Walk In The Spirit
Icebreaker Question: If you could describe your spiritual journey as a type of path (straight highway, winding road, mountain trail, etc.), what would it be and why?
Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual formation is more inside-out than outside-in
Jesus cares more about transforming our hearts than managing our image. True growth starts on the inside.
2. Spiritual formation is more of a dance than a march
Following Jesus isn't a rigid, identical path for everyone. The Holy Spirit leads us uniquely while staying with us wherever we go.
3. Spiritual formation is more of a clinging than a climbing
Maturity in Christ means growing in dependence on Him, not independence from Him. We need Jesus more, not less.
4. Spiritual formation is more about the root than the fruit
When we take care of the root (our heart connection to Jesus), He takes care of the fruit (the outcomes in our lives).
Discussion Questions
1. What stood out to you most from this week's message? What made it memorable?
2. Have you ever felt pressure to "look like" a Christian on the outside while struggling on the inside? What was that experience like?
Inside Out vs. Outside In
3. Read Matthew 23:27-28 (Jesus' words to the Pharisees about whitewashed tombs). Why is it easier to focus on external behavior rather than heart transformation? What are the dangers of this approach?
4. What does it practically look like to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" and be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2)?
Dance vs. March
5. How does viewing spiritual growth as a "dance" rather than a "march" change your perspective on your relationship with Jesus?
6. The Apostle Paul went to Traos instead of staying in Macedonia, yet God still used him. Share a time when you felt like you "got off track" but God was still working. How does this encourage you?
7. What spiritual practices or rhythms (Bible reading, prayer, community, service) resonate most with how God uniquely made you? How can you lean into those more?
Clinging vs. Climbing
8. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's?
9. Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). How does this challenge our culture's view of strength and self-sufficiency?
10. What does "childlike faith" look like in your daily life? How is this different from childishness?
Root vs. Fruit
11. Looking at the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), which ones do you see growing in your life? Which ones feel absent or underdeveloped?
12. Looking at the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, are there any that have been getting your attention lately? What might that reveal about where your heart is rooted?
Personal Reflection Questions
(Take 3-5 minutes of silence for personal reflection)
Where is my heart rooted right now? In Jesus, or in something else?
What would it look like for me to "remain" in Jesus this week?
Is there an area of my heart I've been withholding from God?
Practical Application
Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Root Check
Set aside 15 minutes three times this week to honestly examine your heart. Ask God: "What am I rooted in right now? Where have I been finding my identity, security, or worth?" Journal what He reveals.
Option 2: Clinging Practice
Identify one area where you've been trying to be self-sufficient. Each day this week, intentionally pray about it in the morning, acknowledging your dependence on God. At night, reflect on how He showed up.
Option 3: Personal Dance
Explore how God uniquely made you to connect with Him. Try a different spiritual practice this week (worship through music, prayer walk, serving someone, reading Scripture in a new way, etc.) and notice what draws your heart closer to Jesus.
Option 4: Fruit Examination
Choose one fruit of the Spirit you'd like to see grow in your life. Instead of trying to manufacture it, spend time each day asking God to cultivate it from the inside out. Notice what He does.
Prayer Prompts:
Pray for hearts that are surrendered to Jesus, not just behavior that looks Christian.
Pray for freedom from performance-based spirituality.
Pray for greater dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the specific fruit of the Spirit that group members want to see grow.
Pray for anyone who needs to give their heart to Jesus (or back to Jesus).
Group Prayer:
Take time for group members to share specific prayer requests related to their spiritual growth. Have someone pray over each request.
Key Scripture
Galatians 5:16-25
Supporting Passages:
John 15:5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches"
Romans 12:1-2 - Transformation by renewing your mind
2 Corinthians 2:14 - God leads us in triumph
Key Takeaways
1. Spiritual formation is more inside-out than outside-in
Jesus cares more about transforming our hearts than managing our image. True growth starts on the inside.
