Embracing the Holy Spirit for a Transformed Life

Summary

The journey of following Jesus is not just about believing in Him for the sake of heaven, but about becoming more like Him in every area of life—our thoughts, actions, attitudes, and love. This is a lifelong process, filled with both strengths and weaknesses, and it requires us to get used to certain realities. One of the most essential is learning to recognize and respond to the voice of the Holy Spirit. Many people feel unqualified or uncertain about hearing from the Holy Spirit, but the truth is, God desires a close, communicative relationship with each of us—not just pastors or missionaries, but every believer.

From the very beginning, God’s heart has been to walk closely with His creation. Even when sin disrupted that intimacy, God’s plan never changed. Through Jesus, He made a way for us to be close again, and by sending the Holy Spirit, He made it possible for His presence to dwell within us, not just among us. This is not a distant, impersonal God, but one who wants to speak to us, guide us, and hear from us. Communication is the lifeblood of any relationship, and it’s no different with God. He wants to express His heart to us, reveal His plans, and listen to our joys and frustrations.

Yet, in our modern world, we often default to self-reliance, sidelining the Holy Spirit and focusing on what we can accomplish on our own. But God is not impressed by our independence; He desires our dependence on Him, our hunger to hear His voice, and our willingness to be led by His Spirit. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would empower us to continue His mission, even to do greater things than He did—not for our own glory, but to fulfill God’s purposes on earth.

The primary role of the Holy Spirit is not just to give us power for miracles, but to convict us, guide us into truth, and help us live lives that honor God. The Spirit brings God’s Word alive in us, making the Bible understandable and relevant, and stirs a hunger in us to know God more deeply. This is the normal Christian life: to be in ongoing, two-way communication with God, to be guided, convicted, and empowered by His Spirit. It’s time to uncross our arms, open our hearts, and invite the Holy Spirit to walk with us, speak to us, and transform us from the inside out.

Key Takeaways

- God’s desire for intimacy with us has never changed, even after sin entered the world. He went to great lengths—sending Jesus and then the Holy Spirit—to restore and deepen that relationship, making it possible for His presence to dwell within us, not just beside us. This closeness is the foundation of our faith and the source of true spiritual life. [25:24]

- Self-reliance is a subtle enemy of spiritual growth. While it’s tempting to focus on what we can do for God, the Christian life is meant to be lived in dependence on the Holy Spirit. Our greatest need is not to impress God with our efforts, but to recognize our need for Him and cultivate a hunger to hear His voice and be led by Him. [27:24]

- The Holy Spirit’s primary mission is to convict us of sin, guide us into righteousness, and lead us into all truth. Conviction is not condemnation; it is the loving correction of God, inviting us to align our lives with His Word and experience the fullness of His love and purpose. This ongoing work of the Spirit is essential for spiritual maturity. [35:55]

- God’s Word comes alive through the Holy Spirit. When we approach Scripture with humility and invite the Spirit to guide us, the Bible becomes more than just words on a page—it becomes a living, transformative encounter with God. The Spirit uses the Word to reveal truth, convict, encourage, and direct us in our daily walk. [39:15]

- A Spirit-led life is marked by a growing hunger to know God more. This hunger is not strange or fanatical; it is the natural result of the Holy Spirit’s presence within us. As we lean into this hunger, we find ourselves drawn into deeper worship, greater understanding, and a more vibrant relationship with God, which is the very heart of what it means to be a Christian. [41:15]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:10] - Series Introduction: Get Used to It
[04:45] - What It Means to Be Christ-like
[07:30] - Living on the Opposite Side
[10:20] - Facing Persecution and Marginalization
[15:33] - The Holy Spirit Wants to Speak to You
[19:00] - The Challenge of Communication
[22:04] - Communication: The Lifeblood of Relationship
[25:24] - God’s Plan for Closeness: From the Garden to the Spirit
[27:24] - The Danger of Self-Reliance
[32:10] - The Mission of the Holy Spirit: Greater Works
[34:27] - The Trinity and the Promise of the Spirit
[35:55] - The Spirit’s Role: Conviction and Guidance
[39:15] - The Spirit Brings God’s Word Alive
[41:15] - Cultivating Hunger for God
[43:00] - Walking with God Today
[45:00] - Prayer and Invitation to Worship

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Get Used to the Holy Spirit Speaking

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### Bible Reading

John 16:7-15 (ESV)
7 Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you.
8 And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment:
9 concerning sin, because they do not believe in me;
10 concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer;
11 concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
12 “I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now.
13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come.
14 He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you.
15 All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you.

