Embracing the Holy Spirit: Empowerment and Relationship
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embarked on a new series titled "You Asked For It," where we address topics you expressed interest in during our Easter survey. The first topic we are exploring is the Holy Spirit. Many of us are familiar with God the Father and Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit often remains a mystery. In Acts 19, Paul encounters believers who had not even heard of the Holy Spirit, which is a situation many of us can relate to. Understanding the Holy Spirit is crucial because He is an undeniable part of the Trinity and plays a vital role in our spiritual lives.
The Holy Spirit is like a fresh wind that propels us forward, making our journey through life more exciting and less burdensome. Without Him, we are like a kayak paddling tirelessly, but with Him, we are like a sailboat catching the wind. The Holy Spirit empowers us in our marriages, parenting, work, and personal growth. He convicts us, not to condemn, but to guide and inspire us to pursue more of God.
We discussed three groups of people in relation to the Holy Spirit: the cautious, the curious, and the confident. The confident group already has a relationship with the Holy Spirit and understands His role in providing direction and correction. The cautious group may have reservations due to past experiences or misunderstandings, often seeing the Holy Spirit as an "it" rather than a "He." The curious group is open but has many questions.
For the curious, it's essential to discover the life-giving presence of the Holy Spirit and to experience Him, not just understand Him intellectually. The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation, designed to empower us on earth. This power helps us overcome challenges and live a life that reflects God's love and grace.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit is not just a theological concept but a person who wants to have an intimate relationship with us. By inviting Him into our lives, we can experience His transformative power, making our spiritual journey more fulfilling and effective.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit as an Essential Part of the Trinity: Understanding the Holy Spirit is crucial because He is an undeniable part of the Trinity. Many people know about God the Father and Jesus Christ but often overlook the Holy Spirit. He is not an "it" but a "He," a person to know and develop a relationship with. Ignoring the Holy Spirit means missing out on a significant aspect of God's presence and power in our lives. [02:57]
2. Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit: Living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit is like sailing with the wind, making our journey more exciting and less burdensome. The Holy Spirit provides the energy and direction we need to reach our goals faster and with more joy. Without Him, we are like a kayak paddling tirelessly, missing out on the ease and excitement that comes with His guidance. [07:16]
3. Conviction, Not Condemnation: The Holy Spirit convicts us to guide and inspire us, not to condemn us. He corrects our paths and motivates us to pursue more of God. Unlike the enemy, who shames and blames, the Holy Spirit's conviction is a loving nudge towards righteousness and spiritual growth. [09:54]
4. The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Daily Lives: The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, and Friend. He is there to guide us through life's challenges, remind us of God's Word, and empower us to live a godly life. Developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit can transform our daily experiences and make us more effective in our spiritual walk. [14:37]
5. The Baptism of the Holy Spirit: The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation, designed to empower us on earth. It is not a heaven or hell issue but a power on earth issue. This baptism equips us to overcome challenges, live victoriously, and fulfill God's purposes in our lives. [25:25]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:28] - Introduction to the Series
[02:13] - Topics of Interest
[02:57] - Understanding the Holy Spirit
[03:55] - The Holy Spirit in the Trinity
[05:28] - Life Empowered by the Holy Spirit
[07:16] - Sailing vs. Paddling
[08:06] - Three Groups of People
[09:03] - Confident Group
[09:54] - Conviction, Not Condemnation
[11:01] - Using Spiritual Gifts
[12:55] - Cautious Group
[14:37] - The Holy Spirit as a Person
[16:10] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[18:06] - Overcoming Misunderstandings
[19:47] - Inviting the Holy Spirit
[21:08] - Curious Group
[23:18] - Experiencing the Holy Spirit
[25:25] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[29:23] - Depending on the Holy Spirit
[30:48] - Power to Overcome
[33:14] - Personal Testimony
[34:23] - Journey with the Holy Spirit
[35:45] - Prayer and Invitation
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 19:1-2 (NIV) - "While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, 'Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?' They answered, 'No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.'"
2. John 16:7 (NIV) - "But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
3. Acts 1:8 (NIV) - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
#### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 19:1-2, what was the response of the disciples when Paul asked if they had received the Holy Spirit?
