Kingdom Influence Part 3 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Influence Part 3 Discussion Guide

Summary

Pastor Doug delivers a powerful message about how the cross of Christ must be the foundation of our kingdom influence. He emphasizes that without being anchored in the cross, we easily drift into using worldly tactics like power, persuasion, and performance to influence others. Paul’s message to the Corinthians reveals that the cross is countercultural – what the world calls foolish, God calls powerful. The cross redefines success from worldly measures like visibility and control to God’s measures of faithfulness and surrender. It also removes boasting by humbling us all equally before God, regardless of our status or background.

Intro Prayer

Holy Spirit, we come before you today with open hearts and minds. We thank you for the cross and what Jesus accomplished there for us. As we gather together in this small group, we ask that you would soften our hearts to receive what you want to teach us today. Help us to be vulnerable with one another and to grow in our understanding of how the cross should shape every aspect of our lives. Guide our discussion and help us to apply your truth to our daily walk with you. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s one household task or skill that you thought would be easy but turned out to be much more complicated than expected?

Key Verses

1 Corinthians 1:18-21
2 Corinthians 12:8-9
Luke 10:1-9
John 15:13

Questions

Paul says he resolved to know nothing except ‘Jesus Christ and Christ crucified.’ What do you think this means practically for how we approach relationships and influence?
The sermon mentions that we often try to hide our weaknesses, but God’s power is perfected in weakness. How can we become more comfortable with vulnerability in our relationships?
How does the world’s definition of success differ from God’s definition? Can you think of examples from your own life where these definitions conflicted?
The pastor shared that ‘you cannot advance a crucified kingdom with uncrucified lives.’ What does it mean to live a ‘crucified life’ in today’s culture?
Jesus sent out the 70 ‘as lambs among wolves’ with no money, bag, or shoes. What does this teach us about how we should approach ministry and influence in our community?
The sermon asks: ‘Has the cross shaped how I speak?’ How might our words and responses change if we truly lived from the cross daily?
What are some worldly tools or tactics we might be tempted to use instead of relying on the power of the cross?
How can we practically ‘return to the cross daily’ as suggested in the sermon? What would this look like in your routine?

Life Application

This week, commit to starting each day by pausing to pray: ‘Jesus, remind me who you are and what you’ve done for me.’ Before responding to challenging situations or people, ask yourself: ‘Has the cross shaped how I’m about to respond?’ Practice humility and vulnerability in at least one relationship this week, allowing God’s power to be displayed through your weakness rather than trying to appear strong or impressive.

Key Takeaways

Kingdom influence begins with Christ and the cross, not with strategies or worldly tactics
The cross is countercultural – God’s power is revealed through weakness, not strength
The cross redefines success from worldly measures to faithfulness and surrender to God
The cross removes boasting by humbling everyone equally before God
We must live ‘crucified lives’ daily, returning to the cross to shape how we speak and respond to others

Ending Prayer

Father, thank you for the cross and the incredible love you demonstrated there. Help us to live as people who are continually shaped by the cross of Christ. May we go out this week as lambs among wolves, trusting in your power rather than our own strength. Transform our words, our responses, and our influence to reflect the humility and love of Jesus. Give us courage to be vulnerable and to find our identity and success in you alone. Use us to bring your kingdom influence to our community through the power of the cross. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

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