Joy & Peace
SOAR Discussion Questions | 6 October 2019
A Spirit-Filled Life
In Galatians 5:16 Paul calls us to walk by the Spirit and not gratify the desires of the flesh. When we walk by the Spirit it will produce the fruit of a Christlike character (Galatians 5:22-23). Life is the main context and means by which the Holy Spirit produces this fruit. It is the everyday moments of life that exposes our shortcomings and makes us self aware of things we need to work on. As we are open and honest with ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives we change and become more like Jesus. The result is that we become greater witnesses to Christ’s transforming love to the world.
Scripture
Read:
- Philippians 4:4-9
- Galatians 5:16-25
Observation
- What does this passage tell us about God?
- What do these passages tell us about you and your life?
Application
One simple tool that we can use to help us work with the Holy Spirit in our everyday moments to produce this fruit in our lives is the Chair. The Holy Spirit brings awareness/conviction of our shortcomings through everyday moments. We humbly respond to the Spirit by taking ownership or responsibility for that area of our lives. We recognise that something or someone else other than Jesus is on the throne of our heart. By faith and trust in Jesus we then lay it down and allow Jesus to take his rightful place on the throne.
Discuss one or more of the following questions.
- Share some reasons for joy that you have, despite temperament or circumstances?
- How is it possible to rejoice in the Lord always (Phil 4:4), even in hard times? Share a time when this was lived out in your life.
- What are the things/situations that rob you of your peace?Share some practical ways that you can incorporate into your life that will help guard your heart and mind with the peace of God (Phil 4:6-9)?
- How does praying bring peace even if your prayers are not answered the way you would like?
Using the chair tool, describe a time when you were robbed of your joy and/or peace. How did the Holy Spirit help you see what/who was replacing Jesus on the throne and help you take ownership of your situation? What did you do to help you move forward by faith in your discipleship?
Response
- Is there a truth that God wants you to obey?
- What will you do to obey this? I will…
- Is there someone you can share this message with?
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