Alive
Service and Spiritual Fruit | Week 7
May 19, 2024 | By Jim Burgen
What do you carry in your spiritual survival bag? Jim explores how Christians need more than just faith; they need the right tools for an abundant life, as promised by Jesus. In this message, Jim dives into the true purpose of following Jesus – becoming like Him. He contrasts the fruits of the flesh with the fruits of the Spirit, showing how true followers naturally exhibit Jesus' character traits. Join us on this journey of transformation, understanding how God uses trials to shape us into His image.
SETLIST
"This Is Our God" by Brandon Lake, Pat Barrett, Phil Wickham, and Steven Furtick
"Whole Heart (Hold Me Now)" by Aodhan King and Joel Houston
"Good Plans" by Red Rocks Worship
"More Than Able" by Ben Fielding, Chandler Moore, Naomi Raine, and Steven Furtick
GROUP QUESTIONS
Fruit
Jim Burgen
May 19th, 2024
// Bible References: John 16:33, 10:10; Rom 8:24,27-30; Matt 7:15-20; Gal 5:19
// Community Question: Describe a difficult situation you faced while camping, hiking, skiing, biking, etc., and how you overcame it. Ex “My ski pole broke as I was going downhill on cross country skies, causing me to lose my balance and planting me into a snowbank. As I laid there stuck, I thought, now what?”
// Discussion Questions
- Read John 16:33. Jesus acknowledges that Christians will experience trials and tribulations. What are some challenges you face as a Christian, and how do you find peace and abundant life during them? What role does reliance on the Holy Spirit, God's Word, and obedience play to help you overcome these challenges in your life?
- Jim stated there many ways to live our lives other than following Jesus, asking us to reflect on our own reasons for following Christ. Why do you choose to follow Jesus, even though it involves sacrifice, discipline, and denying yourself certain things? What difference has this decision made in your life?
- Secondly Jim asked us to reflect on our life following Jesus and ask ourselves what we are hoping to see different in our lives because of following Him. What difference do you hope following Jesus will make instead of living your life apart from Him?
- Jim shared that his motivation for following Jesus is to become more like Him, as it gives him purpose, facilitates true transformation, and assures him that even in the face of adversity, God promises to work all things together for good. Do you resonate with this perspective? Can you share examples from your life where you've experienced the truth of these promises?
- Jim discusses the desire for true transformation that goes beyond mere behavior modification or sin management. What does it mean to be truly transformed in the likeness of Jesus? Can you recall a moment in your life where you felt a profound internal change that made you more like Jesus?
// Challenge: What is an area of your life that you would like transformed? What are some first steps you can take this week to cooperate with God's work in those areas?
