MAIN POINT:

We must be continually filled with the Holy Spirit in order to rise up in power.

ICEBREAKER:

What is your favorite worship song? Why?

INTRODUCTION:

Through the book of Acts we can see that the early church fathers were filled with the Holy Spirit at multiple times during the course of their ministry (see Acts 1:4-5, 2:1-4, 4:31, 9:17, 10:44, 13:52, 19:6). Believers today must also continually surrender to God and be filled with the Holy Spirit if we are to reach our full potential and and see God’s power working through us. Pastor Chris shared four marks of a believer who is filled with the Spirit. As a group, work through these 4 marks. Encourage and build each other up. Pray for each other to be filled with the Holy Spirit.

ENCOUNTERING GOD THROUGH BIBLE STUDY:

Read Galatians 5:16-17

The first mark of being filled by the Holy Spirit is victory in your walk.

1. Have you noticed a difference in your life and what desires lead you since you began to follow Christ?

2. If you are struggling with victory, how can the group pray for you, encourage you, and hold you accountable?

Pray Galatians 5:16 over the group.

Read Acts 1:8

The second mark is victory in witnessing.

3. With whom have you shared your faith lately?

4. How can we be bold about our faith without being belligerent?

5. Who do you want to witness to, and how can the group pray for you and this person?

Read Galatians 5:22-23

The third mark is to see the fruit of the Spirit produced in our lives.

6. What fruit of the Spirit do you see in your life? What fruit do you see in the lives of your group members?

7. What fruit of the Spirit seems to be lacking in your life?

Pray for the Spirit to fill members of your group and produce fruit.

Read Ephesians 5:18-21

The fourth mark is victory in worship.

8. Do you find yourself more often complaining or giving thanks?

9. What is one thing you are grateful to God for this week?

Pray Ephesians 5:20 over the group.

LEADER NOTES

This week’s discussion questions place a lot of emphasis on promoting awareness of our need to be filled by the Holy Spirit. Even if you normally do prayer time before or after the discussion, try something different this week. Use the discussion and the verses to pray specifically for your group and the needs that are shared at each point in the discussion.