City Group Guide: The Kingdom Week 5 – “Radical Love & Heart Transformation”
1. Setting the Kingdom Vision (10 min)
Jesus moves from external obedience to internal transformation. In Matthew 5:21–48, He challenges His followers to go beyond surface-level righteousness and address the heart behind the actions.
He reframes anger as something that can destroy from within.
He calls us to purity of heart, not just avoiding lustful acts.
He commands love for enemies, not just neighbors.
Kingdom life is about inner transformation, where our motives align with God’s love rather than mere rule-following.
Discussion:
Which of these challenges—anger, lust, or loving enemies—feels most difficult for you?
How does Jesus’ teaching on inner motives contrast with “trying to do the right thing”?
Where in your life might God be calling you to a deeper heart-level change?
(Leader note: remind the group that growth is a process—this is an invitation, not a guilt trip.)
2. Guide Overview: Heart-Level Righteousness (2 min)
Matthew 5:21–48 shows that righteousness is not just about what we do, but why we do it. Kingdom living transforms inner attitudes—anger becomes reconciliation, lust becomes genuine love, and resentment becomes blessing for enemies. Tonight, we’ll reflect on areas of our hearts that need God’s reshaping and explore practices to align our actions with inner transformation.
3. Kingdom Practice: Reflection and Prayer (30 min)
Step 1: Read the Passage (5 min)
Read Matthew 5:21–48 aloud. Pause and ask: “Which word or phrase challenges your heart the most?”
Step 2: Reflect (5 min)
In quiet prayer, consider:
“Where am I holding onto anger, resentment, or impure desire?”
“How could God help me love beyond natural inclination?”
Step 3: Share and Pray (15 min)
Invite each person to share one area where they sense God calling them to inner transformation. Pray together:
“Father, transform [name]’s heart. Let love flow through them even in difficult relationships, anger, or desires. Shape them into Your Kingdom likeness.”
(Leader tip: modeling vulnerability by sharing your own heart is very important here.)
Step 4: Group Reflection (5 min)
Discuss together:
How does addressing heart-level motives change the way we relate to others?
How might practicing this kind of love affect our community or workplace?
4. Reflection: Kingdom Transformation (5 min)
Re-read Matthew 5:44:
“Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
Reflect: True Kingdom transformation is seen in our ability to love when it’s hard. Where might God be inviting you to practice radical love this week?
Confession - Consider a moment of reflection, by breaking up into male and female (either in groups or partners). Have them ask honestly if there is anything they need to confess, such as particular habits, sin, behaviors or things they want to be free from.
5. Exercise for the Week Ahead (3 min)
Practice: Radical Love in Action
Choose one relationship or situation where love is hard.
Pray daily for God’s help to act in love and mercy.
Observe small changes in your heart or attitude.
Closing Prayer:
“Lord Jesus, You call us to a love that goes beyond our comfort. Transform our hearts so that we love as You love. Give us courage to act in mercy, patience, and forgiveness. May our hearts reflect Your Kingdom in our thoughts, words, and deeds. Amen.”