This small group discussion guide draws directly from Will Barlow'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.
Walking by the Spirit
Small Group Discussion Guide
Based on the Pentecost Sunday Sermon — Romans 8:1–17
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." — Romans 8:1
A Note to Facilitators
Welcome, and thank you for leading your group this week! This guide is designed to help anyone — whether you've led groups for years or this is your first time — facilitate a meaningful conversation about Sunday's sermon. You don't need to be a theological expert. Your job is simply to create space for honest conversation and to help your group connect with God and each other.
A few practical tips before you begin:
- Read through the entire guide before your meeting so nothing surprises you.
- You won't have time for every question — that's by design. Choose the ones that feel right for your group.
- Silence is okay. Give people time to think before jumping in.
- Your own honest sharing will give others permission to share honestly too.
- The goal isn't to cover all the material. The goal is genuine connection and growth.
Estimated Total Time: 60–90 minutes
OVERVIEW
(For the Facilitator — not necessarily to read aloud)
In this Pentecost Sunday sermon from Romans 8:1–17, Pastor Will explored what it means to "walk by the Spirit" as followers of Jesus. The message centered on two foundational truths: identity (we are immediately transferred from darkness to light when we come to Christ) and sanctification (the Spirit gradually forms us into Christlikeness over time). Using the imagery of a mountain climb and the everyday struggle with anger, the sermon made the case that we already have everything we need to live differently — not through willpower or rule-following, but through the Spirit of God living in us.
ICEBREAKER
(5–10 minutes)
Choose one of the following to open your time together:
Option A (lighter, good for newer groups):
"Think about a journey you've taken — a road trip, a hike, or even just navigating a new city. What made that journey easier or harder, and what helped you stay on track?"
Option B (slightly more personal):
"When you were growing up, who was someone you wanted to be like — and what was one thing you did to try to become more like them?"
[Leader Tip] The icebreaker is just for warming up the room — there are no wrong answers here. Keep this light and fun. If your group is chatty, set a gentle time limit so you have plenty of time for the main discussion.
SCRIPTURE READING
(5 minutes)
Have someone in the group read the following passage aloud. Encourage everyone to listen for a word or phrase that stands out to them.
Romans 8:1–17 (ESV)
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace. For the mind that is set on the flesh is hostile to God, for it does not submit to God's law; indeed, it cannot. Those who are in the flesh cannot please God.
You, however, are not in the flesh but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God dwells in you. Anyone who does not have the Spirit of Christ does not belong to him. But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness. If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.
So then, brothers, we are debtors, not to the flesh, to live according to the flesh. For if you live according to the flesh you will die, but if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live. For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
After the reading, ask:
"What word, phrase, or image from that passage caught your attention? Just share it briefly — we'll come back to it."
(Allow each person to share a word or phrase without discussion yet. This is a simple "noticing" exercise.)
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
(30–45 minutes)
Work through as many of these questions as time allows. Questions are organized from lighter and observational to deeper and more personal. You do not need to use all of them — choose 5–7 that feel right for your group.
SECTION 1: Opening Up the Sermon
Getting oriented to the main ideas (5–8 minutes)
1. What was one thing from Sunday's sermon that stood out to you, surprised you, or stuck with you through the week?
[Leader Tip] This is a great opening question because it's low-pressure and lets people share at whatever level they're comfortable. There's no wrong answer. If your group is quiet, share your own answer first to model vulnerability.
2. Pastor Will described two things that happen when we come to Christ: something that changes immediately and something that changes gradually over time. In your own words, how would you describe that difference?
(If helpful, refer back to the sermon's two main points: identity — we are immediately placed "in Christ" and given his righteousness — and sanctification — the Spirit gradually forms us over time.)
SECTION 2: Identity — Who We Are in Christ
(8–12 minutes)
3. Romans 8:1 says, "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." Pastor Will pointed out that this isn't just about feeling bad about ourselves — it's talking about the final judgment that leads to death. How does understanding that change the way you hear this verse?
4. The sermon made a big deal about how we identify ourselves — whether we think of ourselves primarily as "a sinner struggling against sin" or as "a child of God who has been transferred into the kingdom of light." How do you typically think about yourself when you mess up or fall short? How does Paul's language in Romans 8 challenge or encourage that?
[Leader Tip] This question can go deep quickly. It's okay to let it. If someone shares something vulnerable, resist the urge to immediately "fix" it with theology — simply acknowledge it before moving on. A simple "Thank you for sharing that" goes a long way.
