Spirited Study 6 - Freedom that Leads to Fruit
Read Together: Galatians 5:1–15
Setting the Scene
Paul wrote Galatians because some teachers were telling new Christians that faith in Jesus wasn't enough. They insisted believers also needed to keep the Jewish Law, including circumcision, to belong to God's people truly. Paul strongly disagrees. For Paul, Jesus has done everything necessary to bring us into God's family. We don't earn God's acceptance by following rules. Instead, we receive new life through faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul isn't saying that rules are bad. He's saying that God's people have moved into a new age where the Spirit now does from the inside what the Law could never achieve from the outside. Freedom is therefore not an excuse for self-centred living; it is the opportunity to become the people God created us to be.
Discuss
1. Read verses 1–6.
Paul begins: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."
•What kind of freedom do you think Paul is talking about?
•What are people today tempted to look to in order to feel accepted or "good enough"?
•Why do you think it is so easy to drift back into trying to earn God's approval?
2. Read verses 13–15.
Paul gives an interesting warning: "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
Freedom can go in two directions:
•Why are both of these actually forms of self-centred living?
•What does freedom "expressing itself through love" look like in everyday life?
Read Together
Galatians 5:16–26
Paul contrasts two different ways of living:
•Life directed by the flesh
•Life directed by the Holy Spirit
The "flesh" isn't simply our bodies or physical desires. Throughout Galatians, it describes the old way of life centred on ourselves, where we seek to be our own authority and satisfy our own ambitions. By contrast, the Holy Spirit forms the life of Jesus within us.
Notice that Paul speaks about the acts of the flesh but the fruit of the Spirit. Our own effort produces acts. Fruit grows naturally from a healthy tree.
Discuss
1. Read verses 16–18.
Paul says: "Walk by the Spirit."
•What do you think it means to "walk" with the Spirit rather than simply believe in the Spirit?
•How is walking with the Spirit different from simply trying harder to be a better person?
2. Read verses 22–23.
Which fruit do you see growing most in your own life?
Which one would you most like the Spirit to cultivate in this season?
Why do you think Paul calls this fruit (singular) instead of fruits
3. Read verses 24–26.
Paul finishes by saying: "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Keeping in step suggests an ongoing relationship rather than occasional moments of inspiration.
•What practices help you stay attentive to the Holy Spirit?
•What tends to distract you or pull you out of step?
•What is one practical way you could intentionally walk with the Spirit this week?
Setting the Scene
Paul wrote Galatians because some teachers were telling new Christians that faith in Jesus wasn't enough. They insisted believers also needed to keep the Jewish Law, including circumcision, to belong to God's people truly. Paul strongly disagrees. For Paul, Jesus has done everything necessary to bring us into God's family. We don't earn God's acceptance by following rules. Instead, we receive new life through faith and the gift of the Holy Spirit. Paul isn't saying that rules are bad. He's saying that God's people have moved into a new age where the Spirit now does from the inside what the Law could never achieve from the outside. Freedom is therefore not an excuse for self-centred living; it is the opportunity to become the people God created us to be.
Discuss
1. Read verses 1–6.
Paul begins: "It is for freedom that Christ has set us free."
•What kind of freedom do you think Paul is talking about?
•What are people today tempted to look to in order to feel accepted or "good enough"?
•Why do you think it is so easy to drift back into trying to earn God's approval?
2. Read verses 13–15.
Paul gives an interesting warning: "Do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love."
Freedom can go in two directions:
- trying to earn God's favour by rules
- using freedom as permission to live only for ourselves. Paul rejects both.
•Why are both of these actually forms of self-centred living?
•What does freedom "expressing itself through love" look like in everyday life?
Read Together
Galatians 5:16–26
Paul contrasts two different ways of living:
•Life directed by the flesh
•Life directed by the Holy Spirit
The "flesh" isn't simply our bodies or physical desires. Throughout Galatians, it describes the old way of life centred on ourselves, where we seek to be our own authority and satisfy our own ambitions. By contrast, the Holy Spirit forms the life of Jesus within us.
Notice that Paul speaks about the acts of the flesh but the fruit of the Spirit. Our own effort produces acts. Fruit grows naturally from a healthy tree.
Discuss
1. Read verses 16–18.
Paul says: "Walk by the Spirit."
•What do you think it means to "walk" with the Spirit rather than simply believe in the Spirit?
•How is walking with the Spirit different from simply trying harder to be a better person?
2. Read verses 22–23.
Which fruit do you see growing most in your own life?
Which one would you most like the Spirit to cultivate in this season?
