WARM UP

1. What are some ways you have pursued or been pursued in a relationship? (Do you have any funny or memorable stories about pursuing or being pursued?)

This can refer to any type of relationship, not just romantic: can be friendship, family, or work relationships.

2. If you have ever had someone pursue a relationship with you and then ghost you later, how did that make you feel?

Def of Ghost/Ghosted/Ghosting-Ghosting is a colloquial term that describes the practice of suddenly ending all communication and avoiding contact with another person without any apparent warning or explanation and ignoring any subsequent attempts to communicate.^[1]

This question’s aim is to facilitate discussion of our own habits that result in us “ghosting” the Holy Spirit.

3. What idea or statement captured your attention most in this week’s message?

 

KNOW IT   

1. Chris emphasized the Holy Spirit’s role in a believer’s life, noting that the word “began” in Acts 1:1-9 shows Jesus’ work continues through His followers by the Holy Spirit. What is some evidence of the Spirit continuing to work in the lives of His followers including yourself?

Alternate questions- How have you participated in being a witness for God through the Holy Spirit? What was the outcome? The disciples were called to Jeresualem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. Have you ever traveled to witness about Jesus?

If we are the witnesses of God as Acts 1:8 claims, what do you think your lifestyle is saying to others?Supporting Verses- Romans 12:1-2, 1 John 4:11-14

2. Chris encouraged us to develop a deep and abiding relationship with the Holy Spirit in our pursuit of righteous living as outlined in Galatians 5:13-26. Pull out four important points from the passage and discuss how they apply to Christians.

This might be a good opportunity to split your life group into smaller groups or teams. See what each group comes up with.

Using this weekend’s teaching and the passage above, what are some intentional actions you can take to build a lasting relationship with the Spirit?

If one of the leaders can write these answers down, this is a great opportunity to check in with your members throughout the week and see how it’s going!

 

SHARE IT

1. Chris emphasized that like any relationship, we have to get to know the Holy Spirit. Which of the ways he listed do you find most relatable to getting to know God? Are there any others you would add?

2. Is there anyone whose walk with the Spirit you really admire and respect? What have you learned from them?

Alternate/additional questions: What do you want your legacy to be? How would people say they see the Spirit at work in you? Is there something you would change about how you’re living today based on your answer?

 

LIVE IT

1. This week Chris talked about starting the awkward two-way communication with God. Silence and solitude are ancient practices that believers use to get close to and know the will of God for their lives (Ecclesiastes 5:1-7). What are some good ways to put listening into practice?

We get caught up in grand gestures here, but it can be as simple as driving in silence or taking a walk without headphones.

Some good short resources for your group are “The Way of the Heart” by Henri Nouwen and “Surrender to Love” by David Benner if people want to go deeper.

2. Community (Life Group) is critical for healthy Christian character as the Holy Spirit works through people “sharpening” each other to develop godliness (Proverbs 27:17). What are some ways you’ve seen the Holy Spirit work in community, in addition to solitude?

This would be a great time to ask how this community can support each other, and then pray for each other.