Embracing the Holy Spirit: Our Essential Guide
Summary
In our journey of faith, understanding the role and presence of the Holy Spirit is crucial. Today, we begin our series titled "Like a Dove," inspired by the imagery of the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus. This series aims to deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives and dispel misconceptions that have arisen over time. Some believe in cessationism, the idea that the Holy Spirit's work ceased after the early church. However, the Bible clearly shows that the Holy Spirit is active and essential for our faith today.
The Holy Spirit is not an optional part of Christianity; He is foundational. Just as Jesus was baptized with the Holy Spirit, we too are called to live a life filled with His presence. The Holy Spirit is not a buffet item we can choose to ignore. Instead, He is integral to our faith, guiding us to live a life that mirrors Jesus. Without the Holy Spirit, our faith lacks the power and presence of God.
In Acts 19, we see the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit. Paul encounters believers in Ephesus who had not received the Holy Spirit, and upon receiving Him, they spoke in tongues and prophesied. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit's work is ongoing and not limited to the early church. The Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, a constant presence that assures us of our eternal salvation.
The Holy Spirit is also our comforter and advocate, guiding us into all truth. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us, and through Him, we access the Father. Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is vital for experiencing God's love and presence. We must actively seek and ask for the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, not passively wait for it.
As we continue this series, let us cultivate a hunger for more of the Holy Spirit. Let us not settle for past experiences but seek fresh encounters with Him. The Holy Spirit desires to dwell in us, to guide us, and to empower us to live a life that reflects Jesus. May we be open to His leading and embrace the fullness of His presence in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is foundational to our faith, not an optional add-on. Without Him, our faith lacks the power and presence of God. We must build our belief system on the right foundation, which includes the Holy Spirit. [05:23]
- The Holy Spirit is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, a constant presence that assures us of our eternal salvation. He is the evidence of our faith and the guarantee of our eternal life with God. [11:08]
- Our relationship with the Holy Spirit is vital for experiencing God's love and presence. He is the conduit through which we experience God, and without Him, our connection to God is incomplete. [15:06]
- The Holy Spirit is our comforter and advocate, guiding us into all truth. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would lead us, and through Him, we access the Father. [16:19]
- We must actively seek and ask for the Holy Spirit's presence in our lives, not passively wait for it. The Bible encourages us to ask, and it will be given to us. [38:31]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [01:20] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit Series
- [02:44] - The Smorgasbord of Christianity
- [04:24] - The Foundation of Our Faith
- [05:23] - Building on the Right Foundation
- [06:53] - The Church in Ephesus
- [09:24] - The Holy Spirit's Ongoing Work
- [11:08] - The Holy Spirit as a Deposit
- [12:31] - Accessing God Through the Holy Spirit
- [15:06] - Experiencing God's Love
- [16:19] - The Holy Spirit as Comforter and Advocate
- [18:47] - Navigating the Spirit's Voice
- [20:00] - Hearing God Through His Word
- [20:57] - The Importance of Knowing the Word
- [21:55] - The Spirit of Truth
- [23:08] - Personal Encounters with the Holy Spirit
- [25:40] - Challenging Doubts and Lies
- [27:04] - The Holy Spirit's Presence in Our Lives
- [29:05] - The Permanent Indwelling of the Spirit
- [30:17] - Responding to the Spirit's Promptings
- [32:11] - The True Comforter
- [33:37] - Seeking the Holy Spirit Actively
- [34:45] - The Power of Asking
- [35:55] - Personal Stories of Generosity
- [38:31] - The Call to Ask and Be Filled
- [39:22] - Expecting Fresh Encounters
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: "Like a Dove"
Bible Reading:
1. John 1:32-34
2. Acts 19:1-6
3. Ephesians 1:13-14
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 1:32-34, what imagery is used to describe the Holy Spirit's presence with Jesus, and how does this imagery set the tone for the sermon series titled "Like a Dove"? [01:20]
2. According to Acts 19:1-6, what was the experience of the believers in Ephesus when they received the Holy Spirit, and how does this challenge the idea of cessationism? [06:53]
3. How does Ephesians 1:13-14 describe the Holy Spirit's role in the life of a believer, and what assurance does it provide about our faith? [11:08]
4. What analogy does the pastor use to describe the Holy Spirit's role in our faith, and how does this analogy help clarify the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives? [05:23]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the imagery of the Holy Spirit descending "like a dove" on Jesus in John 1:32-34 help us understand the nature and role of the Holy Spirit in our lives today? [01:20]
2. In Acts 19:1-6, why is the experience of the Ephesus believers significant in understanding the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit beyond the early church? [09:24]
