october 26 2025
The heart of a Rust City Group is to care for people and carry the culture of Rust City Church.
You don’t have to follow this guide like a script! Use discernment from the Holy Spirit as you lead your group discussion.
If you notice that someone in your group needs additional care or support that’s beyond your capacity, please let a pastor know.
ICEBREAKER QUESTION OPTION:
What is or was your favorite candy, and why?
The only ghost pt. 1
SPEAKER: Pastor Tiffany Varner
Scriptures—
Matthew 3:16-17; Romans 8:9; John 14:15-17; 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; 2 Corinthians 3:17
Key Takeaways—
There is one God existing as three distinct persons: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (the Trinity).
The church often falls into two extremes: overemphasis (over-dramatizing manifestations of the Spirit) or under-emphasis (avoiding talking about the Holy Spirit because it feels weird or uncomfortable).
The Holy Spirit is a divine person with a mind (He knows deep things), a will (He distributes gifts), and emotions (He can be grieved).
Every believer is a walking temple where the Holy Spirit permanently resides.
Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom—but only in areas where we allow Him to be Lord.
The Holy Spirit wants to permeate every part of our being, not just the comfortable areas we allow Him access to.
Discussion Questions—
How have you experienced the difference between focusing on the works of the Holy Spirit versus cultivating an actual relationship with Him?
In what ways do you tend toward either an overemphasis or underemphasis of the Holy Spirit in your own faith journey, and what has shaped that tendency?
How does understanding that you are a walking temple where the Holy Spirit permanently resides change the way you approach your daily life and decisions?
What does it look like practically to allow the Holy Spirit to permeate every part of your life rather than just compartmentalizing Him to certain moments?
How does knowing that the Holy Spirit can be grieved by our choices impact the way you think about sin and obedience?
In what ways have you experienced the truth that where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom in your own life?
Practical application—
Choose ONE of the following practices to implement this week:
Option 1: Morning Invitation Each morning this week, before getting out of bed, pray: "Holy Spirit, I invite You into every part of my day. Permeate my thoughts, words, and actions. Help me recognize Your presence."
Option 2: The Locked Door Exercise
Identify one area of your life you've kept "locked" from God
Journal about why you've kept that door closed
Pray specifically for the courage to hand Him the keys
Share your journey with one trusted person for accountability
Option 3: Spirit-Led Awareness Set 3-4 alarms throughout your day as "Holy Spirit check-ins." When the alarm goes off:
Pause and acknowledge His presence
Ask, "Holy Spirit, what do You want to say to me right now?"
Listen for 60 seconds
Journal any impressions at the end of the day
Option 4: Study the Fruit Read Galatians 5:22-23 each day. Pick one fruit of the Spirit daily and ask:
Where do I see this fruit growing in my life?
Where is it missing?
Holy Spirit, how can You produce more of this in me?
Closing Prayer—
Heavenly Father,
Thank you for sending the Holy Spirit to live within and guide us. Please help us to become more open to the his leading in our lives. Holy Spirit, we confess that we still have parts of our hearts and lives we don’t want you to take control of. Help us see those and open those doors in our hearts and lives.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.