Small Group Guide: Part 1: Rooted in the Spirit

Scripture Focus: Galatians 5:16–25 This small group guide goes with the blog post: Part 1: Rooted in the Spirit

Big Idea: The Spirit-led life is not achieved by willpower, but by surrender. The fruit of the Spirit grows not through striving, but through abiding in Christ.

1. Opening Prayer

Begin by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your time together. Ask for openness, insight, and unity.

2. Icebreaker

Question: What’s one “habit” (funny or serious) you’ve had to work hard to change?

Use this to set the tone for discussing transformation—what’s hard to root out, and what needs nurturing.

3. Read the Passage

Read Galatians 5:16–25 aloud, slowly and intentionally. Consider using multiple translations if the group is open to it.

4. Group Discussion Questions

Understanding the Contrast

• What does Paul mean by “acts of the flesh”? Which stand out to you, and why?
• Why is the “fruit of the Spirit” called fruit rather than works or actions?

Personal Reflection

• Which fruit of the Spirit do you see growing in your life right now? Which feels the most challenging?
• When are you most tempted to walk according to the flesh instead of the Spirit?

Living It Out

• How can we practice keeping in step with the Spirit in practical, everyday ways?
• What role does community play in cultivating spiritual fruit?

5. Activity (Optional)

Create two columns on a whiteboard or sheet of paper:

• Left: Works of the Flesh
• Right: Fruit of the Spirit

Invite group members to write anonymously on slips of paper areas where they’re struggling or growing. Read them aloud, then spend time in quiet prayer and reflection, ending with a collective prayer of encouragement.

6. Closing Scripture & Prayer

Read verse 25 again: “If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.”

Pray for each other specifically—mention individual fruits of the Spirit the group wants to cultivate more deeply.

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