SERMON SUMMARY 

The book of Galatians defines authentic Christianity by emphasizing that faith is not about rule-keeping or self-improvement but about spiritual transformation through Jesus Christ. The gospel is not just good advice; it is the good news that Jesus has forgiven our sins and given us a new identity as God’s children. As believers, we are called to live by the Spirit, not by our own efforts, allowing God to work in us over time, shaping our hearts and producing the fruit of the Spirit.

Spiritual growth is both a gradual and guaranteed process, as seen in Galatians 5, where Paul encourages us to keep in step with the Spirit. This means remembering that we belong to Jesus, crucifying the desires of the flesh, and actively walking in the Spirit’s guidance. Growth in the fruit of the Spirit does not happen in isolation—it takes place within a gospel-centered community, where believers support, encourage, and refine each other through Christ-centered relationships.

The first part of Galatians 6 reinforces the importance of living in a Spirit-led community by addressing how believers should relate to one another. We are called to bear each other’s burdens, restore those caught in sin with gentleness, and avoid pride or comparison. A gospel-centered community is one that is lovingly intrusive, where believers invite one another to speak truth, hold each other accountable, and walk together in grace. True transformation comes not from self-reliance but from the Spirit’s work within us.

*We are a church located in Greenville, South Carolina. Our vision is to see God transform us into a community of grace passionately pursuing life and mission with Jesus.

SUGGESTIONS FOR COMMUNITY GROUP QUESTIONS                  

Remember, these are “suggested” questions. You do not have to go through every single one of them. In fact, some of these questions may prompt other questions that may be important to group members. So, feel free to explore other questions as long as they don’t become “rabbit trails.”

Opening Prayer: Begin by asking the Holy Spirit to open your hearts and minds to understand and apply the truths about our freedom in Christ.

Have someone read Galatians 5:26-6:1-5.

1. Take a moment and share with one another something you appreciate about your gospel community.
2. How does having a self-image based on the gospel change the way you see yourself and others?
3. In what ways do pride and envy most show themselves in your relationships?
4. Are you open to the Spirit’s leading when it comes to gently confronting someone close to you who is stuck in a habitual sin?
5. Does your gospel community carry each other's burdens? In what ways or why not?
6. Would you define your gospel community as lovingly intrusive? In what ways does this show itself? How could you grow in this?
7. Would you define your gospel community as Jesus-focused? In what ways does this show itself? How could you grow in this?
8. Would you define your gospel community as grace-centered? In what ways does this show itself? How could you grow in this?
9. Would you define your gospel community as hope-filled? In what ways does this show itself? How could you grow in this?