SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: Love
1 Corinthians 13:1-8
Do you like to eat fresh fruit? Fruit is one of the healthiest foods on the planet. Doctors and nutritionists recommend that the average person eat fruit every day. Fruit is loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, minerals, and fiber. The health benefits are numerous; it's good for the mind and the body.
Why is God interested in fruit? The word "fruit" is used in Genesis 2, Psalm 1, and John 15. God calls His people to bear fruit, more fruit, and much fruit. How do you tell a real believer from a false believer? How do you identify a sincere servant from an insincere servant? God calls His children to be fruit inspectors, meaning first of themselves, and then, as God gives discernment, of others. The presence or absence of spiritual fruit shouts authenticity.
Open your Bibles and read 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 and Galatians 5:22-23. The emphasis is on the "fruit of the Spirit," not "fruits of the Spirit." God's Word reveals one fruit with nine flavors. It's not like you're eating at a buffet restaurant. You pick one meat option and ignore other options. You have five dessert choices, but you select only one. All nine flavors are to be present and noticeable in your life as a believer.
Here are a few questions to consider:
- Have you turned from your sin and trusted Jesus Christ?
- Are you growing closer to God?
- Can other people see the fruit the Lord is producing in and through you?
The first flavor of fruit listed is love. Please hear this next statement; the greatest act of love in human history is Jesus' death on a cross. He died for the sins of the world; He died in your place and paid your sin debt in full. Jesus' love is personal and sacrificial. If you're going to bear delicious fruit that God desires, you must be willing to die to yourself. That lifestyle mirrors the behavior of Jesus.
What does God reveal about love as a fruit from 1 Corinthians 13?
1. Understand the Biblical Context (1 Corinthians 13:1-13). This chapter is about love. This section of God's Word has been read at weddings countless times. It's meaningful and relevant in those settings. However, the correct context (the audience) of 1 Corinthians 13 is the church. The church in Corinth was gifted by God, but they weren't loving one another as God desired. Do you love God? Do you love your brothers and sisters in Christ? Do you love people currently outside of Christ?
2. Hear the Biblical Challenge (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). Paul declared that love is foundational for God's people. You may preach great sermons, sing beautiful songs, or teach powerful studies, but if love is missing, you're a "noisy gong" or "a clanging cymbal." As you think about your church family, is love present or absent? Why do many people avoid local churches? A primary reason is the absence of love. God's people are to love Him and one another.
3. Practice the Biblical Commands (1 Corinthians 13:4-8). Paul gave detailed insights about what love is, what love is not, and what love does. Take a few moments and read 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 again. In your group, answer these three questions using the biblical text. What is love? What is not love? What does love do? An ungodly culture is watching the church and making comments. Many of the comments are unfair but painfully accurate because love is often missing.
As people inspect your church, do they see love? As an assignment this week, and in an appropriate way, can you send a "love note, email, or text" to another person? In your prayer time, share your love for the Lord with Him. When God opens a door, love a lost person by sharing the gospel with him or her. Those behaviors are the way you live out love in 1 Corinthians 13.
Here are a few final questions to discuss:
- How is biblical love being produced (displayed) in your church?
- When have you felt most loved by the Lord and His people?
- How are you obeying 1 Corinthians 13:4-8 in your Christian walk?
As you conclude this week's study, take a few moments and pray for one another. That is a beautiful display of love. Here are three prayer prompts for you and your group. Allow the Holy Spirit to guide your prayer time.
- Pray for your church to love the Lord.
- Pray for your church to love one another.
- Pray for your church to love those who need Jesus.
FBC Clarksville is praying for you. Thank you for studying God's Word. May the Lord use this sermon series in your life, allowing you to display the "fruit of the Spirit!"
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
SEPTEMBER 27, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: JOY
Psalm 51:1-12
Are you enduring the Christian life or enjoying it? Read Psalm 118:24. God calls His people to be joyful. There are hundreds of references to joy or rejoicing in the Bible. Is joy present or absent in your walk with the Lord?
