Filled & Led (Part 5): Discerning the Work of the Holy Spirit

TO START

This Sunday, we jumped into part 5 of our Fall series focused on the new vision: “To be a Spirit-filled & Spirit-led church for those who don’t have a home yet”. Each week, we will journey with a part of the book of Acts as we unpack what it could mean (and not mean) for us to be Spirit-filled and Spirit-led people. To start, unpack this prompt together: 

  • Share a time when you bought into something because everyone was doing it (whether it’s big or small, right or wrong) 

This week we are inviting your group to choose questions from the multiple options below.  Our hope is that these questions might help you to lead your discussion in a way that makes sense for your group this week as y’all “talk it out” and “live it out”.

TALK IT OUT AFTER READING ACTS 5:27-39

STUDY

  • Why were the religious leaders so upset that the Apostles were teaching and healing in the name of Jesus?

  • Can you think of other stories in the Bible where people fought against God? (i.e. Jacob wrestles with God (Gen. 32), Pharaoh (Ex. 7-14), King Ahab (1 Kings 16-18), Paul (Act 9:1-19))

PROCESS

  • Who is someone in your life that you lean on because you believe they are a trusted discerner of God’s movements? And Why?

  • Share a time where you’ve felt you’ve followed what the Spirit of God invited you to and you met resistance. Even more, did that make you timid to trust God or your discernment?

LIVE IT OUT 

PRACTICE

  • In the story, Gamaliel helps the religious leaders see they may be fighting against God and not humans. Have you ever found yourself fighting against God?

  • Share a time when you waited and watched for the Spirit to move rather than quickly choosing to do whatever you thought was best.

PRAY

  • This week, we want to encourage your group to share one thing they hope that the Holy Spirit will lead them to change as they become more like Jesus. Then close by praying, “Come, Holy Spirit, Come” 

Matt DeLano