Sunday, September 17, 2023
Today, I encourage you to pause and consider how God is inviting you to live out the weekend message in the coming days.
To begin, take a few moments to sit quietly before God. Set aside any distractions, close your eyes, and take a few slow, deep breaths. With each exhalation, give him your worries and concerns and let his peace wash over you.
Next, take some time to read the verses below and explore the questions that follow. You can do this on your own or with others.
Ephesians 1:13-14
13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago. 14 The Spirit is God’s guarantee that he will give us the inheritance he promised and that he has purchased us to be his own people. He did this so we would praise and glorify him.
Galatians 5:16-17
16 So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. 17 The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants. And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires. These two forces are constantly fighting each other, so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
What do you learn about God in these verses?
What do you learn about the Holy Spirit?
What do you think God may be trying to teach you through these verses?
Finally, consider recording your responses in a journal, whether digital or hardcopy. It's a great way to be able to look back on the adventure God has you on.
Prayer:
Lord, I praise you! You love me so much that you have made me your child and given me the gift of the Holy Spirit. Yet, I still try to live life on my own terms. Help me surrender, Lord, and allow your Holy Spirit to guide me each day. I ask this in Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
John 14:26
“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”
******************************************
Discussion Questions:
Icebreaker: Where is the most peaceful place you have been?
What struggles do you feel people in your sphere are navigating? What behaviors do these seem to lead to?
Read Galatians 5:17. What are the tensions people experience between the two natures? How have you seen this lived out?
What do you learn when you read Galatians 5:22? How does understanding what produces the fruit give you peace?
What is one thing you can do this week to live under the power of God's Spirit versus your own?
This post was written by Kelly Pagel, Director of the LivingItOut Devotional.