Kingdom Tension Part 1 with Discussion Guide

Kingdom Tension Part 1 Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon introduces a new series called ‘Kingdom Tension,’ focusing on living in the period between Jesus’ first coming and His eventual return – the ‘now and not yet.’ The message explores how Christians are called to be the ‘salt of the earth’ and ‘light of the world,’ serving as portable temples of God’s presence. The sermon emphasizes that all believers have a purpose as part of God’s royal priesthood, with the mission of bringing ‘one more’ lost person back to God.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss Your Word, open our hearts and minds to understand what it means to live in this kingdom tension. Help us to see how we can be both salt and light in our world today. Guide our conversation and help us learn from each other as we seek to grow closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What’s your favorite way to use salt in cooking or food preparation?

Key Verses

Matthew 5:13-16
1 Corinthians 6:19
Ephesians 2:19-21
1 Peter 2:9

Questions

What does it mean to live in the ‘now and not yet’ of God’s kingdom?
How do you understand the metaphor of being ‘salt of the earth’? What does that look like in practice?
What does it mean to be a ‘portable temple’ of God’s presence?
How can we effectively be ‘light of the world’ in our daily lives?
What challenges do you face in living as a ‘new creation’ person in today’s world?
How does understanding our role as part of a ‘royal priesthood’ change how we view our purpose?
What does it mean to you that the church should exist for non-Christians as much as Christians?
How can we better fulfill our mission of bringing ‘one more’ lost person back to God?

Life Application

This week, intentionally look for opportunities to be ‘salt and light’ in your everyday interactions. Choose one specific way you can bring God’s presence into your workplace, home, or community, and act on it.

Key Takeaways

We live in the tension between Christ’s first coming and His return
As believers, we are portable temples of God’s presence
Every Christian has a purpose as part of God’s royal priesthood
Our mission is to bring ‘one more’ lost person back to God
The church exists to serve both believers and non-believers

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for calling us to be Your salt and light in this world. Help us embrace our role as Your portable temples and royal priesthood. Give us courage to live authentically as new creation people in this time of tension, always seeking to bring one more person into Your kingdom. In Your name we pray, 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.