introduction
We know that the Holy Spirit in us reveals the Lord’s glory and makes us more like him. The fruit of the Spirit is the qualities and attributes of God’s character that will grow in us if the Holy Spirit is at work in us. The aim of this meeting is to see how vital the work of the Holy Spirit is in cultivating the fruits of the Spirit and Godly character.
welcome
Using the paper and pens, ask people to draw three things about themselves and then go round, each person explaining what they have drawn.
worship
Use the room you are in as a way of describing and worshipping God. For example, God is like the floor: dependable and holding you up! In a group think of as many things in the room as possible that speak about God and then thank God for those characteristics.
word
read
Galatians 5:16-26.
discuss the image of fruit. How can it help us understand how these qualities are seen in our lives? E.g. Fruit shows a plant is alive; fruit is brightly coloured and obvious; fruit attracts birds and furthers propagation of the seed it contains; fruit tastes good and is nourishing to eat etc.
think
The Spirit in us, the Spirit on us, the Spirit filling us – what’s the difference?
discuss
The following questions are designed to help you explore the nature of the Spirit’s work in our hearts – use them as necessary.
- Is it possible to be a Christian (ie the Holy Spirit living in us) and not display much of the fruit of the Spirit?
- What does this say about the difference between having been saved through the Spirit inside us and being filled with the Holy Spirit?
- If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit, what are we filled with? (v17)
- How have you experienced or dealt with this conflict?
- Is it possible to know the power and anointing of God on our lives and still not display much of the fruit of the Spirit? Samson is one such person who knew the power of the Holy Spirit on his life but did not give space to God to regenerate him on the inside.
reflect
Get honest with God and talk through the following with a friend
- Have you known this in your life? How or why does it happen?
- It is possible for the power of the Holy Spirit to come on anyone, whatever the state of their heart. This may be so God can display his purpose and power and is not done contrary to that person’s will. This is not the same as us submitting our moral will to God in repentance and obedience and then knowing the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit changing our hearts. Then, when God anoints us, it will have a wonderfully holy effect.
groupwork
Examine some of the nine ‘fruits’ in twos or threes. Discuss where in your present college environment it is particularly hard to grow or display this fruit. Feedback your ideas. Is there a particular area that many of you recognise as especially tough or especially easy at the moment?
application
Where there is fruit in your lives, thank God and pray for more! Pray for an abundant, tasty harvest! Where it is difficult, pray for one another to be filled with the Holy Spirit to push out selfish desires so there is no room for sin but time for God to heal and change habits and hurts.
action
Identify one fruit of the Holy Spirit that you can you’re going to focus on over the next 3 months. Set some time aside to study where the fruit is referred to in scripture – hold each other to account.
witness
action
Identify 3 fruits of the Holy Spirit that you can use to show your friends you care about them. Demonstrate them this week and next week share with the group what impact they had.
