“Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.” —Matthew 6:10 (KJV)

The Kingdom of God

“My Kingdom is not an earthly kingdom…my Kingdom is not of this world.” —John 18:36

For the Kingdom of God is not just a lot of talk; it is living by God’s power. —– 1 Corinthians 4:20 (NLT)

For the Kingdom of God is not a matter of what we eat or drink, but of living a life of goodness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. —Romans 14:17

Surrendering to Jesus Means…

1. Letting go of control.

Let go of your concerns! Then you will know that I am God. I rule the nations. I rule the earth. —Psalms 46:10 (GW)
…letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. —Romans 8:6 (NLT)

2. Learning to be content.

I have learned to be satisfied with the things I have and with everything that happens. I know how to live when I am poor, and I know how to live when I have plenty. I have learned the secret of being happy at any time in everything that happens…I can do all things through Christ, because he gives me strength. —Phillipians 4:11-13 (NCV)
Surrender yourself to the Lord, and wait patiently for him. —Psalms 37:7 (GW)

3. Laying down all our plans.

“If you insist on saving your life, you will lose it. Only those who throw away their lives for my sake and for the sake of the Good News will ever know what it means to really live.” —Mark 8:35 (TLB)

“The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life.” —John 10:10 (NLT)

…give yourselves to God…and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. —Romans 6:13 (GNT)

4. Leaving my future to God.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. —Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce. —Psalms 37:18-19 (CEV)

Discussion Questions:

Icebreaker: If you could spend a summer anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?

1.) What is control? Why do we have such a difficult time giving it up?

2.) What comes to mind when we say the word “content?” Does being content mean we do not need to better ourselves/situation? Why or why not?

3.) Do you feel the need for God to explain himself in order to be content? Why or why not?

4.) Those who obey the Lord are daily in his care, and what he has given them will be theirs forever. They won’t be in trouble when times are bad, and they will have plenty when food is scarce. – Psalms 37:18-19 (CEV)
During tough or uncertain times, what do we have the tendency to do to feel at peace? What are some specific things we can do to leave the future to God?

Going deeper:

…give yourselves to God…and surrender your whole being to him to be used for righteous purposes. – Romans 6:13 (GWT)

In what area(s) of your life are you waging war against God? Before the end of the month, spend some time in prayer, asking:
What is stopping me from giving these issues up?
What would it take for me to give them up?
How can I give them up?

Be sure to journal your responses.