Embracing the Holy Spirit: Love and Spiritual Gifts
Summary
### Summary
Welcome, everyone. Today, we delve into the supernatural aspects of the Holy Spirit and spiritual gifts. Growing up in a conservative, independent Christian church, I was taught that the supernatural gifts of the Holy Spirit ceased in the first century. However, during the Jesus movement of the 1970s, my church experienced a fresh work of the Holy Spirit, leading to charismatic worship characterized by speaking in tongues, prophecy, and physical healing. This shift caused a rift with other churches, leading to our disfellowship. Despite this, my faith was shaped by mentors from both cessationist and charismatic backgrounds.
The Holy Spirit's role is to transform us into the likeness of Christ, guiding, helping, and advocating for us. The question to ask is, "Do you love?" Love is the hallmark of a true follower of Christ, as Paul emphasized in his letters. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are more important than any theological belief or conviction.
The Holy Spirit's gifts are given to build up the church and demonstrate love. Paul taught that these gifts should be used to strengthen the whole body of believers. The gifts are not meant to draw attention to the individual but to God. They are to be used in the context of love, as love is the greatest of all virtues. The spiritual gifts are diverse, including prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, but they all serve the same purpose: to glorify God and edify the church.
Avoid putting God in a box. He doesn't fit into our neat categories or intellectual constructs. Whether your faith is characterized by logic or by supernatural experiences, it's essential to be grounded in God's Word. Depending solely on supernatural manifestations can lead to false teachings and a precarious spiritual life. Instead, balance is key—embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance while being rooted in Scripture.
The Holy Spirit's presence is a gift from God, too important to be ignored. He lives within us to guide, help, and advocate for us daily. Don't stifle the Holy Spirit; instead, be responsive to His leading. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith in love and unity, making every effort to keep ourselves united in the Spirit.
In conclusion, the Holy Spirit's gifts and fruits are essential for a vibrant Christian life. They are given to build up the church and demonstrate God's love. Embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance, be grounded in Scripture, and let love be the hallmark of your faith.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is given to us to transform us into the likeness of Christ. He is our guide, helper, and advocate. The true measure of having the Holy Spirit is whether we exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are more important than any theological belief or conviction. [01:01:07]
2. The Importance of Love: Love is the greatest virtue and should be the hallmark of all Christ followers. Paul emphasized that spiritual gifts should be used to strengthen the whole body of believers and that love should be the highest goal. The gifts are not meant to draw attention to the individual but to God. [58:20]
3. Avoid Putting God in a Box: God doesn't fit into our neat categories or intellectual constructs. Whether your faith is characterized by logic or by supernatural experiences, it's essential to be grounded in God's Word. Depending solely on supernatural manifestations can lead to false teachings and a precarious spiritual life. [01:06:52]
4. The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are given to build up the church and demonstrate God's love. They are diverse, including prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, but they all serve the same purpose: to glorify God and edify the church. The gifts should be used in the context of love, as love is the greatest of all virtues. [55:53]
5. Don't Stifle the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit's presence is a gift from God, too important to be ignored. He lives within us to guide, help, and advocate for us daily. Be responsive to His leading and allow Him to shape your thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith in love and unity. [01:09:02]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [33:37] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
3. [34:26] - Cessationist View and Charismatic Movement
4. [36:06] - Spirit-Led Worship
5. [36:56] - Disfellowship and Bible College Experience
6. [39:17] - New Testament Descriptions of the Holy Spirit
7. [40:06] - John the Baptist and the Holy Spirit
8. [41:42] - Jesus and Nicodemus
9. [44:25] - Jesus' Promise of the Holy Spirit
10. [45:26] - Day of Pentecost
11. [47:12] - The Holy Spirit's Gift to Believers
12. [48:59] - Paul's Teachings on Spiritual Gifts
13. [50:48] - Spiritual Gifts in Romans
14. [52:48] - Using Spiritual Gifts Wisely
15. [55:53] - Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
16. [58:20] - The Importance of Love
17. [59:56] - Gifts and Love
18. [01:01:07] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
19. [01:06:52] - Avoid Putting God in a Box
20. [01:09:02] - Don't Stifle the Holy Spirit
21. [01:10:14] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (NIV): "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
3. 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (NIV): "Do not quench the Spirit. Do not treat prophecies with contempt but test them all; hold on to what is good."
