I Believe In The Holy Spirit

We too often play around on the edges of the Christian faith, never knowing its real power.

KEY VERSES

Acts 19:2-6 (NASB)

2 He said to them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” And they said to him, “On the contrary, we have not even heard if there is a Holy Spirit.” 3 And he said, “Into what then were you baptized?” And they said, “Into John’s baptism.” 4 Paul said, “John baptized with a baptism of repentance, telling the people to believe in Him who was coming after him, that is, in Jesus.” 5 When they heard this, they were baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. 6 And when Paul had laid hands upon them, the Holy Spirit came on them and they began speaking with tongues and prophesying.

John 14:26; 16:8,13 (NASB)

14:26 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you.

16:8 And He, when He comes, will convict the world regarding sin, and righteousness, and judgment:

16:13 But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come.

Romans 8:26-27 (NASB)

26 Now in the same way the Spirit also helps our weakness; for we do not know what to pray for as we should, but the Spirit Himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words; 27 and He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because He intercedes for the saints according to the will of God..

UNDERSTANDING

  • Name an area at work or home you’re skilled in. Name an area at work or home you know you’re not skilled in. How does that knowledge impact your behavior?

    • Would you say you are acutely aware that, spiritually speaking, your best isn’t good enough, or do you still find yourself trying to fix your life on your own? Explain.

  • Why do you think Paul asked these disciples about the Holy Spirit?

  • What would be some clues that a person has incomplete information or understanding about the gospel? How can being watchful of misunderstandings about God help the entire church?

  • What keeps us from questioning people about their understanding of Christianity?
    How can we do this without sounding patronizing or judgmental? What are some of the questions you might ask to discern another person’s level of spiritual understanding?

  • What do each of these three roles look like in our daily lives? How have you personally experienced the Holy Spirit in these ways?

  • How do these verses explain why we should never boil down the Holy Spirit only to the One who brings spiritual gifts?

  • Have you ever tried to pray, but found that you couldn’t or thought that your prayer life wasn’t as robust or rich as you wished it was? If that’s you, what comfort can you find through the Holy Spirit?

  • What benefits come from the Holy Spirit’s interceding for us?

  • How does the Spirit help us both discern God’s will and put it into practice in our lives?

  • Read Acts 13:52. How do the other passages we’ve read today about the various roles of the Holy Spirit in your life help you understand the meaning of Acts 13:52?

APPLICATION

  • Pastor Jeff explained that to receive the fullness of the Holy Spirit, you need to devote yourself to prayer and ask Jesus for a greater desire and fullness, a deeper surrender and less control, and increased faith in the promise. Which of these stands out to you the most personally today? Why?

  • Where is the Holy Spirit of God leading you? Where in your life is there delayed obedience? Where are the places in which fear is stopping you from being obedient to that leading?

WANT TO DIVE DEEPER?

Joining a group is a great way to know people and strengthen your relationship with Jesus Christ. Take a look at available groups to get plugged in to and find the group that is right for you. 

GIVING

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