This small group discussion guide draws directly from Wagoner First's sermon “Follow-Up Materials - Initial Analysis” so you can keep engaging with the message all week. Read, reflect, and share it with your small group or friends.
Living in Love: From Law to Relationship
Small Group Discussion Guide
OVERVIEW
This sermon explores how our relationship with Christ should be motivated by love rather than obligation. Pastor contrasts living under the law versus living in love, emphasizing that genuine relationship with Jesus transforms our motivations, behavior, and spiritual growth. When we fall in love with Jesus again, we move beyond religious duty to find joy in our walk with Him.
ICEBREAKER (5-10 minutes)
Relationship Check-In: Think about your closest human relationship (spouse, friend, family member). Share one thing you do to keep that relationship healthy and vibrant. How might this relate to your relationship with God?
[Leader Tip: This question helps people transition into thinking about relationships while creating a comfortable atmosphere for sharing. Listen for principles that can be referenced later when discussing our relationship with God.]
SCRIPTURE READING (5 minutes)
Galatians 5:16-18 (NIV) "So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not able to do whatever you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law."
1 John 4:15-16 (NIV) "If anyone acknowledges that Jesus is the Son of God, God lives in them and they in God. And so we know and rely on the love God has for us. God is love. Whoever lives in love lives in God, and God in them."
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS (30-45 minutes)
MOTIVATION: WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
The pastor said, "My motives reveal my approach to God." What's the difference between doing something for God out of duty versus doing it out of love? Can you share an example from your own life? (5-7 minutes)
Read 2 Corinthians 3:6: "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant—not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." How have you experienced the difference between following "the letter" versus being led by the Spirit? (5-7 minutes)
[Leader Tip: Help the group understand that this isn't about abandoning biblical commands but rather about the heart motivation behind our obedience. You might ask, "How can we follow God's instructions while being motivated by love rather than obligation?"]
RELATIONSHIP WITH GOD
The pastor used marriage as an analogy for our relationship with Christ. In what ways is this a helpful comparison? Where might the analogy break down? (5-7 minutes)
The sermon mentioned that "the enemy works tirelessly to put everything between you and God." What are some common distractions or obstacles that tend to create distance between you and the Lord? (5-7 minutes)
Read James 4:7-8: "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you." According to this passage and the sermon, what is the proper order for dealing with spiritual struggles? Why is this order important? (5-7 minutes)
REKINDLING THE FLAME
The pastor outlined several steps to "fall in love with Jesus again." Which of these resonated most with you and why? (5-7 minutes)
- Stop pretending everything's fine when it's not
- Release past hurts, wounds, and disappointments
- Embrace God's unconditional love
- Invest heavily in the relationship
- Retreat to reignite with God
The sermon referenced Revelation 2:4: "You have forsaken the love you had at first." Think back to when your relationship with Jesus felt most alive and vibrant. What characterized that time? What has changed since then? (5-7 minutes)
[Leader Tip: This question might bring up feelings of guilt or shame for some. Emphasize that the purpose is not to condemn but to identify what helped their relationship with God thrive so they can incorporate those elements again.]
PERSONAL APPLICATION (10-15 minutes)
On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate your current relationship with Jesus in terms of love and intimacy (not religious activity)? What's one practical step you could take this week to increase that number? (3-5 minutes)
The pastor talked about "retreating to reignite with God." What would a meaningful spiritual retreat look like for you in this season of life? When and how could you create space for extended time with God? (3-5 minutes)
Is there a past hurt, disappointment, or unresolved issue that might be creating distance between you and God? What would it look like to begin the process of releasing that? (3-5 minutes)
[Leader Tip: This question touches on potentially sensitive areas. Remind the group that sharing is optional, and create space for people to process privately if needed. Be prepared to follow up individually with anyone who seems particularly affected.]
PRAYER FOCUS (5-10 minutes)
Break into groups of 2-3 people and pray for:
- A renewed passion and love for Jesus
- Wisdom to identify and remove distractions that hinder intimacy with God
- Healing for any church hurts or disappointments that have affected your relationship with God
- Courage to be honest with God about where you are spiritually
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE (for groups with extra time)
The pastor mentioned that "church hurt is the worst." Why do you think wounds from within the church community can be particularly damaging to our faith? How can we create a church culture that minimizes these hurts while still acknowledging our human imperfections? (5-7 minutes)
Read Romans 12:1: "Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship." What does it mean practically to be a "living sacrifice" in today's world? How does this connect to our motivation of love versus law? (5-7 minutes)
The sermon touched on the concept that sometimes we don't get answers to our prayers or understand God's ways. How do you maintain faith and trust when God seems silent or when your prayers don't seem to be answered in the way you hoped? (5-7 minutes)
THIS WEEK'S CHALLENGE
Choose one of the following practices to implement this week:
Daily Love Letter: Spend 5 minutes each day writing a brief "love letter" to God, expressing your feelings honestly (both positive and challenging).
Relationship Audit: Set aside 30 minutes to evaluate where you spend your time and energy. Identify one thing to reduce or eliminate to make more space for your relationship with God.
Mini-Retreat: Schedule 2-3 hours this week for an extended time with God. Find a quiet place away from distractions, bring your Bible, journal, and perhaps worship music.
Honest Conversation: Have an honest conversation with God about any disappointments, hurts, or frustrations you've been holding onto. Practice releasing these to Him.
Share with one person from the group which challenge you're committing to and check in with each other mid-week.
[Final Leader Note: Remember that the goal of this discussion is not just intellectual understanding but heart transformation. Create space for honest sharing and be sensitive to those who might be struggling with their relationship with God. End your time together by affirming God's unconditional love for each person in your group, regardless of where they currently find themselves spiritually.]