### Observation Questions
1. What are the fruits of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5:22-23?
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, who distributes the different kinds of spiritual gifts?
3. In 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21, what are believers instructed to do with prophecies and the Spirit?
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the presence of the Holy Spirit manifest in a believer's life according to Galatians 5:22-23? How do these manifestations compare to the emphasis on love in the sermon? [01:01:07]
2. What is the purpose of the spiritual gifts as described in 1 Corinthians 12:4-7? How does this align with the sermon’s teaching on the purpose of spiritual gifts? [55:53]
3. Why does 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 warn against quenching the Spirit and treating prophecies with contempt? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about not stifling the Holy Spirit? [01:09:02]
### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on Galatians 5:22-23, which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit in your daily life? What specific steps can you take to cultivate this fruit more effectively?
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of love as the hallmark of a true follower of Christ. How can you demonstrate love in your interactions within your church community this week? [58:20]
3. Considering 1 Corinthians 12:4-7, what spiritual gift do you believe you have been given? How can you use this gift to build up your church and glorify God?
4. The sermon mentioned the danger of putting God in a box. Are there areas in your life where you might be limiting God’s work? How can you open yourself up to the Holy Spirit’s guidance more fully? [01:06:52]
5. How can you ensure that you are not quenching the Spirit in your daily walk with God? Are there specific practices or habits you need to adopt or change to be more responsive to the Holy Spirit’s leading? [01:09:02]
6. The sermon highlighted the balance between being grounded in Scripture and embracing the Holy Spirit’s guidance. How can you maintain this balance in your personal Bible study and prayer life? [01:06:52]
7. Think of a recent situation where you felt the Holy Spirit prompting you to act in love or unity. How did you respond, and what can you learn from that experience to better follow the Spirit’s leading in the future? [01:01:07]
Devotional
Day 1: The Transformative Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is given to us to transform us into the likeness of Christ. He is our guide, helper, and advocate. The true measure of having the Holy Spirit is whether we exhibit love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These fruits are more important than any theological belief or conviction. The presence of these fruits in our lives is a testament to the Holy Spirit's work within us, shaping us to reflect Christ's character. The Holy Spirit's transformative power is not just about supernatural gifts but about the everyday manifestation of Christ-like virtues in our lives. [01:01:07]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you see the fruits of the Spirit? How can you cultivate these fruits more intentionally in your daily interactions?
Day 2: Love as the Greatest Virtue
Love is the greatest virtue and should be the hallmark of all Christ followers. Paul emphasized that spiritual gifts should be used to strengthen the whole body of believers and that love should be the highest goal. The gifts are not meant to draw attention to the individual but to God. Love is the foundation upon which all other virtues and gifts should be built. Without love, even the most spectacular spiritual gifts are meaningless. Love is the true measure of our faith and the most powerful testimony of God's presence in our lives. [58:20]
1 Corinthians 13:1-3 (ESV): "If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing."
Reflection: How can you demonstrate love in a practical way to someone in your church or community today?
Day 3: Embracing God's Boundless Nature
God doesn't fit into our neat categories or intellectual constructs. Whether your faith is characterized by logic or by supernatural experiences, it's essential to be grounded in God's Word. Depending solely on supernatural manifestations can lead to false teachings and a precarious spiritual life. Embrace the mystery and vastness of God, understanding that He operates beyond our limited understanding. Balance is key—embrace the Holy Spirit's guidance while being rooted in Scripture. This balance helps us avoid the pitfalls of extremism and keeps our faith anchored in truth. [01:06:52]
Isaiah 55:8-9 (ESV): "For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts."
Reflection: In what ways have you tried to fit God into a box? How can you open yourself up to the fullness of His nature today?
Day 4: The Purpose of Spiritual Gifts
Spiritual gifts are given to build up the church and demonstrate God's love. They are diverse, including prophecy, healing, and speaking in tongues, but they all serve the same purpose: to glorify God and edify the church. The gifts should be used in the context of love, as love is the greatest of all virtues. Each gift, no matter how spectacular or humble, is a tool for serving others and pointing them to God. The focus should always be on the collective benefit of the church and the glorification of God, not on individual recognition. [55:53]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you believe God has given you? How can you use this gift to serve and build up your church community?
