Embracing the Holy Spirit: Our Divine Advocate
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to Canvas Church and part two of our series, "Songs That We Sing." Today, we explore the song "Come Rest On Us" by Brandon Lake and Maverick City Music, which honors the Holy Spirit. Our focus is on understanding what it means to live a Spirit-fueled life. For those new to faith, theology, or the Holy Spirit, we delve into the concept of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit, mentioned over 800 times in Scripture, is introduced in Genesis 1:2 as the Spirit of God hovering over the waters. He is described in various metaphors like wind, fire, dove, and rain, and is called our advocate and the Spirit of Truth.
The diversity of backgrounds in our congregation—from lifelong Catholics to Baptists, Episcopalians, Presbyterians, and even those new to faith—shapes our understanding of the Holy Spirit. Some may have experienced an overemphasis or underemphasis on the Holy Spirit, leading to confusion. Today, we aim to clear that confusion by returning to Scripture to understand who the Holy Spirit is and His role in our lives.
Jesus reassures us in John 14 that the Holy Spirit will be our advocate, never leaving us alone. The Holy Spirit is a gift, empowering us to live a Christ-centered life. Many Christians struggle with feeling powerless despite their faith. The strength to live a God-honoring life comes not from willpower but from being filled and fueled by the Holy Spirit.
Some people are unaware of the Holy Spirit's availability, while others resist it out of fear or misunderstanding. The Holy Spirit is not here to make us do crazy things but to love, help, and strengthen us. He comforts us in our most uncomfortable moments, counsels us by guiding us into all truth, and convicts us to keep us on the right path.
In conclusion, let's lay aside our preconceived notions and invite the Holy Spirit into our lives anew. Let's make the words of "Come Rest On Us" our prayer, welcoming the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit as Comforter: Life will have its uncomfortable moments, but Jesus promised us a Comforter in the Holy Spirit. This divine presence provides peace that surpasses understanding, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Holy Spirit's comfort is a tangible experience that reassures us we are not alone. [30:12]
2. The Holy Spirit as Counselor: The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us discern between the world's lies and God's truth. This guidance is crucial in making life decisions and navigating moral complexities. Trusting the Holy Spirit's counsel leads to a life aligned with God's will. [36:46]
3. The Holy Spirit as Convictor: Conviction is not condemnation. While the enemy condemns to discourage, the Holy Spirit convicts to encourage and correct us. This conviction helps us recognize and turn away from sin, drawing us closer to God. Embrace this ministry of the Holy Spirit as a gift that keeps us on the right path. [39:26]
4. Awareness and Availability of the Holy Spirit: Many Christians are unaware of the Holy Spirit's role and availability in their lives. Just as first-class travel offers a vastly different experience, living a Spirit-fueled life is an upgrade of dynamic proportions. Awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence transforms our daily walk with God. [22:26]
5. Overcoming Fear and Resistance: Some resist the Holy Spirit out of fear or misunderstanding. Trusting in the goodness of God the Father and Jesus the Son should extend to the Holy Spirit. He is here to help, not to make us do anything outlandish. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit leads to a life filled with divine love, help, and strength. [28:43]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[08:25] - Introduction to "Come Rest On Us"
[09:25] - Understanding the Trinity
[11:07] - The Holy Spirit in Scripture
[12:47] - Diverse Backgrounds and Understanding
[18:45] - Jesus' Promise of the Holy Spirit
[21:08] - Living a Spirit-Fueled Life
[22:26] - Awareness of the Holy Spirit
[28:43] - Overcoming Fear and Resistance
[30:12] - The Holy Spirit as Comforter
[36:46] - The Holy Spirit as Counselor
[39:26] - The Holy Spirit as Convictor
[47:33] - Invitation to Welcome the Holy Spirit
[48:22] - Closing Prayer and Reflection
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. John 14:16-17 (NIV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you."
