Group Notes | June 4

Not My Jesus: Christ In Me
June 4, 2017
Pastor Jonathan Falwell

Open:

Family resemblances can be a very strong indicator of who someone is a relative of, can’t they? Have you had the experience of identifying some person’s family because of their facial features?

During the past several weeks, we have looked at the life of Jesus Christ from secular and Biblical historical evidence. You should have formed a solid foundation on which to build a relationship, especially when we examined passages that illustrate how much He loves you. This week we want to see if becoming His child will change your appearance or lifestyle so that others will be able to identify you as a child of God. As Acts 4:13 states, “they [the religious leaders] marveled…and realized they [the disciples] had been with Jesus.”

Focal Passage: Galatians 3:20-21; Romans 8:9-14

Discuss:
The World Does Not Control Us

  1. Read the verses from Galatians, and Rom. 9a. When you ask Jesus to forgive your sins and save you, what do you receive? How would you describe the power the Holy Spirit gives you?
  2. Perhaps an area in your life has been a trigger for a response that was not godly; what are some scriptures or “ways of escape” that will help you control your reaction and overcome this stronghold by the power of the Holy Spirit?

(BUT) God Controls Us

  1. In verse 9b, what is the spiritual condition of those who do not choose to obey the Holy Spirit’s leading?
  2. Read Romans 13:11,12. As you read this passage, whose responsibility is it to choose to obey God, rather than a past sinful lifestyle? Will God force you to obey? What are some factors that should enter as you choose your action?

(BECAUSE) He Dwells Within Us

  1. Have you ever been afraid, perhaps being alone as a child, and suddenly someone you loved came into the room? How did your feelings change? How is that analogous to God dwelling within you?
  2. We have life, resurrection power, and the ability to flee sin when the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in us. Do you consciously think of your body as the temple of the Holy Spirit and care for it in that manner? Why or why not?

(AND) The Holy Spirit Leads Us

  1. Read verse 11. We sing “The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in us!” Are you actively aware of that often? What causes you to think of it?
  2. Where does the He lead us? (Psalm 23 may help you think of some joyful places!)

(TO) A Life That Is Different

  1. Read verse 12-14. Give some examples of living a life that is set apart from the world.
  2. Has anyone ever asked you what makes you different? If not, have you asked yourself ‘why’?

Close:

Do you ever meet someone who seems to have a joy and zest for life that amazes you? Even their countenance exudes peace! That is the evidence that they have the sweet Spirit of God residing in their life. When we give the control of our lives over to let the Holy Spirit rule and reign, we should experience a relief and gladness that we no longer must carry the weight of the world on our shoulders. As we wake in the morning, we should be full of gratitude and delight for another day in His presence! Our “temple” (that is, our body) should be kept clean of filthiness and worldliness (James 1:21), our mouths should always speak what is truthful (Pro. 8:7), and nothing wicked should be set before our eyes (Psa. 101:3). If we could actively be conscious, as we go through our daily routine in the world, that we have the God of the universe within us, would we clean up our “house” and change what we see, speak, or do? Is that a description of your life, or do you fall short, letting the small irritating conflicts that Satan throws at you constantly steal your joy?

Take time this week to study the passages of a life filled with the Spirit, and then strive for the godliness that will set you apart from the world. Praise be to God if, when someone meets us, they immediately recognize us as someone who “has been with Jesus!” Pray for the strength, the sensitivity, and the obedience to give Christ our all.

Memory Verse: Galatians 2:20: “I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”

 

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