INTRODUCTION
Are you frustrated as you try to live out the Christian life? Maybe you've tried, only to find that you keep giving in to the same temptations over and over again. You really do want to live out your faith, but you find yourself unable to at times. In this session, we'll discuss how the Holy Spirit helps us live out our Christian faith by leading us into lawless living.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- Read John 16:7. Why did Jesus state that his going away would be good? How could the presence of the Spirit in them be better than the presence of Jesus with them?
- Read John 14:26. Have you ever had someone act as a counselor or advocate on your behalf? How did this person help you navigate through the situation you found yourself in?
- Read Galatians 5:16-17. How have you experienced conflict between the Spirit and your sinful nature?
- Read Galatians 5:18. How have you felt the Spirit leading you?
- What difference does it make when you follow the Spirit instead of trying to follow laws?
- Read Galatians 5:22-23. How have you seen the results of following the Spirit in your life? Which fruit of the Spirit would you like to see more of in your life?
- Read Galatians 5:24-25. How can you keep in step with the Spirit this week?
THINK ABOUT IT
To begin keeping in step with the Spirit, you will need to begin to believe that the Holy Spirit of God dwells in you and that He can lead you to a lifestyle characterized by Galatians 5:22-23. That?s different than knowing you ought to be more patient and hoping you can become more patient. That?s different than praying for more self-control and more kindness. It is believing that He can lead you there. Do you believe this to be true?
WHAT WILL YOU DO?
The next step is to recognize His promptings and then to respond by following where He leads you. How will you be more sensitive to the promptings of the Spirit? How will you submit to His leading?
CHANGING YOUR MIND
Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. Galatians 5:25