2. Genesis 1:2 (NIV): "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."
3. Acts 19:2 (NIV): "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.'"
#### Observation Questions
1. According to John 14:16-17, what roles does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will fulfill for believers? [18:45]
2. How is the Holy Spirit introduced in Genesis 1:2, and what does this signify about His presence from the beginning of creation? [11:56]
3. In Acts 19:2, what was the response of the believers in Ephesus when asked about the Holy Spirit, and what does this reveal about their awareness? [23:34]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be our "advocate" and "Spirit of truth" as described in John 14:16-17? How does this impact our daily lives? [18:45]
2. Reflect on the metaphor of the Holy Spirit as wind, fire, dove, and rain. How do these metaphors help us understand His work in our lives? [11:56]
3. Why do you think some believers, like those in Acts 19:2, are unaware of the Holy Spirit's role and availability? How can this lack of awareness affect their spiritual journey? [23:34]
#### Application Questions
1. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit comforts us in our most uncomfortable moments. Can you recall a time when you felt the Holy Spirit's comfort? How did it change your situation? [30:12]
2. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What practical steps can you take to invite Him to guide you? [22:26]
3. The Holy Spirit convicts us to keep us on the right path. Is there an area in your life where you feel the Holy Spirit's conviction? How can you respond to this conviction in a way that draws you closer to God? [39:26]
4. Fear and misunderstanding can cause resistance to the Holy Spirit. Are there any fears or misconceptions you have about the Holy Spirit? How can you overcome them? [28:43]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of laying aside preconceived notions about the Holy Spirit. What preconceived notions do you have, and how can you approach the Holy Spirit with a fresh perspective? [17:43]
6. How can you make the words of the song "Come Rest On Us" your prayer this week? What specific actions will you take to welcome the Holy Spirit into your life anew? [47:33]
7. Reflect on the pastor's story about the mother who praised God in the midst of tragedy. How can you cultivate a similar reliance on the Holy Spirit's comfort and strength in your own life? [35:19]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Comforter
Life will have its uncomfortable moments, but Jesus promised us a Comforter in the Holy Spirit. This divine presence provides peace that surpasses understanding, even in the most challenging circumstances. The Holy Spirit's comfort is a tangible experience that reassures us we are not alone. When we face trials, we can lean on the Holy Spirit to find solace and strength. The comfort He provides is not just emotional but also spiritual, helping us to navigate through life's storms with a sense of divine peace and assurance.
The Holy Spirit's role as Comforter is crucial for our spiritual well-being. He is there to support us when we feel overwhelmed, anxious, or lost. By inviting the Holy Spirit into our lives, we open ourselves to a source of divine comfort that can transform our perspective and give us the courage to face any situation. Let us remember that we are never alone; the Holy Spirit is always with us, ready to provide the comfort we need. [30:12]
Isaiah 66:13 (ESV): "As one whom his mother comforts, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you felt overwhelmed or anxious. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to comfort you in that specific area today?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit as Counselor
The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us discern between the world's lies and God's truth. This guidance is crucial in making life decisions and navigating moral complexities. Trusting the Holy Spirit's counsel leads to a life aligned with God's will. When we seek His guidance, we are more likely to make choices that honor God and reflect His love and wisdom. The Holy Spirit's counsel is a gift that helps us stay on the right path and avoid the pitfalls of worldly thinking.
By relying on the Holy Spirit as our Counselor, we can navigate life's challenges with greater clarity and confidence. He helps us understand God's Word and apply it to our daily lives. This divine guidance is essential for spiritual growth and maturity. Let us be open to the Holy Spirit's counsel and trust that He will lead us into all truth, helping us to live lives that are pleasing to God. [36:46]
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: What is one decision you are currently facing where you need the Holy Spirit's guidance? Take a moment to pray and ask for His counsel.
Day 3: The Holy Spirit as Convictor
Conviction is not condemnation. While the enemy condemns to discourage, the Holy Spirit convicts to encourage and correct us. This conviction helps us recognize and turn away from sin, drawing us closer to God. Embrace this ministry of the Holy Spirit as a gift that keeps us on the right path. The Holy Spirit's conviction is a loving nudge that helps us stay aligned with God's will and avoid the destructive consequences of sin.
Understanding the difference between conviction and condemnation is crucial for our spiritual health. Condemnation leads to guilt and shame, while conviction leads to repentance and transformation. The Holy Spirit's conviction is a sign of God's love and care for us, guiding us back to the right path when we stray. Let us be grateful for this divine correction and respond with a heart willing to change and grow. [39:26]
Hebrews 12:11 (ESV): "For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it."
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 draws you closer to God?
Day 4: Awareness and Availability of the Holy Spirit
Many Christians are unaware of the Holy Spirit's role and availability in their lives. Just as first-class travel offers a vastly different experience, living a Spirit-fueled life is an upgrade of dynamic proportions. Awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence transforms our daily walk with God. When we become more aware of the Holy Spirit, we can experience a deeper, more vibrant relationship with God. This awareness opens us to the many ways the Holy Spirit can work in and through us.
