Walking in the Spirit: Embracing a Life Rooted in the Divine-Small Group Guide

Topic: Walking in the Spirit: Embracing a Life Rooted in the Divine

Duration: 60–75 minutes Materials:

• Bibles (KJV)
• Printed handouts of key Scripture passages
• Notepaper and pens
• Timer or clock

1. Welcome & Icebreaker (10 minutes)

• Leader’s Welcome – Briefly introduce the theme: pursuing a Spirit-led life beyond mere rules. • Icebreaker Question “Share one daily habit you wish could be more Spirit-empowered rather than self-driven.”

2. Opening Prayer (5 minutes)

Invite someone to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to guide hearts, illuminate Scripture, and cultivate dependence on God’s power.

3. Scripture Focus (10 minutes)

Have different participants read aloud:

1. Galatians 5:16-17 (KJV) “This I say then, Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit…”
2. Galatians 5:22-25 (KJV) “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace… against such there is no law.… If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit.”
3. Romans 8:5-6 (KJV) “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit… life and peace.”

4. Devotional Summary (5 minutes)

Leader unpacks key points from the blog post:

• Walking vs. Wrestling: Living by Spirit-power, not self-effort.
• Conflict & Choice: The flesh and Spirit vie for our devotion.
• Fruitful Life: Evidenced by love, joy, peace, etc., not by our own striving.
• Rooted Dependence: Daily surrender and sensitivity to God’s voice.

5. Group Discussion (20–25 minutes)

1. Understanding “Walking in the Spirit” – What does “walking” imply about our daily pace and direction? – How is this different from an occasional spiritual “high”?
2. Identifying the Flesh vs. the Spirit – Reflect on Galatians 5:19-21 (works of the flesh). Have you seen these patterns in your life? – What practical steps have you taken to starve fleshly impulses?
3. Cultivating the Fruit – Choose one fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.). How can you intentionally nurture it this week? – What obstacles usually hinder that fruit from growing?
4. Rooted Dependence – How can we cultivate sensitivity to the Spirit’s leading in mundane moments? – Share a time when you sensed God guiding a decision or action.

6. Application Activity (10 minutes)

“Spirit-Led Action Plan”

1. Each person picks one “fleshly” behavior to surrender (e.g., impatience, pride).
2. Then choose one “fruit” to cultivate in its place (e.g., patience, humility).
3. Write down:
   • A specific daily practice (prayer prompt, Scripture verse, accountability check)
   • A breathing-space reminder (phone alarm, wristband)

Have each share briefly so the group can pray over these commitments.

7. Prayer & Accountability (10 minutes)

• Pair Up: Share your action plan with your partner. • Pray Together: Ask the Spirit to empower you in your chosen areas. • Accountability: Agree when and how you’ll check in mid-week (text, call, meet).

8. Next Steps & Resources (5 minutes)

• Weekly Challenge: Journal one moment each day when you felt the Spirit’s prompt and how you responded. • Recommended Reading:

• The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee
• The Practice of the Presence of God by Brother Lawrence • Worship Playlist: Share songs focused on surrender and dependence.

9. Closing Prayer

Gather as a group, thanking God for His Spirit within us. Ask for continued grace to walk rooted in His divine power.