Embracing the Holy Spirit for Transformation and Unity
Summary
Today, we gathered as a family of faith, real people living in a real world, to worship God in spirit and in truth. We acknowledged that while we all face trials and tribulations, our anchor in Jesus Christ makes all the difference—He is the one who brings us through every storm, one step of faith at a time. We celebrated the presence of visitors and the importance of giving, not just to keep the lights on, but to reach out to those in need, like the children and families we’ll be serving in the coming weeks. Our calling is to love people where they are, meeting needs so that the love of Jesus is seen in us.
We turned our attention to the Holy Spirit, the often-overlooked third person of the Trinity, who is not an “it” but a “He”—the very Spirit of God present with us on earth. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, Advocate, and the One who convicts hearts, guides us into all truth, and glorifies Jesus. It is not our job to convict others of sin; that is the work of the Spirit. Our responsibility is to be in right relationship with Him, to listen, and to allow Him to declare God’s truth to us.
We explored the call to be complete, to live in peace, and to be of one mind—the mind of Christ. Relationships were examined on three levels: physical, soul, and spiritual. True spiritual fellowship is found when our spirits, knit together by the Holy Spirit, bear witness with one another. We are called to humility, to esteem others above ourselves, and to avoid the traps of pride, envy, and discord. The fruit of the Spirit is evident in how we love, honor, and serve one another.
The challenge was given: do we have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit? Are we living in the fullness of His presence, or are we content with a form of religion that lacks power? The Spirit draws us to restoration, to a new beginning, and to a life where the old is gone and the new has come. We are invited to rest in Christ, to trust and obey, and to let the Spirit transform us from the inside out. The invitation remains open—to come, to be restored, to be born again, and to walk in the power and peace of the Holy Spirit.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is not a distant force but the very presence of God with us, guiding, teaching, and convicting. To know Him is to experience the fullness of God’s love and truth in our daily lives. Cultivating intimacy with the Spirit requires intentional listening, surrender, and a willingness to be led beyond our comfort zones. [39:58]
- True spiritual fellowship is marked by unity, humility, and peace. When our spirits are knit together by the Holy Spirit, we move beyond superficial relationships and experience the deep encouragement and accountability that only comes from God. Discord and pride are signs of spiritual immaturity and must be surrendered if we are to be complete in Christ. [54:07]
- The fruit of our lives reveals the reality of our relationship with God. If bitterness, envy, or strife are present, it is a call to examine our hearts and return to the Spirit for cleansing and restoration. The Spirit will never lead us to act contrary to God’s Word; instead, He empowers us to love, honor, and serve others as Christ did. [01:11:06]
- Spiritual growth is not about outward activity but inward transformation. Reading and hearing the Word, communing with the Spirit, and allowing Him to reveal truth to our hearts is the path to maturity. The Spirit searches the deep things of God and makes them known to those who are willing to listen and obey, even when it means waiting or changing course. [01:17:35]
- Rest and peace are found in surrender to the Holy Spirit. No matter our past or present struggles, God invites us to a new beginning through the Spirit’s work. We are no longer victims of our past but are made new, empowered to live with hope, purpose, and the assurance that God is with us and for us. [01:24:58]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[07:28] - Opening Prayer and Worship
[12:00] - Greeting Visitors and Offering
[18:30] - Praying Over Children and Leaders
[39:58] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
[43:41] - Jesus’ Promise of the Helper (John 16)
[49:09] - The Spirit’s Role in Conviction and Truth
[51:02] - Living in Peace and Unity
[54:07] - The Three Levels of Relationship
[59:44] - Humility, Fellowship, and Spiritual Discernment
[01:04:34] - Restoration and the Call to Return
[01:07:23] - The Mind of Christ and True Love
[01:11:06] - Warning Against Discord and Envy
[01:17:35] - Hearing the Spirit and Spiritual Growth
[01:20:23] - Rest in Christ and Intimacy with the Spirit
[01:24:58] - Invitation to Relationship and New Life
[01:35:34] - Prayer for Healing and Closing
[01:36:56] - Final Encouragement and Announcements
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Living in the Power and Peace of the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
- John 16:7-15
(Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, who will guide, convict, and glorify Christ.)
- 2 Corinthians 13:11-14
(Paul’s call to completeness, unity, peace, and fellowship with the Holy Spirit.)
- Philippians 2:1-8
(Paul’s call to humility, unity, and having the mind of Christ.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. In John 16:7-15, what specific roles does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will have when He comes?