2. According to John 16:7, why did Jesus say it was beneficial for Him to go away?
3. What does Acts 1:8 say will happen when the Holy Spirit comes upon believers?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think the disciples in Acts 19 had not heard of the Holy Spirit? How does this reflect on the importance of teaching about the Holy Spirit in the church today? [02:57]
2. Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as the Advocate in John 16:7. What roles does this title suggest the Holy Spirit plays in the life of a believer? [14:37]
3. Acts 1:8 mentions receiving power when the Holy Spirit comes upon believers. How does this power manifest in the life of a believer according to the sermon? [29:23]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current understanding of the Holy Spirit. Do you see Him as an "it" or a "He"? How can you start developing a more personal relationship with the Holy Spirit this week? [12:55]
2. The sermon mentioned that living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit is like sailing with the wind, making our journey more exciting and less burdensome. Can you identify an area in your life where you feel like you are "paddling" instead of "sailing"? How can you invite the Holy Spirit into that area? [07:16]
3. The Holy Spirit convicts us to guide and inspire us, not to condemn us. Can you recall a recent situation where you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit? How did you respond, and how can you better respond in the future? [09:54]
4. The sermon highlighted the importance of the baptism of the Holy Spirit as a separate experience from salvation. Have you experienced this baptism? If not, what steps can you take to seek this experience? [25:25]
5. The Holy Spirit is described as our Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, and Friend. Which of these roles do you feel you need most in your life right now, and how can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's help in this area? [14:37]
6. The sermon mentioned three groups of people in relation to the Holy Spirit: the cautious, the curious, and the confident. Which group do you identify with, and what can you do to move towards a more confident relationship with the Holy Spirit? [08:06]
7. Think of a specific challenge you are currently facing. How can you depend on the power of the Holy Spirit to overcome this challenge? What practical steps can you take to rely more on His guidance and strength? [29:23]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as an Essential Part of the Trinity
The Holy Spirit is an integral part of the Trinity, often overlooked but essential for a complete understanding of God's nature. Many people are familiar with God the Father and Jesus Christ, but the Holy Spirit remains a mystery to them. This lack of understanding can lead to missing out on the fullness of God's presence and power in our lives. The Holy Spirit is not an "it" but a "He," a person with whom we can develop a relationship. Ignoring the Holy Spirit means missing out on a significant aspect of God's presence and power in our lives. [02:57]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: Think about your current understanding of the Holy Spirit. How can you begin to develop a more personal relationship with Him today?
Day 2: Empowerment Through the Holy Spirit
Living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit is like sailing with the wind, making our journey more exciting and less burdensome. The Holy Spirit provides the energy and direction we need to reach our goals faster and with more joy. Without Him, we are like a kayak paddling tirelessly, missing out on the ease and excitement that comes with His guidance. The Holy Spirit empowers us in our marriages, parenting, work, and personal growth, making our lives more fulfilling and effective. [07:16]
Zechariah 4:6 (ESV): "Then he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might, nor by power, but by my Spirit, says the Lord of hosts.'"
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel like you are paddling tirelessly? How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower and guide you in these areas?
Day 3: Conviction, Not Condemnation
The Holy Spirit convicts us to guide and inspire us, not to condemn us. He corrects our paths and motivates us to pursue more of God. Unlike the enemy, who shames and blames, the Holy Spirit's conviction is a loving nudge towards righteousness and spiritual growth. This conviction helps us to align our lives with God's will and to grow in our faith. Understanding this distinction can transform how we respond to the Holy Spirit's promptings. [09:54]
John 16:8 (ESV): "And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent moment when you felt convicted by the Holy Spirit. How can you respond to this conviction in a way that leads to spiritual growth?
Day 4: The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Daily Lives
The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, and Friend. He is there to guide us through life's challenges, remind us of God's Word, and empower us to live a godly life. Developing a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit can transform our daily experiences and make us more effective in our spiritual walk. By inviting the Holy Spirit into our daily lives, we can experience His transformative power and guidance. [14:37]
Romans 8:26 (ESV): "Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to be more active in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to develop a deeper relationship with Him?
Day 5: The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
The baptism of the Holy Spirit is a separate experience from salvation, designed to empower us on earth. It is not a heaven or hell issue but a power on earth issue. This baptism equips us to overcome challenges, live victoriously, and fulfill God's purposes in our lives. Understanding and seeking this baptism can lead to a more empowered and effective Christian life. [25:25]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Have you experienced the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, are you open to seeking this experience? How do you think it could impact your life and ministry?
