Living Out Kingdom Values: Influence, Forgiveness, and Service
Summary
This morning, we explored Jesus’ words in Luke 17:1-10, where He calls His disciples to a higher standard of living within the Kingdom of God. The passage begins with a sobering warning: each of us has the potential to lead others astray, whether intentionally or not. Jesus makes it clear that we must guard our influence, being careful not to become stumbling blocks to those who are younger or weaker in the faith. Our actions, words, and even our choices can have a profound impact on those around us, and we are called to be mindful of how we represent Christ in every area of our lives.
Jesus then moves to the topic of forgiveness, challenging us to forgive freely—even when it’s difficult or when the offense is repeated. He doesn’t give us the option to judge the sincerity of someone’s repentance; our responsibility is to forgive as often as necessary, trusting God to handle the rest. Forgiveness is not just a feeling but a decision, one that releases both the offender and ourselves into God’s grace.
The disciples, recognizing the difficulty of this command, ask Jesus to increase their faith. Jesus responds by teaching that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the impossible. The power is not in the size of our faith, but in the One in whom our faith rests. Even a little trust in God can uproot deep bitterness and enable us to do what seems unnatural—like forgiving repeatedly.
Jesus then tells a parable about a servant and his master, reminding us that our service to God is not about seeking recognition or applause. We are called to serve faithfully out of obedience and love, not for the approval of others. Our motivation should be to honor God, knowing that even when we have done all that is required, we are still unworthy servants—our worth is defined by God’s grace, not our works.
Finally, we are invited to reflect on our own lives: Are we guarding our influence? Are we quick to forgive? Do we trust God with even a small faith? Are we serving for recognition, or out of humble obedience? These are the questions Jesus puts before us, calling us to grow in Christlikeness and to live in harmony with one another.
Key Takeaways
- Guarding our influence is a sacred responsibility. Every believer’s actions, words, and choices can either guide others toward Christ or become a stumbling block. We must be vigilant, especially around those who are spiritually young or vulnerable, ensuring that our lives reflect Jesus and do not lead others into sin. [32:47]
- Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. Jesus calls us to forgive as often as necessary, even when it feels undeserved or repetitive. True forgiveness releases both the offender and ourselves, allowing God’s grace to heal and restore relationships, and it is a tangible expression of Christ’s love to the world. [43:19]
- The power of faith is not in its size, but in its object. Even a mustard seed of genuine faith in Christ can uproot deep-seated bitterness or unforgiveness. When we trust God, even in our weakness, He enables us to do what seems impossible—like forgiving those who have hurt us repeatedly. [47:35]
- Serving God is about obedience, not recognition. Our motivation for serving should be rooted in love for God and a desire to honor Him, not in seeking applause or acknowledgment from others. Faithful service is simply our duty as followers of Christ, and our worth is found in God’s grace, not in our achievements. [50:46]
- Humility is the posture of a true servant. Recognizing that we are unworthy servants, we serve not to earn God’s favor but in response to His grace. This humility keeps our hearts aligned with Christ, reminding us that all we do is for His glory and not our own, and that our greatest reward is found in Him alone. [52:41]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[26:33] - Fellowship and Announcements
[27:32] - Reflecting on Hard Questions
[28:42] - Reading Luke 17:1-10
[29:53] - The Parable of the Servant
[30:27] - The Story of the Twisted Signpost
[32:12] - Jesus Prepares His Disciples
[32:47] - Guard Your Influence
[35:37] - Our Witness and Responsibility
[39:56] - Forgive Freely, Even When It’s Hard
[45:41] - Trust in the Power of Small Faith
[49:11] - Serve Faithfully Without Recognition
[52:41] - Adopt the Attitude of a Humble Servant
[53:42] - What Is Your Duty to Christ?
[55:51] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living in the Kingdom (Luke 17:1-10)
---
### Bible Reading
- Luke 17:1-10
---
### Observation Questions
1. In Luke 17:1-2, what warning does Jesus give about causing others to stumble? What does He say would be better than causing a “little one” to sin?
[[28:42]]
2. According to Jesus in verses 3-4, how often are we to forgive someone who sins against us and repents?
[[39:56]]
3. When the disciples ask Jesus to “increase our faith,” how does He respond? What does He say about the size of faith?
[[45:41]]
4. In the parable of the servant (verses 7-10), what attitude does Jesus say His followers should have after doing all that is commanded?
[[52:41]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus gives such a strong warning about being a stumbling block to others, especially to those who are “little ones” or new in the faith?
[[32:47]]
2. Jesus says we are to forgive even if someone sins against us seven times in a day and repents each time. What does this reveal about the nature of forgiveness in the Kingdom of God?
[[43:19]]
3. The disciples felt overwhelmed by Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness and asked for more faith. What does Jesus’ answer about the mustard seed teach us about the kind of faith God is looking for?
[[47:35]]
4. In the parable, Jesus says we are “unworthy servants” who have only done our duty. What does this teach about our motivation for serving God and others?
[[52:41]]
---
### Application Questions
1. Jesus warns us to guard our influence and not be a stumbling block to others. Can you think of a time when your actions or words may have influenced someone’s faith journey, either positively or negatively? What changes could you make to be more mindful of your influence, especially around those who are spiritually young or vulnerable?
