Session 4
Spirit led Icebreaker:
“What’s one shortcut you’ve taken in life that didn’t actually help?”
Series: CLEAN
Primary Texts: Psalm 24:1–6; Galatians 5:16–25
Holy Spirit led SESSION OVERVIEW (For All Dads)
Are you living a Spirit led life? This week, we shift from internal purity (heart and mind) to external purity (how our lives are lived out).
The sermon answers a question every dad has asked—sometimes silently, sometimes out loud:
“Isn’t there a better way than shortcuts, cycles, and constant struggle?”
Scripture answers clearly: Yes—but it’s not an easier way, it’s a surrendered way.
Paul teaches in Galatians 5 that outward holiness is not achieved by trying harder, avoiding rules, or finding shortcuts. Instead, it is the byproduct of daily submission to the Holy Spirit. This involves removing self from the throne. It allows Christ to lead every area of life.
If you missed the foundation of this series, we strongly recommend reviewing the earlier sessions that focus on identity and heart posture before behavior change:
- Being Dads Clothed for the Garden
https://bethedads.com/2026/01/clean-2026-session-1-being-dads-clothed-for-the-garden/ - Fatherhood Hearts: How to Lead Your Family with a Clean Heart
https://bethedads.com/2026/01/fatherhood-hearts-how-to-lead-your-family-with-a-clean-heart/
KEY SCRIPTURES & DAD TAKEAWAYS
Psalm 24:3–5
“Who may climb the mountain of the Lord?
Who may stand in his holy place?
The one who has clean hands and a pure heart…”
Key Takeaway for Dads
- Clean hands (actions) flow from a clean heart (submission).
- God desires dads whose lives show His holiness, not perfection.
Application
- Ask: What do my daily actions teach my kids about who is Lord of my life?
The Better Way: Let the Holy Spirit Led
Galatians 5:16
“So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.”
Holy living is not about willpower—it’s about leadership.
Whoever leads your life determines how your life looks. God does not save us and turn us into robots. He invites us on a journey of following, which requires surrendering control and trusting His guidance.
This idea of Spirit-led leadership is foundational to biblical fatherhood and is explored further here:
Fatherhood Hearts: How to Lead Your Family with a Clean Heart
https://bethedads.com/2026/01/fatherhood-hearts-how-to-lead-your-family-with-a-clean-heart/
Key Insight
- Holiness is not produced by striving harder—it’s produced by submission.
- When the Holy Spirit leads, He never leads us to the lowest standard; He leads us toward transformation.
Stop Serving the Wrong Throne
Galatians 5:19–21
“When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear…”
Paul lists behaviors like sexual immorality, jealousy, anger, selfish ambition, and division—but then adds a powerful phrase:
“…and other sins like these.”
The list isn’t the real issue. The throne is.
Behind every behavior is a decision about who gets authority:
- Jesus?
- Or self?
When self sits on the throne, everything is filtered through personal wants and wishes. Comfort and justification also play a role. The outward fruit makes that leadership visible.
Galatians 5:24–25
“Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross.”
Key Takeaway
- The cross doesn’t just forgive sin—it breaks its power.
- Victory comes from returning daily to the cross.
Application
- When temptation arises, take it to Jesus immediately—not later.
Group Discussion & Breakout Questions
Spirit led Teaching Recap (15 min)
Big Idea:
There may not be a quick way—but there is a right way.
Three Core Truths from the Sermon
- Let the Holy Spirit lead
- Stop serving the wrong throne
- Take your temptations to the cross
Emphasize:
Holy living is not behavior modification—it’s heart submission.
Spirit led Group Discussion (40 min)
Question 1: Why do shortcuts feel appealing—but ultimately fail spiritually?
Sample Starter Answer:
Shortcuts avoid surrender. They change behavior without changing leadership.
Question 2: Where is self, most likely to sit on the throne instead of the Spirit in a dad’s life?
- Career?
- Anger?
- Comfort?
- Control?
- Sexual integrity?
- Pride?
Sample Starter Answer:
Self often shows up where we justify our behavior instead of submitting it.
This question connects directly to how daily decisions shape long-term legacy. If this hits home, revisit:
Session 26 – Choices: We All Have Them
https://bethedads.com/2025/12/session-26-choices-we-all-have-them/
Question 3: What does “letting the Holy Spirit lead” look like practically for a dad?
Sample Starter Answer:
Daily surrender, prayerful decisions, Scripture-shaped responses, and accountability.
Question 4: How does taking temptation to the cross change how we fight sin?
Sample Starter Answer:
It shifts the battle from self-discipline to Christ-empowered victory.
Dad Challenges (Application)
Challenge 1: Daily Throne Check
Ask yourself each day:
Who’s making decisions right now—me or Jesus?
Daily throne checks are really daily choice checks. To go deeper on how small decisions shape our walk:
Session 25 – Mind the Gap
https://bethedads.com/2025/12/session-25-mind-the-gap
Challenge 2: Practice the Cross
When temptation hits:
- Pause
- Pray
- Name it
- Give it to Jesus immediately
Challenge 3: Model Submission
Let your kids hear you say:
“I was wrong. I need Jesus’ help.”
That’s biblical leadership.
CLOSING PRAYER
Father God,
We confess that too often we look for shortcuts instead of surrender. Remove self from the throne of our hearts and take Your rightful place. Teach us to walk closely with Your Spirit. Help us bring every temptation to the cross of Jesus. It is where freedom was purchased. Make us the kind of dads whose lives point our families toward You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
