Deeper Still [See God] Discussion Guide

Summary

This sermon continues a series on going deeper with God, focusing on how God moves within us through the Holy Spirit. Jonathan explores Simon Peter's encounter with Jesus in Luke 5, where Jesus invites Simon to push out into deeper waters, symbolizing our call to go deeper in faith. The message emphasizes that when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior, God doesn't just move toward us but begins moving in us through the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit serves as our advocate, helper, and guide, making His dwelling within us. The sermon contrasts living by our sinful nature versus being led by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of God's transformative work within us.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You with grateful hearts, acknowledging Your presence among us today. We thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who dwells within us and guides us into all truth. Lord, we ask that You open our hearts and minds to receive what You want to teach us through this discussion. Help us to be honest and vulnerable with You as we explore what it means to go deeper in our relationship with You. Holy Spirit, lead our conversation and help us to be sensitive to Your voice. May we leave this time more committed to following Your leading in every area of our lives. In Jesus' name we pray, Amen.

Ice Breaker

What's one area of your life where you feel like you could use a good helper or guide right now?

Key Verses

- Luke 5:1-5
- Philippians 2:13
- John 14:16-17
1 Corinthians 6:19-20
1 John 4:13
- 2 Corinthians 13:14
- Galatians 5:16-25

Questions

- Jonathan shared two different stories about God moving; one external miracle and one internal transformation. Which type of God's movement do you find easier to recognize in your own life, and why?
- In Luke 5, Jesus invited Simon to 'go out where it is deeper.' What do you think it means for us to go into deeper waters with God in our daily lives?
- The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit is our advocate, helper, and counselor. Can you share a time when you felt the Holy Spirit's guidance or comfort in a difficult situation?
- According to 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit. How should this truth impact the way we live our daily lives?
- Jonathan emphasized the importance of being honest with God about our struggles. What makes it difficult for us to be completely honest with God, and how can we overcome those barriers?
- Looking at the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23, which of these qualities do you most want to see grow in your life, and why?
- The sermon contrasts being led by the Spirit versus being led by our sinful nature. What are some practical ways we can choose to follow the Spirit's leading throughout our day?
- Jonathan mentioned that the more we listen to the Holy Spirit, the more sensitive we become to His voice, but the more we refuse Him, the more desensitized we become. How can we cultivate greater sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's voice?

Life Application

This week, commit to starting each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions, thoughts, and actions. Before making any significant choices - whether big or small - pause and ask the Holy Spirit for His guidance. Also, identify one area from the 'works of the flesh' list (Galatians 5:19-21) that you struggle with, and specifically ask the Holy Spirit to help you overcome it while cultivating the corresponding fruit of the Spirit in that area.

Key Takeaways

- God not only moves toward us but also moves within us through the Holy Spirit when we accept Jesus as Lord and Savior
- Our bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, giving us constant access to God's presence and guidance
- The Holy Spirit serves as our advocate, helper, and counselor, actively supporting and guiding us through life's challenges
- Being led by the Holy Spirit requires daily surrender and honest communication with God about our struggles and needs
- The fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) is evidence of God's transformative work within us and reflects the character of Christ

Ending Prayer

Lord Jesus, thank You for this time of fellowship and discussion. We are amazed by Your love for us and grateful that You have given us Your Holy Spirit to dwell within us. Help us to remember that we are Your temples and that You desire to guide us in every aspect of our lives. Holy Spirit, we invite You to continue working in us, producing Your fruit in our lives and transforming us to be more like Jesus. Give us the courage to be honest with You about our struggles and the faith to follow Your leading even when it's difficult. May we go from this place more committed to living by Your Spirit and allowing You to move powerfully within us. We love You and thank You for Your faithfulness. In Jesus' precious name, Amen.