Quotes
1. "Sometimes we question the unexplainable while missing the undeniable. It's in our human nature. Holy Spirit is undeniable part of God, part of the Trinity, part of who He is. Many people are not against the Holy Spirit. Many people just don't understand the Holy Spirit. And very, very often, we don't. We don't pursue what we don't understand. This is true in relationships. If you have been married for a while, you don't have to understand to do something. When your wife says, honey, that's it. You do it. You don't have to understand." [03:55] (49 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "A life empowered by the Holy Spirit is like sailing. Going through life, not feeling like paddling and paddling and paddling in a kayak. Holy Spirit is like a fresh wind in your marriage, in your parenting. It's like a fresh wind in your business, or maybe in your work, in your mind, in what you are doing. Holy Spirit wants to take you there, to your destination, to your goals, faster and easier, and with more fun on the way than trying on our own willpower. Paddling and paddling and paddling." [07:16] (47 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit doesn't blame us. The Holy Spirit doesn't shame us. The Holy Spirit doesn't guilt us. The enemy does that. The Holy Spirit is convicting us. It's inspiring us. It's motivating us to pursue more of God in our life. And to use the spiritual gift that God has given to each one of us. Apostle Paul is saying in 1 Corinthians, chapter 12, A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. Which, by the way, I am a firm believer of this verse." [09:54] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Our gifts, our gifts to be given. The more we give, the more that gift multiplies in us. So, for the confident group, I think we need to stop hesitating and start operating. Let me say it again. We need to stop hesitating and start operating. When Holy Spirit is saying something like, in the grocery store maybe, something like, Hey, you should encourage that couple. Hey, you should just encourage that person. We should operate and not hesitate. We should find solutions and not excuses in doing what God is calling us to do." [11:01] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Holy Spirit, He is a person to know, not a principle to learn. Let me say it again. The Holy Spirit is a person to know, not a principle to learn. He is the third part of the Trinity. He is a he, not an it. And the Holy Spirit has some names through the Bible. And I'm just going to mention a few of them. And those are Helper, Comforter, Counselor, Advocate, Friend. Those are not it. Those are persons. Those are individuals. Those are names. It's the same person. It's the Holy Spirit that is trying to do and to be all of those to each one of us." [13:54] (53 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Jesus said that after you believe in Me, after we take care of eternity, I am going to give you something better than Me, something that will be more useful than Me, something that will make your life easier here on earth, and that is the Holy Spirit. John chapter 14, 26 says this, The Friend, capital F, is talking about the Holy Spirit, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send at My request, will make everything pleasant, He will remind you of all the things I have told you." [16:10] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "We need an experience, not just an explanation. Let me say it again. We need an experience, not just an explanation. It has to sink from our mind in our heart to be able to comprehend this Holy Spirit in our lives. So what you need is actually baptism in the Holy Spirit. And when I say something like this, I can see some walls going up. Because how we've been raised, how we grew up, and how the church explained to us the baptism of the Holy Spirit, and so on and on." [23:18] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Holy Spirit is not a heaven or hell issue. We are talking about power on earth issue. So, first you discover the power of the Holy Spirit in your life, and second, you start depending on the power of the Holy Spirit. You know you can depend on this God, Holy Spirit. So, you might ask yourself, why do I need to depend on the power of the Holy Spirit when I already have salvation? Because this power is making us do things that we cannot do through our own will or our own powers." [29:23] (44 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "Being filled with the Holy Spirit doesn't make me better than you, it makes me better than myself or than me. Being baptized with the Holy Spirit makes me better than me. And this is the amazing part because each one of us probably understands that I can do better, I can be better, I should be better. And some of us fail again and again and again. But when we experience the power of the Holy Spirit in us, it's going to empower us to be able to become better than ourselves." [30:48] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "Holy Spirit, it's a journey. And my goal for each one of you is to start that journey. I'm not sure where you are in your walk with God or with the Holy Spirit. You might be one of the groups that I talk cautious. Maybe you are in the group of curious ones. My goal is to be able to advance you. And my goal is to inspire and empower you to pursue, to grow more and more confident in our relation with the Holy Spirit. Holy Spirit is there for each one of us." [34:23] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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