2. According to 2 Corinthians 13:11-14, what are the qualities Paul urges the church to pursue, and what promise is attached to them?
3. In Philippians 2:1-8, what attitudes and actions does Paul say should mark our relationships with one another?
4. The sermon described three levels of relationship: physical, soul, and spiritual. What are the differences between these, and why is spiritual fellowship important? [[54:07]]
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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? How might this have sounded to the disciples at the time? [[43:41]]
2. The sermon emphasized that it is not our job to convict others of sin, but the Holy Spirit’s. How does this change the way we interact with people who are struggling or far from God? [[49:09]]
3. Paul calls the church to be “complete,” “of one mind,” and to “live in peace.” What does it look like for a church or small group to actually live this out? [[51:02]]
4. The pastor said that the fruit of our lives reveals the reality of our relationship with God. What are some signs that someone is living by the Spirit, and what are signs that they are not? [[01:11:06]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenged us to examine whether we have an intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit or are just content with a form of religion. What does an “intimate relationship” with the Spirit look like in your daily life? Are there specific habits or attitudes you want to change to grow in this area? [[01:24:58]]
2. The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth and never leads us to act against God’s Word. Can you think of a recent decision or situation where you needed the Spirit’s guidance? How did you seek it, and what was the outcome? [[43:41]]
3. The sermon talked about unity, humility, and peace as marks of true spiritual fellowship. Is there a relationship in your life (family, church, work) where pride, envy, or discord is present? What is one step you can take this week to pursue peace or humility in that relationship? [[54:07]]
4. The pastor said, “The fruit of our lives reveals the reality of our relationship with God.” Choose one “fruit of the Spirit” (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.) that you want to see more of in your life. What is a specific way you can practice it this week, especially with someone who is difficult for you? [[01:11:06]]
5. The sermon mentioned that spiritual growth is about inward transformation, not just outward activity. Are there any “church activities” or routines you do out of habit, but without real connection to God? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into those areas? [[01:17:35]]
6. The pastor invited us to rest in Christ and let go of being a “victim of our past.” Is there a past hurt or failure that still shapes how you see yourself or others? What would it look like to surrender that to the Holy Spirit and walk in newness? [[01:24:58]]
7. The sermon called us to love people where they are and meet needs so that the love of Jesus is seen in us. Is there a practical way you can serve or encourage someone in need this week—either in the church or outside it? [[42:04]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to search your heart, reveal any areas that need restoration, and empower you to walk in unity, humility, and love this week.
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit: Our Present Helper and Guide
The Holy Spirit is not an “it” but the very Spirit of God, present with us on earth, guiding, convicting, and teaching us in all truth. Jesus explained that it was to our advantage for Him to go away so that the Helper—the Holy Spirit—could come, convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment. The Spirit leads us into all truth, never contradicting the Word of God, and always glorifying Jesus. If you desire to hear from God, you must cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to guide your steps and reveal spiritual truths as you walk in faith. [43:41]
John 16:7-14 (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. I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 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: In what area of your life do you most need the Holy Spirit’s guidance today, and how can you intentionally listen for His leading?
Day 2: Unity, Peace, and Fellowship Through the Spirit
God calls His people to be complete, comforted, of one mind, and to live in peace, promising that the God of love and peace will be with us. True fellowship with the Holy Spirit brings restoration and unity, not division or strife. When we are in right relationship with God and each other, our spirits bear witness together, and the church becomes a place of encouragement, love, and spiritual growth. Strife, gossip, and discord grieve the Spirit, but humility and unity invite His presence and blessing. [52:25]
2 Corinthians 13:11-14 (ESV):
"Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you. Greet one another with a holy kiss. All the saints greet you. The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Reflection: Is there someone in your church or family with whom you need to seek peace or restoration today? What step can you take to move toward unity?
Day 3: Humility and the Mind of Christ
Having the mind of Christ means letting go of selfish ambition, embracing humility, and esteeming others above ourselves. Jesus, though equal with God, humbled Himself and became obedient even to death on a cross. We are called to this same humility, to look not only to our own interests but also to the interests of others, and to serve with love and lowliness of mind. When we do this, we reflect Christ’s character and invite His Spirit to work powerfully in and through us. [01:09:03]
Philippians 2:1-8 (ESV):
"So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can humble yourself and serve someone else today, following the example of Jesus?
