Greater Than > The Orphan Spirit

I Will Not Leave You Orphans

Read Luke 15:25-32

Commentary: Jesus said, “I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you." (John 14:18).

How do these behaviors reflect an orphan spirit?

Do you have or have you ever experienced:

• Fear of rejection?
• Difficulty trusting others?
• Low self-Esteem?
• Sense of perfection?
• Isolation?

Discuss: What types of experiences could cause or reinforce these behaviors?

Signs of an Orphan Spirit

Commentary: Discuss the following signs of an orphan spirit:

• Anger (Ephesians 4:26)
• Isolation (Luke 15:28, Proverbs 18:1, Matthew 18:20)
• Demanding and Controlling (Luke 15:29)
• Jealous when others do well (Luke 15:30)
• Blessings seem blocked (Luke 15:31)

You Have Been Given Access

Read Luke 15:31

Commentary: Do you believe that the promises of God are true for you? The orphan spirit comes down to an issue of perspective - not seeing yourself as a child of God.

Discuss: How does perspective shape reality? What lies have you believed that contradict what God says about you?

Breaking the Orphan Spirit

Commentary:

• Trust God’s love (John 3:16)
• Embrace your identity in Christ (Galatians 2:20, Colossians 2:12, 1 Corinthians 1:30, Galatians 3:26)
• Forgive what wounded you
• Embrace community (Hebrews 10:25)
• Serve people

Discuss: How do these steps align with the heart of God for his Church? What one step will you start with this week and how?

UPCOMING EVENTS & REMINDERS:

• Belong Group Semester 1 ends July 8
• New Member Welcome Party July 26

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email address at which you would normally receive report reminders, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, then please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and Spirit-filled group!