Real joy happens when the correct priorities are in place. Joy and happiness aren't the same. Happiness comes from stuff and experiences; joy is rooted in the Lord. Our world is self-absorbed. Jesus calls His people to deny self and follow Him. Joy comes when your priorities look like this:
- Jesus
- Others
- Yourself
Many verses in God's Word are easy to quote, but not so easy to live.
Matthew 5:44 - But I say to you, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Philippians 2:14 - Do all things without grumbling or disputing.
1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
How do you "rejoice always" when life is falling apart? How do you stay "joyful" when you hear the worst news of your life?
The second flavor of the "fruit of the Spirit" is joy. There's joy in salvation (Acts 8:39; Acts 15:3; Acts 16:34). Jesus' first miracle was at a joyous event, a wedding, not a funeral (John 2:1-12).
Take a few moments and read Psalm 51. Here are a few opening questions for you and your group:
- What series of events led David to write Psalm 51?
- How could David be "a man after God's own heart" and still sin as he did?
- What did David ask God to do that relates to joy in the Christian life?
Here are three biblical principles from this week's text that lead to joy:
1. Believe Joy Matters (Psalm 51:1-3). Joy had fled David's life. His sin had found him out (Numbers 32:23). In the New Testament, the Greek words for joy and grace share the same root word. If you have experienced God's grace, then you should manifest His joy. The lack of joy indicates a spiritual problem, not a financial, relational, or vocational problem. Do you need to talk with Jesus about a lack of joy?
2. Live Joyful Lives (Psalm 51:3-7). Life was hard for David. His sin had stolen His fellowship with God. His relationship was solid; his fellowship was strained. David confessed his sin because he longed to live joyfully again. Are you currently living a joyful life? Believing God is in control, relating with joyful people, and worshiping the true and living God lead to a joyful life.
3. Watch for Joy-Robbers (Psalm 51:8-12). David's joy had been stolen. The same joy-robbers that David encountered are still present today. Satan is still causing chaos. The wrong people can pull you away from the Lord. Sin remains a weakness for the strongest of the strong. If you're missing joy, what happened? David confessed and asked God for joy. Do you need to do the same?
David lost the joy of the Lord's salvation. He prayed, "Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit" (Psalm 51:12). It's possible to be saved and lose the joy of His salvation. Is David's story your story? Is the joy of His salvation missing in your life? If so, cry out to Him, asking Him to restore His joy to you.
Here are a few life application questions for you and your group:
- When was your "defining moment" of salvation?
- Is the Holy Spirit convicting you of any sin?
- Do you need to confess any sin before God and other people?
- What do you need to specifically ask God to do at this divine moment?
- Do you need to receive His forgiveness and have your joy restored?
One of the greatest ministries of a gathered Bible study group is prayer. The Lord delights when His people pray for one another. Here are three ways for you to pray for each other.
- Pray for victory over temptation. The enemy is on the prowl to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10).
- Pray for the Holy Spirit to move and for confession to take place. The greatest moves of God in history often started with confession.
- Pray for every person in your group to live joyfully and fruitfully for God's glory. The Lord is the giver of joy. Receive His joy with thanksgiving.
Thank you for studying God's Word with FBC Clarksville. You're loved and prayed for weekly.
May the Lord fill you with His joy this week!
Joy and Peace!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
OCTOBER 4, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: PEACE
Philippians 4:4-7
Life today is complicated. Mental illness plays no favorites, affecting people of all ages. Stress is on the rise. "How can we pay our bills? How can I find employment? Loneliness is affecting people of all ages. "Why do I seem to be alone in a crowd? Why do I feel isolated in my personal life?" Anxiety is crippling many people today. "Why am I uneasy in certain social settings? Why do I say no to great opportunities?" As a result of these realities, many people live without peace. That's a tough way to live.
What is the gospel? Take time now and share your understanding of the life and ministry of Jesus. Jesus said, "I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart, I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). True and lasting peace begins with knowing Jesus. He is your peace; He is the Prince of Peace!
