Embracing the Unseen Power of the Holy Spirit
Summary
Today’s lesson focused on the profound and mysterious work of the Holy Spirit, often described in Scripture as the wind—unseen, unpredictable, yet undeniably powerful and purposeful. Just as the wind cannot be controlled or fully understood, so too the Spirit moves in ways that are beyond our comprehension, but always with intention and for our good. From the very beginning, the Spirit was present, hovering over the waters at creation, breathing life into all things. The Hebrew word “ruach” captures this dual meaning of wind and breath, reminding us that the Spirit is both the breath of life and the force that moves and transforms.
Throughout the Bible, the wind is a symbol of God’s presence and action. At the Red Sea, it was the wind that parted the waters, delivering the Israelites from danger. In Ezekiel’s vision, the wind brought life to dry bones, reviving what was dead. At Pentecost, the Spirit came as a mighty rushing wind, empowering the disciples to speak in languages understood by all, demonstrating that the Spirit’s gifts are for the building up of the church and the world.
The Spirit’s work is not limited to dramatic moments; it is also deeply personal and transformative. Jesus told Nicodemus that to enter the kingdom of God, one must be born again—born of the Spirit. This new birth is not something we can manufacture or control; it is a work of God, changing us from the inside out. Our role is not to command the wind, but to set our sails—to open our hearts, surrender, and allow the Spirit to move us where God wills.
Living by the Spirit means being attentive, discerning, and willing to be led, even when the path is unclear. It requires humility, faith, and a willingness to seek counsel and accountability. The Spirit’s gifts are diverse, and no one gift—such as speaking in tongues—defines the fullness of the Spirit’s presence. Instead, the fruit of the Spirit and the impact of our lives are the true evidence of God at work within us.
Ultimately, we are called to trust the invisible but real power of the Spirit, to align our desires with God’s purposes, and to remember that the Spirit is always moving, always inviting us to deeper faith and greater love.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is Present and Active from the Beginning
The Spirit did not suddenly appear at Pentecost but was present at creation, breathing life and order into the world. The Hebrew word “ruach” reminds us that the Spirit is both wind and breath, essential and life-giving. Recognizing the Spirit’s ongoing presence helps us see God’s handiwork in all of life, not just in dramatic moments. [07:52]
- God’s Power is Often Unseen but Always Effective
Like the wind, the Spirit’s work is invisible but its effects are unmistakable—parting seas, reviving dry bones, and empowering believers. We may not always perceive how God is moving, but we can trust that the Spirit is at work, bringing deliverance, renewal, and transformation in ways we cannot predict or control. [12:00]
- Spiritual Gifts are Diverse and Meant for Edification
The Spirit gives different gifts to different people, and no single gift—such as speaking in tongues—should be seen as the sole evidence of the Spirit’s presence. True spiritual maturity is measured by the fruit of the Spirit and the building up of others, not by outward displays or abilities. Discernment and humility are essential as we seek to use our gifts for God’s glory. [16:41]
- Discernment and Accountability are Vital in Spiritual Life
We are called to “try the Spirit by the Spirit,” being careful not to accept every claim or manifestation at face value. Having a spiritual partner or accountability friend helps us test what we hear and experience, ensuring that our understanding and actions align with God’s Word and will. The closer we draw to God, the more our desires and discernment will reflect His. [46:42]
- Surrendering to the Spirit Brings Transformation and Purpose
We cannot control the Spirit, but we can set our sails—opening our hearts and lives to be moved by God’s wind. This requires faith, surrender, and a willingness to let go of our own agendas. When we align ourselves with the Spirit, we find direction, power, and the ability to make a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others. [41:07]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[00:59] - Bible Verse Game
[02:13] - Scripture Memory and Review
[04:27] - Introduction to the Theme: Waiting on the Wind
[07:52] - The Spirit in the Old Testament
[12:00] - The Wind of Deliverance: Exodus and the Red Sea
[13:45] - The Wind of Revival: Ezekiel’s Dry Bones
[15:12] - The Wind of Empowerment: Pentecost
[16:41] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts and Tongues
[22:01] - Prayer, Tongues, and Edification
[29:49] - Discernment and Spiritual Fruit
[32:22] - Testing the Spirit and False Prophets
[36:33] - The Transformative Wind: Being Born Again
[39:19] - Living by the Wind of the Spirit
[41:07] - Surrendering and Setting Your Sails
[46:42] - The Need for Spiritual Partners and Accountability
[55:30] - Praying with God’s Purposes in Mind
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Waiting on the Wind – The Work of the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
- John 3:1-8 (Jesus and Nicodemus – “The wind blows wherever it pleases…”)
- Genesis 1:1-2 (The Spirit of God hovering over the waters at creation)
- Acts 2:1-4 (The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost)
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### Observation Questions
1. In John 3:8, what comparison does Jesus make between the wind and the Spirit? What does this tell us about how the Spirit works?
2. According to Genesis 1:2, where was the Spirit of God at the very beginning of creation? What word is used to describe the Spirit?
