We all want to grow, make a difference, and live in a way that really counts. Jesus wants this for us, too. He talked often about how real growth happens—through the process of bearing fruit. We invite you to go all in with our new series, Fruitful, and see what fruit God wants to produce in your life in 2026.

Join us this Sunday for Fruitful!

1. Why do you think Jesus uses the image of a vine, branches, and fruit to describe our relationship with Him?
2. In verse 5, Jesus says, “Apart from me you can do nothing.” What do you think He means by this? 
3. How would you describe what it means to “remain” in Jesus? 
4. How does remaining in Jesus differ from trying harder to be a good person? 
5. Have you ever gone through a season of trying harder to be good without God’s help? What was that experience like, and what did it produce? 
6. What are some specific ways you can remain in Jesus each day through your choices, habits, or routines? 
7. Have you given your life to Christ? How is that different from just having knowledge about Him? 
8. Give an honest evaluation of yourself: Are you remaining in Christ, and how would the people closest to you describe the fruit they see in your life?
   

   Application

   This week, what is one practical step you will take to remain in Jesus, so that His fruit becomes more evident in your life? 

1. In Galatians 5:13, what does Paul say we should use our freedom for? What should we not use it for? Why is this significant?
2. The first fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22 is love. Why do you think Paul places love first in the list?
3. What does 1 John 3:16 reveal about God’s love, and how it should shape the way we think about love?
4. Think of someone you know who shows Christlike love. What stands out about the way they love others?
5. The second fruit of the Spirit is joy. How is joy different than circumstantial happiness?
6. The third fruit of the Spirit is peace. The Bible describes peace as shalom—complete well-being that results from a right relationship with God and others. How does this understanding change the way you think about peace?
7. Honestly assess yourself. How would you grade yourself in the areas of love, joy, and peace? In which area do you need to grow the most, and why?
8. Fruit doesn’t grow overnight, and it only grows while connected to the tree. How does this picture help you think about the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
   

   Application

   What’s one thing you will do this week to grow in love, joy, or peace?

1. In Galatians 5:23, it says, “Against such things there is now law.” What do you think Paul means by this, and why is it significant for how we lives? 
2. Why do you think Paul describes these qualities as “fruit” rather than “laws” or “rules” to follow? 
3. Which of the characteristics listed in Galatians 5:22-23 do you find most challenging to live out in your relationships, and why? 
4. Think of someone you know who shows Christlike love. What stands out about the way they love others?
5. If you asked the people closest to you which of the fruit of the Spirit they see most in your life, which characteristic do you think they would choose, and why? 
   

   Application

   Which fruit of the Spirit do you need to focus on growing in your relationships right now? What’s something specific you will do to practice this week? 

1. Matthew 12:33–35 compares our words to fruit. How are our words like fruit?
2. Verse 34 says, “The mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” How do our words reveal what’s in our hearts?
3. What are some examples of words that build up vs. tear down?
4. Why is it so easy to use our words to harm others?
5. Take a moment to honestly assess your words this week. Which words were life-giving, and which words were negative or hurtful?
6. What are practical steps you can take to speak life-giving words over yourself, others, and your circumstances?
7. How can you prune negative or critical speech from your life?
8. To speak God’s Word out of our mouths, it must first be hidden in our hearts. How can we fill our hearts with God’s Word?
   

   Application

   This week, identify someone you will intentionally encourage with your words. What will you say to them?