Introduction: Fruit of the Spirit Series
John 15:1-7, Galatians 5:16
Richard Dahlstrom, Senior Pastor, www.spiritsoulbody.org
- There’s a goal; embrace it- the goal is fruit
- There’s a means - abiding - so stay connected
- There’s a Warning: loss - so move to action
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Discussion Questions
Before questions, attempt to give the group a bit of a summary of the main points of the sermon and then choose a few questions that fit your group’s needs and style. We don’t intend for you to use all of these. Three to five questions may be a good number.
- Begin by reading John 15:1-7 aloud, taking turns reading the passages.
- Pray over the group before beginning discussion.
- Icebreaker: What is your favorite thing about this time of year in Seattle/Washington?
- Pastor Richard named several areas where he encouraged us to consider if we are bearing much fruit—social media, civility, echo chambers, actions regarding nationalism and individualism, and how we unite as God’s people to deal with racism.
- Where amongst these areas (or others) do you feel that you are bearing fruit?
- Where do you feel that you would like to see yourself bearing more fruit (or healthier fruit)?
- Do you find yourself attempting to bear fruit by your own works instead of simply relying on abiding in Christ?
- Who have you been influenced by?
- Who are you passing the torch to (influencing)?
- Pastor Richard said, “Your influence is not your perfection.” How does it feel to hear that God does not ask us to be perfect as we bear the fruit of influencing others?
- Share the Rule of Life document with your group.
- What is one inhaling and one exhaling behavior that can you add this week to abide in Christ?
- [Leader’s Note: Here are a few resources to help you as you guide your group towards these behaviors]
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- Has there been a time where you experienced a loss and you later realized that God was “pruning” you in order that you could bear fruit? Are you in a season of experiencing that now?