Day 5: Being Responsive to the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's presence is a gift from God, too important to be ignored. He lives within us to guide, help, and advocate for us daily. Be responsive to His leading and allow Him to shape your thoughts, feelings, and actions. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith in love and unity. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's challenges with divine wisdom and strength. This responsiveness requires a daily commitment to prayer, reflection, and obedience to God's promptings. [01:09:02]
Romans 8:14-16 (ESV): "For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance today? What steps can you take to ensure you are not stifling His work in your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "And we put God in this neat little box. Stop it. God doesn't fit in a box. You can't figure him out. And he doesn't need your permission or your approval to show his power or blessing here on earth. If you put God in a box, you live your life as a spiritual cripple. Take off the braces and ask the Holy Spirit to shape your thoughts, to shape your feelings, to shape your actions. Ask him to do what you think he may not be able to do." [01:06:52]
2. "Fruit, the fruit of our lives, matters much more than any theological belief or conviction. Observation number six. Avoid a box and windy corners. For many of us, our faith has been characterized by logic and intellect. The gospel just makes intellectual sense. If you study hard enough, if you read enough commentaries, if you watch enough video teachers on YouTube, you can figure out exactly how God works, when and why. We know what God does and what he doesn't do." [01:06:06]
3. "The Holy Spirit's presence is a gift that God has given to us. It's too important, too great of a gift to be forgotten. God has given us the Holy Spirit to live inside us, to be our counselor, our advocate, our guide on a daily basis. We can't ignore him and try and live in our own strength. Don't let him be forgotten." [01:09:37]
4. "Love means unity, not division. Larry said this last week. Anybody who says that you have to speak in tongues to be a real Christian is not speaking truth. And anyone who says that anyone who speaks in tongues is not a real Christian is not a Christian. He's not speaking truth. Who are they to say what God can do or can't do?" [01:00:31]
5. "The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives. Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness. Self-control. There's no law against these things. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross, crucified them there. Since we're living by the spirit, with the Holy Spirit within us, let us follow the spirit's leading in every part of our lives." [01:03:41]
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Holy Spirit's job, what he's given to us to do is to transform us into the likeness of Christ. He's to be our guide, our helper, our advocate, and to help us love. How do you know if you have the Holy Spirit? The question is do you love? Do you love? Do you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit?" [01:01:07]
2. "Spiritual gifts are more than just natural abilities or skills. They're more than just what you experience in normal everyday life. They're attributes that God blesses in a way that instantly draws attention to God. Not to the person, but to God." [51:52]
3. "Spiritual gifts are always designed to honor God, to point people towards him. In Acts chapter 10, Peter dreams and is told by God to eat foods that Moses had said were unclean. Everything in Peter resists, and yet he knows that the dream is from God. He knows that God's talking to him. When he wakes, there are people who are not Jews that are at his door, and they come to talk to him. They come to ask him to come and tell a non-Jewish man, a Gentile named Cornelius, about God." [53:26]
4. "The Holy Spirit came supernaturally to empower the apostles, to proclaim the good news of Jesus. The Holy Spirit came supernaturally to empower the apostles to tell the story of Jesus. And he came to everyone who would become a disciple of Jesus. The indwelling gift of the Holy Spirit is for every disciple. People who follow Jesus, people who are changed by Jesus, people who are committed to the mission of Jesus." [47:48]
5. "The spiritual gifts were given so that love would be demonstrated and would be put into practice in a way that it hadn't happened before. The church in Corinth was messed up. So Paul's letter to them was to correct their thinking and their theology. Paul did corrective teaching with them. 1 Corinthians 12 talks extensively about how God gives gifts to build up the body of Christ. But he finishes his instruction by writing this. This is the end of 1 Corinthians 12. All of you together are Christ's body and each of you is part of it." [56:32]
6. "The Holy Spirit's presence is to draw attention to the Father and the Son, not to the physical phenomenon, not to the healing, not to the word of knowledge. It's designed to help us love, to really love, to supernaturally love." [59:56]
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