June 8

**Summary:**  

The sermon focused on 1 Corinthians 6:7-14, where Paul addresses a troubled church in Corinth grappling with issues of sin and division. The speaker reflected on personal struggles with identity and sin within a Christian context, emphasizing that the church is made up of messy people who are all on a journey toward healing and redemption. The message calls on believers to understand that their past does not disqualify them from the love of God, highlighting that true freedom comes not from self-indulgence or hiding one's struggles but through submission to Christ. The power of confession within a Christian community is also stressed as a means of healing and support.

**Icebreaker Question:**  

What is one thing you have learned about yourself during difficult times that has helped you grow?

**Discussion Questions:**

1. How does knowing that the early church in Corinth faced similar struggles to our own impact your view of church community today?  

   Cross Reference: 1 Corinthians 1:10-13, which discusses divisions in the church.

2. Paul mentions that the church is made up of "messy people." How can we create a culture within our community that embraces honesty and vulnerability rather than condemnation?  

   Cross Reference: Galatians 6:1-2, which encourages believers to restore one another gently.

3. The speaker emphasized that our past does not disqualify us from God’s grace. How can we reconcile our understanding of grace with feelings of shame or guilt over past mistakes?  

   Cross Reference: Romans 8:1, which states there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

4. What barriers do you face when it comes to confession within your Christian community? How can we work together to lower or remove those barriers?  

   Cross Reference: James 5:16, which encourages us to confess our sins to one another for healing.

5. Reflecting on the idea that true freedom comes through submission to Christ, what does that submission look like in your everyday life? How can we support each other in this journey?  

   Cross Reference: Romans 12:1-2, which urges believers to present themselves as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.

**Suggested Prayer Prompts:**  

- Pray for the courage to share your struggles and to be open within your community.

- Ask God to help you see past mistakes through His eyes of grace and love.

- Pray for growth in understanding what it means to submit to Christ in your daily life.

- Ask for wisdom on how to support those around you who might be struggling with their own "mess."

June 1

**Summary:** In the sermon, we explored the transformational work of the Holy Spirit, focusing on the concept of regeneration, which is the work of the Holy Spirit that grants us a new birth and identity in Christ. The speaker emphasized that while our past selves may have been characterized by foolishness, disobedience, and other negative traits, through God’s grace, we have been washed clean and reborn. This regeneration frees us from past identities and invites us to participate in a new life with God. The Holy Spirit empowers us to recognize our new identity in Jesus and to live accordingly. This discussion will delve into these themes, reflecting on our past identities and how we can live into our new selves.

**Ice Breaker Question:** What is one area of your life where you feel you’ve experienced a fresh start or new beginning, whether big or small? 

**Discussion Questions:**

1. How does understanding your identity in Christ change the way you view your past mistakes and failures? 

   - Cross Reference: 2 Corinthians 5:17

2. The sermon mentioned the importance of recognizing the old self while embracing the new identity through regeneration. What specific habits or mindsets do you struggle to let go of, and how can you actively work to release those?

   - Cross Reference: Ephesians 4:22-24 

3. In what ways have you seen or experienced the Holy Spirit at work in your life as you participate with Him? How can we cultivate a greater awareness of the Spirit’s activity in our daily lives?

   - Cross Reference: Philippians 1:6

4. Reflect on the statement that “God wants more for you than you want for yourself.” What does that look like in your life? How can we align our desires with God’s will more effectively?

   - Cross Reference: Jeremiah 29:11

5. As you think about actively participating with the Holy Spirit in your spiritual growth, what practical steps can you take in the coming week to nurture that relationship? 

   - Cross Reference: Galatians 5:22-25 

**Suggested Prayer Prompts:**

- Pray for courage to let go of past identities that hold you back from experiencing the fullness of your new life in Christ.

- Ask God to illuminate areas where you can actively participate with the Holy Spirit in your life, helping you to grow and transform.

- Thank God for the gift of regeneration and the new identity we have in Him, celebrating the freedom and hope it brings. 

- Seek guidance to recognize the Spirit’s presence in your daily life and ways to respond in obedience to His leading.

May 26

Summary:

In this sermon, Sean explores the concept of walking by the Spirit from Galatians 5. He discusses the contrast between the works of the flesh (destructive behaviors) and the fruits of the Spirit (transformative qualities). Using an illustration of a poplar tree's resilience, Sean emphasizes that spiritual growth isn't about self-discipline, but about deeply rooting oneself in God's Spirit, which naturally produces love, joy, peace, and other spiritual qualities.

Key Passage: Galatians 5:16-23

Ice Breaker Question:

Share a time when you felt you were truly growing spiritually - what made that experience feel different?

Discussion Questions:

1. Sean talked about the "works of the flesh" being obvious. What are some ways you've recognized brokenness in your own life? 

Cross-reference: Romans 7:14-25, James 1:14-15

2. How does "digging roots deep into the Spirit" look different from trying to be a good person through self-discipline?

Cross-reference: John 15:4-5, Psalm 1:1-3

3. Sean described the fruits of the Spirit as expressions that impact others. Which fruit do you find most challenging to demonstrate? Why?

Cross-reference: 1 Corinthians 13:4-7

4. Discuss the idea of objectification Sean mentioned - how might we avoid treating people as objects to consume?

Cross-reference: Philippians 2:3-4

What practical rhythms or spiritual practices help you stay connected to God's Spirit?

Cross-reference: Colossians 2:6-7

May 19

	Key Passage: Galatians 5:13-16

        1	Sean talked about freedom being "terrifying and paralyzing". Share a time when you've felt overwhelmed by freedom or struggled with making choices when there were no clear boundaries.

	2	Sean suggests that many of our sinful actions begin by "objectifying" God or others - treating them as tools instead of image bearers. Can you think of an example in your life where you might have done this?

	3	What does "walking by the Spirit" mean to you practically? How might you intentionally try to align your steps with God's direction this week?

	4	Sean spoke about seven spiritual rhythms: daily devotion, prayer, repentance, generosity, serving, sharing your story, and worship. Which of these do you find most challenging? Most natural?

	5	Sean stated, “Jesus loved Judas so well that even Judas' closest companions couldn't tell he would betray Jesus.” How can we cultivate a love that goes beyond our own comfort or expectations?