- How does a person come to faith in Jesus?
- Why are believers surprised at hard times?
- What does it mean for Jesus to say that He has overcome the world?
Biblical peace isn't the absence of trouble; it's the presence of Christ in the middle of trouble.
It's common to ask people, "How are you doing?" In the Hebrew language, the word for peace is "shalom." Jewish people ask, "Do you have peace?" Take a few minutes and read Philippians 4. Paul, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, mentioned "the peace of God." God isn't a god of confusion; He is the God of peace. Share a specific example when your world was in chaos, but you had "the peace of God." How did that happen? What was it like? How may other people experience the same thing?
Life is filled with peace-killers. Can you think of someone who appeared to have everything the world offered, yet openly confessed to feeling empty, lonely, and without peace? What can you learn from that?
How do you handle these three realities in your life? How can you maintain peace when life is burdensome?
- Pressures. You have deadlines to meet. You have a major speech to deliver in two days. Your company is losing money, and you're the leader.
- Problems. Your health is failing. Your son or daughter is living wayward. Your income is insufficient to meet your daily and monthly needs.
- People. Your family is broken and divided. You have difficult people in your workplace. You encounter road rage on your commute to work multiple times a week.
What areas of your life do you need God's peace? Answering this question opens the door for you and your group to take the masks off, to be transparent with one another, and to pray for one another. As you share, spend time in prayer for one another.
- Pray for your group to be as confidential and safe as possible.
- Pray for group members to know that they're not alone in their struggles.
- Pray for the Lord to bless your brothers and sisters in Christ with His peace.
In Philippians 4, Paul gave biblical principles about responding to anxiety and experiencing "the peace of God." Here are three biblical principles to know and apply:
1. Experience Peace with God (Philippians 4:4-5; Romans 5:1). The Lord used Dr. Billy Graham greatly. One of his gospel tracts is entitled, "Steps to Peace with God." Peace with God is based on faith; it's relational. When did you experience God's peace? Share your salvation story with your group. Make sure, as you share, that Jesus is the Hero of your story. If someone in your group doesn't have peace with God, share the gospel with him or her now.
2. Find Peace with Yourself (Philippians 4:6; Psalm 139:14). Technology allows you to see the world's troubles in real time. You know what's happening around the world immediately. If you look closely and listen aggressively, you'll learn that personal battles are taking place. It's the absence of personal peace. Read Psalm 139:14. Do you have personal peace? Do you see yourself the way God sees you? He wants you to find your identity, security, and peace in Him.
3. Seek Peace with Other People (Philippians 4:7; Romans 12:18). Have you ever experienced a strained relationship with a family member, friend, church member, or business associate? If so, what did you do? Read what Paul said in Romans 12:18. Seeking peace with other people often means you take the lead, you focus on the issues, and you pray for flexibility. Is there anyone that you need to seek peace with in the next few days?
Here are three final discussion appeals for you and your group. Allow the Holy Spirit to work over the next few minutes.
- Share how you have peace with God.
- Talk about why it's hard to have peace with yourself.
- Discuss realistic expectations when it comes to peace with other people.
Thank you for taking the time to study God's Word today! You're a blessing to FBC Clarksville.
May the Prince of Peace bless you with peace with Him, yourself, and other people!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
OCTOBER 11, 2026
Guest Preacher: Cole McCartney, Next Generation Pastor
OCTOBER 18, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: PATIENCE
2 Peter 3:8-9
Have you ever prayed this prayer, "Lord, give me patience, and I want it right now?' God has a way of turning impatient people into patient people. Do you struggle with patience? This week's "fruit of the Spirit" is needed by many people.
A lack of patience elevates anger, regret, and stress. A drive on today's roads reveals the lack of patience. Road rage is a real threat. Traffic delays increase people's heart rate. Slower drivers cause impatient drivers to break traffic laws. Even with all the technological advancements, it hasn't solved the patience dilemma.
