Jan 23, 2022 | The Kingdom Birthing Within

Follow Along with the Message

1. Doing Life

As a church family, we care about each other’s lives: what we’re celebrating, what we’re
mourning, what decisions we are praying through, and everything in between
(1 Thessalonians 2:8, Romans 12:10, 15). Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing?
● What can you thank God for this week?
● When were you most aware of Jesus’ presence this week? When were you least
aware of Jesus’ presence this week?
● Do you have any practical needs?

2. Jesus Centered

God uses His Word to reveal Himself to us, equip us to live the good life He’s designed
for us, show us our sin, and strengthen us as we follow Him (2 Timothy 3:16-17,
Colossians 1:9-12, and James 1:22-25). Suggested Time: 20-40 minutes
Primary Passage: Matthew 4:23,5:3-11

● Setting the Scene: Read Matthew 4:23
○ Matthew says Jesus went throughout all Galilee, teaching, healing and
proclaiming the gospel of the kingdom. He drew great crowds...Jews and
Gentiles; oppressed for centuries, who were looking for the expected
Messiah.
■ What characteristics were they expecting their Messiah to have,
and how would those characteristics impact their lives? Through
power, or wealth or political freedom?
■ How is this the same today in the world’s view of Christianity?

● The Beatitudes: Read Matthew 5:3-11
○ Jesus begins with “Blessed are the poor in spirit...”
■ Why did He say we are blessed in our poverty of spirit?
■ Define “blessed”, not from the worldly perspective, but from God’s
view.

○ We are blessed, not because of the work we have done, but because of
the work Christ, through the Holy Spirit has done within us.
■ When have you experienced being poor in spirit?

○ When you were able to cry out to God for help, did you experience the
relief and inner joy of that unconditional relationship with Jesus Christ?
○ How is that relationship impacting you and those around you today?
○ When you are squeezed by the pressures of life, what comes out of you?

3. Engaging the Heart

Jesus calls us to walk in the light, confessing our sins to God and each other. God’s
Spirit works through confession and community to lead us to repentance. (Romans
3:23-24, James 5:16 and 1 John 1:5-10) Suggested Time: 10-20 minutes
● How are you doing abiding with Jesus this week in Scripture and prayer?
● What sin do you need to confess to God? What are you struggling to trust Jesus
with this week? How can you give Him control of it? (As people confess sin,
make sure to remind one another of the good news Jesus offers.)

4. Expanding the Kingdom

Just like God the Father sent Jesus on a mission of reconciliation for us, Jesus sends
us out as ambassadors of His reconciliation. We are called to make disciples wherever
we go. (John 20:21 and 2 Corinthians 5:18-20) Suggested time: 10-20 minutes
● People: Who in your life can you be building with right now? What does that look
like during this season?
● Plan: Are there any rhythms planned (virtual or in-person) that we can invite
these friends into? What spiritual conversations do you want to initiate with them
soon?
● Pray: Let’s pray for our people by name; pray for their needs, opportunities to
connect, and opportunities to have spiritual conversations that help them take
next steps toward Jesus.