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### Observation Questions

1. According to John 16:7-15, what are some specific roles Jesus says the Holy Spirit will have in the lives of believers?
2. In the sermon, what does the pastor say is the difference between conviction and condemnation? [[35:55]]
3. What examples does the pastor give about how communication can be difficult, even in our closest relationships? [[19:00]]
4. How does the sermon describe God’s original desire for relationship with humanity, starting in the Garden of Eden? [[25:24]]

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why does Jesus say it is “to your advantage” that He goes away and the Holy Spirit comes? What does this mean for us today? (John 16:7)
2. The pastor says that self-reliance is a subtle enemy of spiritual growth. Why might self-reliance keep us from experiencing the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives? [[27:24]]
3. How does the Holy Spirit “bring God’s Word alive” for us, according to both the passage and the sermon? [[39:15]]
4. The sermon mentions that conviction is a loving correction from God, not condemnation. How can someone tell the difference between the two in their own life? [[35:55]]

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### Application Questions

1. The pastor said that many Christians feel unqualified or unsure about hearing from the Holy Spirit. Have you ever felt this way? What holds you back from expecting God to speak to you personally? [[15:33]]
2. Think about your daily or weekly routines. Are there areas where you tend to rely on your own strength instead of depending on the Holy Spirit? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into those areas? [[27:24]]
3. The sermon encourages us to “uncross our arms, open our hearts, and invite the Holy Spirit to walk with us.” What is one practical step you can take this week to be more open to the Holy Spirit’s voice? [[41:15]]
4. When you read the Bible, do you usually ask the Holy Spirit to guide you? If not, what could change if you started doing this? Try it this week and share what happens. [[39:15]]
5. The Holy Spirit’s role includes convicting us of sin and guiding us into truth. Is there an area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to change or grow? How will you respond? [[35:55]]
6. The pastor said that a hunger to know God more is “normal” for Christians. Do you feel this hunger in your life right now? If not, what might be getting in the way? [[41:15]]
7. God desires a two-way relationship with us—He wants to speak to us and hear from us. What is one thing you want to share with God this week, and how will you make space to listen for His response? [[24:06]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray, asking the Holy Spirit to speak, guide, and bring God’s Word alive in each person’s heart this week. Encourage everyone to spend a few moments in silence, listening for God’s whisper.

Devotional

Day 1: Get Used to the Holy Spirit Speaking to You
God desires a close relationship with you, and central to that relationship is communication—He wants to speak to you through His Holy Spirit, not just to pastors or missionaries, but to every believer who seeks to follow Jesus. The Holy Spirit is not distant or reserved for the spiritually elite; He is present, living in you, and eager to help you discover who God is and what He has for your life. Just as Jesus only did what He saw the Father doing and said what He heard the Father saying, you too are invited to listen for the Spirit’s voice, guiding and directing you in your daily walk. This is not about mystical experiences or strange voices, but about a real, ongoing relationship where God expresses His heart, reveals His purpose, and invites you to respond. Get used to the idea that God wants to communicate with you because He loves you deeply and wants you to know Him more. [23:29]

John 16:13-15 (ESV)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

Reflection: When was the last time you intentionally paused to listen for the Holy Spirit’s voice? Set aside five minutes today to quiet your heart and simply ask, “Holy Spirit, what do you want to say to me?”



Day 2: The Holy Spirit Convicts and Guides You to Right Living
One of the primary roles of the Holy Spirit is to lovingly convict you when your life is not aligned with God’s Word—not to condemn, but to guide you into a life that honors God. Conviction is a sign of God’s love, showing you where change is needed so you can experience the fullness of His plan. The Spirit doesn’t just point out what’s wrong; He empowers you to live righteously, helping you do what you could never accomplish on your own. Self-reliance may seem impressive, but it cannot bring you to the life God desires for you. Instead, rely on the Spirit’s guidance, allowing Him to shape your attitudes, behaviors, and desires so that your life increasingly reflects Jesus. [38:14]

John 16:7-11 (ESV)
"Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment: concerning sin, because they do not believe in me; concerning righteousness, because I go to the Father, and you will see me no longer; concerning judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life where you sense the Holy Spirit nudging you to change? What is one step you can take today to respond to His loving conviction?



Day 3: The Holy Spirit Brings God’s Word Alive in You
The Holy Spirit is your guide into all truth, making the Bible come alive and helping you understand what God is saying through His Word. If you’ve ever felt confused or overwhelmed by Scripture, know that you are not alone—but also know that God has given you His Spirit to illuminate the truth and reveal His heart. Before you read the Bible, invite the Holy Spirit to open your eyes and heart, to guide you to the truth you need for today. As you do, expect that He may also convict you or challenge you, but always for your good and growth. The Spirit never adds to or takes away from God’s Word; instead, He uses it to direct your steps and deepen your relationship with the Father. [40:11]

John 16:13 (ESV)
"When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."

Reflection: Before you read your Bible today, pray, “Holy Spirit, guide me to truth.” What new insight or encouragement do you receive as you read with His help?



