When you think about the Holy Spirit, what are the first thoughts you have? How do you think the Holy Spirit works in people's lives?
The word for spirit in the New Testament is "pneuma" which also means "breath" (think "pneumonia"). Is it okay to call the Spirit of God the "breath of God?" Why or why not? How does the idea of breathing help explain our relationship with the Holy Spirit?
What other types of "spirits" can replace the Holy Spirit in our life? (influences, urges, thoughts, desires, inclinations, other people, etc...)
When have you found yourself in a difficult situation because you weren't paying attention? How did you fix it? What did you learn?
As a group, read Ephesians 5:15-21.
What do you think it means to "be careful how you live?" (some translations say, "pay attention to your life")
How can someone make the most of every opportunity in life? How should a Christian do this differently than someone else?
Verse 18 is a comparison between two ways of living. Being controlled by "wine" leads to evil deeds. What does being controlled by the Holy Spirit lead to?
Read verses 19-20. Use your own words to describe what these verses say about the spirit-controlled life.
What do you think it means to "submit?" What are some negative responses people have to the idea of submission?
Someone who is controlled by the Holy Spirit will submit to others. Discuss the following questions about submission.
- To whom should you submit?
- To whom should you not submit? Why not?
- Are there times when submission is wrong?
- Why is it difficult to submit to someone else?
Read Philippians 2:5-11. How did Jesus submit? How can submission make us like Jesus? How does our submission demonstrate our relationship with Jesus?
What is one area of your life that would benefit from a more submissive attitude? How will you work on this?
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