Pastor Chris talked about the practical ways to be released from the hurts, hang-ups, and habits that hinder our personal and spiritual growth—namely, what it means to be walking in freedom.
MY STORY | Starting Place
What is something you’ve inherited (something physical, emotional, habitual etc.) that you wouldn’t want to pass on to future generations? Who or where does that thing come from? Why don’t you want those who follow in your footsteps to pick this up from you?
DIGGING DEEPER | Practical Biblical Application
Now the works of the flesh are evident: sexual immorality, impurity, sensuality, idolatry, sorcery, enmity, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, rivalries, dissensions, divisions, envy, drunkenness, orgies, and things like these.
(Galatians 5:19-21)
What unsettles you the most from the works of the flesh list? What’s something on this list you would never do?
Which one hits close to home?
Is there anything on that list from which you have broken free? If so, what did that look like?
What is something in your life from which you need to be released?
GROWING TOGETHER | Spiritual Friendship
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. (Galatians 5:22-25)
Discuss each of the fruit of the spirit. What does each one mean? What does it look like in real life?
Which fruit of the spirit comes naturally to you? With which one do you struggle the most? Why do you think that is?
Why is it impossible to consistently live by the flesh and the Spirit at the same time? What makes that a painful state to be in?
Paul says to live in the Spirit is to keep in step with the Spirit. This idea of “keeping in step” is just what it sounds like—keeping up with the Holy Spirit, one step at a time.
What would be the first small step you could take, with the Holy Spirit’s help, to move in the direction of healing from a hurt, that drives a hang-up, that drives a habit?
MOVING OUTWARD | Faith in Action
Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another. (Galatians 5:26)
What are the opposites of being conceited, provoking others, and being envious when it comes to relating to others?
Pick one of these opposites, and focus you energy on that thing in one of your relationships this week—especially in regard to a hurt, hang-up, or habit (either one of yours, or the person with whom you’re doing this.)
Message Notes
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