INTRO–‘Are You Living in Freedom?’Read Ezekiel 11:19-20 & II Corinthians 3:17

Even though as a Christian you were saved and called to live in freedom, you might often find yourself trapped in a life of duplicity or superficial role playing. When you received Christ and received the Holy Spirit you were set free from this contradictory life of deceit and given power to become the true person God created you to be. The question is are you walking in the direction or still trapped in the old lifestyle?

• Since becoming a Jesus follower how have you moved away from your old life into real life?

STEP 1–‘Freedom Begins with Devotion’Read Acts 2:42-48, Ezekiel 33:31 & John 14:21

There is often a disconnect between hearing God’s word and instruction and following it. Devotion and obedience take a lot of work. And just like becoming a great athlete or musician, much training must take place if you are ever going to reach that significant Christian lifestyle that mirrors Jesus and does great things for God’s kingdom. The key to this kind of devotion is acting out of desire and not duty, wanting to do it versus having to do it. The good news is that the Holy Spirit will give you the desire and passion once you take those steps into obedience.

• Describe something you have worked hard to master or accomplish. How much work did it take?


• Name some things that you do every day out of duty. What about out of desire.


• Name one way you are mirroring Jesus’ lifestyle with your life. It is meaningful for you?


• Where has the Holy Spirit been driving you lately in being more devoted to God and God’s purposes for your life?

STEP 2–‘Freedom is Maintained by Fellowship’Re-Read Acts 2:44-46

There is life synergy in being a member of a great team, and one characteristic of a great team is that it makes the individuals on that team stronger. Freedom to live the life God created to live is strengthened by those people around you who invest in you, keep you sharp, accountable, and on track. One of the greatest gifts of being a follower of Jesus is the fellowship you have with others believers and it is they who help you continue to walk in freedom and integrity.

• Have you ever been a member of a great team? What things made that team great?


• How does your cell group make you stronger? Where could the group improve in helping each other live like Jesus?

STEP 3–‘Freedom is Powered by the Holy Spirit’Read Acts 4:32-34 & Ephesians 3:20

You might find yourself constantly struggling to live this Christian life, but the problem often is you are trying to use your own power. However, to be filled with the Spirit is to be filled with Christ’s life. Christ doesn’t expect you to live the Christian life, Christ wants to live it through you. You receive power to live by the Holy Spirit who lives within you, and as Ephesians says, by the Spirit’s power ‘you are able to do infinitely more than you will ever dare ask or imagine.’ Let God empower your life!

• Who is most responsible for you meeting Christ and becoming a follower of Jesus? What did you see in them that you desired to be a Christ follower?


• Where do you currently need the Holy Spirit’s power in your life? How can you become more devoted in living free for Jesus?