Empowered by the Holy Spirit in Every Season
Summary
Today’s gathering was a celebration of God’s faithfulness, the blessing of children, and the sustaining power of the Holy Spirit in every season of life. We began by recognizing that God hears our prayers—no matter how long we’ve been waiting or how heavy our hearts may feel. The dedication of baby Tirza was a reminder that children are a blessing, not a burden, and that raising them is a sacred, lifelong calling. Parents, family, friends, and the entire church community are all called to participate in nurturing, praying for, and setting godly examples for the next generation. It truly takes a village, and every role—whether seen or unseen—matters deeply in the spiritual formation of our children.
On this Pentecost Sunday, we turned to Philippians 1:12-19 to explore why we need the Holy Ghost—not just for emotional highs or Sunday morning experiences, but for the real, gritty challenges of life. Paul’s example from prison teaches us that the Holy Spirit empowers us to keep our problems in perspective, to see setbacks as setups for God’s greater purpose. Even in chains, Paul saw opportunity, not limitation. The Holy Spirit gives us the ability to see beyond our circumstances and recognize that God is always at work, even when things look bleak.
We also need the Holy Ghost to keep our critics in context. Paul faced opposition and envy, even from those who were supposed to be on his side. Yet, he refused to let the negativity of others rob him of his joy or distract him from his mission. The Spirit gives us the maturity to focus on what truly matters—Christ being preached and God’s name being glorified—rather than getting entangled in pettiness or jealousy.
Finally, we need the Holy Ghost to keep prayer and the paraclete—the Comforter, Advocate, and Helper—at the center of our lives. When we are too weak to pray or too discouraged to press on, the prayers of others and the supply of the Spirit become our spiritual IV, restoring what we’ve lost and empowering us to endure. The Holy Spirit is not a luxury; He is a necessity for every believer navigating the discomforts and afflictions of this world. Today, we are invited to be filled afresh, to receive the divine supply that only God can give, and to walk forward in boldness, peace, and purpose.
Key Takeaways
- God Hears and Delivers—Past, Present, and Future
No matter how long you’ve been praying or how silent God may seem, He hears you. His deliverance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process—He has delivered, He is delivering, and He will deliver. This assurance allows us to praise Him even before we see the full answer. [18:22]
- Parenting Is a Sacred, Communal Calling
Raising children is a lifelong, challenging, and joy-filled assignment that requires wisdom, humor, and perseverance. Parents are not alone; the family, friends, and church community are all called to support, pray for, and set examples for the next generation. Every act of service, no matter how small, contributes to a child’s spiritual legacy. [22:06]
- The Holy Spirit Shifts Our Perspective in Suffering
When life feels overwhelming and circumstances seem unfair, the Holy Spirit enables us to see our problems through God’s eyes. What looks like a setback may actually be a setup for God’s greater purpose. Even in chains, Paul saw his situation as a platform for the gospel, reminding us that God doesn’t need perfect conditions to produce powerful outcomes. [54:59]
- Critics Cannot Cancel God’s Call
Envy, rivalry, and criticism—even from within the faith community—are inevitable. The Holy Spirit gives us the maturity to keep our focus on Christ and not be derailed by the motives or opinions of others. God can use even messy motives and opposition to advance His mission, and our peace is preserved when we let the Spirit handle our critics. [01:06:12]
- Prayer and the Paraclete Are Our Spiritual Lifeline
In seasons of weakness, discouragement, or exhaustion, the prayers of others and the supply of the Holy Spirit become our spiritual IV—restoring, strengthening, and sustaining us. The Holy Spirit is our Comforter, Advocate, and Helper, meeting us at our point of need and empowering us to rejoice, endure, and fulfill our purpose, even in discomfort. [01:18:40]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[18:22] - God Hears and Delivers
[20:21] - Baby Dedication: A Sacred Calling
[22:06] - The Lifelong Role of Parenting
[23:38] - The Blessings and Challenges of Raising Children
[26:15] - The Village’s Role in Spiritual Formation
[27:52] - Supporting Parents and Children as a Church
[44:26] - Introduction to “Why I Need the Holy Ghost”
[46:22] - Reading Philippians 1:12-19
[48:47] - Real-Life Struggles and the Need for the Holy Spirit
[50:56] - The Holy Spirit: More Than a Sunday Experience
[54:59] - Keeping Problems in Perspective
[56:30] - Paul’s Chains as a Platform
[58:59] - Influence in Hard Times
[01:01:19] - Keeping Critics in Context
[01:06:12] - God’s Mission Through Messy Motives
[01:11:11] - Prayer and the Paraclete
[01:13:35] - The Power of Intercession
[01:18:40] - The Spiritual IV: Divine Supply
[01:22:28] - Living in Discomfort, Filled with the Spirit
[01:25:44] - Closing and Blessing
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: “Why I Need the Holy Ghost”
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### Bible Reading
Philippians 1:12-19 (NIV)
> Now I want you to know, brothers and sisters, that what has happened to me has actually served to advance the gospel. As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. And because of my chains, most of the brothers and sisters have become confident in the Lord and dare all the more to proclaim the gospel without fear.
> It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of goodwill. The latter do so out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice.
> Yes, and I will continue to rejoice, for I know that through your prayers and God’s provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ what has happened to me will turn out for my deliverance.
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## Observation Questions
1. According to Paul in Philippians 1:12-14, what was the result of his imprisonment? How did it affect others around him?