5. In verses 15–16, Paul writes that we have received "the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'" The word Abba is an intimate Aramaic word — something like "Papa" or "Daddy." What does it mean to you personally that God invites that kind of closeness? Does that feel natural, or does it feel like a stretch? Why?
(Optional follow-up if discussion stalls: "What experiences in your life — positive or negative — shape the way you relate to the idea of God as Father?")
SECTION 3: Sanctification — The Journey of Formation
(8–12 minutes)
6. Pastor Will used the image of everyone climbing the same mountain toward Jesus, but on different paths and at different paces. How does that picture sit with you? What does it make you feel about where you are in your own journey right now?
7. The sermon made the point that "the goal is not a better you" — it's to become like Christ, to be conformed to his image (Romans 8:29). How is that different from general self-improvement? And practically speaking, what difference does that distinction make in how we approach growth?
[Leader Tip] This is a great question for groups with both new and mature believers. Newer believers may find the idea of becoming like Christ exciting but abstract. More mature believers may find it convicting. Both responses are valid — try to draw out both perspectives if your group is mixed.
8. Pastor Will shared a personal story about getting angry when his kids interrupt him to ask him to fix something — and how the anger was really about feeling insecure and not wanting to be interrupted. He used that as an example of how we can "set our mind on the flesh" in small, everyday ways. What's an everyday situation in your own life where you notice the pull toward "the flesh" — toward self-protection, irritability, or putting your own preferences first?
(Optional follow-up: "What might it look like to 'set your mind on the Spirit' in that specific situation?")
9. The sermon acknowledged that Paul himself — despite his dramatic conversion experience — still took about 13–14 years to grow into his full calling as an apostle. What does that tell us about the pace of spiritual growth? How does it make you feel to know that even Paul's formation took time?
SECTION 4: Community and Encouragement
(5–8 minutes)
10. Romans 8:17 ends with a sobering note: "provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him." The sermon didn't shy away from the reality that walking in the Spirit doesn't make life easy. How has your community — this group, this church — helped you keep going during a hard stretch? What kind of support makes the biggest difference?
PERSONAL APPLICATION
(10–15 minutes)
These questions are more reflective and personal. You may want to give people a minute of quiet to think before sharing, or invite people to share only what they're comfortable with.
1. If you're honest with yourself, where do you most feel the tension between "the flesh" and "the Spirit" right now — in your thought life, your relationships, your habits, or somewhere else?
2. The sermon talked about how our identity shapes our choices — that if we think of ourselves primarily as "a fallen person under sin," we tend to live that way. Is there an area of your life where you need to start thinking of yourself differently — as someone who is truly free, truly loved, truly a child of God?
3. Pastor Will described a simple practice for when we stumble: slow down, take your thoughts and emotions to God in prayer, and — when needed — apologize to God and to the people we've wronged. Is there a relationship or situation this week where that kind of honesty and repair is needed?
4. The sermon ended with the image of keeping your eyes on Jesus — not on the path others are taking, not on how far you've come or haven't come, but on Jesus himself. What would it look like for you to be more intentionally "looking at Jesus" this week? What might need to shift in your daily rhythms to make that more real?
✅ This Week's Challenge
(Choose one that feels right for you)
Practice the pause. Identify one recurring situation where you tend to react from "the flesh" — frustration, impatience, anxiety. This week, when that situation comes up, try to literally pause, take a breath, and say a short prayer before responding. Notice what happens.
Speak your identity out loud. Once a day this week, read Romans 8:1 aloud and let it sink in: "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus." You might write it somewhere you'll see it — your mirror, your phone wallpaper, a sticky note on your desk.
Have a repair conversation. If the Holy Spirit brings someone to mind this week — someone you've hurt, someone you owe an apology to — take a step toward that conversation. It doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be honest.
Pray the "Abba" prayer. Spend five minutes in prayer this week using the word Abba — just talking to God as a loving Father. If that feels strange or uncomfortable, bring that feeling honestly to God and see what happens.
PRAYER FOCUS
(5–10 minutes)
Close your time together in prayer. Here are some suggested prayer directions based on the sermon — use as many as feel right for your group:
Suggested Prayer Topics:
🙏 Gratitude — Thank God for the gift of the Spirit, for the "no condemnation" reality of Romans 8:1, and for the adoption into his family that we don't deserve but have received.
🙏 Identity — Pray for the courage to see ourselves the way God sees us — not defined by our failures, but by our position in Christ.
🙏 Sanctification — Ask God to show each person in the group one specific area where the Spirit wants to do some formation work — and for the willingness to cooperate with that.
