Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Truthfully

 

Summary

In our journey of faith, honesty and integrity are foundational. Reflecting on personal experiences, I shared how honesty, even in seemingly trivial situations, can strengthen relationships and build trust. In marriage, for instance, being truthful, even when it's uncomfortable, fosters a deeper connection. This principle extends beyond personal relationships to our spiritual walk, where honesty with ourselves and God is crucial. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this, convicting us of our sins and guiding us towards righteousness. As we delve into understanding the Holy Spirit, we recognize the profound truth that Jesus shared with His disciples: it is to our advantage that He left so the Holy Spirit could dwell within us. This indwelling presence is more beneficial than having Jesus physically beside us, as it empowers us to live out our faith boldly.

The Holy Spirit's role is not just about conviction but also empowerment. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would teach us what to say when we face challenges or need to defend our faith. This assurance should embolden us to speak up, knowing that God will provide the words we need. Our reluctance often stems from fear and a lack of faith in the Spirit's power. Yet, successful evangelism is simply taking the initiative to share Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us and leaving the results to God.

Reflecting on past experiences, like reading old yearbook entries, reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making a lasting impact. The trivial pursuits and relationships of our past often fade, but the spiritual impact we have on others endures. As we consider our legacy, we must focus on living a life that reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, speaking truth, and making a difference in the lives of those around us.

Key Takeaways:

- Honesty in Relationships: Honesty, even when uncomfortable, is crucial in building trust and intimacy in relationships. It allows for genuine connections and helps us grow together. This principle is vital in our relationship with God, where honesty leads to spiritual growth and transformation. [02:24]

- The Role of the Holy Spirit: Jesus emphasized the advantage of the Holy Spirit dwelling within us, highlighting its importance over His physical presence. The Spirit empowers us to live righteously and guides us in truth, offering a deeper connection with God. [06:37]

- Empowerment to Speak: The Holy Spirit equips us to speak boldly about our faith, providing the words we need in challenging situations. This promise encourages us to overcome fear and trust in God's provision, knowing that our words can have a profound impact. [23:42]

- Reflecting on Legacy: Our past pursuits often seem trivial in hindsight, but the spiritual impact we have on others is enduring. Focusing on living a life that reflects God's love and truth ensures that our legacy is meaningful and lasting. [31:06]

- Living Without Regret: Embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance helps us live without regret, as we act on God's promptings and make a difference in the world. This involves stepping out in faith, speaking truth, and fulfilling God's call on our lives. [38:10]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:25] - The Question of Honesty
- [01:09] - Marriage and Honesty
- [02:24] - Building Trust Through Truth
- [04:06] - The Holy Spirit's Conviction
- [05:19] - Advantage of the Holy Spirit
- [06:37] - Understanding the Holy Spirit
- [08:07] - Blasphemy Against the Holy Spirit
- [10:34] - The Unforgivable Sin
- [12:14] - Forgiveness and Blasphemy
- [14:38] - Testing the Spirits
- [16:25] - Speaking Against the Son of Man
- [19:39] - Old Testament Clues
- [22:33] - The Holy Spirit's Guidance
- [26:31] - Successful Evangelism
- [31:06] - Reflecting on High School
- [34:23] - Living with Purpose
- [37:45] - Acting on God's Call

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. John 16:7 - "But I tell you the truth, it is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I go, I will send Him to you."
2. Luke 12:10-12 - "And everyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who blasphemes against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven. When you are brought before synagogues, rulers, and authorities, do not worry about how you will defend yourselves or what you will say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say."
3. Isaiah 9:6 - "For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace."

