Galatians 5:13-26
Icebreaker:
Have you ever thought to yourself, "that person must be a Christian" even though you didn't know that person? What was it about them that made you think that?
Scripture Discussion:
v. 13 - What key concept describes the believer?
(The believer is described as "free.")
v. 14 - What command summarizes God's law, and how does this help us in using our freedom?
(Freedom in Christ is good news! It calls us to "serve one another in love" We use our freedom to follow God's way of love rather than to indulge in sinful nature.)
v. 15 - In today's culture, what might it mean to bite and devour each other?
v. 16 - What does Paul mean by "living in.." and "keeping step with the Spirit"? How can you do that in your daily life?
v. 18 - If we are no longer "under the law," why do we still struggle to live in line with God's law?
v. 19-21 - What quality is lacking in the person who indulges in the sinful nature?
(The lack of love for God and others.)
v. 21 Paul warns, "Those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God." What is the kingdom of God?
(Help group members see that the kingdom of God is found wherever God is honored and served as the highest authority. In this kingdom God's desires and commands have precedence over any other rules or desires. Again, love is the main characteristic of the kingdom of God, because love is the essence of God's nature (see 1 John 4:7-21).
v. 22-26 - What qualities describe the fruits of the Spirit? Is this a "to do" list or a "to be" list? Explain?
What do these qualities reveal about God's character?
(The list of qualities known as the "fruit of the Spirit" is a description of the very character of God. The fruit of the Spirit is the character of God being built in the believer.)
If there is such a clear distinction between living in the flesh and living in the Spirit, why do we find ourselves wavering between the two? How can they be so opposite, but yet they are sometimes both prevalent in our lives?
In what way do all of these qualities of the Spirit hang together?
(If people have trouble seeing that all these things are qualities of the same fruit, ask a few questions like these:
- Is it possible for an unkind person to be filled with joy?
- Can a person who lacks self-control have peace?)
Which types of spiritual fruit come naturally to you, and which don't?
What does Paul mean when he says we are to "crucify the sinful nature" in verse 24?
(See also Romans 6:12-13)
Next Steps:
Think on how Jesus is causing the fruit of the Spirit to grow in you. Is there any area in which your life is less fruitful than it should be? What is one way you can nurture the growth of that fruit in you?
Write down 3 ways you will grow in love with God this week.
Write down 3 ways you will show love towards others this week.
Pray:
Pray for each member of the group, that we would be more cooperative in the heart-shaping changes Jesus wants to make in us.
Ask the Spirit of Jesus to guide you in truth and to change you as needed.
Happenings:
Good Friday Night of Worship
Friday, April 19th
7:00 PM
South Fork Campus
Family Service (Childcare for children up to Pre-K)
We will gather for a time of worship as we remember, reflect, and rejoice about the remarkable work Jesus accomplished on the cross for us. Join us for this special evening as we begin Easter weekend.
Read Through Galatians
During this 8-week study of the book of Galatians, we are challenging ourselves to read along in Galatians during the week as we go. Turns out there are 6 chapters in Galatians, so we'd love for you to join us by reading one chapter of Galatians each day Monday–Friday each week during the 8-week study.
If you do, then at the end you'll have read through the book 8 times, heard 8 sermons on it, and had 8 opportunities to discuss it in rGroups if your rGroup follows our sermon series. We hope you'll lean into this challenge and encourage your group to do so as well and that God will speak to you powerfully along the way!
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