Unseen – Week 4

Seeing the Unseen | Nov 12 – Nov 18, 2017

Series Big Idea

Learning to see the unseen helps us recognize that our story is part of God’s bigger story of redemption.

Message Big Idea

The unseen becomes seen as we invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.

Scripture

Galatians 5:16-26

Ice Breaker

Have you ever met someone famous? What was it like?

Icebreaker and Opening Thoughts

1. 1. What would be a perfect afternoon for you?
   2. The Holy Spirit is always at work in our world through unseen ways in much the same way that people are at work “behind the scenes.” In what ways have you seen people working behind the scenes to make a show, concert, or organization work well?

Bible Discussion

1. 1. 3. Read Galatians 5:16-26 in a couple of translations (The Voice and The Message are recommended). What do you notice? How would you describe the battle between what God’s Spirit desires and the “flesh?” (Note: Flesh means sinful desires, not that the material world is bad.)
      4. In the Voice translation verses 25, 26 read this way: “Now since we have chosen to walk with the Spirit, let’s keep each step in perfect sync with God’s Spirit. This will happen when we set aside our self-interests and work together to create true community instead of a culture consumed by provocation, pride, and envy.” How do you think a person or community can put this instruction into practice?

Life Application

1. 1. 5. We can walk with the Spirit by practicing something called Holy Awareness. What does you think it might mean to live with Holy Awareness??
      6. One way we can practice Holy Awareness is by asking ourselves a set of questions. Look at the first set of questions and compare them to the second set of questions. Which questions do you find yourself asking most frequently?

Holy Awareness
How is God at work in this circumstance?
How would Jesus respond in this situation?
How could I honor God in this decision?
How might God be speaking in this moment?

Living by Flesh
How can I find the most favorable circumstances?
How can I respond to make myself look good?
What decision would advance my interests?
What do I want to say in this moment?

1. 1. 5. Which questions from the “Holy Awareness” category are the most challenging? Which do you need to ask the most frequently and why?

Challenge

The challenge to all of us this week is to practice “holy awareness” by asking ourselves these questions frequently as we go through our day: While you’re driving to work or riding the train; while you’re on your lunch break; as you stand in line at the store. Get into the habit of asking these questions frequently throughout the day and see if it changes what you see. You may find that you begin to see the unseen.