Among your group, talk about what happens when people run low on patience. Your answers will show how deep and wide are the effects of impatience.
Now is a good time to open God's Word and read 2 Peter 3. Here are three questions to discuss from the biblical text:
- What does the patience of the Lord look like?
- What is God's desire for every person on the planet?
- What is the connection between God's patience and people's obedience?
The gifts of the Spirit are about ministry; the fruit of the Spirit is about maturity. How is God using you? How are you maturing in Christ?
The Greek word for patience means "longsuffering" or "slow to anger." Patience is a fruit (virtue) listed in Galatians 5:22-23.
Here are three key, core principles from God's Word about patience:
1. Patience Displays God's Character (2 Peter 3:8-9; Exodus 34:6-7). Peter made it clear that the Lord is patient. Evil in the world reveals God's patience. Lostness throughout the world testifies to God's patience. Using Peter's life as an example, how was God patient with him? As you reflect back on your life, share times when God was patient with you. Have someone in your group read Exodus 34:6-7. God is patient!
2. Patience Unfolds God's Process (2 Peter 3:8-9; Luke 11:9-10). Peter taught and modeled how God's patience is a process. He had seasons of obedience and disobedience. The goal of the Christian life is Christlikeness, and that's a process. Praying God's way requires patience. Farmers know firsthand the need for patience. Reaping a harvest takes time. What is the Lord doing in your life? How is He teaching you patience? What process is He using?
3. Patience Reveals God's Grace (2 Peter 3:8-9; Job 42:12). Peter experienced God's amazing grace in many ways. The Lord saved him; the Lord called him; the Lord forgave him; the Lord used him; and the Lord restored him. Job modeled patience as He waited on God's blessings. What do you do when your dreams are shattered, your life falls apart, or you have many questions, but no answers? Be patient and run to God and be transformed by His grace. His grace is still amazing!
In your group, sing a song, pray a prayer, or share a word about God's patience. He is worthy to be worshiped. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you and your group in a time of prayer and praise.
Here are several group discussion questions:
- Conversion: How was God patient with you before you were saved? Did you delay His invitation? Did you want to get saved on your time, not His?
- Call: How was God patient with you when He called you? Did you fight or run from His call? Did you procrastinate and try to do what you wanted at first?
- Conviction: How has God been patient with you in seasons of disobedience? Did you practice quick repentance? Did you stay in the "far country" too long (Luke 15)?
The Lord uses your confessions, transparency, and vulnerability. Thank you for sharing your story.
Take a few moments now to pray for one another. May the Lord use the next few minutes of prayer!
- Pray with thanksgiving for God's patience.
- Pray for your group to display the fruit of patience.
- Pray for confession and quick repentance.
Thank you for studying God's Word with us this week. May the Lord bless you and your group!
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
OCTOBER 25, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: KINDNESS
Colossians 3:12-15
Have you seen signs in many front yards saying, "Be Kind?" God's people should be the kindest people on the planet. He has been kind to you, and you should be kind to other people.
- How have you experienced the Lord's kindness?
- How have you been kind to other people?
As you're aware, kindness is missing in many places today. Highways and interstates are filled with unkind, angry drivers. Retail stores are often staffed by unkind, entitled employees. Churches can experience unkind, selfish people in meetings at times. It's a testimony that people need Jesus!
Take a few moments and read Galatians 5:22-23 and Colossians 3. Can you name the nine characteristics of the "fruit of the Spirit" from memory? How do you answer the five questions below about the first five virtues of the "fruit of the Spirit?"
- Are you displaying God's love?
- Are you resting in God's joy?
- Are you living in God's peace?
- Are you rejoicing in God's patience?
- Are you enjoying God's kindness?
Name a few things in life that are rare these days. You may mention cars, coins, or cards. However, do you sense that kindness is rare or plentiful?
How do you answer these three questions? How do you show kindness to...
- Someone in your family, church, or friendships?
- Someone who can never return the favor?