2. In the sermon, what did the pastor say about how Paul viewed his chains and his situation? ([54:59])
3. What two “weapons” did Paul say he had while in chains, according to verse 19 and the sermon? ([01:13:35])
4. How did the pastor describe the role of the church community in raising children, especially during the baby dedication? ([27:52])
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## Interpretation Questions
1. Why does Paul say that his suffering and imprisonment actually served to advance the gospel, rather than hinder it? What does this reveal about his perspective? ([52:29])
2. The sermon mentioned that Paul didn’t let his critics or their motives distract him from his mission. What does this teach us about handling criticism or opposition, especially from within the church? ([01:06:12])
3. The pastor described the Holy Spirit as a “spiritual IV” that restores and sustains us when we are weak. What does this metaphor suggest about our dependence on the Holy Spirit in difficult times? ([01:18:40])
4. How does the idea that “it takes a village” to raise a child connect to the way the church is called to support one another in faith and spiritual growth? ([27:52])
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## Application Questions
1. The pastor said, “God hears you. His deliverance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process—He has delivered, He is delivering, and He will deliver.” Is there a situation in your life where you’re still waiting for God’s answer? How can you hold onto faith in the waiting? ([18:22])
2. Think about the children in your life—whether your own, in your family, or in the church. What is one practical way you can support, encourage, or set a godly example for them this week? ([27:52])
3. The sermon challenged us to see our “chains” (difficulties) as a platform for God’s work. Is there a current struggle in your life that you can begin to see as an opportunity for God to use you? What would it look like to shift your perspective? ([54:59])
4. When have you faced criticism or negativity from others, especially from people you expected to support you? How did you respond, and how might the Holy Spirit help you respond differently next time? ([01:06:12])
5. The pastor said, “Sometimes you’re too discouraged to quote scriptures. Sometimes you’re just too tired to raise your hand. Sometimes all you can do is lay there and just emotionally bleed out. But when the prayers of the saints go up, when the spirit of the living God shows up, something starts flowing again.” Who can you ask to pray for you when you’re feeling weak? Who can you pray for this week? ([01:18:40])
6. The Holy Spirit is described as Comforter, Advocate, and Helper. Which of these roles do you most need Him to be for you right now? How can you invite Him into that area of your life? ([01:15:39])
7. The pastor encouraged everyone to be “filled afresh” with the Holy Spirit. What is one step you can take this week to open yourself up to a fresh filling—whether through prayer, worship, or asking others to pray for you? ([01:24:26])
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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person afresh, to give new perspective in struggles, to help forgive critics, and to empower the group to support the next generation and each other in faith.
Devotional
Day 1: God Hears and Delivers When We Seek Him
No matter how long you have been praying or how heavy your heart has felt, God hears every cry and is faithful to answer. Even when it seems like nothing is changing, He is working behind the scenes, delivering you in ways you may not even see yet. The encouragement is to keep seeking the Lord, knowing that He not only hears but is actively delivering and will continue to deliver you. Let this truth fill you with hope and praise, for God’s ear is never deaf to His children’s prayers. [18:22]
Psalm 34:4 (ESV)
I sought the Lord, and he answered me and delivered me from all my fears.
Reflection: What is one specific prayer you have been waiting on God to answer? Take a moment today to thank Him in advance for hearing you and trust that He is already working on your behalf.
Day 2: Children Are a Blessing, Not a Burden
Children are a gift from God, entrusted to parents and the community to nurture, love, and guide. Parenting is a long-term, sometimes chaotic, and always sacrificial calling, but the rewards are immeasurable—personal growth, deep joy, and the privilege of shaping a life for God’s glory. Remember, raising a child is not a burden but a blessing, and it takes a village of prayer, support, and godly example to help each child thrive in the Lord’s purpose. [22:06]
Psalm 127:3 (ESV)
Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward.
Reflection: How can you intentionally encourage or support a parent or child in your community this week, affirming the blessing that children are?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Keeps Our Problems in Perspective
Life can feel overwhelming, with setbacks and challenges that seem insurmountable, but the Holy Spirit empowers us to see beyond our circumstances. Like Paul, who wrote from prison, we can trust that God is using even our hardest moments to advance His purpose. The Spirit shifts our focus from what we are in to what God is doing through it, reminding us that our mess can become God’s message and our chains can become a platform for His glory. [52:29]
Philippians 1:12-14 (ESV)
I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.
Reflection: Think of a current struggle or limitation in your life—how might God be using it as an opportunity to display His power or advance His purpose through you?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit Helps Us Rise Above Critics and Jealousy
Criticism and envy can be discouraging, especially when you are already facing challenges, but the Holy Spirit gives you the strength to keep your focus on Christ and not be derailed by others’ motives. Even when people act out of rivalry or selfish ambition, God can use their actions to further His mission. Instead of letting critics steal your joy, you can rejoice that Christ is being preached and trust God to handle the rest, knowing that no one can cancel His call on your life. [01:03:09]
Philippians 1:15-18 (ESV)
Some indeed preach Christ from envy and rivalry, but others from good will. The latter do it out of love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely but thinking to afflict me in my imprisonment. What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed, and in that I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice.
Reflection: Is there a critic or negative voice in your life that you need to release to God today? How can you choose to focus on God’s purpose instead of others’ opinions?
Day 5: Prayer and the Holy Spirit Are Our Divine Supply
When you feel weak, empty, or overwhelmed, prayer and the presence of the Holy Spirit become your lifeline—your spiritual IV. The prayers of others and the supply of the Spirit sustain you, bringing strength, peace, and hope even in the hardest seasons. You don’t have to rely on your own effort; God meets you in your weakness and fills you with His comfort, advocacy, and power, ensuring that what you face will turn out for your deliverance and good. [01:18:40]
Philippians 1:19 (ESV)
For I know that through your prayers and the help of the Spirit of Jesus Christ this will turn out for my deliverance.
Reflection: Who can you pray for today, asking God to supply them with His Spirit and strength? And where do you need to invite the Holy Spirit to be your comforter and advocate right now?
Quotes
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