Week of January 18, 2026 – To Be Continued: Best: Following the Holy Spirit
In this week’s message, we explored one of Jesus’ most surprising statements:
“It is best for you that I go away.” (John 16:7)
Though the disciples saw Jesus’ departure as loss, Jesus explained that His leaving would make way for the Holy Spirit—God’s presence living within every believer.
Through John 16 and Acts 13, we saw that:
- Jesus with us was good, but the Spirit in us is better.
- The Holy Spirit guides, convicts, empowers, and sends.
- God’s mission continues when His people stop paddling in their own strength and begin setting their sails to the Spirit’s leading.
The big takeaway:
Our best life begins when our life becomes His life in us—through the Holy Spirit.
Small Group Study Guide
Ice Breaker Questions
- What’s one area of life where you strongly prefer familiarity over change (food, routines, places, habits, etc.)?
- Have you ever had a moment where something felt like a loss at first—but later you realized it was actually good for you?
- When you hear the phrase “following the Holy Spirit,” what emotions come to mind—curiosity, comfort, fear, uncertainty?
READ & DISCUSS: SCRIPTURE
1. Jesus Says “Best” Looks Different Than We Expect
John 16:5–7, 12–14 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
- Why do you think the disciples struggled with Jesus saying it was “best” that He leave?
- What does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will do for believers?
- In what ways might the Spirit’s presence be better than Jesus’ physical presence for the mission of the church?
2. The Holy Spirit Leads Through Community, Not Isolation
Acts 13:1–3 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
- What stands out about the posture of the church in Antioch before the Spirit speaks?
- How do worship, prayer, and fasting create space to hear from God?
- Why is it significant that the Spirit’s call was heard and confirmed together?
3. Obedience to the Spirit Multiplies the Mission
Acts 13:44–49 (NLT)
Discussion Questions
- How did obedience to the Spirit lead to both opposition and impact?
- What does this passage teach us about the cost and fruit of Spirit-led obedience?
- Why do you think God often spreads His message through sending rather than staying?
DIG DEEPER (Optional Scriptures)
Use one or two of these if time allows:
- Romans 8:11 — The Spirit who raised Jesus lives in you
- 1 Corinthians 12:6–7 — The Spirit gives gifts for the good of others
- Galatians 5:16–18 — Walking by the Spirit vs. self-led living
- Acts 1:8 — Power comes when the Spirit comes
Dig Deeper Question:
What changes when we see the Holy Spirit not as optional—but essential?
APPLICATION — SETTING THE SAIL
Use these questions to move from discussion to action:
- Paddle or Sail?
Where in your life are you relying more on your own effort than on the Spirit’s leading? - Listening Posture
What practices (prayer, Scripture, silence, fasting) help you better hear the Holy Spirit? - Next Faithful Step
Is there a nudge, conviction, or prompting you’ve been sensing—but resisting?
Simple Action Steps This Week
- Pause daily and ask: “Holy Spirit, what are You inviting me into today?”
- Stay engaged in worship, service, and community rather than pulling back during uncertainty.
- Encourage unity by speaking hope and trust rather than speculation or fear.
CLOSING PRAYER
God,
Thank You for sending Your Holy Spirit—our Advocate, Guide, and Helper.
Forgive us for the times we try to move in our own strength instead of trusting You.
Teach us to listen, to obey, and to set our sails to Your leading.
Give us courage when obedience feels costly and faith when the path feels unclear.
May our lives reflect Your mission, Your power, and Your love.
We trust that what You lead us into is always best.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
