Thank you so much, Ken Cann, for bringing the message this week!
The Keys to the Kingdom
Matthew 16:15–19 (ESV)
He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter replied, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon Bar-Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you, but my Father who is in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.”
What do you think Jesus meant when He gave Peter the “keys of the Kingdom of Heaven”? How might those keys apply to us today as believers?
How can our words, actions, or attitudes either “unlock” (invite others into) or “lock” (hinder others from entering) the Kingdom of God?
What does it practically look like to “bind” and “loose” things on earth in alignment with God’s will? How does this responsibility influence our daily decisions?
Identifying Our Own “Kingdoms” (Luke 12:15-21)
Luke 12:15-21 (ESV)
And he said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” 16 And he told them a parable, saying, “The land of a rich man produced plentifully, 17 and he thought to himself, ‘What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?’ 18 And he said, ‘I will do this: I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and my goods. 19 And I will say to my soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.” ’ 20 But God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’ 21 So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.”
In the parable of the rich fool, what warning is Jesus giving about building our own kingdoms? How do we recognize when we’re prioritizing personal success over God’s purposes?
What are some modern-day examples of “storing up treasures for ourselves” that might distract us from building God’s Kingdom? Is it possessions only, or is there more to it than that?
How can we shift our focus from accumulating for ourselves to becoming stewards of God’s resources for His Kingdom?
Practical Steps for Kingdom Living
What small, practical actions can you take this week to help “unlock” the Kingdom for someone else in your life—whether through kindness, sharing your faith, or serving?
How can your career, relationships, or daily routines become platforms for advancing God’s Kingdom rather than just personal goals?
What changes would you need to make in your mindset, habits, or priorities to fully embrace your role in building God’s Kingdom?
I would love for you to partner The Orchard Church in 2025. A Partner is someone who is committed to practicing the “Spiritual Growth Engine” in their life consistently for one year… Including serving like Jesus, and unlocking the Kingdom! Try it this year, and see how God works in your life.