3. Ephesians 1:13-14 speaks of the Holy Spirit as a "deposit guaranteeing our inheritance." What does this mean for believers in terms of assurance and security in their faith? [11:08]
4. The pastor mentions that the Holy Spirit is not an optional part of Christianity but foundational. How does this perspective challenge or affirm your current understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your faith journey? [05:23]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on your current relationship with the Holy Spirit. How actively are you seeking His presence in your daily life, and what steps can you take to cultivate a deeper connection? [38:31]
2. The sermon challenges the belief in cessationism. Have you encountered this belief in your faith community, and how has it influenced your understanding of the Holy Spirit's work today? [04:24]
3. The pastor shared a personal story about experiencing the Holy Spirit's presence. Can you recall a moment when you felt the Holy Spirit's guidance or comfort? How did it impact your faith? [15:06]
4. How can you ensure that your faith is built on the right foundation, including the Holy Spirit, rather than a "smorgasbord" of beliefs? What changes might you need to make in your belief system? [05:23]
5. The Holy Spirit is described as a comforter and advocate. In what areas of your life do you need His comfort and guidance right now, and how can you invite Him into those situations? [16:19]
6. The pastor emphasized the importance of asking for the Holy Spirit's presence. What specific areas of your life do you need to ask for His guidance and empowerment, and how will you do this in the coming week? [38:31]
7. Consider the idea of experiencing fresh encounters with the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to remain open and expectant for new experiences with Him? [39:22]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as the Foundation of Faith
The Holy Spirit is not merely an accessory to the Christian faith but its very foundation. Without the Holy Spirit, believers lack the power and presence of God in their lives. The Holy Spirit is essential for building a belief system that is rooted in truth and strength. Just as Jesus was baptized with the Holy Spirit, Christians are called to live a life filled with His presence. The Holy Spirit is not something to be ignored or chosen at will; He is integral to living a life that mirrors Jesus. Understanding this foundational role of the Holy Spirit helps believers to experience a faith that is vibrant and alive. [05:23]
Ephesians 1:13-14 (ESV): "In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory."
Reflection: In what ways have you treated the Holy Spirit as optional in your faith journey? How can you begin to make Him the foundation of your daily walk with God?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit as a Guarantee of Our Inheritance
The Holy Spirit serves as a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance, providing believers with the assurance of eternal salvation. This ongoing presence of the Holy Spirit is evidence of faith and a promise of eternal life with God. The work of the Holy Spirit did not cease with the early church; it continues to be active and vital today. In Acts 19, the importance of receiving the Holy Spirit is highlighted when believers in Ephesus, upon receiving Him, spoke in tongues and prophesied. This demonstrates that the Holy Spirit's work is not limited to the past but is a present reality for all believers. [11:08]
2 Corinthians 1:21-22 (ESV): "And it is God who establishes us with you in Christ, and has anointed us, and who has also put his seal on us and given us his Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee."
Reflection: How does knowing the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of your inheritance change your perspective on your faith and future? What steps can you take to live with this assurance daily?
Day 3: Experiencing God's Love Through the Holy Spirit
The relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for experiencing God's love and presence. The Holy Spirit acts as a conduit through which believers access the Father and experience His love. Without the Holy Spirit, the connection to God is incomplete. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would guide believers into all truth, leading them to a deeper understanding of God's love. Actively seeking the Holy Spirit's presence allows believers to experience the fullness of God's love and presence in their lives. [15:06]
Romans 5:5 (ESV): "And hope does not put us to shame, because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Reflection: In what ways have you experienced God's love through the Holy Spirit? How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to experience more of God's love?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit as Comforter and Advocate
The Holy Spirit is described as a comforter and advocate, guiding believers into all truth. Jesus promised that through the Holy Spirit, believers would have access to the Father. This guidance is essential for navigating the complexities of life and understanding God's will. The Holy Spirit provides comfort in times of trouble and advocates for believers, ensuring they are never alone. Embracing the Holy Spirit's role as comforter and advocate allows believers to live with confidence and peace, knowing they are guided by God's truth. [16:19]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How have you experienced the Holy Spirit as a comforter and advocate in your life? What areas of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth?