Day 4: Intimacy with the Holy Spirit
God desires not just outward service or religious activity, but an intimate, personal relationship with each of His children through the Holy Spirit. This relationship is cultivated by spending time with God, listening to His voice, and allowing Him to reveal spiritual truths to your heart. Just as you get to know a friend by spending time together, you grow in intimacy with God by communing with Him, reading His Word, and inviting the Spirit to teach and transform you. [01:21:39]
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV):
"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls."
Reflection: How can you set aside intentional time today to simply be with God and invite the Holy Spirit to deepen your relationship with Him?
Day 5: New Life and Freedom in the Spirit
Through faith in Jesus and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, you are made new—no longer defined by your past, but empowered to live in freedom and victory. The Spirit brings transformation, breaking the chains of old wounds, bitterness, and self-centeredness, and enabling you to walk in love, forgiveness, and purpose. You are not a victim of your past; in Christ, you are a new creation, called to live in the fullness of God’s love and power. [01:24:58]
2 Corinthians 5:17-21 (ESV):
"Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God."
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to embrace your new identity in Christ and let go of the old? How can you walk in that freedom today?
Quotes
That's the type of people, birds of the feather flock together. Amen. And if you're truly called by God and you're truly saved and you've got a heart profession and not a head profession, your attitude's going to be different. And if it's not, there is something wrong and you need to do a spiritual checkup. [00:42:47] (22 seconds)
Because, because they're going to be who they're going to be and there's not a thing that you and I are going to be able to do about it. Amen. Because it's going to take the Holy Spirit of God to meet with them to see change. Fact, not fiction. [00:43:20] (18 seconds)
That's the Holy of Holies. Amen? And listen to me. Nobody that's saved that has the Holy of Holies in them is going to trash you and constantly trash you and constantly trash his church and be right with God. Ain't no way. You can talk to this hillbilly all day long, but you're wrong and you're spiritually stupid if you believe that. He said that. He said that. It's in the King James. Go read your Bible. That's it. He can't get blessing and curses from the same fountain. Either you're good water or you're bad. Amen? My watch is going off. [01:04:25] (43 seconds)
Look at that, what does that really mean? Comfort, encouragement. Amen? If there's any encouragement, if there's any encouragement in Christ, if any comfort in love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, remember what it said over in 2 Corinthians chapter 6, what did it say? That we have to have fellowship, we have to have communion with Him. We should be having fellowship through the Spirit, and fellowship with the Spirit of God. If any affliction, any mercy, fulfill my joy, and be like -minded. Having the same love, being of one accord, and of one mind. Let me tell you there, that means that the mind of Christ again, you cannot be one foot in the world, and one foot on Jesus, and try to say you're a, James says you're a double -minded man, and unstable in all your ways. Fact, not fiction. Make a decision today, whether you're going to love God, and be with Him or not. [01:05:41] (66 seconds)
Get your iPhone, your Android phone, your iTablet, your tablets, and play the Bible app as you read it so you can hear the word of God. Because faith cometh by hearing, and hearing the word of God. Can I get an amen? Amen? So when you start doing that, amen, and hearing the word of God, your faith will increase. And the Spirit accepts, it says, and even so, no one knows the thing of God except the Spirit of God. In your spirit, when the Holy Spirit bears witness with your spirit, he's going to reveal spiritual truth to you. And you're going to grow. [01:18:27] (38 seconds)
Matthew 11, 29 says this, take up my yoke upon you. Learn from me. The Holy Spirit is our teacher. He has to teach us. He reveals things to us. Spiritual truth. For I am gentle and low in heart and you will find rest for your soul. There are people today under the sound of my voice, you've never rested properly in Christ Jesus because you're not leaning solely on Him. But what you have to do is you've got to trust and obey God. [01:20:41] (30 seconds)
God loves you and wants an intimate relationship with you. And the only way you can have that is through the Holy Spirit of God. And it's going to take you talking to Him. It's going to take you getting to know Him. Amen? Come on. Amen? Amen? [01:21:39] (18 seconds)
Part of this is having faith that we have a God that can heal. Amen? We have a God that can meet us right where we're at today. And I believe that in all my being. I'm trusting God. How about you today? When you leave here, will you go be the church? Will you bring somebody next week with you? Tell a friend. Bring somebody with you. You want to be a disciple of Jesus Christ? Bring somebody with you. And we'll carefully give God the praise for that. Amen? [01:36:56] (33 seconds)
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