God’s grace continues to abound to us as a church!  What a sweet time in the presence of the Lord yesterday.  And what a privilege it is to worship Jesus Christ our Savior who conquered sin and death on the cross, in our place, on our behalf, because of His great love for us!  Yesterday we studied Galatians 5:25-6:5.  This was really part two of what it means to live and walk by the Spirit.  This week’s text had corporate application for us as a church.  We learned that the Holy Spirit is the key to how we live our lives together in this church.  We then looked at the Spirit’s role in building humility, gracious accountability and the grace to excel in bearing one another’s burdens.  You can download or listen to the message here.  We hope these questions will help you apply God’s word to your life.

1)  What is the Spirit’s role in our interactions with one another as a church?  What is the difference between a church that is cordial toward one another based on social etiquette and a church that is filled with the Spirit?

2)  How do you believe the Spirit wants to change you and help you regarding humility towards other brothers and sisters in our church?  Have you been humble in your interactions with others in this church or has their been conceit leading to provoking or envying?  What will change look like for you the next time you have opportunity to interact with your church family?

3)  Real sin happens and shouldn’t be ignored, according to Gal. 6:1.  How do verses 1-2 teach us how accountability should occur?  Do you see accountability as a negative or do you see accountability as a moment of redemption where the grace, mercy and forgiveness of Jesus Christ will be magnified?  Of these two options, which do you think the Spirit is prompting you to look at: A)  Go to your brother or sister; or B) Restore them gently?

4)  Are you actively caring for someone right now?  Are you actively carrying someone else’s burden right now?  Or, have you walked on the other side of the road?  Are you aware of the hurting around you?   Is there anyone in your care group that is struggling and could simply use your prayer and support right now?  Is there anyone you know the Lord wants you to get to, to extend care?  How will you get in contact with them?

Folks, the Spirit is at work in our church!  Paul Tripp reminded us that we are not a theological classroom, but a redemption, confession, conversion, forgiveness, and reconciliation center filled with flawed people who are being changed by the grace of God.  We are God’s wonderful mess, he said!  And yet God is filling us with His Spirit, He is transforming us as a church, and He is using us in each other’s lives as ministers of grace.  How amazing is that!?!

Grace to you today,

Eric