Day 5: Actively Seeking the Holy Spirit
Believers are encouraged to actively seek and ask for the Holy Spirit's presence in their lives, rather than passively waiting for it. The Bible encourages believers to ask, and it will be given to them. This active pursuit of the Holy Spirit leads to fresh encounters and a deeper relationship with God. The Holy Spirit desires to dwell in believers, guiding and empowering them to live a life that reflects Jesus. By actively seeking the Holy Spirit, believers open themselves to His leading and embrace the fullness of His presence. [38:31]
Luke 11:13 (ESV): "If you then, who are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!"
Reflection: What steps can you take today to actively seek the Holy Spirit's presence in your life? How can you create space in your daily routine to invite the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you?
Quotes
1. "That Jesus was the Chosen One with the Holy Spirit rested. And then we know that Jesus made a way for us to have the Holy Spirit with us. So this morning I want to lay some foundations for what we believe about the Holy Spirit. And if you've been a Christian a little while, you probably recognise that in the wider church body, the Holy Spirit can be under attack. That there are people who don't believe in the power of the Holy Spirit." ([00:00:46] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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2. "Be aware of it, Timothy. Be aware of it, Titus, because it's happening. Now, I would honestly say to you that a doctrine that says, the Holy Spirit has ceased is a false doctrine. It's a demonic doctrine. It's an evil doctrine because it creates a powerless God. It comes from, honestly, from the pit of hell. Because if the enemy can convince you that God has no power, that the Spirit can't move, that all the things we read about in the Bible were for the Bible times and the Bible times only, that comes from the enemy." ([00:03:38] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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3. "So our whole goal as believers is to get as close to the Word of God as we can get, to look as much like Jesus as we can. So we're gonna look this morning at how that actually, it translates to the Holy Spirit's operation in our lives. This is not an add-on to Christianity. I just wanna be very clear. It's not a bonus thing that some people choose, take it or leave it, you don't have to. No, it's the foundation of what we believe." ([00:05:25] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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4. "The Holy Spirit is a deposit of our faith and our eternity in heaven. Imagine going through your life where you have this faith and trust in a God, but really nothing on the earth giving you a security that you get to go home and spend eternity in heaven. That's basically what every other religion has. Whereas, it's like fingers crossed, I hope so, but there's really no evidence for me to believe this is real." ([00:11:32] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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5. "We have access to God through Him. This is who He is. We access the Father through the Holy Spirit. Now, sometimes we have like things in our life and we'll probably dig a little deeper in this throughout the series. We have things in our life that actually block us from being able to receive the flow of the Holy Spirit, being able to hear Him, being able to work with Him. There are things blocking us." ([00:12:34] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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6. "And sometimes as Christians, we're very God heavy. We, you know, we lean real heavily on God and maybe we don't talk about Jesus or we lean really heavily on the Holy Spirit and we never really can kind of get close to the Father. Like we, we have this separation in the Trinity because they're three, but they're actually one. And they work together to like, there's this, there's this synergy that needs to happen to be able to encounter God fully, to know Jesus." ([00:15:26] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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7. "The Holy Spirit will only ever speak what Jesus says or what the Father says. What's interesting about this, if you want to hear the voice of the Father, the Holy Spirit, if you're like, you know what? I want to hear God more. I want to hear His voice more. It is so easy to do. Just learn your Bible. Because when you read it, He speaks to you." ([00:19:44] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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8. "And you know, even in the ways you don't feel adequate maybe for Him to use you, He's trying to break through that to get to you. He's like there waving at you, wanting to talk to you, wanting to say something and do something in your life because He loves you. So we have to recognise that the enemy has, he can sow seeds of doubt and lies that wanna keep us from fully embracing the Holy Spirit at work in our lives." ([00:27:36] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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9. "And so the Holy Spirit will flow through our lives and will teach us based on how we know the Word. He is the Spirit of truth. That's who He is. He is also with you and He is in you. And I really want to challenge this morning, maybe some of us who feel inadequate to carry the presence of God. Maybe we feel like it's for selected people." ([00:22:09] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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10. "So He is the true comforter. So Jesus says this, and I mentioned it before, He said that I'll ask the Father in verse 16 of John, I think it's chapter 16, and He will give you another advocate or a comforter and He will help you and He will be with you forever. But interesting, Jesus says, I'll send you another advocate." ([00:32:20] (19 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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