“The Kingdom of Self vs. The Kingdom of God.” 🔥 It’s the kind of message that cuts deep and invites transformation. .
Theme: Surrendering the throne of our hearts from self-rule to Christ’s rule.
Key Scriptures:
- Matthew 6:33 – “Seek first the kingdom of God…”
- Luke 9:23–24 – “Deny yourself, take up your cross daily…”
- Galatians 2:20 – “I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.”
- Genesis 3:5 – “You will be like God…” (origin of the self-kingdom)
- Romans 12:1–2 – Living sacrifice and renewed mind
🪞 1. The Kingdom of Self: Me on the Throne
Core Beliefs of Self-Kingdom:
- “My will be done”
- Identity found in success, image, control
- Self-justification, self-protection, self-promotion
Symptoms:
- Constant comparison
- Fear of surrender
- Anxiety over control
- Resistance to correction
👑 2. The Kingdom of God: Christ on the Throne
Core Beliefs of God’s Kingdom:
- “Your will be done”
- Identity in being a child of God
- Trust in God’s sovereignty and timing
- Servanthood and humility
Matthew 5–7 (Sermon on the Mount) — a blueprint for Kingdom living
Freedom in the Kingdom:
- Rest from performance
- Confidence in God’s love
- Eternal perspective
⚔️ 3. The Clash: Two Kingdoms in One Heart
Luke 16:13 – “No one can serve two masters…”
This is a daily war:
- Self wants the crown
- Jesus calls for surrender
Questions to Ponder:
- Who’s calling the shots in my decisions?
- Do I trust God’s ways over my instincts?
- Am I seeking comfort or Kingdom purpose?
🛠️ 4. Making the Shift: From Self to Savior
Practical Steps:
- Daily surrender in prayer: “Lord, I step off the throne today.”
- Practice silence & solitude – letting go of control
- Serve others intentionally – dethrones self
- Confess and repent quickly – keeps Jesus at the center
Romans 12:1–2 – The renewing of our minds brings Kingdom transformation.
🙏 Prayer Focus:
“Father, reveal where self still rules. Help me surrender my desires, fears, and plans. Jesus, be the King of my heart today.”
✍️ Journaling Prompt:
- Where in my life have I been trying to build my own kingdom?
- What would it look like to fully let Christ reign in that area?
“My Kingdom vs. God’s Kingdom”
Goal: To help us recognize where personal control and self-rule compete with God’s reign in our lives, and to move toward surrender and trust in God’s Kingdom.
🕊️ Session Overview
- Time: 60–75 minutes
- Audience: Small group (6–12 people)
- Focus Passage: Matthew 6:33, Luke 9:23–24, Romans 12:1–2
- Focus: We often try to build our own kingdoms, but Jesus calls us to surrender to His rule — where true freedom and purpose are found.
Part 1: Scripture & Discussion (30–40 min)
1. Icebreaker (5–10 min)
:
“If you were king or queen for a day, what’s the first thing you’d do?”
2. Scripture Aloud:
- Matthew 6:33 – Seek first the kingdom
- Luke 9:23–24 – Deny yourself, take up your cross
- Romans 12:1–2 – Living sacrifice, renewed mind
3. Discussion Questions:
- In what ways do we try to build our own kingdoms (comfort, status, control, etc.)?
- What does Jesus mean by “take up your cross daily”?
- Where is it hardest for you to surrender control to God?
- What’s one area of life where you sense God asking you to step off the throne?
- How can seeking His kingdom actually lead to more peace and freedom?
Reflection & Response (20–30 min)
“Lord, where am I building my kingdom instead of Yours? What does surrender look like this week?”
2. Prayer Time (10–15 min)
- Pair up and pray for each other
- Group prayer: “Lord, Your Kingdom come…”
- Worship song as a time of surrender (r “I Surrender”)
Throughout the week:
- Pray daily: “God, show me where I’m choosing my kingdom over Yours.”
- Do one intentional act of surrender (could be serving someone else, forgiving, letting go of control, etc.)
- Week 1: The Clash of Kingdoms
- Week 2: Control vs. Trust
- Week 3: Surrender and Freedom
- Week 4: Living as Citizens of the Kingdom