John 15:1-17

Grow:

• For context, watch this BibleProject video.

• If someone examined your life over the past year, what fruit of the Spirit would be most evident? What fruit would be most lacking? Reflect on this, then journal a prayer to God.

Share:

• What would it look like to abide, or depend more fully on the vine, than relying on your own strength today?

• What habits or practices help you fix your eyes on Jesus rather than on self or circumstances? How can you strengthen that habit this week?

Connect:

• What are some common things that compete for our dependence on Christ and hinder our fruitfulness? How do we combat these things?

• What fruit do you desperately need the Spirit to produce in you right now? Share honestly then devote yourself to praying for one another.

• Explore Psalm 16:1-11 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Mark 4:1-20

Grow:

• For context, watch this summary of  the book of Mark.

• If God took a “soil sample” of your heart, what would He find, and why? Reflect and journal your thoughts.

Share:

• What would it look like for you to prioritize spiritual growth over worldly concerns this week?

• What proactive step can you take to cultivate “good soil” that better hears and obeys God’s Word?

Connect:

• What is one stone you need to remove, thorn you need to pull, or area of hard ground you need God to soften? Honestly share and then pray for one another.

• What would abundant spiritual fruit look like in our church if we consistently heard, received, and obeyed Gods Word? How can we move toward this together?

• Explore John 15:1-17 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Galatians 1-6 NLT

Grow:

• For a helpful guide to engage Galatians further, check out this resource.

• Which verse in Galatians has been most meaningful to you? Highlight and read it every morning and night until you know it by heart.

Share:

• What are the key differences between religion and the gospel? Who in your life needs to hear this distinction from you?

• Specifically, what would it look like for you to obey Paul’s command to bear one another’s burdens?

Connect:

• What did you misunderstand about freedom before this study of Galatians? How has your perspective changed?

• How has studying Galatians challenged or corrected your understanding of the Christian life?

• Explore Mark 4:1-20 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.

Galatians 6:11-17

Grow:

• For insights into how NT letters were written, watch this video.

• When have you had “right behavior with the wrong heart”? Journal why God cares so much about your motive for obeying?

Share:

• What does it practically mean to “boast only in the cross of Christ?” (Galatians 6:14)

• What would it look like to obey God out of gratitude rather than fear, obligation, or seeking to earn approval?

Connect:

• The cross proves both how sinful we are and how loved we are. Why is it vital to hold both truths together?

• “The ‘right thing’ with the ‘wrong heart’ is actually the wrong thing.” Do you agree or struggle with this statement? Why?

• After studying Galatians, how would you summarize Paul’s central message in one or two sentences?

• Explore Mark 4:1-20 together to prepare for next week’s sermon.