Ask your group:
• Have you ever noticed something in your life drifting—like a habit, relationship, or even your faith? What did that look like?
• What helped you realize it had shifted? How did you respond?
Then ask:
• Why do you think we’re so prone to spiritual drift, even after a season of renewal or growth?
Scripture: Galatians 5:5–8; Nehemiah 13:6–14
Main Idea: Renewal is powerful, but without reform, it fades. What often threatens our faith isn’t loud rebellion, but quiet compromise. We stop guarding sacred space. We drift. And when that happens, worship fades and our witness weakens.
Paul warned the Galatians: “You were running a good race—who cut in on you?” Nehemiah returned to Jerusalem only to find spiritual neglect had crept in. Sacred spaces were compromised. Worship had stopped. But both leaders didn’t settle for the drift—they called God’s people back to faith, love, and obedience.
This week reminds us: God didn’t just build us for renewal—He built us to reform what’s been compromised and to guard what’s sacred.
1. Read Galatians 5:5–8. What kind of “persuasions” cut in on your walk with Jesus? Where do you sense drift in your spiritual life?
2. Nehemiah found that the people had given sacred space to a known enemy. What do we sometimes allow to take space in our hearts that doesn’t belong?
3. What are some signs that we’ve stopped guarding what’s sacred—personally or as a church?
4. Why is reformation harder than renewal? What idols or comforts does it threaten?
5. What role does the Holy Spirit play in helping us reform and stay focused on Jesus?
Ask each person:
• What’s one area of your life where God is calling you to reform—not just feel convicted, but take action?
• What’s one spiritual rhythm you’ve let drift (prayer, Scripture, confession, Sabbath, generosity, etc.)—and what’s one step you can take this week to reclaim it?
Pray together for a Spirit-led courage to reform what’s been compromised. Ask God to show each person where to guard sacred space again—with faith, conviction, and hope.
Optional: As a group, recommit to one shared spiritual practice (e.g., daily Scripture reading, prayer for each other, generosity, etc.) and support each other in it this week.