KE Group Questions
Week of February 15, 2026
Summary
Pastor Joshua Kennedy delivers a message on spiritual maturity and freedom in Christ from Galatians 4:1-8. Drawing from his recent ministry trip to Sri Lanka, he uses the metaphor of climbing Adam's Peak mountain to illustrate the Christian journey from spiritual infancy to maturity. The sermon emphasizes that while believers are heirs of God with access to all His promises, they must actively respond to God's leading and make effort to grow spiritually. Kennedy warns against returning to religious bondage after experiencing freedom in Christ, encouraging believers to pursue Christ-likeness as their primary goal through daily surrender and dying to self.
Ice Breaker
What's one skill or hobby that you've had to practice regularly to get better at? How did you stay motivated during the learning process?
Key Verses
- Galatians 4:1-3
- Galatians 4:4-7
- 2 Peter 1:5-9
- Galatians 4:8-11
Questions
- Pastor Kennedy compared our spiritual journey to climbing a mountain. What are some 'base camp' activities (like church, prayer, Bible study) that equip us for the climb of spiritual maturity?
- The sermon mentioned that before Christ, we were like 'chickens' unable to fly above storms, but now we're like 'eagles' that can soar. Can you share an example of how Christ has given you the ability to overcome something you couldn't handle before?
- In 2 Peter 1:5-9, it says to 'make every effort' to respond to God's promises. How do we balance the truth that salvation is by grace with the need to make effort in our spiritual growth?
- Pastor Kennedy warned about the danger of staying at 'base camp' - just getting equipped but never using what we learn. How can we avoid becoming spiritually 'fat' and instead become productive and useful in God's kingdom?
- The Galatians were tempted to return to religious bondage after experiencing freedom. What are some ways that legalism or religious performance can creep back into our Christian walk?
- Paul's heart cry was that 'Christ be formed' in the believers. What does it look like practically for Christ to be formed in us in our daily lives?
- The sermon emphasized that growth requires correction and that those who love us will speak truth to us. How can we better receive correction without getting offended?
- Pastor Kennedy said our primary priority must be Christ-likeness. What are some competing priorities in your life that might be hindering your spiritual growth?
Life Application
This week, identify one area where you've been 'staying at base camp' - perhaps consuming spiritual content without applying it, or avoiding a step of obedience God has been calling you to take. Choose one specific action you can take to 'climb higher' in your spiritual maturity, whether that's serving others, having a difficult conversation, breaking a bad habit, or stepping out in faith in some way. Commit to taking that step this week and ask someone in your group to hold you accountable.
Key Takeaways
- Spiritual maturity requires active response to God's leading, not just passive receiving of spiritual knowledge
- We are heirs of God with access to all His promises, but we must grow up spiritually to fully enjoy our inheritance
- The Christian life is about daily dying to self so that Christ can be formed in us
- We must guard against returning to religious bondage after experiencing freedom in Christ
- Christ-likeness should be our primary priority, requiring us to make whatever sacrifices necessary for spiritual growth
Growing spiritually takes a daily personal walk with God and a gathering together in fellowship with other believers.
Our corporate gathering is for equipping the saints, but meeting in small groups allows regular individual
participation so that personal needs can be addressed.
Small groups also foster growth in ministering the gifts of the Holy Spirit, accountability, and the support
necessary to be a healthy member of the family of God.
The leadership of Praise Tabernacle has encouraged group leaders to be missional and evangelistic
in their approach to leading these groups.
The ultimate goal is Kingdom Expansion.
KE (KINGDOM EXPANSION)
GROUP LOCATIONS
Egg Harbor Township
Wednesday Nights @ 6:30 pm - Andy & Lori Holman's home -
1st & 3rd Wednesday Nights @ 7:00 pm - Terry & Sue Luma's home -
Mays Landing
1st Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Pastor Josh & Loraine Kennedy;
3rd Wednesdays, 7 pm - Host: Matt & Elise Lucas;
4th Wednesday, 7 pm - Host: Caleb & Tahlia Wilkes;
Reach out to Pastor Josh if you have any questions: (609) 402-8869
Egg Harbor City
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @ 6:30pm - Eddie Aponte's home -
Galloway
2nd & 4th Wednesday Nights @ 6:30pm -Greg & Regina's home
Ocean View
Sunday Nights (Every 1st & 3rd) @ 6pm - Joanne Utt's Home -
