Life Group Questions

I. The Kingdom’s Existence and Nature

1. Why is the Kingdom of God an important doctrine for Christians to understand? Briefly discuss the concept of the Kingdom and its elements.

2. What does it mean that the Kingdom of God is present, yet there is more to come (cf. Luke 11:20; 1 Corinthians 15:24)? Describe some proof that the Kingdom of God is present. How should the Kingdom of God encourage and challenge us to live?

3. What, if any, is the difference in teaching about the Kingdom of God in the Old Testament compared to the New Testament? What is significant about the Kingdom being a major focus of Jesus’ teaching in the New Testament (cf. Matthew 4:17)?

II. The Kingdom’s Authority and Reign

1. How does God’s Kingdom differ from earthly kingdoms? Briefly describe the authority exercised by God’s Kingdom (cf. Psalm 145:13).

2. How does properly understanding the authority of God’s Kingdom help us deal with issues of life (e.g., suffering, conflict, death, illness, disappointment, etc.)? What assurance and hope does the Kingdom of God afford Christians (cf. Matthews 5:10; John 16:33)?

3. What did Jesus mean when He said that we should pray for God’s Kingdom to come (cf. Matt. 6:10)? How would more of God’s Kingdom change your life and the lives of others around you?

III. The Kingdom’s King and Laws

1. Why is recognizing and honoring Christ as the King of God’s Kingdom important (cf. Psalm 2)? How does King Jesus differ from all other earthly kings (cf. John 18:36; Philippians 2)?

2. Read and list some observations about God’s King from the following passages: Isaiah 9:6-7; Genesis 49:8-12; Numbers 24:7-8; 1 Chronicles 17:11-15; Daniel 7:13-14.

3. In general, what laws govern the Kingdom of God (cf. Matthew 22:37-40)? How would you assess your obedience to these laws? In what ways can you grow in following these laws?

IV. The Kingdom’s Citizens

1. What does it mean to be a citizen of God’s Kingdom? How does citizenship in God’s Kingdom benefit us (cf. Philippians 3:20)? On what basis does one become a citizen of God’s Kingdom (cf. John 3:5; Matthew 7:15-23)?

2. What kind of people inherit the Kingdom of God(cf.1 Corinthians1:9-11; Galatians 5:19-21)? What does it mean to be a good citizen of God’s Kingdom (cf. Luke 12:35-43)?

3. When was the Kingdom of God prepared for its citizens (cf. Matthews 25:31-34)? What future hope is reserved for those who are citizens of God’s Kingdom (cf. Revelation 5:9-10; 7:9-12)? What impact should this have on the way we live our lives?

by Danny Jarmon / Pastoral Care Ministries