Wk 4 // July 25 & 26
WK 4 // BETTER
July 25 & 26, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
INTRODUCTION
God does not simply want to improve our behavior from the outside. He changes us from the inside out by giving us His Spirit and making us new. As we grow in Christ, that inner transformation begins to affect the way we love, the way we relate to our spouse and family, and the legacy we leave behind.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24.
The Christian life is not simply about trying harder to become a better person. God gives us His Spirit, and His presence creates new potential within us. The transformation begins inside us and then begins to change the way we think, feel, act, and relate to others.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ GALATIANS 5:19-26.
The presence of the Holy Spirit changes the direction of our lives. As God changes us, He changes the way we love, forgive, communicate, and respond to the people closest to us. That transformation is meant to extend beyond our own lives and influence our families and future generations.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:31-32.
God's work in us is never only about us. He wants to make us better spouses, parents, grandparents, friends, and followers of Jesus. Even when we have made serious mistakes, it is never too late for God to change us and use our lives to influence the people who come after us.
APPLICATION
PRAYER
God, thank You for loving us enough to make us new and for giving us Your Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Help us to love better, live better, and allow You to use our lives to influence our families and future generations. Amen.
July 25 & 26, 2026
Small Group Discussion Guide
SERMON RECAP
Spend a few minutes recapping this week's sermon together.
TAP HERE TO VIEW THE SERMON NOTES.
- What was one takeaway from this week's sermon for you?
- Were there any stories, ideas, or points that stuck out?
- Was there anything that challenged you?
INTRODUCTION
- What is one area of your life where you would genuinely like to become better?
- If you could instantly improve one relationship in your life, which one would you choose and why?
- What is something about yourself that you have worked hard to change over the years?
God does not simply want to improve our behavior from the outside. He changes us from the inside out by giving us His Spirit and making us new. As we grow in Christ, that inner transformation begins to affect the way we love, the way we relate to our spouse and family, and the legacy we leave behind.
UNDERSTANDING
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ 1 THESSALONIANS 5:23-24.
- The sermon described us as a spirit who has a soul and lives in a body. How do you think understanding those different aspects of who we are can help us understand our spiritual growth?
- What does it mean to you that God desires to sanctify you completely and that He is faithful to do the work in you?
- Where do you most need God to bring greater wholeness and transformation into your life?
The Christian life is not simply about trying harder to become a better person. God gives us His Spirit, and His presence creates new potential within us. The transformation begins inside us and then begins to change the way we think, feel, act, and relate to others.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ GALATIANS 5:19-26.
- Which contrast between the acts of the flesh and the fruit of the Spirit stands out most to you, and why?
- Which fruit of the Spirit do you most want God to develop more fully in your life right now?
- What does it look like in practical terms to "keep in step with the Spirit" during an ordinary week?
The presence of the Holy Spirit changes the direction of our lives. As God changes us, He changes the way we love, forgive, communicate, and respond to the people closest to us. That transformation is meant to extend beyond our own lives and influence our families and future generations.
HAVE A VOLUNTEER READ EPHESIANS 4:31-32.
- Which of the attitudes or behaviors mentioned in these verses is most difficult for you to release?
- How does remembering that God has forgiven you in Christ affect the way you forgive others?
- What is one specific way you could become more kind, compassionate, or forgiving in one of your relationships this week?
God's work in us is never only about us. He wants to make us better spouses, parents, grandparents, friends, and followers of Jesus. Even when we have made serious mistakes, it is never too late for God to change us and use our lives to influence the people who come after us.
APPLICATION
- What is one specific area where you need to stop relying only on your own strength and intentionally invite the Holy Spirit to change you?
- What relationship in your life would most benefit from you loving, communicating, forgiving, or responding differently?
- What is one action you can take this week that would help you become the kind of person and spiritual influence you want to be remembered as?
PRAYER
God, thank You for loving us enough to make us new and for giving us Your Spirit to transform us from the inside out. Help us to love better, live better, and allow You to use our lives to influence our families and future generations. Amen.