Group Discussion Guide
The Kingdom of God, Part 1
This guide is designed to help your group create a space for genuine connection and conversation within your discussion time. Don't feel pressured to address every question each week. Instead, allow the Holy Spirit to guide you as you lead your group in uncovering what God intends to communicate during your time together.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
This guide comprises three sections: Loving, Learning, and Living. Each section aims to steer your conversation towards meaningful discussions about spiritual growth as individuals and as members of the body of Christ.
LOVING
First moments together as a group to connect and pray (approx. 10-15 min).
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
- How have you seen God at work in your life since the last time we met?
- What has been one high and one low since the last time we met?
- How did you do with living out what we talked about last time we met?
Open with prayer and invite God to be part of your conversation and relationship.
LEARNING
The majority of the group discussion is devoted to open dialogue, reflecting on God’s Word and its personal application to each of our lives (approx. 60-75 min).
Scripture References from Message: Mark 1:1-20
Big Idea from Message: The good news is that a different kind of King has come.
As modern-day Americans, we don’t have firsthand experience living under a king’s rule like the cultures written to in the Gospels. Our nation was built on the rejection of monarchy, emphasizing democracy, individual freedom, and self-governance. Because of that, our cultural understanding of authority, leadership, and power is very different from those in Jesus’ time. How does modern culture’s emphasis on personal freedom make it difficult to submit to Jesus as King? How is Jesus’ leadership different from the leadership we see in our world today?
The message asked, “What would it take for you to submit your life to a new king?”—what makes that question challenging in a culture that values independence and self-rule?
Modern Christianity often emphasizes Jesus as Savior, focusing on His role in forgiving sins and granting eternal life. While this is absolutely true, the Gospel of Mark repeatedly presents Jesus as King, reigning over a Kingdom that has already come. How does recognizing Jesus as King challenge the way you live your daily life? What are some areas where it’s easy to see Jesus as Savior, but harder to submit to Him as King?
Jesus’ message in Mark 1:15 is, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? What does it look like to live as if the kingdom of God is here and now?
Read Mark 1:16-20. Jesus calls His first disciples, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What does it mean to follow Jesus as King rather than just seeking Him as Savior? What are some practical ways we can live under Jesus’ authority in our daily lives?
What is one specific way you can live under Jesus’ authority this week?
Scripture References from Message: Mark 1:1-20
Big Idea from Message: The good news is that a different kind of King has come.
As modern-day Americans, we don’t have firsthand experience living under a king’s rule like the cultures written to in the Gospels. Our nation was built on the rejection of monarchy, emphasizing democracy, individual freedom, and self-governance. Because of that, our cultural understanding of authority, leadership, and power is very different from those in Jesus’ time. How does modern culture’s emphasis on personal freedom make it difficult to submit to Jesus as King? How is Jesus’ leadership different from the leadership we see in our world today?
The message asked, “What would it take for you to submit your life to a new king?”—what makes that question challenging in a culture that values independence and self-rule?
Modern Christianity often emphasizes Jesus as Savior, focusing on His role in forgiving sins and granting eternal life. While this is absolutely true, the Gospel of Mark repeatedly presents Jesus as King, reigning over a Kingdom that has already come. How does recognizing Jesus as King challenge the way you live your daily life? What are some areas where it’s easy to see Jesus as Savior, but harder to submit to Him as King?
Jesus’ message in Mark 1:15 is, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” What do you think Jesus meant by this? What does it look like to live as if the kingdom of God is here and now?
Read Mark 1:16-20. Jesus calls His first disciples, saying, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” What does it mean to follow Jesus as King rather than just seeking Him as Savior? What are some practical ways we can live under Jesus’ authority in our daily lives?
What is one specific way you can live under Jesus’ authority this week?
LIVING
The challenge for the week ahead is to grow in our faith and lovingly hold each other accountable through the community.
Each day this week, identify one area of your life where you tend to take control and intentionally submit it to Jesus as King. Pray over it, ask how His Kingdom changes your approach, and take one practical step of obedience to live under His rule. Before you go, share one area you anticipate surrendering this week with the group, and take time to pray for one another.
Each day this week, identify one area of your life where you tend to take control and intentionally submit it to Jesus as King. Pray over it, ask how His Kingdom changes your approach, and take one practical step of obedience to live under His rule. Before you go, share one area you anticipate surrendering this week with the group, and take time to pray for one another.