Leader Guide
This is the final week of our More than a Feeling series, and we have discovered so much about the Holy Spirit. We have learned He is not just an emotion or mysterious force but a real and personal part of the Trinity—our Helper and constant companion, we’ve also seen that He can’t be controlled or fit into a formula that gets a certain answer, but He can be trusted to guide, empower, and transform us as we walk with Him. As we wrap up, remember this isn’t the end—it's the beginning of learning to walk daily with the Spirit. Keep digging into God’s Word, invite the Holy Spirit into your ordinary moments, and watch how He shapes your heart and steps each day.
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. What were some of the rules or restrictions your parents had when you were growing up—and how did you feel about them at the time?
Leader: Sometimes, rules felt restrictive as kids, but as we grew up, we saw how they were meant to protect or teach us. The Holy Spirit works in a similar way—He doesn't restrict us to take away fun, but to shape our freedom with wisdom and discipline.
2. Read Galatians 5:16-17. What does Paul mean by “the flesh” and “the Spirit”? How are they described as being in conflict? Discuss the difference between restrictions verses disciplined behavior? What helps you recognize when you’re being led by the Spirit versus by your own desires?
Leader: Walking and being disciplined implies steady, ongoing movement—not perfection. It’s a daily relationship, not a one-time event. God wants us to realize that not all things feed our soul even if they are not necessarily bad for us. However, some things are not beneficial.
3. Read 1 Thessalonians 5:14-22. What might “quenching the Spirit” look like in this context? According to these verses, what are the ways we can “feed the Spirit"? Which of these instructions is the easiest and most challenging for you to live out? What are some ways we can “test everything”?
Leader: It is so easy to want to please the flesh by repaying evil for evil. We often think if others hurt us or just do stupid things, then they should get what's coming. This quenches the Holy Spirit in our lives. But Paul used words like build up, encourage, help, patience with others and being thankful; these things feed us spiritually.
4. Read Galatians 5:22-24, Romans 8: 3-4. Why do you think Paul uses the word fruit instead of fruits? What might that reveal about how these qualities grow? How does Romans connect obedience and freedom through the Spirit? What do these passages teach us about the difference between restricting verses transformation by the Spirit?
Leader: Fruit grows best as we stay connected—never from trying harder alone. The Spirit transforms us from the inside out as we yield control and stay rooted in Him. Our sinful nature produces certain types of fruit that reflect our nature, and the Holy Spirit produces types of fruit that reflect His nature.
Action Steps: Ask the Holy Spirit to show you one area this week where He’s inviting you to walk differently, choose one fruit of the Spirit to intentionally focus on and to grow that in you, pray for sensitivity to pause and listen when the Spirit nudges your heart or redirect your steps.
Deeper Dive (Optional): Read John 13:1-5, Luke 22:50-51, Luke 23:34. Which fruit of the Spirit do you see demonstrated in each scene? How does Jesus' example redefine power, love, and self-control?
Leader: We should ask the Spirit daily to help us respond more like Jesus did as He is the ultimate example of how-to life our lives.