Small Group Guide: God’s Kingdom, His Will, His Glory
Key Takeaways:
1. God works in mysterious ways to position people and resources for His purposes.
2. Seeking the kingdom of God involves not just desire but righteousness in our actions.
3. The Lord’s Prayer provides a framework for understanding God’s priorities.
4. Our duty to God may require sacrifice and personal growth.
5. Breakthroughs in faith can have far-reaching impacts beyond our immediate context.
Discussion Questions:
Dr. McGrew shared a personal story about a prophecy and its fulfillment. Have you ever experienced a moment where you clearly saw God’s hand guiding your life? Share with the group.
What does it mean to you to “seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness” (Matthew 6:33)? How might this look different from simply seeking the kingdom without righteousness?
Dr. McGrew emphasized the importance of doing things the “right way” in God’s eyes. Can you think of a time when you had to choose between an easy way and what you felt was the right way in God’s eyes? What happened?
Discuss the order of priorities in the Lord’s Prayer as mentioned in the sermon (God’s name, His kingdom, His will). How does this order challenge or affirm your own approach to prayer?
The sermon touched on forgiveness as a key aspect of the Lord’s Prayer. Why do you think Jesus linked our forgiveness from God with our forgiveness of others? How challenging do you find this concept?
Dr. McGrew suggested that breakthroughs in faith can have wider impacts on a community or region. Have you ever witnessed or been part of such a breakthrough? What were the effects?
*Scriptures:
Matthew 6:33 - “But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.”
Matthew 6:9-13 - The Lord’s Prayer - “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.” Preferred version? Memorized version? *
Practical Applications:
This week, consciously look for opportunities to glorify God’s name in your daily life. Keep a journal of these moments and share with the group next time.
Reflect on any “duties” you might have towards God that others may not know about. Is there an area where you need to step up in obedience?
Practice using the Lord’s Prayer as a template for your own prayers this week, focusing on each element (God’s name, kingdom, will, provision, forgiveness) deliberately. Have you memorized the Lord’s Prayer? Consider doing so.
Identify one area in your life where you need to grow or change to better serve God’s purposes. What practical step can you take this week towards that growth?
As a group, discuss how you can support your church in its new phase of ministry. Consider ways to use your individual gifts to contribute to the church’s mission.
Reflect on any unforgiveness in your heart. Take time to pray, asking God to help you forgive as He has forgiven you.
5 Day Devotional
Day 1: Seeking God’s Kingdom First
Reading: Matthew 6:25-34
Devotional: In our passage today, Jesus instructs us to “seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.” This echoes the message from the sermon about prioritizing God’s will and His kingdom above all else. As you read, reflect on areas of your life where you may be putting your own desires or worldly concerns before God’s kingdom. How might your priorities shift if you truly sought God’s kingdom first? Consider practical steps you can take today to align your life more closely with God’s will and purposes. Remember, as you seek His kingdom, He promises to provide for your needs.
Day 2: The Power of God’s Name
Reading: Psalm 9:1-10
Devotional: The sermon emphasized the importance of hallowing God’s name, as taught in the Lord’s Prayer. Today’s psalm celebrates the power and majesty of God’s name. As you read, meditate on the attributes of God that make His name worthy of praise. How have you experienced God’s faithfulness, justice, or strength in your own life? Take time to praise God for who He is, not just for what He does. Consider how you can bring glory to His name through your words and actions today, allowing others to see the beauty of who God is through your life.
Day 3: Forgiveness and Grace
Reading: Colossians 3:12-17
Devotional: The sermon touched on the challenging aspect of forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer - forgiving others as we have been forgiven. Today’s passage calls us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, and forgiveness. Reflect on relationships in your life where forgiveness is needed. How does God’s forgiveness of you impact your ability to forgive others? Ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart and empower you to extend grace, even when it’s difficult. Remember, forgiveness is not just a one-time act, but a continual choice to release others from the debt they owe us, just as Christ has released us.
Day 4: Fulfilling Your Divine Duty
Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10
Devotional: The sermon spoke about our duty to God and the importance of discovering our role in His plan. Today’s passage reminds us that we are God’s workmanship, created for good works He prepared in advance for us to do. As you read, consider the unique gifts, talents, and experiences God has given you. How might these be used to fulfill your “divine duty” and advance God’s kingdom? Ask God to reveal more of His purpose for your life and for the courage to step into new areas of service and ministry. Remember, it’s not about your ability, but your availability to God.
Day 5: Bringing Heaven to Earth
Reading: Revelation 21:1-7
Devotional: The sermon emphasized the idea of bringing God’s will and kingdom to earth, as we pray in the Lord’s Prayer. Today’s passage gives us a glimpse of the ultimate fulfillment of this prayer - the new heaven and new earth. As you read, allow your heart to be filled with hope for the future God has promised. But also consider: how can you be an agent of bringing a taste of this heavenly reality to earth today? Look for opportunities to demonstrate God’s love, justice, and restoration in your sphere of influence. Ask God to use you as an instrument of His kingdom, bringing His light into dark places and His hope into hopeless situations.