Summer Heat - My Biggest Regret | Jeff Leake Sermon | One Church Columbus

My Biggest Regret | Jeff Leake Sermon | One Church Columbus

ICEBREAKER:

How did you see God move this last week?

Summary:

This study invites us to examine how our longing for spiritual impact can be tempered by a reluctance to fully partner with the Holy Spirit. When we resist or neglect the Spirit’s work, we risk missing peace, power, and direction. By choosing to be disciples who listen, yield, and act in the Spirit, we can live out our gifts with love, boldness, and fruit that lasts. The goal is to move from regret at unutilized gifts to a life marked by partnership with the Spirit that brings lasting transformation for ourselves and others.

Key Points

  1. The Holy Spirit empowers and guides believers into active partnership, not passive existence.

  2. Spiritual gifts are diverse but work together for the common good; no gift is superior when exercised in love.

  3. Peace in the Spirit is both a byproduct and a foundation for effective ministry and daily living.

  4. Regret often arises when we neglect or degrade the Spirit’s leadership, misusing or burying our gifts.

  5. A posture of yield—listening, obedience, prayer—opens space for the Spirit to work through us.

    • Scripture References

    • Galatians 5:16-26 (Fruit of the Spirit and walking by the Spirit)

    • Romans 12:3-8 (Gifts in the Body and sober assessment)

    • John 14:16-17, 26; 16:13 (The Holy Spirit as Helper and Guide)

    • 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 (Different gifts, one Spirit)

    • Ephesians 3:16-19 (Strengthened with power through His Spirit)

Conclusion:

Embracing the Holy Spirit is not a one-time decision but a continual posture of surrender and collaboration. When we yield to the Spirit, our gifts are not buried beneath fear or self-reliance; they are unleashed in love, guided by wisdom, and calibrated for the good of others. This partnership brings a deep, abiding peace that sustains us through challenges and amplifies the impact of our service. Rather than living with the regret of untapped potential, we step into a life marked by purpose, fruitfulness, and joy as we walk in step with the Spirit. May each day be an opportunity to listen, respond, and cooperate with our divine Helper, so that Christ is formed in us and through us in the world around us.

Discussion Questions:

  1. In what areas of your life or ministry do you sense the Holy Spirit inviting you to partner more deeply? What would surrender look like in that area?

  2. How can you cultivate a daily practice that keeps you receptive to the Spirit’s guidance (prayer, Scripture, community, worship), so your gifts are used for others’ good?

  3. Galatians 5:16-26 talks about walking by the Spirit and the fruits contrasted with the works of the flesh. How can you practically reflect the Fruit of the Spirit in a challenging situation this week?

  4. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 emphasizes diverse gifts given by the same Spirit. How does recognizing other believers’ gifts encourage cooperation rather than comparison within your church/community?

Guided Prayer:

Holy Spirit, search my heart and reveal where I rely on myself rather than You. I surrender my plans and fears to You now, asking that You align my desires with Your will. Fill me with Your Spirit and strengthen me to listen, discern, and act in love. Help me use my gifts today and this week for others’ good. Thank You for Your presence, guidance, and transforming work. Amen.

One Church