Day 4: Get Used to Being Hungry to Discover More About God
A true mark of the Spirit’s presence in your life is a growing hunger to know God more deeply. This hunger is not strange or reserved for “super Christians”—it is normal for every believer who is being led by the Holy Spirit. As you lean into this desire, you’ll find yourself wanting to talk about Jesus, share what you’re learning, and celebrate when others encounter God. Don’t resist or suppress this hunger; instead, let it fuel your pursuit of God in prayer, worship, and community. The Spirit stirs this longing in you so that you can experience the joy and excitement of walking closely with your Creator, discovering new depths of His love and truth every day. [41:15]

Psalm 42:1-2 (ESV)
"As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God. My soul thirsts for God, for the living God. When shall I come and appear before God?"

Reflection: What is one way you can intentionally pursue knowing God more today—through prayer, worship, or sharing with someone else what He’s teaching you?



Day 5: Open Your Heart and Walk with God Today
God’s desire from the very beginning has been to walk closely with you, to share in every part of your life—your joys, struggles, questions, and celebrations. Through Jesus and the gift of the Holy Spirit, you are invited to experience this closeness not just in theory, but in daily reality. Don’t let self-reliance, distraction, or spiritual apathy keep you from this relationship. Instead, open your heart, uncross your arms, and invite God to walk with you in the “garden” of your heart, mind, and emotions. He is not distant or disinterested; He is waiting for you to turn toward Him, to listen for His voice, and to experience His presence in every moment. [41:15]

Revelation 3:20 (ESV)
"Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to open the door to God’s presence today? Take a moment to invite Him in and listen for what He wants to share with you.

Quotes

``But no, the series really comes from this perspective that when I look at Christianity today, I think that people, they want to know God because they want to be in heaven, but a lot of people don't really know what it means to be a Christian because the word Christian means to be Christ -like. That's what it means. You want to be a Christian? It means this. I'm trying to be, Jeff, I'm striving to be in the way I think, in the way that I live my life, in the way I love, in my beliefs, in my attitudes, in my behavior. I mean, all of it. I'm just trying to be a little bit more like Jesus. [00:14:28] (41 seconds)  #BecomingChristlikeJourney Edit Clip Translate Clip

All of this is because God wants to be close to you. All of this is because God wants to have communication with you. All of this because he wants you to get used to something. He loves you, there's nothing you can do about it, he wishes that he could walk with you, and one day he has made a way that you will walk with him again for eternity because he loves you, he knows you, and man, does he like you. [00:26:12] (27 seconds)  #TrinityInMission Edit Clip Translate Clip

But yet we've kind of turned it into more of like what I can do on my own. God watch this. God watch what I can do with my time and how I can make my time be maxed, you know, to bring me joy but also, you know, I'll do some things for you in your church. God watch what I can do with my finances. I can build up wealth for the future and for my retirement and take care of my children and their grandchildren but I can also do some things for you God. God look what I can do, look what I can do for you, look what my hands can do for you, look at how I can serve for you God, look aren't you impressed with how I can be kind and I can be patient and the sad part is that we do all of this without prayer and even seeking God and his word having communication with him. It's total self -reliance and I just want you to know today God isn't impressed with your self -reliance. [00:28:36] (54 seconds)  #SpiritNotSelfReliance Edit Clip Translate Clip

So, here's a few thoughts coming out of this passage that I think that if you want to be a Christian, you've got to get used to. First, you've got to get used to the Holy Spirit convicting you. It's part of the way he speaks to you. In verse 8, it's even what it said, that part of his role is to convict you. And look, conviction is not condemning. Conviction is the love of God going, your life isn't lining up with my word, and I really want to help you line up with my word, so I convict you. I show you where your life doesn't line up with my word. It's called the love of God, guys. [00:37:36] (34 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

God's going, look, here's what you need. You need my spirit living in you, and the primary role is to help you live a life that actually honors me. That's how loving our Father is. That's how loving our God is. He goes, I'm going to help you win. I'm going to help you do the things you can't do on your own. I love that about God. Get used to that. Get used to that kind of love. Get used to that kind of intimacy. Get used to that kind of closeness. [00:39:02] (27 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

Here's what you should do the next time you get ready to read the Bible. You should, before you start reading the Bible, you should invite the Holy Spirit to be your guide and to lead you to truth. You should humble yourself, surrender yourself, invite the Holy Spirit who is living in you, guide me to truth today. Open my eyes up to see what it is you want me to see about the Father. [00:40:29] (26 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip

I think if we did the spiritual blood work on Christians one of the things we'd be anemic in is hearing the voice of our creator. So many of you are, you're going through life just trying to do your best, trying to honor God, just trying to love Jesus and I applaud you for that, but you're running on empty because one of the things you're missing in your life is taking time to let the voice of the creator, his spirit who lives in you, speak to you. It's a fuel for your life, it brings hope. Get used to it, get hungry for it because the Holy Spirit is how you make a close connection with God. [00:43:45] (47 seconds) Edit Clip Translate Clip