February 1st - Small Group Guide

February 1st - Small Group Guide

SMALL GROUP GUIDE: Formed and Shaped

Spiritual Formation Objectives
Spiritual formation has a direction. God is forming a particular kind of person—one who reflects the heart of Christ and bears His character in everyday life.
One-Line Truth: God’s goal isn’t behavior modification—it’s heart transformation that produces visible fruit.

OPENING 
  • When you hear the phrase “spiritual growth,” what usually comes to mind?
  • Growing up, how was “spiritual maturity” measured—knowledge, behavior, attendance, something else?
  • What’s one word you’d use to describe what you want to become spiritually (not do)?
SCRIPTURE ENGAGEMENT 
Read Together
  • Read Matthew 5:1–12 slowly (consider two readers).
  • Then read Galatians 5:22–23.
Reflection
  • What stands out to you from these passages?
  • What surprises you about how Jesus and Paul describe the formed life?
  • What isn’t mentioned that we often focus on?
Key Insight: Jesus describes who people are becoming. Paul describes what naturally grows from that kind of life.
THE BEATITUDES: INNER FORMATION
The Beatitudes are not commands to achieve—they are descriptions of hearts being formed by the kingdom.
(Choose 3–4, not all)
Poverty of Spirit → Humility
  • What does it look like to depend on God without feeling defeated or ashamed?
  • Where do you still feel pressure to “fix yourself”?
Mourning → Godly Grief
  • What kinds of brokenness still move your heart?
  • Where do you feel yourself growing numb?
Meekness → Strength Under Control
  • In what situations do you feel the urge to prove yourself?
  • What would restraint look like there?
Hunger & Thirst → Holy Desire
  • What do you genuinely crave right now?
  • How do your cravings reveal what’s forming you?
Mercy → Compassion
  • When someone fails, what’s your first reflex—grace or judgment?
  • Who feels “safe” around you—and who might not?
Purity of Heart → Integrity
  • Where do you feel pulled in different directions?
  • What would an undivided heart look like this season?
Peacemaking → Relational Wholeness
  • Do you avoid conflict or move toward it with love?
  • What relationship needs healing—not winning?
Perseverance → Faithful Endurance
  • Where is obedience currently costing you something?
  • What helps you stay faithful when it’s hard?
THE FRUIT OF THE SPIRIT: OUTER EVIDENCE 
Discussion:
  • Which fruit do you most want to see grow in your life right now?
  • Which one feels most resistant or slow to develop?
  • How does it change things to remember that fruit is grown, not forced?
The fruit is not the goal—it’s the evidence of a life rooted in Christ.
CONNECTING ROOTS & FRUIT (5 minutes)
  • How do the Beatitudes act like roots for the fruit of the Spirit?
  • Why do we often try to demand fruit without tending the roots?
  • What happens spiritually when we focus only on behavior?
You can’t skip the roots and demand the fruit.
APPLICATION 
Reflection:
  • Who am I becoming—not just what am I doing?
  • What inner posture is God forming in me right now?
  • Which fruit might naturally grow if that posture deepens?

PRACTICE FOR THE WEEK (VERY IMPORTANT)
Formation Practice Each day this week, pray this single sentence slowly: “God, what are You forming in me right now?