Observation Questions:
1. What did Jesus mean when He said it was to the disciples' advantage that He goes away? How does this relate to the role of the Holy Spirit? [05:19]
2. According to the sermon, what is the unforgivable sin mentioned in Luke 12:10, and how is it defined? [08:24]
3. How does the pastor describe the role of honesty in relationships, particularly in marriage? [02:24]
4. What assurance does Jesus give about speaking in challenging situations, according to Luke 12:11-12? [22:33]

Interpretation Questions:
1. Why might Jesus consider the presence of the Holy Spirit within us more beneficial than His physical presence beside us? How does this understanding impact our daily faith walk? [06:37]
2. How does the pastor's personal story about honesty in marriage illustrate the importance of truthfulness in building trust? What can we learn from this about our own relationships? [02:24]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower believers to speak boldly about their faith, and how does this relate to overcoming fear? [23:42]
4. Reflect on the pastor's high school yearbook story. How does this illustrate the fleeting nature of life and the importance of leaving a spiritual legacy? [31:06]

Application Questions:
1. Think about a relationship in your life where honesty is challenging. What steps can you take to foster more truthful communication this week? [02:24]
2. How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily life? What practices might help you cultivate this awareness? [06:37]
3. Recall a recent situation where you felt hesitant to speak about your faith. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to provide the words and courage you need next time? [23:42]
4. Consider your current pursuits and relationships. Are there areas where you are investing time that may not have lasting spiritual impact? How can you refocus your efforts to leave a meaningful legacy? [31:06]
5. Reflect on a time when you felt regret for not acting on a prompting from the Holy Spirit. What can you do differently in the future to respond more readily to God's call? [38:10]
6. Identify one person in your life who might benefit from hearing about your faith journey. How can you initiate a conversation with them this week, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide you? [26:31]
7. What specific action can you take this week to live without regret, embracing the guidance of the Holy Spirit in your decisions and interactions? [38:10]

Devotional

Day 1: Building Trust Through Truth
Honesty is a cornerstone of strong relationships, whether with others or with God. In personal relationships, being truthful, even when it is uncomfortable, fosters trust and intimacy. This principle is equally important in our spiritual lives, where honesty with God leads to growth and transformation. By being truthful, we allow ourselves to be vulnerable, which opens the door to deeper connections and mutual growth. In our relationship with God, honesty is not just about confessing sins but also about being open to His guidance and correction. This openness allows the Holy Spirit to work within us, leading us towards a more righteous and fulfilling life. [02:24]

"Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but he who makes his ways crooked will be found out." (Proverbs 10:9, ESV)

Reflection: Think of a recent situation where you were tempted to be less than truthful. How might honesty have changed the outcome, and how can you apply this lesson to future interactions?


Day 2: The Indwelling Advantage
The Holy Spirit's presence within us is a profound gift that Jesus emphasized as being more advantageous than His physical presence. This indwelling empowers believers to live righteously and guides them in truth, offering a deeper connection with God. The Holy Spirit convicts us of our sins, guiding us towards righteousness and helping us understand the profound truths of the Gospel. This divine presence is not just about conviction but also about empowerment, enabling us to live out our faith boldly and confidently. By embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance, we can experience a more profound spiritual journey and a closer relationship with God. [06:37]

"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 guidance of the Holy Spirit in your life? How can you become more attuned to His presence and direction daily?


Day 3: Empowered to Speak Boldly
The Holy Spirit equips believers to speak boldly about their faith, providing the words needed in challenging situations. This promise encourages overcoming fear and trusting in God's provision, knowing that our words can have a profound impact. Often, reluctance to share our faith stems from fear and a lack of confidence in the Spirit's power. However, successful evangelism is about taking the initiative to share Christ, trusting the Holy Spirit to work through us, and leaving the results to God. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can speak with courage and conviction, knowing that God will provide the words we need. [23:42]

"But when they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you." (Matthew 10:19-20, ESV)

Reflection: Identify a situation where you felt hesitant to share your faith. How can you prepare yourself to rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness and the right words in future opportunities?


Day 4: A Lasting Spiritual Legacy
Reflecting on past experiences reminds us of the fleeting nature of life and the importance of making a lasting impact. While trivial pursuits and relationships may fade, the spiritual impact we have on others endures. As we consider our legacy, we must focus on living a life that reflects God's love and truth, ensuring that our influence is meaningful and lasting. By prioritizing spiritual growth and the well-being of others, we can leave a legacy that honors God and inspires future generations. This involves living with purpose and intention, making choices that reflect our faith and values. [31:06]

"So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom." (Psalm 90:12, ESV)

Reflection: What steps can you take today to ensure that your life leaves a lasting spiritual impact on those around you?


