Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living in Faith

 

Summary

In this season at Alight, we are focusing on deepening our faith through recommended readings. In January, we introduced "Disciplines of a Godly Man" for men and "Rhythms of Renewal" by Rebecca Lyons for women, both aimed at fostering spiritual growth. For February, I felt led to recommend "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller, a transformative book on apologetics that addresses common questions and obstacles in faith. This book has been instrumental in leading individuals, like a college student I once knew, to a deeper belief in Jesus.

Today, we delve into John 16, where Jesus speaks about the Holy Spirit. Jesus emphasizes that it is beneficial for Him to leave so that the Holy Spirit, the Counselor, can come. The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force but a person who empowers and transforms believers. He is not a lesser deity but fully God, dwelling within us and enabling us to live out our faith.

The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, revealing the true nature of our actions and guiding us in right living. He also speaks to us, continuing Jesus' teachings and guiding us into all truth. It is crucial to be discerning, ensuring that what we perceive as the Spirit's guidance aligns with Scripture.

We must be careful not to dismiss the Holy Spirit, as blasphemy against Him is the one unforgivable sin. This involves denying His power and influence in our lives. If you feel the Spirit's conviction today, do not ignore it. Repentance is key, turning away from sin and trusting God with your life. Let us be open to the Spirit's leading, allowing Him to work through us for God's glory.

Key Takeaways:

1. The Importance of Spiritual Resources: Engaging with recommended spiritual books can significantly deepen our faith and understanding of God. Books like "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller can address doubts and questions, leading to transformative experiences and a stronger belief in Jesus. [42:35]

2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is essential for the Christian life, empowering and transforming believers. He is not an impersonal force but a person who dwells within us, enabling us to live out our faith and be a force multiplier for the gospel. [48:54]

3. Conviction and Guidance: The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, revealing the true nature of our actions and guiding us in right living. He also speaks to us, continuing Jesus' teachings and guiding us into all truth. [01:00:27]

4. Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit: Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which involves denying His power and influence, is the one unforgivable sin. It is crucial to be open to the Spirit's conviction and guidance, repenting and trusting God with our lives. [01:07:59]

5. Living in Step with the Spirit: Christians are called to live in step with the Spirit, listening to His voice and being available for His leading. This requires discernment and a willingness to align our lives with God's Word, allowing the Spirit to work through us for His glory. [01:11:51]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Spiritual Resources
- [02:15] - January Book Recommendations
- [04:00] - February Book: The Reason for God
- [06:45] - Personal Testimony of Transformation
- [08:30] - Introduction to John 16
- [10:00] - The Promise of the Holy Spirit
- [12:00] - Understanding the Holy Spirit
- [14:30] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [16:45] - Conviction and Guidance
- [19:00] - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
- [21:30] - Living in Step with the Spirit
- [24:00] - Call to Repentance and Trust
- [26:30] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

### Bible Study Discussion Guide

#### Bible Reading
- John 16:7-15

#### Observation Questions
1. What does Jesus say about the necessity of His departure in John 16:7, and what is the role of the Counselor He promises to send? [46:48]
2. How does the sermon describe the Holy Spirit's role in convicting the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? [01:00:27]
3. According to the sermon, what are some misconceptions about the Holy Spirit that were addressed? [55:27]
4. How does the pastor illustrate the difference between the Holy Spirit being "on" people in the Old Testament and "in" people in the New Testament? [59:06]

#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why might Jesus consider it better for Him to leave and send the Holy Spirit instead? How does this perspective challenge common assumptions about His physical presence? [53:43]
2. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower and transform believers, according to the sermon? How does this empowerment manifest in a believer's life? [48:54]
3. How does the sermon explain the unforgivable sin of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, and why is it considered so serious? [01:07:59]
4. What does it mean to live in step with the Spirit, and how does the sermon suggest believers can discern the Spirit's guidance? [01:06:22]

#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual resources. Are there any books or materials that have significantly impacted your faith journey? How can you incorporate more spiritual readings into your routine? [42:35]
2. The sermon emphasizes the importance of not dismissing the Holy Spirit. Have there been moments in your life where you felt the Spirit's conviction but ignored it? How can you be more receptive to His guidance? [01:10:48]
3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your daily life. How can you actively seek His empowerment and transformation in specific areas where you struggle? [48:54]
4. The pastor mentioned the importance of repentance and turning away from sin. Is there a particular sin or habit you need to address? What steps can you take this week to seek forgiveness and change? [01:21:36]
5. How can you ensure that the guidance you perceive from the Holy Spirit aligns with Scripture? What practices can you implement to improve your discernment? [01:04:43]
6. The sermon discusses the concept of living in step with the Spirit. What practical changes can you make in your life to better align with the Spirit's leading? [01:11:51]
7. Reflect on the idea of blasphemy against the Holy Spirit. How does understanding this concept affect your relationship with God and your approach to faith? [01:08:32]

Devotional

Day 1: Engaging with Spiritual Resources Deepens Faith
Engaging with spiritual resources, such as recommended readings, can significantly deepen one's faith and understanding of God. Books like "The Reason for God" by Tim Keller address common doubts and questions, leading to transformative experiences and a stronger belief in Jesus. These resources are not just for intellectual growth but are tools for spiritual formation, helping individuals to navigate their faith journey with greater clarity and conviction. By immersing oneself in these readings, believers can find answers to their questions and strengthen their relationship with God. [42:35]

"Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles." (Proverbs 1:5-6, ESV)

Reflection: What spiritual book or resource can you commit to reading this month to deepen your understanding of God?


