Week 4: Free To Live Free
September 24 & 27, 2026
Freedom is something Jesus gives us, but we have to learn to live in that freedom.
Our freedom isn’t an excuse to surrender to every desire we experience.
We have to stop feeding what’s fighting against our freedom.
What are you feeding in your life right now that is fighting against the work of the Holy Spirit?
Fruit isn’t something you manufacture…but something that grows…naturally.
Love - choosing to seek the good of another person…even when it costs you something
Joy - finding your deepest satisfaction in the Lord…even when circumstances aren’t what you wish they were
Peace - bringing anxiety, stress, or difficult circumstances to the Lord…instead of allowing those things to control your life
Patience - trusting God’s timeline over mine
Kindness - love expressed through intentional actions…regardless of whether they deserve it or can repay it
Goodness - choosing what’s right because it honors God
Faithfulness - being someone people can depend on
Gentleness - having the ability to hurt someone and choosing not to…strength expressed through humility
Self-control - not obeying every impulse you experience
When we place our faith in Jesus, sin is no longer our master…and our old life no longer defines us.
How do we follow the Spirit?
Pause - recognize what’s happening in you
Pray - surrender that moment to the Holy Spirit
Obey - take the next step the Holy Spirit is leading you to take
[d]Group Questions
What are you feeding? Read Galatians 5:16–21. Paul describes the ongoing battle between the flesh and the Spirit. Looking at the works of the flesh in verses 19–21, which of these do you see yourself most tempted to surrender to? What habits, influences, or choices in your life might be feeding those desires rather than helping you walk by the Spirit?
What kind of fruit is growing in your life? Read Galatians 5:22–23 and John 15:4–5. Jesus tells us that we cannot bear fruit apart from remaining in Him. Which fruit of the Spirit do you most desire to see growing in your life right now? What would that fruit look like in your everyday relationships, and how can you intentionally cultivate a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit rather than simply trying harder to change?
What is your next step of obedience? Read Galatians 5:24–25. Paul reminds us that we belong to Jesus and calls us to follow the Spirit's leading in every part of our lives. Think about a specific situation where you tend to react according to your flesh rather than the Spirit. How could practicing PAUSE, PRAY, and OBEY change the way you respond? What is one specific step of obedience you believe the Holy Spirit is leading you to take this week?
Prayer Prompt
Spend a few moments in silence, asking the Holy Spirit to reveal any desires, habits, or areas of your life that you have been surrendering to the flesh rather than to Him. Confess those things to God (and possibly your group), remembering that your standing with Him is based on what Jesus has done, not your ability to change yourself. Ask the Holy Spirit to produce His fruit in your life and give you the willingness to recognize His leading and obey Him in the ordinary moments of your week.