Why do you think Paul calls this fruit (singular) instead of fruits
3. Read verses 24–26.
Paul finishes by saying: "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Keeping in step suggests an ongoing relationship rather than occasional moments of inspiration.
•What practices help you stay attentive to the Holy Spirit?
•What tends to distract you or pull you out of step?
•What is one practical way you could intentionally walk with the Spirit this week?
Spirited Study 5 - The Spirit Calls
God doesn't simply call people to believe in Him; He calls people by name to join Him in His work. The Holy Spirit still speaks, guides and sends ordinary people today. The question is not if God is calling, but whether we are listening and willing to follow.
Read Acts 1:8 together
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Discuss
The Holy Spirit doesn't simply make us feel close to God.
He empowers us to participate in God's mission.
Story One: Called by Name
Read Acts 13:1–5
Notice what happens before anyone is sent:
God knew Barnabas. God knew Saul. He knows your name too. God's calling isn't random. He knows who he made you to be and how he has gifted you. What will you do with this thought?
Story Two: Redirected by the Spirit
Read Acts 16:6–10
Paul already has a plan. But the Holy Spirit redirects him several times before revealing a new opportunity.
Discuss
Sometimes God's guidance comes through:
Looking Inward
How has God uniquely wired you?
Consider:
Read Acts 1:8 together
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Discuss
- What stands out to you in this verse?
- What comes first, power or mission?
- How does this verse shape the rest of the book of Acts?
The Holy Spirit doesn't simply make us feel close to God.
He empowers us to participate in God's mission.
Story One: Called by Name
Read Acts 13:1–5
Notice what happens before anyone is sent:
- The church is worshipping.
- They are fasting.
- They are listening.
- The Holy Spirit speaks.
- Barnabas and Saul are called by name.
- The church prays, lays hands on them and sends them.
- Why do you think the Holy Spirit spoke while the church was worshipping?
- What does it tell us that Barnabas and Saul were called by name?
- How important was the church community in recognising and supporting God's call?
- What might have happened if Barnabas or Saul had ignored the Spirit?
God knew Barnabas. God knew Saul. He knows your name too. God's calling isn't random. He knows who he made you to be and how he has gifted you. What will you do with this thought?
Story Two: Redirected by the Spirit
Read Acts 16:6–10
Paul already has a plan. But the Holy Spirit redirects him several times before revealing a new opportunity.
Discuss
- What surprises you about this story?
- Have you ever had a door close that later made sense?
- What does this teach us about listening rather than simply making plans?
Sometimes God's guidance comes through:
- closed doors
- open doors
- persistent prayer
- wise community
- inner conviction from the Holy Spirit
Looking Inward
How has God uniquely wired you?
Consider:
- What energises me?
- What breaks my heart?
- What gifts have others recognised in me?
- Where do I naturally serve others?
- What opportunities has God repeatedly placed before me?
Spirited Study 4 - Listening for God's Voice
Opening Question
Share about a time when several seemingly unrelated events came together in a way that felt more than a coincidence. What happened?
Read Acts 10
Or choose to read selected sections: v1–8, v9–23, v24–48
Acts 10 is not just the story of Cornelius meeting Peter. It’s the story of God orchestrating events across different locations, cultures, and people. While Peter and Cornelius think they are responding to individual experiences, God is weaving together a much bigger mission.
Who does God involve (list some of the people)
* Cornelius receives a vision.
* Peter receives a vision.
* The Spirit speaks to Peter.
* Messengers are sent.
* Soldiers and servants obey.
* Cornelius gathers family and friends.
* The church witnesses the Spirit’s work.
God is speaking and moving through many people at once.
1. What different ways does God communicate throughout this chapter?
* Through visions?
* Through the Holy Spirit?
* Through circumstances?
* Through other people?
What stands out to you?
2. Cornelius and Peter are both already seeking God when He speaks.
What habits or attitudes seem to position them to hear God’s voice?
3. Peter initially struggles with what God is saying because it challenges his assumptions.
Why is it sometimes difficult to recognise God’s voice when it asks us to change?
4. Looking at the whole chapter, where can you see God working behind the scenes before anyone understands the full picture?
Have you ever recognised God’s hand only after looking back?
5. The Spirit tells Peter, “Do not hesitate to go with them.” (v.20)
What kinds of nudges, promptings, or invitations from God do we tend to ignore today?
6. If God is already at work in the lives of people around us, how might that change the way we approach mission, relationships, and everyday conversations?
Where might God already be at work:
* In your workplace?
* In your neighbourhood?
* In your family?
* Among people who seem far from faith?
What would it look like this week to pay attention and join in?
