Leader Guide
This week, we continue our look at who the Holy Spirit is and how He works in our lives. Many people think of the Holy Spirit as a feeling or a moment of emotion, but He is so much more. He is the living, active presence of God in us. Today, we’ll explore one of the most challenging truths: the Holy Spirit cannot be controlled. As people, we like structure, predictability, and control. But following the Spirit often means releasing our grip and trusting His leading—even when it doesn’t fit our schedule or plans. Remember, this is a safe place, with no judgement, as we share and learn to recognize His voice together.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leader: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to know more and explore. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. On a scale of 1-10, 1 being, “whatever happens, happens” 10 being, “I’ll just do it myself”; how much of a control freak are you? Have you ever redone something someone just did? (folding towels, loading the dishwasher, putting away groceries, washing the car)
Leader: It’s funny how much we like control in everyday life, but sometimes we carry that same need for control into our faith. That’s when we can start trying to “manage” God.
2. The Holy Spirit Cannot be Calculated. Read John 3:8, Acts 16:6-10. How is the Holy Spirit like the wind in John 3:8? What does this tell us about His nature? How do Paul and Silas demonstrate faith in Acts 16 when the Spirit changes their plans? When have you experienced a moment when your plans changed but later realized God had a better one?
Leader: The Spirits movement isn't random—it's purposeful, even when unpredictable. Paul and Silas didn’t see the full picture, but they trusted God’s redirection, which led to a powerful ministry in Macedonia. When following the Spirit, we must trust over understanding every detail.
3. The Holy Spirit Cannot be Commanded. Read Acts 19:13-16. What stands out to you about the difference between the sons of Sceva and Paul? What does this verse reveal about knowing about Jesus versus actually knowing Him? How do we sometimes try to “use” or “summon” God for our benefit instead of submitting to His will? Why is a relationship more powerful than a religious routine or an emotional experience?
Leader: The sons of Sceva used Jesus’ name without His authority or relationship. The Spirit cannot be manipulated by rituals, words, or emotions. He works through intimacy and obedience with Him, not performance or commanding.
4. The Holy Spirit Cannot be Contained. Read 2 Corinthians 3:17-18, Romans 8:11. What does it mean that “where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom”? How can we live as though the Spirit cannot be contained by our circumstances or fears? What are some ways we try to box in or resist the Spirit’s leading? Is there one small way you would like to share with the group, that God is prompting you to “let go” or a celebration of an area you already have?
Leader: Freedom in the Spirit isn’t chaos; it’s alignment with God’s design. Many believers struggle with fear of losing control, but that fear often limits what God wants to do through us. In Him is freedom from shame, sin, and our past. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from death is the same Spirit in us. We just need to surrender to Him.
Action Steps:
*Pray Daily: “Holy Spirit, help me to trust Your leading more than my own understanding.”
*Pay attention to moments where you sense His prompting, especially when it’s inconvenient or uncomfortable.
*Be ready to follow. Freedom grows through obedience.
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read Numbers 22:21-35. How does Balaam’s story show God’s sovereignty over human control? What can we learn from the way God speaks—sometimes through surprising or uncomfortable means?
Leader: Balaam wanted to control how God would use him—but God redirected him in a way Balaam couldn’t predict or command. The Spirit often interrupts our plans to protect or realign us with God’s will.