Kingdom Influence Part 4 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Influence Part 4 Discussion Guide
Summary
Pastor addresses the Corinthian church’s problem of division, where believers were rallying around different leaders (Paul, Apollos, Cephas) instead of staying focused on Christ. He emphasizes that while these leaders were gifts from God, they were never meant to be the foundation of our identity – only Jesus Christ should hold that place. The message warns against letting good things slowly replace the best thing, which is our relationship with Christ and the gospel message. Paul reminds us that all believers are rescued the same way through grace, and the cross levels the playing field, keeping us humble and united rather than divided.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather together today, we ask for Your presence to fill this space and our hearts. Help us to be open to what You want to teach us through Your Word. Remove any distractions or preconceived notions that might prevent us from hearing Your voice clearly. Give us humble hearts that are ready to receive correction, encouragement, and direction. May we listen more than we speak and be willing to examine our own hearts honestly. We invite You to work in us and through us during this time together. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s one household repair or project you attempted that turned out to be much more complicated than you initially thought?
Key Verses
- 1 Corinthians 1:10
- 1 Corinthians 1:12-13
- 1 Corinthians 3:11
- John 17:21
- Romans 3:23-24
- Ephesians 2:8-9
Questions
What are some ‘good things’ in your life that might be slowly replacing the ‘best thing’ (your relationship with Christ)?
Why do you think it’s so easy for people to rally around leaders or causes instead of staying focused on Jesus?
How does remembering that ‘all are rescued the same way’ help us maintain unity in the church?
What does it mean practically to ‘listen more than you defend’ in our current cultural climate?
How can we ‘reflect more than we react’ when we encounter people or situations that trigger strong emotions?
What are some labels (either given by others or self-imposed) that you might need to release in order to love more freely?
How does the cross ‘level the ground’ between believers, and why is this important for church unity?
In what ways can we keep Jesus as our spiritual center when the world around us is so loud and demanding our attention?
Life Application
This week, practice the three challenges: Listen more than you defend, reflect more than you react, and love more than you label. Choose one specific relationship or situation where you can apply these principles, and intentionally focus on seeing that person through Jesus’ eyes rather than through any labels or preconceptions you might have.
Key Takeaways
Division in the church usually starts with misplaced focus – rallying around leaders instead of Christ
Leaders are gifts from God, not foundations for our identity – only Jesus Christ should be our foundation
All believers are rescued the same way through grace, which should keep us humble and united
Unity doesn’t require agreement on everything, but it does require humility centered on Jesus
We must listen more than defend, reflect more than react, and love more than label
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of discussion and reflection. We confess that we sometimes get distracted by good things and lose sight of the best thing – You. Help us to keep our eyes fixed on You as the author and perfecter of our faith. Where we have allowed division to creep into our relationships, bring healing and unity. Give us the courage to listen more, reflect more, and love more. Remove any labels that hinder us from loving others as You love us. May we be known by our love for one another, so that the world may see You through us. Keep us humble and centered on the cross. In Your precious name, Amen.
Steve Lawes is a Church Consultant and also provides coaching for pastors, churches, ministries and church planters.
