Engage the Spirit #5

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Engage the Spirit #5 Expressing the Spirit’s Delightful fruit David Staff Part of Connect Group Ques tions September 23, 2018

This Week’s Teaching Idea: True freedom is found alone in Christ, a freedom experienced only through the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:13-26 we are freed from the slavery of religious law we are free from the slavery of the flesh we are free to express delightful, life-giving fruit

GETTING STARTED Although every single government on earth has “officially” banned slavery, it still remains a huge problem. There are actually more slaves in the world today than ever before. By some estimates, up to 50 million people live in modern day bondage. Most of these slaves are in southern Asia (over 20 million), but the rest of Asia, Eastern Europe, Africa and the Middle East all have high levels of slavery as well. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J9_0g7hRW4s) To set the context, DISCUSS How would you define or describe slavery? Why do you think slavery has existed, and sometimes flourished, since the earliest civilizations? Why is slavery so difficult to end? What, or who, are the factors that keep people enslaved? Have you ever been, or felt, enslaved to something or someone?

IN THE WORD The remarkable promise of God, expressed in His word, secured in Christ, and experienced by His Spirit, is a wonderful, refreshing

freedom (see the green bullets above). As you read about the following people, discuss the freedom they experienced in Christ by the Spirit (note: Jesus did his work by or in the power of the Holy Spirit) Luke 4:16-21 What kinds of freedom did Jesus come to provide, and how would he do this? Mark 5:1-20 Think about this man’s life and the freedom he was given. Do you think people today are similarly afflicted? Luke 8:1-2, cf. Mark 16:9-10 What freedom did this woman experience? What was her “before” and then “after” in Christ? Acts 9:1-22 What kind of freedom did Saul experience in meeting Christ? Think through; think about Saul’s background.

If you were to write a short story on the “freedom” you’ve found in Christ, what would that story sound like? Does it have any of the elements you’ve found in these Biblical stories? Share you’re your group members your story of new freedom-found in Christ. Finally, what do you find in Galatians 5:22-23 that you desire the Spirit to express more in and through you? Identify one or two that you desire to shine through you.

MY LIFE – OUR MISSION “Is the Spirit flowing through me?” That’s the question. When He is – and expressing His delightful freedom and fruit, people around us will be attracted to the Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord, living in you, through the Spirit. Life-giving fruit through you. To finish up, pray for someone whom you know needs to find his/her freedom in Christ. Perhaps someone who is enslaved to religion, or to the flesh. Someone who could be set free in Christ. Pray for one another…and for our entire CCC team. Pray that we will a) grow in our corporate dependence upon the Holy Spirit b) Take significant steps either to ENRICH our families or to REACH out to an international Pastor David Staff: How is the Lord using this in your life?

p.s. LEADER GUIDE on reverse side IF YOU’RE LEADING THIS STUDY… September 23-29, 2018 Expressing the Spirit’s Delightful Fruitfulness 3 Insider Insights: Remember that the key idea is: We’ve been set free from that which has enslaved us, free in Christ to express the Spirit’s fruitfulness toward others. In the GETTING STARTED section, this discussion about slavery is an important step to help the group feel the awfulness of slavery and the need for only what Christ can give through the Spirit. TAKE THE TIME to tease out this discussion. AS YOU LEAD THE STUDY: note how Jesus by the Spirit changed lives. Then, personalize it by having people share – even in rough form (it doesn’t need to be polished) – their story of being rescued into freedom by Jesus. A helpful CONNECT GROUP LIFE idea: As a leader, it’s always helpful for you to SET AN EXAMPLE by making sure everyone in the group experiences the following Some affirmation and encouragement – think of ways to verbally encourage each person in the group Inclusion, and diffusing domination – no doubt you have some in your group who have much to share while others remain more quiet. Purposefully include the quieter-ones in the discussion by directing a “we want to hear from you” question toward them. Something like: Hey, Jim…jump in here. What are you thinking when you read this passage? Betty, you’re thinking something I know. What’s on your mind about this? Teamness - In your finishing prayer time, be sure to include each one around the room by name. You’re a ministry team…so help the team members sense their importance to what God is doing through your group and part of CCC.