[[32:47]]
2. Forgiveness is described as a decision, not a feeling. Is there someone in your life you are struggling to forgive, perhaps because the offense has happened more than once? What would it look like to choose forgiveness this week, even if your feelings haven’t caught up yet?
[[43:19]]
3. Jesus says even a small amount of faith can uproot deep bitterness or unforgiveness. Are there areas in your life where you feel your faith is “too small” to make a difference? How might you take a step of trust in God in that area this week?
[[47:35]]
4. The sermon talked about serving God out of obedience and love, not for recognition. Are there ways you serve—at church, at home, or in your community—where you find yourself wanting to be noticed or thanked? How can you shift your motivation to simply honoring God?
[[50:46]]
5. Jesus calls us to adopt the attitude of a humble servant, recognizing that our worth comes from God’s grace, not our achievements. What are some practical ways you can cultivate humility in your daily life?
[[52:41]]
6. The sermon ended with a challenge to reflect: Are you guarding your influence? Are you quick to forgive? Do you trust God with even a small faith? Are you serving for recognition, or out of humble obedience? Which of these questions challenges you the most right now, and what is one step you can take this week to grow in that area?
[[53:42]]
7. Think about your “duty to Christ” as described in the sermon. What is one specific area where you sense God calling you to greater faithfulness or obedience? How can your small group support you in this?
[[53:42]]
---
Close in prayer, asking God to help each person grow in these areas and to live out the teachings of Jesus in Luke 17:1-10.
Devotional
Day 1: Guard Your Influence—Don’t Lead Others to Sin
Each of us has the potential to influence those around us, for better or for worse. Jesus warns that it is a grave thing to cause another, especially someone young or new in the faith, to stumble or fall into sin. Our words, actions, and choices matter deeply, and we are called to be mindful of how our lives impact others. Even things that seem harmless to us may be a stumbling block to someone else. As followers of Christ, we are to be guides toward Him, not obstacles in someone’s spiritual journey. Let your life point others to Jesus, not away from Him. [34:10]
Luke 17:1-2 (ESV)
And he said to his disciples, “Temptations to sin are sure to come, but woe to the one through whom they come! It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck and he were cast into the sea than that he should cause one of these little ones to sin.”
Reflection: Is there a habit, word, or action in your life that could be a stumbling block to someone else’s faith? What is one step you can take today to guard your influence and point others toward Christ?
Day 2: Forgive Freely, Even When It’s Hard
Forgiveness is not always easy, especially when someone wrongs us repeatedly. Yet Jesus calls us to forgive as often as someone repents, not judging their sincerity but releasing them—and ourselves—into God’s grace. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling, and it reflects the heart of Christ to those around us. When we forgive, we offer others a taste of God’s mercy and free ourselves from the burden of bitterness. Let forgiveness become your habit, even when it feels difficult or undeserved. [43:19]
Luke 17:3-4 (ESV)
“Pay attention to yourselves! If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him, and if he sins against you seven times in the day, and turns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ you must forgive him.”
Reflection: Who is someone you need to forgive today, even if it’s the seventh time? What would it look like to make the decision to forgive them, trusting God to help with the feelings?
Day 3: Trust in the Power of Small Faith
Sometimes the challenges Jesus calls us to—like forgiving repeatedly—feel impossible. The disciples asked for more faith, but Jesus assured them that even faith as small as a mustard seed can accomplish the impossible when placed in Him. It’s not the size of your faith, but the One in whom you trust, that makes the difference. Even a little faith can uproot deep bitterness or help you do what feels unnatural. Don’t be discouraged by what you lack; bring your small faith to Jesus and watch Him work. [47:35]
Luke 17:5-6 (ESV)
The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!” And the Lord said, “If you had faith like a grain of mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘Be uprooted and planted in the sea,’ and it would obey you.”
Reflection: What is one area where you feel your faith is too small? How can you take a step of trust in Jesus today, even if it feels like just a mustard seed?
Day 4: Serve Faithfully Without Needing Recognition
True service to God is not about being noticed or thanked by others, but about faithfully doing what He asks of us. Jesus reminds us that our motivation should be obedience and love for God, not the applause of people. Whether or not anyone sees or acknowledges your service, God does. Serve with all your heart as unto the Lord, knowing that your reward comes from Him. Let humility and faithfulness define your service, not the desire for recognition. [50:46]
Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV)
Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.
Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to seek recognition for your service? How can you shift your motivation today to serve for God’s glory alone?
Day 5: Adopt the Attitude of a Humble Servant
At the end of the day, all that we do for Christ is simply our duty as His servants. We are not owed gratitude or special status; instead, we owe everything to God’s grace. Embracing humility means recognizing that our worth is not defined by our works, but by God’s love and mercy. Let your heart echo, “I am an unworthy servant; I have only done my duty.” This attitude keeps us grounded, grateful, and ready to honor our Master in all things. [52:41]
Luke 17:10 (ESV)
“So you also, when you have done all that you were commanded, say, ‘We are unworthy servants; we have only done what was our duty.’”
Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally practice humility today, reminding yourself that your value comes from God’s grace and not your achievements?
Quotes
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