Living a Spirit-fueled life means being attuned to the Holy Spirit's presence and promptings. It involves inviting Him into every aspect of our lives and being open to His guidance and empowerment. This awareness can lead to a more fulfilling and impactful Christian life, as we rely on the Holy Spirit to lead us, teach us, and empower us for God's purposes. [22:26]
Ephesians 5:18 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."
Reflection: How aware are you of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily life? What steps can you take to become more attuned to His guidance and empowerment?
Day 5: Overcoming Fear and Resistance
Some resist the Holy Spirit out of fear or misunderstanding. Trusting in the goodness of God the Father and Jesus the Son should extend to the Holy Spirit. He is here to help, not to make us do anything outlandish. Surrendering to the Holy Spirit leads to a life filled with divine love, help, and strength. Overcoming fear and resistance to the Holy Spirit is essential for experiencing the fullness of God's presence and power in our lives.
Fear and misunderstanding can hinder our relationship with the Holy Spirit. By trusting in His goodness and intentions, we can overcome these barriers and open ourselves to His transformative work. The Holy Spirit is a loving and gentle presence, always seeking to help and strengthen us. Let us lay aside our fears and invite the Holy Spirit to fill and guide us, trusting that He will lead us into a deeper, more fulfilling relationship with God. [28:43]
2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV): "For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control."
Reflection: What fears or misunderstandings do you have about the Holy Spirit? How can you begin to trust Him more and invite His presence into your life?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "The strength to live a Christ-centered and God-honoring life does not come because you've got great willpower. It happens when our lives are filled and fueled by the power of the Holy Spirit. It doesn't happen because you're more disciplined than the guy next to you. You're stronger than the lady besides you. You're just more gifted than somebody around you. You just have more tenacity, more grit, more willpower. It's not grit, baby. It's grace." [21:08] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Jesus is telling us that the Holy Spirit is a gift, man. He's a gift, and that he should be welcomed into our daily lives, that he works in and through our lives and equips us with a power beyond ourselves to live a different kind of life. He gives us strength to make God-honoring choices every day of our lives." [19:53] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "What if we sang this song and we just made it the anthem of today? And we invited him into our lives in a new way today. And we surrendered everything to the Holy Spirit in a new way today. And we welcomed him in in a new way. What if when we sang, we know that you're here and you're moving? And we're here and we're ready for you to fill us." [47:33] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you believe in and love Jesus, and know that he is good. If you believe in and love our Heavenly Father, and know that he is good, you have nothing to fear. To believe in and surrender and submit to the power of the Holy Spirit, you can trust that he is good. And that his mercy endures to all generation." [28:43] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "No child should ever fear a good father's gift. No child should ever fear a good father's will that has been sent to help them in several important ways. And that's what I want to spend the next 13 minutes that I have doing. I want to show you three primary things the Bible tells us. These are big blocks, okay?" [28:43] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "After all these years of being in ministry, here's what I have seen when it comes to the Holy Spirit in church. I have seen what I consider to be over emphasis of the Holy Spirit, moving in His service. I have seen what I consider to be under emphasis, no acknowledgement at all of the moving of the Holy Spirit in the church. And then I've seen no emphasis whatsoever. People just don't know what to believe." [17:43] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Would you take all of your preconceived ideas that you have about how you have seen and experienced the expression of the Holy Spirit, and let's lay that aside, and let's just do what the scriptures tell us to do. Go back to the Bible, and let's just see what the Bible says about the person and the work of the Holy Spirit, and let it set the tone for who he is and what he wants to do in our life." [18:45] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I want to show you what Jesus said. And when the Holy Spirit comes, he's going to show the world the truth about sin what is right about God and what is right about judgment. I want you to understand this. Listen to this. Don't miss this. He will show the world sin. This is conviction, not condemnation. Romans 8 and 1 says, There is now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus." [39:26] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The only way that you'll know the difference between right and wrong, the only way that you'll know the difference between the lie and the truth is because the Holy Spirit will convict you about what's right and what's wrong, what's truth. And what's not? I'm telling you as a pastor, I'm telling you as your pastor, do not ever reject or despise the ministry of conviction of the Holy Spirit. You better pray for it every day of your life." [42:16] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Pain says, stop, evaluate, change. Stop, evaluate, change. Stop, evaluate, change. It's one of the greatest things that the Holy Spirit does in our lives. When things begin to creep into our lives that are not like God or not God's will for us or that would dishonor him and begin to help us or make us live only for ourselves. It is the Holy Spirit's work. It is the beautiful work of the Holy Spirit that convicts us, exposes that, draws us back to the heart of God." [43:33] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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