Call to Action
This week, pray each morning:
“Holy Spirit, help me notice where You are already at work. Give me ears to hear Your voice, courage to follow Your nudges, and eyes to see the people You are drawing to Yourself.”
At the end of each day, take five minutes to reflect:
* Where did I sense God prompting me today?
* How did I respond?
* What might God be inviting me into tomorrow?
Share about a time when several seemingly unrelated events came together in a way that felt more than a coincidence. What happened?
Read Acts 10
Or choose to read selected sections: v1–8, v9–23, v24–48
Acts 10 is not just the story of Cornelius meeting Peter. It’s the story of God orchestrating events across different locations, cultures, and people. While Peter and Cornelius think they are responding to individual experiences, God is weaving together a much bigger mission.
Who does God involve (list some of the people)
* Cornelius receives a vision.
* Peter receives a vision.
* The Spirit speaks to Peter.
* Messengers are sent.
* Soldiers and servants obey.
* Cornelius gathers family and friends.
* The church witnesses the Spirit’s work.
God is speaking and moving through many people at once.
1. What different ways does God communicate throughout this chapter?
* Through visions?
* Through the Holy Spirit?
* Through circumstances?
* Through other people?
What stands out to you?
2. Cornelius and Peter are both already seeking God when He speaks.
What habits or attitudes seem to position them to hear God’s voice?
3. Peter initially struggles with what God is saying because it challenges his assumptions.
Why is it sometimes difficult to recognise God’s voice when it asks us to change?
4. Looking at the whole chapter, where can you see God working behind the scenes before anyone understands the full picture?
Have you ever recognised God’s hand only after looking back?
5. The Spirit tells Peter, “Do not hesitate to go with them.” (v.20)
What kinds of nudges, promptings, or invitations from God do we tend to ignore today?
6. If God is already at work in the lives of people around us, how might that change the way we approach mission, relationships, and everyday conversations?
Where might God already be at work:
* In your workplace?
* In your neighbourhood?
* In your family?
* Among people who seem far from faith?
What would it look like this week to pay attention and join in?
Call to Action
This week, pray each morning:
“Holy Spirit, help me notice where You are already at work. Give me ears to hear Your voice, courage to follow Your nudges, and eyes to see the people You are drawing to Yourself.”
At the end of each day, take five minutes to reflect:
* Where did I sense God prompting me today?
* How did I respond?
* What might God be inviting me into tomorrow?
Spirited Study 3 - Hungry for the Holy Spirit
What is something valuable that people are willing to spend a lot of money, time, or effort to obtain?
Read Acts 8:4-8
The gospel is not just information about Jesus. Throughout Acts, the gospel comes with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. People's lives, relationships, and communities are changed.
Read Acts 8:9-13, 18-24
Simon's problem was not that he wanted the power of God. His problem was that he wanted to possess it, control it, and use it for himself. Yet there is something challenging about Simon's hunger. He saw the work of the Holy Spirit and immediately recognised its value.
Read Acts 8:14-17
Throughout Acts, people repeatedly experience the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. God invites us to live dependent upon His Spirit. The question is are willing to seek Him, surrender to Him, and be open to His work?
Application
Which of these best describes you right now?
What would it look like to take one step toward greater openness to the Holy Spirit this week?
Read Acts 8:4-8
- What evidence of God's power do you see in this passage?
- What impact did God's work have on the people of Samaria?
- Verse 8 says, "There was great joy in that city." Why do you think joy was the result?
The gospel is not just information about Jesus. Throughout Acts, the gospel comes with the transforming power of the Holy Spirit. People's lives, relationships, and communities are changed.
Read Acts 8:9-13, 18-24
- Why do you think Simon wanted this power so badly?
- What was wrong with Simon's motives?
- Is it possible to desire spiritual experiences for the wrong reasons today?
Simon's problem was not that he wanted the power of God. His problem was that he wanted to possess it, control it, and use it for himself. Yet there is something challenging about Simon's hunger. He saw the work of the Holy Spirit and immediately recognised its value.
Read Acts 8:14-17
- What surprises you about this passage?
- What does this tell us about the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers?
- Do you think many Christians are open to God doing more in their lives? Why or why not?
- What might it look like for you personally to be more open to the Holy Spirit?
Throughout Acts, people repeatedly experience the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. God invites us to live dependent upon His Spirit. The question is are willing to seek Him, surrender to Him, and be open to His work?
Application
Which of these best describes you right now?
- Curious about the Holy Spirit.
- Open, but cautious.
- Hungry for more of God's presence and power.
- Comfortable with where things are.
What would it look like to take one step toward greater openness to the Holy Spirit this week?
