Discussion Guide | Sept. 7, 2025

September 8th, 2025

Introduction

"A Fresh Season in the Spirit" - Sermon Summary

In this sermon, Pastor Bill discusses the importance of recognizing and responding to seasons in our spiritual lives, drawing parallels to natural seasons. He emphasizes that God has established rhythms in life where different seasons call for different responses - planting in spring, protecting in summer, harvesting in fall, and focusing on roots in winter. Using passages from Haggai, Genesis, and the New Testament, he highlights how God calls us to transformation (metamorpho) from the inside out, rather than merely changing our circumstances or routines.

Intro Prayer

Heavenly Father, as we gather to discuss the seasons of our spiritual lives, we ask that You would open our hearts to receive what You have for us today. Help us to discern Your voice and Your timing in our lives. Give us the courage to embrace the transformations You want to bring about in us. May we leave this discussion with renewed purpose and clarity about the season You have us in right now. In Jesus' name, amen.

Ice Breaker

What's your favorite season of the year and why do you enjoy it so much?

Main Study

Key Verses

Ecclesiastes 3:1
Song of Solomon 4:16
Haggai 1:5-7
Romans 12:2
Ephesians 4:22-24
1 Chronicles 12:32

Questions

Pastor Bill mentioned that 'God says that there is a time, there is a season. Not every season is for everything.' How does this concept apply to your current life situation?
In what area of your life do you feel God might be calling you to experience a 'fresh new season'?
The sermon discusses how the people in Haggai focused on their own homes and businesses while neglecting God's house. Where might our priorities be misplaced in similar ways today?
How do you distinguish between changes you want to make in your own strength versus transformations God wants to bring about in you?
Pastor Bill described 'the Wall' as 'our will meeting God's will face to face.' Can you share about a time when you experienced this kind of confrontation between your plans and God's plans?
What does it mean to you personally to be 'transformed by the renewing of your mind' as mentioned in Romans 12:2?
The sermon mentions the sons of Issachar who 'understood the times and knew what Israel should do.' How can we develop this kind of discernment in our current cultural moment?
What practical steps can you take to be more intentional about discerning God's priorities for this season of your life?

Life Application

This week, take time to prayerfully evaluate what season you're in spiritually. Identify one area where you sense God calling you to transformation rather than just surface-level change. Write down what this transformation might look like and what steps you can take toward it. Each day, spend at least 10 minutes in prayer asking God for discernment about His priorities for you in this season, and commit to taking one concrete action that aligns with what He reveals to you.

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Closing

Key Takeaways

God establishes seasons in our lives, and each season has a specific purpose that requires our awareness and appropriate response.
True transformation (metamorpho) happens from the inside out, changing our character and identity rather than just our circumstances.
Discernment is crucial for distinguishing between our will and God's will, allowing us to prioritize what matters most to Him.
Like Jacob's transformation to Israel, God wants to give us a new identity that reflects His power working through us.
We need to be intentional about living out God's priorities in each new season of our lives.

Ending Prayer

Lord God, thank You for speaking to us about the seasons of our lives and Your desire to transform us from the inside out. Help us to discern Your timing and Your priorities as we move forward. Give us the courage to let go of our own plans when they conflict with Yours, and the wisdom to recognize the new things You are doing in and through us. May we, like the sons of Issachar, understand our times and know what we should do. Transform our minds, renew our hearts, and lead us into the fullness of the identity You have for us. We pray this in Jesus' name, amen.

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