Kingdom Tension Part 8 with Discussion Guide
Kingdom Tension Part 8 Discussion Guide
Summary
This sermon discusses the concept of living in ‘Kingdom Tension’ – the space between the present evil age and the age to come. Pastor Steve explains how Jesus’ death and resurrection inaugurated God’s kingdom, allowing believers to experience tastes of the future perfect age while still living in the present broken world. This creates a tension that believers must learn to embrace rather than try to resolve.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss living in the tension between Your kingdom now and what is yet to come, we ask that You would open our hearts and minds to understand how to embrace this reality. Help us to see how Your Spirit is working in us even as we await the fullness of Your kingdom. Guide our discussion and reveal Your truth to us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Ice Breaker
What’s the longest you’ve ever had to wait for something you really wanted? How did you handle the waiting period?
Key Verses
Galatians 1:4
Ephesians 1:13-14
Philippians 1:6
2 Corinthians 4:3-4
Questions
How do you typically respond to tension in your life? Do you try to resolve it quickly or can you sit with it?
What does it mean to you that we are living between two ages – the present evil age and the age to come?
How does having the Holy Spirit as a ‘deposit’ impact how you view your current circumstances?
In what ways have you experienced ‘tastes’ of the age to come in your life?
How does understanding kingdom tension help us deal with unfulfilled promises or unanswered prayers?
What are some ways you’ve seen God transforming you over time?
How can embracing tension actually lead to spiritual growth?
What practical differences might it make in your daily life to live as someone who is already ‘accepted’ into God’s kingdom?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of tension in your life where you’ve been trying to force a resolution. Instead of trying to eliminate the tension, practice embracing it while asking the Holy Spirit to help you grow through it. Look for ways this tension might actually be producing positive change in your life.
Key Takeaways
The solution to kingdom tension is accepting that there is no solution – we must learn to embrace it
We live between two ages: the present evil age and the age to come
The Holy Spirit is our deposit guaranteeing our future inheritance
God is actively transforming us as we live in this tension
Living in tension while embracing our acceptance in Christ changes how we interact with others
Ending Prayer
Lord, thank You for helping us understand that tension in our spiritual lives isn’t something to avoid but to embrace. Help us to rest in the reality that while we live in an imperfect world, You are transforming us and giving us tastes of the age to come. Give us grace to live faithfully in this tension, trusting in Your promises and allowing Your Spirit to change us. In Jesus’ name, 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.