Spirited Study 2 - The Spirit Motivates Courageously
ASK: When you hear the words Holy Spirit, what comes to mind?
Read Together
Acts 2:1–13 and Acts 4:23–31
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Before Jesus sent His followers into the world, He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, God fulfils that promise. The Holy Spirit is not a force or a feeling. He is God's personal presence with His people.
The Spirit:
Discussion Questions
1. In Acts 4, Peter and John have been threatened for speaking about Jesus. The believers gather to pray. Notice what they don't pray for.
They don't pray for safety or an easier life. They pray for boldness. How does God respond?
God responds by filling them with the Holy Spirit and empowering them to continue His mission.
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing faithfulness when fear is present.
The Spirit gives ordinary people courage to take the next step of obedience.
2. In Acts 4, why do you think the believers prayed for boldness rather than safety? N.T. Wright writes: "The point of the Spirit is to enable those who follow Jesus to take into all the world the news that Jesus is Lord." The Spirit is not given simply for our comfort or experience, but to empower us to participate in God's mission.
3. Where do you see the difference between self-confidence and Spirit-empowered courage?
4. Where might God be inviting you to take a courageous step of obedience right now?
Challenge
This week, ask: "What would courage look like if I genuinely believed the Holy Spirit was with me?"
Identify one practical step of obedience and take it this week.
Read Together
Acts 2:1–13 and Acts 4:23–31
Who Is the Holy Spirit?
Before Jesus sent His followers into the world, He told them to wait for the Holy Spirit. In Acts 2, God fulfils that promise. The Holy Spirit is not a force or a feeling. He is God's personal presence with His people.
The Spirit:
- Reveals Jesus.
- Empowers God's people.
- Creates God's family.
- Sends God's people into God's mission.
Discussion Questions
1. In Acts 4, Peter and John have been threatened for speaking about Jesus. The believers gather to pray. Notice what they don't pray for.
They don't pray for safety or an easier life. They pray for boldness. How does God respond?
God responds by filling them with the Holy Spirit and empowering them to continue His mission.
Biblical courage is not the absence of fear. It is choosing faithfulness when fear is present.
The Spirit gives ordinary people courage to take the next step of obedience.
2. In Acts 4, why do you think the believers prayed for boldness rather than safety? N.T. Wright writes: "The point of the Spirit is to enable those who follow Jesus to take into all the world the news that Jesus is Lord." The Spirit is not given simply for our comfort or experience, but to empower us to participate in God's mission.
3. Where do you see the difference between self-confidence and Spirit-empowered courage?
4. Where might God be inviting you to take a courageous step of obedience right now?
Challenge
This week, ask: "What would courage look like if I genuinely believed the Holy Spirit was with me?"
Identify one practical step of obedience and take it this week.
Spirited Study 1- Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit is the living presence of God, empowering ordinary people to continue the mission of Jesus in the world.
Read
In Acts, the Holy Spirit is not presented as a private spiritual add-on.
The Spirit:
Pentecost is the moment God fills ordinary people with his presence so they can become a visible sign of his kingdom in the world.
The church becomes less about a building people attend and more about a people sent.
Discussion Questions
Call to Action
This week, invite the Holy Spirit to make you available for the mission of Jesus.
Ask each day:
Look for one opportunity this week to:
The Spirit is not only given for church gatherings. The Spirit is given so the life of Jesus can overflow into everyday life.
Read
- Acts 1:4–8
- Acts 2:1–12
- Acts 2:42–47
In Acts, the Holy Spirit is not presented as a private spiritual add-on.
The Spirit:
- empowers witness
- forms community
- creates courage
- breaks down barriers
- reveals Jesus as Lord
- launches the church into mission
Pentecost is the moment God fills ordinary people with his presence so they can become a visible sign of his kingdom in the world.
The church becomes less about a building people attend and more about a people sent.
Discussion Questions
- What stands out to you most about the Holy Spirit in Acts 1–2?
- Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Spirit before going on mission?
- What kind of “power” does the Spirit seem to give?
- How does the Spirit shape the way this new community lives together in Acts 2?
- What might it look like for you to live more intentionally as someone empowered by the Spirit this week?
Call to Action
This week, invite the Holy Spirit to make you available for the mission of Jesus.
Ask each day:
- Who can I encourage?
- Where can I bring peace?
- How can I make Jesus visible in my world?
Look for one opportunity this week to:
- pray with someone
- show radical generosity
- share your story
- serve someone quietly
- step courageously into a conversation you would normally avoid
The Spirit is not only given for church gatherings. The Spirit is given so the life of Jesus can overflow into everyday life.