WALKING BY THE SPIRIT
Message from Blake Bradley
OVERVIEW
Have you ever wanted to do things your own way instead of God’s way?
Jesus knows what that feels like. Before He went to the cross, He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Jesus knew hard things were about to happen, but He still chose to obey His Father. He prayed, “Not as I will, but as You will.”
Blake Bradley taught that every day we have a choice. We can follow what we want, or we can follow the Holy Spirit. When we trust Jesus, the Holy Spirit helps us make good choices, obey God, and become more like Jesus.
Walking by the Spirit means talking with God in prayer, filling our minds with God’s Word, saying no to sin, and saying yes to what God wants. The Holy Spirit helps us do what is right, even when it is difficult.
FIVE WAYS TO WALK BY THE SPIRIT
- Choose God’s will.
- Watch and pray.
- Fill your mind with God’s truth.
- Walk by the Holy Spirit.
- Obey God, even when it is hard.
“There’s actually a higher way to live. It’s to live with the Spirit of God leading our lives.” — Blake Bradley
HOW TO USE THIS STUDY GUIDE
Read About It → Talk About It → Think About It
Open your Bible and read the verses together.
Look for the answers in the Bible before answering the questions. God’s Word teaches us how to follow Jesus.
Ask the Holy Spirit to help you understand the Bible and show you how to obey God every day.
You can use this study guide by yourself or with your family.
📖 MEMORY VERSE
“So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh.”
Galatians 5:16
BIG WORDS
Surrender = Trusting God enough to choose His way instead of your own.
Holy Spirit = God living in everyone who trusts Jesus. He helps us obey God.
Flesh = The part of us that wants to sin and do things our own way.
Temptation = Something that tries to get us to disobey God.
Obey = Listening to God and doing what He says.
Walk by the Spirit = Choosing to let the Holy Spirit guide the way you think, speak, and live.
SECTION 1 — NOT MY WILL, BUT YOURS
BIG IDEA
Jesus chose His Father’s plan, and I can choose God’s way too.
READ ABOUT IT
Matthew 26:36–39
TALK ABOUT IT
- Where did Jesus go to pray?
- How was Jesus feeling?
- What did Jesus ask His Father?
- How did Jesus end His prayer?
- What does Jesus teach us about obeying God?
THINK ABOUT IT
- Is there something God wants me to do that is hard for me?
- When is it difficult for me to obey my parents or God?
- What is one way I can choose God’s way this week?
Further Scripture Reading — Philippians 2:5–11
SECTION 2 — WATCH AND PRAY
BIG IDEA
Prayer helps me stay close to Jesus and ready to do what is right.
READ ABOUT IT
Matthew 26:40–41
TALK ABOUT IT
- What were the disciples doing when Jesus came back?
- What did Jesus tell them to do?
- Why did Jesus tell them to watch and pray?
- What did Jesus say about the spirit and the flesh?
- How can prayer help us make good choices?
THINK ABOUT IT
- When could I stop and pray during my day?
- Is there something I need to ask God to help me with?
- How can prayer help me make good choices this week?
Further Scripture Reading — 1 Peter 5:8–9
SECTION 3 — SET YOUR MIND ON THE SPIRIT
BIG IDEA
When I fill my mind with God’s truth, it helps me make wise choices.
READ ABOUT IT
Romans 8:3–8
TALK ABOUT IT
- Who did God send to save us?
- What do people who follow the flesh think about?
- What do people who follow the Spirit think about?
- What comes from setting our minds on the Spirit?
- Why is it important to think about God’s truth?
THINK ABOUT IT
- What things help me think about Jesus?
- What things sometimes distract me from God?
- What is one Bible verse or truth I can remember this week?
Further Scripture Reading — Romans 12:2
SECTION 4 — WALK BY THE SPIRIT
BIG IDEA
The Holy Spirit helps me say no to sin and yes to God’s way.
READ ABOUT IT
Galatians 5:16–25
TALK ABOUT IT
- What does Paul say will happen if we walk by the Spirit?
- What is fighting against the Spirit?
- What are some works of the flesh?
- What is the fruit of the Spirit?
- How should we live if we belong to Jesus?
THINK ABOUT IT
- Which fruit of the Spirit do I want God to grow in me?
- Is there something I need to stop doing so I can follow Jesus better?
- What is one way I can let the Holy Spirit help me this week?
Further Scripture Reading — John 15:4–5
SECTION 5 — WALKING IN OBEDIENT SURRENDER
BIG IDEA
Jesus obeyed His Father even when it was very hard. I can trust God and obey Him too.
READ ABOUT IT
Matthew 26:63–66
TALK ABOUT IT
- What question did the high priest ask Jesus?
- How did Jesus answer him?
- What did the religious leaders decide about Jesus?
- Did Jesus stop obeying His Father?
- What does this story teach us about obedience?
THINK ABOUT IT
- Is there something I know is right but is hard to do?
- How can I obey God even when it isn’t easy?
- Who can help encourage me to follow Jesus this week?
Further Scripture Reading — Acts 21:10–14
FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT
Jesus always obeyed His Father, even when it was very hard. Because Jesus loves us, He gave us the Holy Spirit to help us follow Him every day.
You do not have to live by your own strength. When you pray, read your Bible, and listen to the Holy Spirit, He will help you make good choices, love others, and become more like Jesus.
Choose God’s way. Walk by the Spirit. Trust Jesus every day.
✏️ ACTIVITY — FOLLOW THE LEADER
Just like the game “Follow the Leader,” God wants us to follow the Holy Spirit. Draw a picture of you following the Holy Spirit – maybe at home, with your family or with friends.