Session 1 The War Between Two Kingdoms
FOR GROUP PARTICIPATION These elements of the study are best used with others in a group setting.
How Did It Go Last Week? Share your successes and trials with the group. (10 minutes) In the coming sessions, questions and topics will be provided here for group discussion of your experiences in putting into practice what you learned each week. And God Said… Read aloud Corinthians 5:14–2 . What is the Point? Read these statements aloud and keep them in mind during the video. (5 minutes) God calls every pastor to live as his ambassador—faithfully representing the message, methods, and character of the King in every relationship—whether in ministry or at home. Ministry and marriage are not competing callings but share the same purpose: to reflect Christ faithfully. • You are called to be an ambassador of Christ—a living representative of king Jesus. • Ministry is a war between two kingdoms: the kingdom of self and the kingdom of God. • Grace can restore and realign the hearts of weary ministers. Petition Pray this together aloud. King Jesus, thank you for the privilege of serving as your ambassadors. What an honor it is to represent Christ in our families, churches, and communities. Thank you for calling us out of darkness and into your kingdom of light. We confess that we too often live for the kingdom of self. We chase comfort, control, and approval rather than your glory. Show us where we need your grace and give us the courage to confess and turn back to Christ. Spirit of God, work in our hearts today. Renew our love for you and make us faithful representatives of your character, your methods, and your message. Amen. Hear the Word
Watch the video. (34 minutes) Let's Talk About That Discuss these questions. (30 minutes)
1. In the video, Paul shared a story about how he almost resigned from ministry. What part of that story surprised or resonated with you? When is a time God sent a person of grace to give you grace in ministry?
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2. Why do you think so many pastors feel tension between the ministry, marriage, and family? 3. Paul Tripp said, "There is no conversation in the New Testament about the tension between family and ministry. None." Why is it vital to trust that God would never call us to succeed in one area of life by failing in another? 4. Read Proverbs 4:23 and 1 Timothy 3:4–5. What is the connection between guarding the heart and leading well at home? How might health in the home strengthen public ministry? 5. Scripture gives pastors many responsibilities—shepherding, teaching, leading, caring for souls. How do all these callings fit under the larger role of being Christ’s ambassador (2 Corinthians 5:20)? What difference might it make if you viewed each aspect of ministry through that ambassador lens? 6. Paul Tripp mentioned that the call to represent Christ as his ambassador should be the focus of every single thing we do in ministry. Why is it often difficult to keep that focus? In what ways can living with the identity as ambassador actually bring freedom and rest? 7. Paul Tripp explains that ministry is always a battle between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of self—we feel that subtle pull to make ministry about what we want rather than what Christ wants. Where do you see that battle in your own heart or leadership? What helps you resist the pull to live for yourself and stay faithful to Christ’s calling? 8. Tripp warns that “the kingdom of self is a costumed kingdom”—it can look and sound like obedience even while serving our own desires. Read Matthew 23:5–7. How can you tell when self-glory is hiding beneath spiritual language or ministry success? What helps you keep your service aimed at God’s glory rather than people’s praise? 9. We’ve learned that “some of the deepest idolatries live in places that seem the most God-ward.” What essential practices have you found to guard your heart and keep your service centered on Christ rather than self? 10. Read Jonah 3:1 and remember that “there is no pit so deep that Jesus isn’t deeper.” In what specific ways do you need God’s grace to meet you in your ministry right now?
FOR PERSONAL APPLICATION These aspects of the study can be used in between group sessions on your own, either with your spouse or individually as part of your devotional and confession life.
Do Something During the week ahead, turn your learning into doing.
1. Pray for a renewed ambassador's heart : Ask God to help you see every part of your ministry and family life through the lens of representing Christ—His message, His methods, and His character. Begin each day with a short prayer: “Lord, help me to serve as Your ambassador today—in my words, my tone, my decisions, and my relationships.” Let this prayer reorient your heart toward
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faithful representation rather than self-advancement. 2. Ask your spouse for honest feedback : Invite your spouse to speak candidly about how your ministry life affects your marriage and home. Listen without defending yourself or explaining away what you hear. Ask gentle questions such as, “Where have I been absent or distracted?” or “How can I better serve you as Christ’s representative at home?” Seek to view their perspectives as “God’s invisible grace” and an opportunity for repentance and renewal. 3. Evaluate your Ministry Calendar : Prayerfully consider your ministry and family calendars. Identify one adjustment you could make for a more balanced approach to these callings. 4. Bring grace into your home : Spend some time in prayer and reflection on how you can be an ambassador of Christ’s message, methods, and character in your home. Write out concrete ways you can bring grace into your home. Search Me, O God For prayerful introspection during the coming week, choose a few of these questions that resonate with you and write your thoughts in a journal as you bring them before the Lord. • Where am I quietly building the kingdom of self instead of the kingdom of God, and how does that show up in the way I lead, speak, or measure success? • What would those closest to me say about how I represent Christ at home? • In what ways has my ministry become more about image, approval, or control rather than faithfulness to Christ? • How has my desire for self-glory disguised itself as obedience in my life? • Where do I most need God’s grace to meet me right now? What is one truth about God’s grace I most need to remember? For More from Paul Tripp, Read: Do You Believe? , Introduction: The Dangerous Dichotomy
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