Group Discussion Guide
2.28.21
ONE Series
One Spirit

Ephesians 4:4; Romans 8:5-8
“The mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace.”

OPEN
How much were you taught about the Holy Spirit in your early spiritual training? Were you
Trinitarian in faith or more nearly Binitarian?

NEXT
A.W. Tozer used to say that 95 percent of the activity of the church in the NT would have
come to a halt, if the Holy Spirit had been withdrawn from it, but 95 percent of present-day
church activity would go right on without anybody noticing if the Holy Spirit were absent.
What do you think he meant by that? Do you agree or disagree? Why?

Read Jesus’ words found at John 16:12-15. What will be the primary focus of a truly
“charismatic church”? The gifts of the Holy Spirit? Or the redemptive role of Jesus?

In Romans 8:5-8, Paul draws a sharp contrast between “those who live according to the flesh”
and “those who live in accordance with the Spirit.” From verse 5, what is the fundamental
distinction between these life orientations? How would one’s choice between them become
clear by his or her interests, speech, and behaviors?

The startling statement is made in v.7 that a mind/heart devoted to the flesh “does not submit
to God’s law, nor can it do so.” Have you ever noticed that strong language before? Does
what you know about addiction help you understand what this text says? (See John 8:34).
Divine intervention by the Holy Spirit is necessary to break the hold of sin on a human life!

To “live by the Spirit” certainly requires a choice on the part of a human being. But the lifegiving strength to renew one’s mind and affections, words and deeds comes from the activity
of the Holy Spirit. Read Romans 8:13, 26-27.

Take time to read the prayer Paul prayed over a church he knew well that is found at
Ephesians 3:14-21. Notice especially (v.16) that the strength, power, and love Christians need
in our lives is the result of the presence of the Holy Spirit.

CLOSING
As you end your reflection on the One Spirit, why not adapt and pray the language of
Ephesians 3:14-21 over our church? Your family? Your Life Group? How does confidence in
Heaven’s response to this prayer generate the “life and peace” spoken of in our primary text?