Series: Follow Jesus Together
Topic: Three Epic Questions
Text: Ephesians 5:22-23, 2 Timothy 2:3
Bottom Line: The beginning of the year is a good time for reflection: what progress have you made during the past year regarding your personal goals of health, finance, or relationships (and what are your goals for the coming year)? It’s also a great time to assess your spiritual goals. Do you feel stuck, or even stagnant in some areas? Do you need refreshment in your walk with Jesus? Kevin and Sherry Harney share some important benchmarks to help in your personal growth.
Small Group Questions – Week 1
When we grow in Christlikeness, our heart for the world expands. As we follow the Savior more closely, we walk with Him into the world He loves and we share His Good News. When we love Jesus with increasing passion, we grow to love those He came to save.
How do you know if you are growing as a disciple, a follower of Jesus?
SCRIPTURE
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The law is not against such things.” Galatians 5:22-23
Why are these nine characteristics defined as the “fruit of the Spirit?”
Are these characteristics measurable in your life? Can you say, “I have more joy now than I have had in the past?” If so, can you give a reason why?
ACCOUNTABILITY
Spend time with your group doing some self-measurement of these characteristics in your life. Would your family or co-workers agree with your assessment?
What if you are doing really well with eight of these qualities, but not so great in one? Do you need to exhibit all of the characteristics or just most of them?
“As we follow the Savior more closely, we walk with Him into the world He loves and we share His Good News.” What is your reaction to this statement and how does this play out in your life?
TRANSFORMATION
What is one specific step you can take in the next month to grow the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
When people see characteristics like joy, peace, and kindness in your life, they are drawn to you. In reality, aren’t they being drawn to Jesus? Who in your world needs to know about Jesus? What obstacles have you encountered in telling others about Him?
Pray for one another:
- Ask the Holy Spirit to take you to the next step in spiritual maturity. Pray against spiritual arrogance.
- Thank God for specific people He has placed in your life who don’t yet know Him. Commit to praying regularly for them.
- Ask God to show you who you can disciple by helping them grow in their faith and walk more closely with the Savior.
As we go through these next eight weeks, you will find it helpful to take this assessment.
If you want a coach to help you determine next steps, please add your name and contact info on the screen before you take the assessment. Your results will be confidential.