- Someone who doesn't deserve it?
Below are four biblical principles to lean into about displaying God's kindness.
1. Dress Appropriately (Colossians 3:12; James 1:22-25). Paul talked about what God's chosen ones should put on. He listed a number of virtues, with one of them being kindness. James challenged God's people to look into the mirror of God's Word. How are you dressed? How would your marriage or friendships be different if you put on each day, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, forgiveness, and love?
2. Speak Truthfully (Colossians 3:12; Ephesians 4:15). Paul listed how God's chosen ones should dress (put on). The way God's people dress (what they put on) affects the way they speak. God's chosen ones should speak the truth in love (Ephesians 4:15). Being kind doesn't mean you conceal the truth. Jesus was kind, yet He spoke truthfully. Your doctor can be kind and still speak truthfully to you. Who needs to hear the truth from you?
3. Give Generously (Colossians 3:12; Acts 20:35; Luke 12:48). Paul revealed that kind people are generous people. Jesus was kind, and He gave His life for the sins of the world. Acts 20:35 states, "It's more blessed to give than it is to receive." Luke 12:48 teaches, "To whom much is given much will be required." How has God and others been kind to you? In a spirit of kindness, how do you need to give generously to another person?
4. Forgive Willingly (Colossians 3:13-15; Ephesians 4:32). Paul believed that kind people are forgiving people. Jesus, being kind in words and actions, offers forgiveness for past, present, and future sins. God's chosen ones don't seek revenge, harbor bitterness, or hold grudges; they extend forgiveness. How have you received God's forgiveness? How have you been hurt and wounded by another person? How do you need to forgive willingly?
As God's chosen ones, kindness isn't optional. Would you take a moment and thank the Lord for His kindness and the kindness of other people? He is worthy to be praised.
Here are a few final discussion questions before this week's prayer time:
- What do you see when you look into God's mirror?
- Are you using your tongue to build up or tear down?
- Are you giving kindness generously to other people?
- Is there anyone with whom you need to forgive willingly?
Before you finish this week's group time, pause and pray through these prayer prompts.
- Adore the Lord for His kindness.
- Confess the lack of kindness at times in life.
- Thank the Lord for the kindness of other people.
- Seek the Lord for a kind heart like His.
Find a way this week to show kindness to another person. The Lord will be honored, and another person will be touched.
FBC Clarksville is praying for you. May you experience God's grace, kindness, and love!
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
NOVEMBER 1, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit inspection: GOODNESS
Micah 6:8
Are you a good person?
Is God good? How have you experienced God's goodness? If you have food to eat, a roof over your head, clothes to wear, a vehicle to drive, and money in the bank, you're blessed indeed. You can praise the Lord for His goodness.
Many people are searching for a good life. What are many people chasing, hoping it satisfies the void in their lives? How would you define a good life? Years ago, Rick Warren's book, "The Purpose Driven Life" was a bestseller. What made his book so popular with people? Is it possible to live a good life outside of a personal relationship with Jesus Christ?
As a follower of Jesus Christ, you're called to be His witness (Acts 1:8). He wants you to turn everyday conversations into gospel conversations. The FAITH Evangelism Strategy asks a simple, open-ended question, "In your personal opinion, what do you understand it takes for a person to go to Heaven?" What do you believe is the most common answer to that question? You're correct if you say it's about living a good life.
How is a person saved? Is he or she saved by good works, religious deeds, church affiliation, or Jesus Christ? No one is saved by anything other than Jesus Christ (read John 14:6 and Acts 4:12). Who needs to hear the glorious gospel from you?
Bad News: We all have sinned and come short of God"s glory (Romans 3:23). Sin is anything that we say, do, or think that disobeys God. Sin separates us from God.
Good News: God loves you (John 3:16). Jesus left the glories of Heaven and took on human flesh in the city of David, Bethlehem. He lived a perfect, sinless life. He died a horrific and sacrificial death on an old rugged cross outside of Jerusalem. He experienced a glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday, Resurrection Day. He appeared to many people and ascended to the Father. One day Jesus is coming again. This is good news.
