Connect:

1. Open in prayer
2. Would you consider yourself a green thumb? Why or why not?

Discuss:

1. Read Gal 5:13-15. Paul states that the law is fulfilled in what? Why is this so?
2. Paul compares and contrasts the ‘acts of the flesh’ to the ‘fruit of the Spirit’. Eduardo Arens says, “Spirit and flesh are not components of human nature; rather they are ‘forces’ humans base their lives on. They orient their lives ‘according to the ‘flesh’ or ‘according to the spirit.’ ” Eduardo and Paul are implying that our choice is between these two. How do you feel about this? Have you experienced this to be so? Explain.
3. How have you seen our world, through marketing or cultural narratives, push people towards ‘acts of the flesh? (To summarize the ‘acts of the flesh’ – they are all centered around the individual and personal desire.)
4. Pastor Tim summarized Timothy Keller’s cultural narrative of Absolute Negative Freedom. Can you put into your own words what this is? (Hint: Do whatever I want so long as it doesn’t hinder or harm someone else.)
5. What are two main issues with Absolute Negative Freedom? (Hint: How do we define harm without an agreed upon moral compass? How do we define love which requires sacrifice and requires one to lay down their wants/desires/needs for the sake of another?) Where do you see yourself slipping into this cultural narrative?
6. Read Gal 5:22-25. What fruit is the hardest to produce in your life and why? What practice might you engage in to grow in this area? Take a moment to ask Holy Spirit for guidance.

Pray:

1. In groups of 2-3 people share: Given the conversation you just had, what would you like prayer for in regards to what has been discussed? Pray for one another as each person shares. Finish with a group prayer by the leader.