3. In Acts 2:2, how did the Holy Spirit come upon the disciples? What was the effect on those present?
4. The sermon mentioned that the Spirit’s work is often invisible but powerful. What are some examples from the Bible or the sermon where God’s power was seen even though it was not visible? [[12:00]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus chose to use the image of wind to describe the Holy Spirit to Nicodemus? What does this teach us about our expectations of how God works? [[37:41]]
2. The sermon said that the Spirit was present from the very beginning, not just at Pentecost. How does knowing this change the way we see the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives today? [[07:52]]
3. The disciples at Pentecost spoke in languages people could understand. What does this say about the purpose of spiritual gifts? How should this shape our view of what it means to be “filled with the Spirit”? [[16:41]]
4. The pastor talked about “setting your sails” to catch the wind of the Spirit. What does it mean to set your sails spiritually? How is this different from trying to control the Spirit? [[41:07]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon said we can’t control the Spirit, but we can “set our sails.” What is one area of your life where you need to stop trying to control and instead open yourself to God’s leading? What would it look like to “set your sails” this week? [[41:07]]
2. The Spirit’s work is often unseen but always effective. Can you share a time when you saw God working in your life or someone else’s life in a way that wasn’t obvious at first? How did you recognize it was God? [[12:00]]
3. The pastor emphasized that spiritual gifts are for building up others, not just for personal experience. What is one gift or ability you have that you could use more intentionally to encourage or help someone in your church or community? [[16:41]]
4. The sermon talked about the importance of discernment and having an accountability partner. Do you have someone in your life who helps you test what you hear or feel spiritually? If not, what steps could you take to find such a person? [[46:42]]
5. Jesus told Nicodemus that we must be “born again” by the Spirit. In what ways have you experienced change or transformation since following Jesus? Is there an area where you still need God’s transforming work? [[37:41]]
6. The pastor said that the closer we get to God, the more our desires will match His. What is one practical way you can draw closer to God this month—through prayer, Bible reading, or another practice? [[46:42]]
7. When you pray for something, the pastor encouraged us to ask if our request lines up with God’s purposes. Is there something you are praying for right now? How can you check if your prayer is consistent with God’s will? [[55:30]]
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Ask God to help you be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit, to give you discernment, and to use your gifts for His glory and the good of others. Invite the Spirit to lead you in the week ahead.
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Moves Like the Wind—Unseen but Powerful
The Holy Spirit is often compared to the wind: invisible, unpredictable, yet undeniably powerful and purposeful. Just as we cannot see the wind but can feel its effects and see its impact on the world around us, so too does the Holy Spirit move in our lives, guiding, changing, and empowering us in ways we may not always understand. We are called not to control the Spirit, but to be open and willing to be moved by Him, trusting that His direction is always for our good and God's glory. [06:00]
John 3:8 (ESV)
"The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you sense the Holy Spirit prompting you to move or change, even if you don’t fully understand where He is leading? Will you choose to trust and follow today?
Day 2: The Spirit Gives Life—God’s Breath Sustains Us
Our very existence and vitality come from the breath of God, the Holy Spirit, who gives us life and sustains us each day. This divine breath is not just a force from the New Testament but has been present since creation, as even Job recognized. Acknowledging our dependence on the Spirit reminds us that we are not self-sufficient; we are continually renewed and empowered by God’s presence within us. [07:52]
Job 33:4 (ESV)
"The Spirit of God has made me, and the breath of the Almighty gives me life."
Reflection: Take a moment to thank God for the breath in your lungs and the life He gives you. How can you honor Him with the life and energy He has given you today?
Day 3: The Spirit Brings Deliverance—God Makes a Way
When the Israelites faced the Red Sea, it was the wind—God’s Spirit—that parted the waters and made a way where there seemed to be none. In moments when we feel trapped, afraid, or powerless, the Holy Spirit is able to move in unseen ways to deliver us, open doors, and lead us forward. We may not see the wind, but we can see the results of God’s power at work in our deliverance. [12:00]
Exodus 14:21 (ESV)
"Then Moses stretched out his hand over the sea, and the LORD drove the sea back by a strong east wind all night and made the sea dry land, and the waters were divided."
Reflection: Where do you feel stuck or in need of deliverance? Ask God to send His Spirit to make a way for you, and look for signs of His power at work.
Day 4: The Spirit Transforms—You Must Be Born Again
The Holy Spirit is the agent of transformation, making us new and changing us from the inside out. Jesus told Nicodemus that being born again is not a physical act, but a spiritual one—being changed by the Spirit’s power. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we are no longer who we used to be; we become new creations, living differently because of God’s presence within us. [37:41]
John 3:5-8 (ESV)
"Jesus answered, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. Do not marvel that I said to you, "You must be born again." The wind blows where it wishes, and you hear its sound, but you do not know where it comes from or where it goes. So it is with everyone who is born of the Spirit.'"
Reflection: In what ways have you seen the Holy Spirit changing you? Is there an area of your life where you need to invite Him to bring transformation today?
Day 5: Set Your Sails—Let the Spirit Lead You
We cannot control the wind, but we can set our sails to catch it. In the same way, we are called to surrender our own agendas and open our hearts to the leading of the Holy Spirit. Rather than fighting against God’s direction, we are invited to align ourselves with His movement, trusting that He will guide us where we need to go. This requires faith, humility, and a willingness to let go of control, allowing the Spirit to empower us to make a difference in our lives and the lives of others. [41:07]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)
"Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: What is one practical way you can “set your sails” and surrender to the Holy Spirit’s leading today, even if it means letting go of your own plans?
Quotes
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