Great News: Whoever calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). That's great news. If you'll call on His name, He promises to save you, forgive your sins, and change your life. You can know that you're going to Heaven (1 John 5:13).
If you don't know the Lord Jesus in a personal way, please pray this prayer and ask Jesus to change your life.
Dear Jesus. Thank You for loving me. I have sinned against You. You shed your blood and died on a cross for me and my sins. At this divine moment, I ask You to forgive my sins, save my soul, and change my life. Romans 10:13 says that if I called on Your name, I would be saved. Therefore, I call on Your name. Jesus, thank You for saving me. Please help me to follow You from this moment forward. Jesus, I love You. I rejoice that You are now my personal Savior and Lord. In Jesus' name, Amen!
That is good news!
What are the personal benefits to goodness? Take a moment and read Micah 6:8. Here are three biblical principles from this verse.
1. Goodness is the Way We Model God's Justice (Micah 6:8; Zechariah 7:10). Justice is about doing what is right. God wants His people to model goodness and do what is obedient and right. Have you ever seen something and said, "That's not right?" What did you do? Read Zechariah 7:10. What can you and your group do this week to "do justice" toward widows, orphans, immigrants, and the poor?
2. Goodness is the Way We Show God's Kindness (Micah 6:8; Genesis 50:20). God calls His people to love kindness. What do you love? Sports team? Favorite food? Other people? Justice is about doing what is right. Kindness is about why you do something. Read Genesis 50:20. How did Joseph show kindness to his brothers? How can you and your group show kindness this week to another person or group of people?
3. Goodness is the Way We Follow God's Leadership (Micah 6:8; Psalm 25:8-9). Biblical worship is a lifestyle. It's more than an hour on Sunday mornings. God invites His people to walk humbly with Him. That's worship. God reveals, and His people respond. Read Psalm 25:9-9; 51:1-4, 12. David confessed his sin before God. His heart was broken and humble. How can you and your group walk humbly this week with God?
As you reflect on God's goodness, pause and pray in your group. Thank Him for His goodness and the following five spiritual realities.
Your Salvation. He saved you, and you'll never be lost again.
Your Possessions. He has blessed you beyond what you deserve or need.
Your Gifts. He saved you and left you on this earth to serve Him.
Your Freedom. He gave His life on a cross for your forgiveness and freedom.
Your Mansion. He promised you a mansion in Heaven.
As you wrap up this week's study, here are three final questions to discuss.
How have you experienced God's justice?
How have you received God's kindness?
How have you followed God's leadership?
FBC Clarksville is praying that you will display the fruit of goodness this week. Have a blessed rest of your week, and worship the Lord in spirit and truth this coming weekend.
Grace and Peace!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
NOVEMBER 8, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: FAITHFULNESS
Acts 20:22-24
The men and women who have served and are serving our country deserve respect. The Marine Corps motto is, Semper Fidelis. It means, "Always faithful." Thank the Lord for the faithfulness of these brave men and women.
As a warrior in God's kingdom, are you faithful? What's it costing you to be a follower of Jesus? People in your family, your church, your workplace, your school, and your community need you to be faithful. God uses faithfulness to spread the gospel and advance His kingdom.
Is God faithful? Take a few minutes in your group and share your answers. Here are three statements that you need to remember. It's always helpful to read and comment on the verses.
The Bible reveals God's faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23).
A rainbow displays God's faithfulness (Genesis 9:16).
You need God's faithfulness (Philippians 4:19).
As you evaluate your life, how is the Holy Spirit working in and through you? Are you bearing the "fruit of the Spirit? How are you showing love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, and faithfulness? More "fruit" is to come. However, those are the virtues covered to this point.
Take a few moments and read Acts 20. Paul faced tough days. He was warned that serving Jesus would be costly and demand faithfulness. Paul refused to compromise or quit. He was faithful.
