Discussion Questions:

• Thinking of our "Stop and Pray" assignment (from the Sermon), write down the names of 5 people whom you might be able to stop and pray with this week. How did it go? Who'd you actually pray with? Share your stories in your small group or family.

_ What are some areas of your life that you DON'T pray over? Take a few minutes to think of categories.

• How could you be more childlike in your praying?

Let's memorize this passage together as a church family! Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

Discussion Questions

• When you hear “be filled with the Spirit,” do you tend to think primarily about an individual experience? How does Ephesians 5:18–21 broaden that understanding?
• What tends to fill, influence, or control you instead of the Holy Spirit?
• How can our community group or church community help one another “keep on being filled with the Spirit”?

Discussion Questions:

• What are some prayers you have prayed that were sincere, but also mixed with confusion, fear, or selfish desire?
• Have you ever had someone care for you so deeply that they seemed to hurt with you in your pain? How did that shape or comfort you?

Romans 8:26 says the Spirit intercedes “with groanings too deep for words.”

• How does this encourage you in seasons when you feel weak, confused, weary, or unable to put your pain into words?

Discussion Questions:

• What is the difference between trying to become a better person through your own willpower and being transformed by the Holy Spirit?
• What does it look like to “walk by the Spirit” (Gal 5:16 ) in the ordinary routines of life?
• Where do you most clearly sense the struggle between the flesh and the Spirit in your life?
• The fruit of the Spirit is singular, not plural. What does this teach us about the nature of spiritual maturity?

Let's memorize this passage together as a church family! By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8

Discussion Questions:

- Why does Paul say that holiness is an obligation, not an option? What other Scripture passages back up your reasoning?

- What sin do you need to put to death and what practical steps will you start with?

- How do you personally sense assurance from the Holy Spirit?

Let's memorize this passage together as a church family! By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13

Discussion Questions

• According to Romans 8:9–11, who is the Holy Spirit? In what ways do you think we tend to underestimate or misunderstand him?
• Why is it “better” that we have the Holy Spirit instead of Jesus in the flesh? Do you ever wish Jesus were physically present instead?
• Which aspect of the Spirit's ministry—teaching, dwelling, or helping—have you experienced recently? Which have you struggled to recognize in your own life?

Discussion Questions

• When you think about your spiritual life, do you tend to focus more on what you do for God or what God has done for you?
• If someone examined your life, what signs would they see that you have been made alive by the Spirit?
• How does the truth that salvation begins with God's initiative cultivate humility and gratitude in your life?
• Who in your life needs the life-giving work of the Holy Spirit, and how can you intentionally pray for and engage them this week?

Discussion Questions: - Where are you most likely to treat the Holy Spirit as vague, distant, or secondary rather than as the personal presence of God within you? - Jesus calls the Spirit “another Helper.” Where in your life do you most need the Spirit’s help right now: comfort, conviction, courage, obedience, assurance, or wisdom? - Jesus says the Spirit will be with us “forever.” Where do you feel the ache for permanence, security, or not being abandoned? Let's memorize this passage together as a church family! By this we know that we abide in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit. 1 John 4:13