Day 5: Living Without Regret
Embracing the Holy Spirit's guidance helps us live without regret, as we act on God's promptings and make a difference in the world. This involves stepping out in faith, speaking truth, and fulfilling God's call on our lives. By being attentive to the Holy Spirit's leading, we can make choices that align with God's will and purpose for our lives. Living without regret means being proactive in our faith, taking opportunities to serve and love others, and trusting God with the outcomes. As we follow His guidance, we can experience a life of fulfillment and purpose, knowing that we are making a meaningful impact. [38:10]

"Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established." (Proverbs 16:3, ESV)

Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you feel regret. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you in making choices that align with God's will and lead to a life without regret?

Quotes



In the weeks to come even though I don't speak about honesty it'll be still be on your heart because that's what he does the Bible says he makes us a slave to what is right a slave to righteousness and so when we're not living the lives we ought to be living the Holy Spirit convicts us in those areas to where we can't rest till we get them right. [00:04:27]

Jesus said imagine this because this is still one of the things that still boggles my mind jesus said to his disciples when he left the earth before he left the earth he posed his disciples aside he says listen it is to your advantage that I go away he says that in John 16 it's to your advantage that I go away. [00:05:17]

Unless I go the helper cannot come and explains that when he goes back to the heaven he's going to send the Holy Spirit and that they're going to be better off with the Holy Spirit than having Jesus right there by their side see when you look at it in those terms and you think about how helpful it would be to have Jesus walking next to you. [00:06:31]

The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say do you believe that about yourself see Jesus tells the disciples look you're going to go up against you know the synagogue leaders you know people of a different faith you're going to go up against people that are rulers governors authorities and he says don't worry don't worry when you come up to those people about how you're going to defend your faith. [00:22:50]

The Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what you should say doesn't say he's going to tell you ahead of time what to say that's the annoying part you know we want to know ahead of time we don't like this faith thing we don't like this okay God's going to just have to have the words come out of my mouth we don't like that but God promises that he uses that to comfort them. [00:23:38]

Successful evangelism is taking the initiative to share Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and leaving the results to God that's all it comes down to successful evangelism is just taking the initiative to share Jesus Christ in the power of the Holy Spirit and then just leaving the results to God you do that and you've succeeded you've done what God wants you to do. [00:26:31]

I looked at all those relationships in that image I was so concerned about you know and wanting to be you know the likable guy and the funny guy and the guy that was fun to hang around with and I look at it now 18 years later I go how much of that really matters to me now the stuff that I was so preoccupied with it just doesn't matter. [00:30:29]

The only entries in this book that I really care about is every one so I'd read about someone who wrote in here you know you're the one that helped me understand God you're the one that showed me what a Christian was and it's like wow that's really cool something that actually mattered I actually did something that mattered in high school when so much of it was a waste. [00:31:51]

The point of me being here is to have some sort of impact it's not to take up space it's not just to have a fun happy family it's not just to make people laugh and have them like me because I won't care about any of that in the end in the end what's going to matter is who did I impact when did I just speak up for Jesus. [00:34:36]

I have regret over the times I've chickened out serious regret over times when I chickened out and and we don't want to just build a lifetime of regrets where we never get it and we never figure it out that wow I had the Holy Spirit in me and I could have just said what need to be said at that moment. [00:35:36]

Do you have that type of faith as you leave today that God really dwells inside of you and that when it's time for you to speak that's supernaturally words will just come out of your mouth that God wants spoken that's pretty intense that I've got the Spirit of God living in me in the right now I'm saying the very things that God in heaven wants to say to you. [00:36:59]

Stop saying you don't know enough okay keep studying and everything else but stop saying you don't know enough you know what you need to know stop saying you don't have the words because God will give you the words you don't have them right now but you will that's what faith is all about and if we could just keep that in mind this week one impact we could have this very week. [00:37:56]

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Transcript
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