StoneBridge Community Church
Interim Pastor Neal Nybo
Spiritual fruit is what grows out of us because the Spirit of God grows in us.
Galatians 5:6, 13-14 NIV
1. Restrain our Orangutan
Personal Reflection / Growth Groups Questions
1. What do people think of when they hear the name "Jesus"?
2. If you were to make a list of what the Church/Christians are to be, where would 'love' fall on the list? What else would be on the list?
3. What does it mean to restrain our orangutan?
4. Is there a strength or habit you have that might be an orangutan?
2. Not everything is a Rottweiler
Personal Reflection / Growth Groups Questions
1. What are some of the things Christians get defensive about or feel they need to defend?
2. Of the things Christians get defensive about, are any of these possibly not as dangerous or worth attacking as they seem?
3. Nothing is more important than loving this person.
Three stories referenced in the message.
The woman caught in adultery: John 8: 1-11
The leper wanting to be healed: Matthew 8: 1-4
The centurion who wanted Jesus to heal his servant: Luke 7:1-10
Personal Reflection / Growth Groups Questions
1. Do you agree or disagree with point #3? Why or why not?
2. What does it look like to love someone you disagree with?
4. Love by offering a fruit of the Spirit.
Personal Reflection / Growth Group Question
What do people want from a fruit tree? They want the fruit. They want the fruit not the branches, leaves, trunk or roots. Yet sometimes we show our love by defending our roots (the traditions of the church), protecting our trunk (core values), and maintaining the branches (favorite ministries or traditions).
1. Can you think of examples you have seen in church in general or at our church specifically that show us defending our roots, protecting our trunk, and maintaining our branches?
2. Do you agree that this is how Jesus would want us to show love?
3. Why does it seem so much easier to protect ourselves than offer fruit?
Jesus said,
Love God: Matthew 22:37
Love one another: John 13:34-35
Love your neighbor: Mark 12:33
Love your enemy: Matthew 5:43
Next steps
1. Decide on one fruit of the Spirit you are going to practice using to demonstrate love.
2. When you find yourself in a conversation or situation, ask yourself, “What does love require of me?”
3. Think about a strong characteristic or habit you have that may be an orangutan that needs to be restrained.