What biblical principles surface from this text?
1. Faithfulness Follows Your Helper (Acts 20:22). Does God still speak today? Absolutely! He speaks through His Word, prayer, the Holy Spirit, circumstances, and other people. His voice will always be in agreement with His Word. The Spirit was leading Paul to Jerusalem. The Holy Spirit will always lead you to produce faithfulness. What is God saying to you currently? How is the Holy Spirit leading you?
2. Faithfulness Overcomes Your Challenges (Acts 20:23). Does God allow His people to face adversity and trials? Definitely! The greatest times of spiritual growth may come in the hardest days of life. The Holy Spirit testified to Paul that he'd face imprisonment and afflictions. Faithfulness to the Lord's call would be costly. How has God used tough stages of life to grow you? What is the Lord leading you to do that demands faithfulness?
3. Faithfulness Glorifies Your Lord (Acts 20:24). Does God use your obedience to bring Him glory? Regularly! What you believe and how you behave are about the Lord and His glory. Life wasn't about Paul. He lived for God's glory and to testify about the gospel. Faithfulness in the Christian life brings the Lord glory. How are you living for the Lord? Is your life bringing Him the glory that He deserves?
The Lord was faithful to Paul, and Paul was faithful to the Lord.
Is your faithfulness to the Lord what He expects?
Is your faithfulness to your marriage and family what is commanded?
Is your faithfulness in your church what is needed?
As you wrap up this week's study, be faithful to the Lord and pray for one another. Here are several prayer prompts for you and your group.
- Follow: Pray for one another to follow the Holy Spirit's leadership.
- Overcome: Pray for one another to overcome the tough days the Lord allows.
- Glorify: Pray for one another to glorify the Lord at all times.
FBC Clarksville is praying for you. Thank you for studying God's Word with us. You're always invited to gather with His church in person or online.
Have a blessed rest of your week.
Blessings!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
NOVEMBER 15, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
GUEST PREACHER: PASTOR DAVID BURKE
North Belfast Christian Fellowship
NOVEMBER 22, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: GENTLENESS
Matthew 11:28-30
A gentle breeze is relaxing. A gentle dog is calming. A gentle touch is comforting. A gentle word is inspiring. A gentle reminder is amazing. A gentle person is welcoming.
This week's "fruit of the Spirit" is gentleness. Read Matthew 11. Jesus lived a gentle life. He was firm at times, especially in the temple, yet His demeanor and personality were characterized by gentleness.
Are you a gentle person? Do other people see you as being gentle? As you inventory your relationships, who models gentleness on a regular basis? How do you describe his or her life?
What does Matthew 11 teach about the fruit of the Spirit, gentleness?
1. Gentleness Requires Our Total Surrender (Matthew 11:28). Jesus invited people to come to Him. Throughout the New Testament, He invited the lost to be saved, the prodigal to come home, the broken to be healed, and the stingy to be generous. Is Jesus inviting you to come to Him? If you're broken or burdened, please obey Jesus' invitation and come to Him. How are you living a surrendered life? Jesus invites you to live totally surrendered.
2. Gentleness Measures Our Spiritual Progress (Matthew 11:28-29). As Jesus called people to come to Him, He gave them rest for their souls. When you travel, using a GPS app, you can measure your progress. "How many more miles to go? When will I arrive?" As you come to Jesus, find rest for your soul, and learn from Him, you can measure your spiritual growth. The goal isn't knowledge, but Christlikeness. When it comes to gentleness, how are you growing?
3. Gentleness Affects Our Personal Behavior (Matthew 11:29-30). Jesus described Himself as "gentle and lowly in heart." As you draw near to the Lord, His life changes your life. As you relate to other people, especially the broken, the dissatisfied, or those who don't know Christ, how are you displaying gentleness? Read God's Word and discuss the following Scripture verses: Galatians 6:1; Proverbs 15:1; and 1 Peter 3:15-16.
Gentleness doesn't mean:
Never disagreeing with someone.