🙏 The journey — Pray for those in the group who are in a hard stretch — climbing a "sheer rock face" right now. Ask for endurance, hope, and the presence of God in the difficulty.
🙏 Each other — Pray for the person to your left or right (literally or figuratively). Ask God to bless their week and help them take one step toward Jesus.
Suggested Prayer Format:
If your group is comfortable with open prayer, invite anyone who wants to pray aloud to do so, using the topics above as a guide. Close with the facilitator.
If your group is newer or quieter, the facilitator can pray over each of these areas while others listen. Or you can invite people to share one word or phrase that describes what they want God to do in their life this week, and then pray over those words together.
[Leader Tip] If someone in your group shared something vulnerable during the discussion — a struggle, a fear, a difficult situation — make sure it gets acknowledged in prayer. You don't need to name them specifically; simply praying "for those in our group who are facing hard things right now" honors their courage in sharing.
OPTIONAL DEEP DIVE
(For groups that want to go further — 15–20 additional minutes)
These bonus questions are for groups with more time, more biblical background, or a desire to dig deeper into the theology of the passage.
Deep Dive 1: The Two Kinds of Righteousness
Pastor Will explained that the word "righteousness" in Paul's letters has two related meanings: imputed righteousness (Jesus' right standing before God given to us as a gift) and practical righteousness (actually doing the right thing, obeying God). Read the following passages and discuss:
- Romans 5:17 — "...those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man Jesus Christ."
- Matthew 6:33 — "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."
- Romans 8:4 — "...in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."
"How do these two kinds of righteousness relate to each other? Can you have one without the other? What happens when we focus only on one?"
Deep Dive 2: The Exodus Connection
The sermon pointed out that Paul is drawing on the language and imagery of the Exodus — Israel's liberation from slavery in Egypt — to describe what happens when we receive the Spirit. Read Exodus 6:6–7 alongside Romans 8:14–15 and discuss:
- Exodus 6:6–7 — "Say therefore to the people of Israel, 'I am the Lord, and I will bring you out from under the burdens of the Egyptians, and I will deliver you from slavery to them, and I will redeem you with an outstretched arm and with great acts of judgment. I will take you to be my people, and I will be your God...'"
- Romans 8:14–15 — "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!'"
"What parallels do you see between Israel's Exodus story and the Christian experience of receiving the Spirit? Why do you think Paul keeps returning to this imagery? What does it add to your understanding of salvation?"
Deep Dive 3: Romans 7 and the Struggle with Sin
Pastor Will briefly mentioned Romans 7, where Paul describes the painful inner conflict of wanting to do good but finding himself doing the opposite. Read Romans 7:18–25 and discuss:
- Romans 7:18–25 — "For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh. For I have the desire to do what is right, but not the ability to carry it out. For I do not do the good I want, but the evil I do not want is what I keep on doing... Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!"
"Have you ever felt what Paul describes here — knowing what's right but feeling powerless to do it? How does Romans 8 answer the desperate cry at the end of Romans 7? What changes between chapter 7 and chapter 8, and what does that tell us about the role of the Spirit?"
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES
Related Scriptures for Further Reading:
- Galatians 5:16–25 — Paul's description of the "fruit of the Spirit" and the contrast between flesh and Spirit
- 1 John 2:15–17 — John's warning about loving the world (referenced in the sermon)
- Romans 8:28–39 — The rest of Romans 8, including the powerful conclusion that nothing can separate us from the love of God (read during the service)
- Romans 12:1–2 — "Be transformed by the renewing of your mind" — a practical application of what it means to set your mind on the Spirit
The Benediction from the Service:
"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." — Hebrews 13:20–21
QUICK REFERENCE — FACILITATOR'S GUIDE AT A GLANCE
| Section | Suggested Time | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Icebreaker | 5–10 min | Warm up, build connection |
| Scripture Reading | 5 min | Hear the Word together |
| Discussion Q1–2 | 5–8 min | Orient to the sermon |
| Discussion Q3–5 | 8–12 min | Identity in Christ |
| Discussion Q6–9 | 8–12 min | Sanctification and growth |
| Discussion Q10 | 5–8 min | Community support |
| Personal Application | 10–15 min | Individual reflection |
| Prayer Focus | 5–10 min | Close in prayer |
| Total | 60–90 min |
This guide was prepared for Compass Christian Church small groups. Our motto: Following Jesus together.
Questions? Reach out to your group leader or contact us at hello@compasslu.org