Recap
From the very beginning, God's desire has been to walk with his people. Even after humanity chose independence in the Garden, God never abandoned his plan to restore that relationship. Jesus paid our debt on the cross, defeated sin and death through his resurrection, and was established as Lord over all. But the story didn't end there. When we surrender to him, we're adopted into God's family and given the Holy Spirit, God's very presence dwelling within us. The same God who walked with Adam and Eve now walks with us, guiding, teaching, and transforming us from the inside out.
Throughout God's Story, we've seen that faith grows as we learn to trust God instead of relying on ourselves. Life in the Spirit is another invitation into that same kind of trust. Rather than forging ahead with our own plans or trying harder to follow rules, we're invited to slow down, listen, and depend on the Spirit's guidance and power. That dependence is how we're trained to trust our King. When we're out of step with the Spirit, it often shows up in hostility, jealousy, selfish ambition, or division—a gentle invitation to stop and return to him. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, his life becomes evident through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Christian life isn't about becoming stronger on our own; it's about learning to trust the One who is already with us.
Throughout God's Story, we've seen that faith grows as we learn to trust God instead of relying on ourselves. Life in the Spirit is another invitation into that same kind of trust. Rather than forging ahead with our own plans or trying harder to follow rules, we're invited to slow down, listen, and depend on the Spirit's guidance and power. That dependence is how we're trained to trust our King. When we're out of step with the Spirit, it often shows up in hostility, jealousy, selfish ambition, or division—a gentle invitation to stop and return to him. But when we walk in step with the Spirit, his life becomes evident through love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Christian life isn't about becoming stronger on our own; it's about learning to trust the One who is already with us.
Reflection & Training
Use the following questions to reflect on your relationship with the Spirit. Make time to debrief with your spouse or friend. Encourage one another as you continue to learn to listen and follow the Spirit's lead in your life.
Living by the Spirit
Explore your beliefs around trusting God and following the Spirit. What do you discover?
Have you ever used "planning" to substitute for the leading of Spirit?
How can we operate in 21st century America and still remain reliant on the Spirit first?
How many areas of your life (relationships, career, diet, entertainment, etc.) are dominated by your submission to the Holy Spirit and being led by him?
Are there areas you have not opened to Him or asked His opinion and direction about?
What are some practical things you could do to keep in step (or get back in step) with the Spirit throughout your day?
How much does fear play into an unwillingness to receive direction from the Spirit? Do you fear "not being normal?" Share some places you feel challenged in your understanding of the Spirit and what’s at the heart of that belief.
Listening to the Spirit
Share a story about how you trusted your father's voice. How do you experience "hearing" his voice?
How does listening to the Spirit train your heart in trust?
Practice listening to the Spirit and following his lead this week.
Share with your spouse or a friend some success stories, as well as moments when you decided to be dependent on yourself.
Share your Thoughts
Take a moment to share your reflections with your group in your group chat. Sharing how God is working in your heart will encourage others in your group.