Avoiding difficult conversations.
Allowing people to mistreat us.
Being afraid to speak the truth.
Rather, gentleness means having the strength to respond with grace, humility, patience, and self-control.
In this sermon series, you've looked at the following flavors of fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, and now gentleness. Which one are you the strongest in? Which one do you need the most help developing? Is it easier for you to be gentle with a stranger or someone in your family?
Here are several questions for you and your group:
What does it mean to be totally surrendered to the Lord?
How has this sermon series helped you grow in the fruit of the Spirit?
What needs to change in your personal behavior to be more like Jesus?
As a final practice this week, take the time to pray for one another. Your prayers are a source of comfort, help, and strength for your study group.
Surrender: Pray for each person to live a life of total surrender to Jesus.
Progress: Pray for each person to see spiritual growth and maturity.
Behavior: Pray for each person to reflect the words and actions of Jesus.
Have a blessed rest of your week. You're welcome to join FBC Clarksville for Bible study and worship on Sunday morning. You're being prayed for by our ministry and prayer teams.
Blessings on your walk with Jesus!
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.
NOVEMBER 29, 2026 STUDY GUIDE
Fruit Inspection: SELF-CONTROL
Psalm 1
Can you think of examples from culture, sports, or history where a single moment of lost self-control derailed someone's life or career? What warning does that offer you? The enemy desires for you to live out of control, not in control (John 10:10; 1 Peter 5:8).
Do you ever feel like your life is spinning out of control?
Impulse buying
A loose tongue
An overextended schedule
Fiery emotions
Road rage
Take a few minutes and read Psalm 1 and Galatians 5:22-23. Self-control is the last fruit of the "fruit of the Spirit." Can you and your group name all nine virtues from memory? Which fruit is your strongest and weakest (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control)?
What biblical principles come from Psalm 1, helping you live a self-controlled life?
1. Self-Control Requires Radical Obedience (Psalm 1:1-2). Who are your closest friends, and how are they influencing your life and relationship with Christ? The Psalmist shared two areas of life that require radical obedience: your relationships and intake of God's Word. Read 1 Corinthians 15:33. As you ponder these two areas, would you consider your obedience to be radical?
2. Self-Control Demands Brutal Honesty (Psalm 1:3-4). Are you aware that your actions and choices have consequences? The Psalmist contrasted the righteous man with the wicked person. As you focus on these four areas of life, are you living self-controlled? Health? Finances? Time? Tongue? Honesty is a godly characteristic in life and leads to confession and fruitfulness. How do you need to practice brutal honesty in your group?
3. Self-Control Produces Priceless Rewards (Psalm 1:5-6). Is there an area of your life that is currently out of control? The Psalmist revealed that the Lord knows the way of the righteous and the wicked. He rewards those who know and follow Him, and He judges those who reject and disobey Him. How does walking in Spirit-led self-control position you to experience the peace, fruitfulness, and blessings God promises in Psalm 1? Are you living out 1 Corinthians 10:31?
As a point of application and reality check, it's not uncommon to see people driving on the road or living under the influence of alcohol or drugs living out of control. An out-of-control life hurts you and those around you. The Lord desires for you to live self-controlled.
Here are a few discussion questions for you and your group.
How do unhealthy relationships cause you to drift off course spiritually?
Why is it hard to practice brutal honesty about your struggles?
What does it look like in practical daily terms to live for God's glory?
As you and your group close this week's study, pray for one another before you dismiss. Here are three prayer prompts for you.
Relationships: Pray for wisdom to relate with people who build up, not tear down.
Honesty: Pray for a safe environment where group members can be honest and confess sins to God and one another.
Glory: Pray for your life to bring God glory in all you do and say.
Take a moment and thank the Lord for the gospel of Jesus Christ, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, and the ability to bear the "fruit of the Spirit."
You're always welcome at FBC Clarksville. His people are praying for you.
View all of the "Fruit Inspection" Sermon Series Study Guides at fbct.org/fruitinspection.