2. Spiritual formation is more of a dance than a march
Following Jesus isn't a rigid, identical path for everyone. The Holy Spirit leads us uniquely while staying with us wherever we go.
3. Spiritual formation is more of a clinging than a climbing
Maturity in Christ means growing in dependence on Him, not independence from Him. We need Jesus more, not less.
4. Spiritual formation is more about the root than the fruit
When we take care of the root (our heart connection to Jesus), He takes care of the fruit (the outcomes in our lives).
Discussion Questions
1. What stood out to you most from this week's message? What made it memorable?
2. Have you ever felt pressure to "look like" a Christian on the outside while struggling on the inside? What was that experience like?
Inside Out vs. Outside In
3. Read Matthew 23:27-28 (Jesus' words to the Pharisees about whitewashed tombs). Why is it easier to focus on external behavior rather than heart transformation? What are the dangers of this approach?
4. What does it practically look like to "present your bodies as a living sacrifice" and be "transformed by the renewing of your mind" (Romans 12:1-2)?
Dance vs. March
5. How does viewing spiritual growth as a "dance" rather than a "march" change your perspective on your relationship with Jesus?
6. The Apostle Paul went to Traos instead of staying in Macedonia, yet God still used him. Share a time when you felt like you "got off track" but God was still working. How does this encourage you?
7. What spiritual practices or rhythms (Bible reading, prayer, community, service) resonate most with how God uniquely made you? How can you lean into those more?
Clinging vs. Climbing
8. In what areas of your life are you tempted to rely on your own strength rather than God's?
9. Paul said, "When I am weak, then I am strong" (2 Corinthians 12:10). How does this challenge our culture's view of strength and self-sufficiency?
10. What does "childlike faith" look like in your daily life? How is this different from childishness?
Root vs. Fruit
11. Looking at the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control), which ones do you see growing in your life? Which ones feel absent or underdeveloped?
12. Looking at the works of the flesh listed in Galatians 5:19-21, are there any that have been getting your attention lately? What might that reveal about where your heart is rooted?
Personal Reflection Questions
(Take 3-5 minutes of silence for personal reflection)
Where is my heart rooted right now? In Jesus, or in something else?
What would it look like for me to "remain" in Jesus this week?
Is there an area of my heart I've been withholding from God?
Practical Application
Choose ONE of the following to practice this week:
Option 1: Root Check
Set aside 15 minutes three times this week to honestly examine your heart. Ask God: "What am I rooted in right now? Where have I been finding my identity, security, or worth?" Journal what He reveals.
Option 2: Clinging Practice
Identify one area where you've been trying to be self-sufficient. Each day this week, intentionally pray about it in the morning, acknowledging your dependence on God. At night, reflect on how He showed up.
Option 3: Personal Dance
Explore how God uniquely made you to connect with Him. Try a different spiritual practice this week (worship through music, prayer walk, serving someone, reading Scripture in a new way, etc.) and notice what draws your heart closer to Jesus.
Option 4: Fruit Examination
Choose one fruit of the Spirit you'd like to see grow in your life. Instead of trying to manufacture it, spend time each day asking God to cultivate it from the inside out. Notice what He does.
Prayer Prompts:
Pray for hearts that are surrendered to Jesus, not just behavior that looks Christian.
Pray for freedom from performance-based spirituality.
Pray for greater dependence on the Holy Spirit.
Pray for the specific fruit of the Spirit that group members want to see grow.
Pray for anyone who needs to give their heart to Jesus (or back to Jesus).
Group Prayer:
Take time for group members to share specific prayer requests related to their spiritual growth. Have someone pray over each request.
Key Scripture
Galatians 5:16-25
Supporting Passages:
John 15:5 - "I am the vine, you are the branches"
Romans 12:1-2 - Transformation by renewing your mind
2 Corinthians 2:14 - God leads us in triumph
Posted in Bear Fruit