Day 2: The Holy Spirit Empowers and Transforms Believers
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in the Christian life, empowering and transforming believers. He is not an impersonal force but a person who dwells within us, enabling us to live out our faith and be a force multiplier for the gospel. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is a testament to God's commitment to guide and support us in our spiritual journey. By recognizing the Holy Spirit as fully God, believers can experience His transformative power, leading to a more vibrant and effective Christian life. [48:54]

"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)

Reflection: In what ways have you experienced the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life recently, and how can you be more open to His transformative work?


Day 3: The Holy Spirit Convicts and Guides
The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, righteousness, and judgment, revealing the true nature of our actions and guiding us in right living. He continues Jesus' teachings and guides us into all truth, ensuring that our lives align with God's will. This conviction is not meant to condemn but to lead us to repentance and a deeper relationship with God. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance, believers can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and discernment, making choices that honor God. [01:00:27]

"But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come." (John 16:13, ESV)

Reflection: How can you create space in your daily routine to listen for the Holy Spirit's guidance and conviction?


Day 4: The Seriousness of Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
Blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, which involves denying His power and influence, is the one unforgivable sin. It is crucial for believers to be open to the Spirit's conviction and guidance, repenting and trusting God with their lives. This openness allows the Holy Spirit to work in and through us, leading to spiritual growth and maturity. By acknowledging the Holy Spirit's role in our lives, we can avoid the danger of blasphemy and instead experience the fullness of God's presence and power. [01:07:59]

"Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." (Matthew 12:31, ESV)

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you have resisted the Holy Spirit's influence? How can you begin to surrender those areas to Him today?


Day 5: Living in Step with the Spirit
Christians are called to live in step with the Spirit, listening to His voice and being available for His leading. This requires discernment and a willingness to align our lives with God's Word, allowing the Spirit to work through us for His glory. By living in step with the Spirit, believers can experience a deeper sense of purpose and fulfillment, knowing that they are part of God's redemptive work in the world. This lifestyle of obedience and sensitivity to the Spirit's leading is essential for a vibrant and impactful Christian life. [01:11:51]

"If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit." (Galatians 5:25, ESV)

Reflection: What practical steps can you take today to ensure you are living in step with the Holy Spirit's leading in your life?

Quotes



Ladies, Tabitha actually picked this book out for you by Rebecca Lyons called Rhythms of Renewal. And it's a great spiritual book for you if you want to get deeper in your walk with Jesus. This year, Tabitha really recommended this. And I actually know Rebecca from my time in Nashville and she's a wonderful person. I think you'll really enjoy this book. And then for February, I was praying a lot about what God wanted us to put in front of you. And I settled on this book, The Reason for God by Tim Keller. [00:22:27] (27 seconds)


It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don't go away, the counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send him to you. And when he comes, he will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment. About sin, because they do not believe in me. About about righteousness because I'm going to the Father and you will no longer see me, about judgment because the ruler of this world has been judged. [00:46:48] (33 seconds)


Now, when we talk about the Holy Spirit, I think it's helpful for us to understand who he is by saying who he is not. Because there's a lot of misconceptions about the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not the force. Here's my, like, customary, like, Star Wars reference, okay? He's not the force. Sometimes we think the Holy Spirit is kind of like the force. He's not the force. The force is like this made-up thing by George Lucas, okay? It's not real. [00:54:01] (31 seconds)


He comes and he dwells within people. He comes and he dwells within people. He comes and he dwells within people. He comes and takes up residence. When you become a Christian, you become the temple of the Holy Spirit. The temple isn't in Israel anymore. It's now inside every single believer. That's why Jesus says it's better. Because it's not just Jesus doing the work. The Holy Spirit comes and lives with inside every single believer, and is now a force multiplier for the gospel. [00:57:12] (29 seconds)


Jesus tells us that the Holy Spirit convicts. That's what he says. That's kind of like, if you boil down what he says right there, he says the Holy Spirit brings conviction in three areas. Number one, in the area of sin. Secondly, the area of righteousness. And third, about judgment. And he goes on to explain how he does that. Now, this idea of conviction is an important one. [01:00:58] (24 seconds)


And that's been primarily fulfilled through what we have in our hands right now, the Bible. The Holy Spirit wrote the Bible through people, but he told them what to write and the Holy Spirit speaks. So if you want to be somebody who listens to the Holy Spirit, you need to be somebody who reads your Bible. Because he's spoken. We wrote it down. God thought it was so important that he preserved it for thousands of years. [01:04:35] (26 seconds)


And I think a lot of us think the unforgivable sin might be like, hey, adultery or doing something bad or lying or something like that. We may think that because we think of our past because there's the conviction of the Holy Spirit on our life. And we're like, man, I feel terrible about that. But Jesus does say that there is a sin that is unforgivable. And it's probably not the one you're thinking of. In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus says this. [01:06:41] (27 seconds)


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Transcript
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