-following but for heart transformation – a righteousness that flows from the inside out. The Pharisees appeared righteous externally but were spiritually dead inside, like whitewashed tombs. True kingdom righteousness comes through abiding in Jesus and allowing Him to transform our hearts, not through trying harder to be good.

The message emphasizes that transformation happens through relationship with Jesus, not performance. When our hearts are aligned with God, right actions flow naturally. Jesus offers His righteousness as a gift, calling us to move from external performance to internal transformation. This heart change is the foundation of kingdom influence – we were created not just to try being good enough for heaven, but to transform the world around us through Christ.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, thanking You for gathering us together today. As we dive into Your Word and discuss what You want to teach us, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds. Help us to be receptive to what You want to show us through this time together. Give us soft hearts and hearing ears, and continue to change us for Your glory. We invite Your Holy Spirit to guide our conversation and reveal truth to us. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s something you’ve made or prepared that looked great on the outside but was a disaster on the inside?

Key Verses

  • Matthew 5:19-20
  • Matthew 23:27-28
  • Ezekiel 36:26-27
  • 2 Corinthians 5:21
  • Matthew 6:1

Questions

  • What do you think the crowd’s reaction was when Jesus said their righteousness had to surpass that of the Pharisees? Why would this have seemed impossible?
  • How would you explain the difference between ‘outside-in’ righteousness and ‘inside-out’ righteousness in your own words?
  • Pastor Doug mentioned that the Pharisees’ issue wasn’t effort but focus. What does this mean, and how might this apply to our own spiritual lives?
  • What does it mean to ‘abide in Jesus’ rather than just trying harder to be good? How does this look practically in daily life?
  • The sermon mentioned that we can slip into wanting to serve God ‘in an advisory role.’ What are some ways this might show up in our relationship with God?
  • How does understanding that righteousness is a gift from Jesus rather than something we earn change the way we approach our faith?
  • What’s the difference between repentance as confession and repentance as heart transformation? Why is this distinction important?
  • Pastor Doug said ‘world transformation happens after heart transformation.’ How have you seen this principle at work in your own life or in others?

Life Application

This week, instead of focusing on doing the right things, spend time each day asking yourself: ‘Is my heart aligned with God?’ Practice abiding in Jesus through prayer, Scripture reading, or simply talking to Him throughout your day. Let God deal with the inside areas of your life by being honest with Him about where you need His transformation.

Key Takeaways

  • True righteousness flows from the inside out, not from external rule-following
  • The Pharisees looked righteous externally but were spiritually dead inside, like whitewashed tombs
  • Jesus offers His righteousness as a gift – we don’t have to earn it through performance
  • Transformation comes through relationship with Jesus, not through trying harder
  • Heart transformation is the foundation of kingdom influence and world transformation

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and fellowship. We’re grateful that You don’t call us to try harder but to draw closer to You. Help us to stop striving and start abiding in You. Transform our hearts from the inside out, and let Your righteousness flow through us to impact the world around us. May we be people who live with hearts aligned to You, bringing Your kingdom influence wherever we go. Continue to work in us throughout this week. In Your precious name we pray, Amen.

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

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