Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Divine Advocate
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, Hilltop Church! It's wonderful to see all your beautiful faces today. I want to start by expressing my heartfelt gratitude for all the love, prayers, and support you've shown my family, especially after the birth of our daughter. Your kindness has been overwhelming, and we are deeply appreciative.
Today, I have the honor of concluding our sermon series, "Can I Quote That?" We've been exploring key scriptures that many of us have memorized over the years. These verses often hold significant meaning, and it's been enriching to delve into them together. Our focus today is on John 15:26, where Jesus speaks about the coming of the Holy Spirit, the Advocate.
Jesus shared this teaching during the Last Supper, a moment filled with profound revelations for His disciples. He introduced the concept of the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, who would come to guide, comfort, and empower them. The Greek word for Advocate, "Parakletos," encompasses various roles such as helper, intercessor, and counselor. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit, who is with us forever.
We also explored the term "Spirit of Truth," which in Greek is "Pneuma" and in Hebrew is "Ruach." This Spirit of Truth guides us into all truth, transforming our knowledge into revelation that changes our lives. The Holy Spirit was present at the creation of the world, indicating His eternal and active role in God's plan.
The concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly named in the Bible, is evident in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This divine relationship underscores the importance of communion and relationship, both within the Godhead and with us.
As believers, we are spiritually alive because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This transformation empowers us to be living witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, and we are called to partner with Him in this mission. This partnership relieves the pressure of witnessing on our own, as the Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary gifts and wisdom.
To be effective witnesses, we must seek God's truth, let it transform our hearts, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us. This involves spending time in God's Word, memorizing key scriptures, and opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power.
In conclusion, God loves us deeply and desires a relationship with us. He has given us the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower us. Let us embrace this divine partnership and live as true witnesses of Christ's love and truth.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate or "Parakletos" in Greek, serves multiple roles such as helper, intercessor, counselor, and comforter. This multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit ensures that we are never alone and always have divine assistance in our spiritual journey. [21:00]
2. Spirit of Truth: The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of Truth, guiding us into all truth and transforming our knowledge into revelation. This transformation is crucial as it changes our lives and aligns us with God's will. The Spirit of Truth, or "Ruach" in Hebrew, was present at the creation, indicating His eternal role in God's plan. [23:48]
3. The Trinity and Relationship: The concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly named in the Bible, is evident in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This divine relationship underscores the importance of communion and relationship, both within the Godhead and with us. [26:55]
4. Spiritual Life and Witnessing: As believers, we are spiritually alive because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This transformation empowers us to be living witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, and we are called to partner with Him in this mission, relieving the pressure of witnessing on our own. [35:59]
5. Empowerment through the Holy Spirit: To be effective witnesses, we must seek God's truth, let it transform our hearts, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us. This involves spending time in God's Word, memorizing key scriptures, and opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power. [41:57]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[15:31] - Gratitude and Introduction
[16:24] - Series Overview
[17:10] - Power of Scripture
[18:00] - Key Quote: John 15:26
[18:53] - Context: Upper Room Teaching
[19:41] - Advocate and Spirit of Truth
[20:20] - Greek Word Study: Parakletos
[21:00] - Roles of the Holy Spirit
[22:47] - Spirit of Truth: Ruach
[24:48] - Creation and the Holy Spirit
[26:13] - Trinity and Relationship
[27:25] - Understanding the Trinity
[28:49] - C.S. Lewis Quote
[29:17] - Ruach and Creative Power
[30:40] - Breath of Life: Neshuma
[32:10] - Personal Creation of Man
[33:33] - Spiritual Life in Christ
[35:39] - Living Witnesses for Christ
[37:23] - Partnering with the Holy Spirit
[41:57] - Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
[43:02] - Baptism in the Holy Spirit
[44:02] - Creation Account and God's Love
[46:53] - Invitation to Relationship with God
[49:32] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- John 15:26
- John 14:16-19
- Genesis 1:1-2
### Observation Questions
1. What roles does the Holy Spirit fulfill according to John 15:26? [18:00]
2. In John 14:16-19, what promise does Jesus make about the Holy Spirit? [19:41]
3. How is the Holy Spirit described in Genesis 1:1-2, and what does this indicate about His role in creation? [24:48]
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Holy Spirit referred to as the "Advocate" and "Spirit of Truth"? How do these titles help us understand His role in our lives? [20:20]
2. How does the concept of the Trinity, as discussed in the sermon, enhance our understanding of God's nature and His relationship with us? [26:55]
3. What does it mean to be spiritually alive, and how does the Holy Spirit contribute to this transformation? [33:33]
### Application Questions
1. The sermon emphasized the importance of seeking God's truth and allowing it to transform our hearts. What specific steps can you take this week to spend more time in God's Word and let it change you? [39:06]
2. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit guiding or comforting you. How did this experience impact your faith and actions? [21:49]
3. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses for Christ. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week? [37:23]
4. The sermon mentioned the multifaceted roles of the Holy Spirit, including being a helper, intercessor, and counselor. Which of these roles do you feel you need most in your current life situation, and why? [21:00]
5. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit to better understand and fulfill your role as a living witness for Christ? [35:39]
6. The concept of the Trinity underscores the importance of relationship and communion. How can you foster a sense of community and relationship within your small group or church? [26:13]
7. The sermon highlighted the importance of memorizing key scriptures. Choose one verse from today's discussion to memorize this week. How will you incorporate it into your daily life? [40:53]
Devotional
Day 1: The Multifaceted Role of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit, referred to as the Advocate or "Parakletos" in Greek, serves multiple roles such as helper, intercessor, counselor, and comforter. This multifaceted nature of the Holy Spirit ensures that we are never alone and always have divine assistance in our spiritual journey. The term "Parakletos" encompasses various roles, highlighting the Holy Spirit's ability to meet us in our diverse needs. Whether we need guidance, comfort, or intercession, the Holy Spirit is there to provide it.
Understanding the Holy Spirit's roles can deepen our relationship with God. When we recognize that we have a divine helper, we can approach life's challenges with greater confidence and peace. The Holy Spirit's presence is a constant reminder that we are not alone and that God is actively involved in our lives. This divine assistance is not just for our benefit but also equips us to support and uplift others in their spiritual journeys. [21:00]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a recent challenge you faced. How did you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and comfort during that time? How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's multifaceted role in your daily life?
Day 2: The Spirit of Truth
The Holy Spirit is also known as the Spirit of Truth, guiding us into all truth and transforming our knowledge into revelation. This transformation is crucial as it changes our lives and aligns us with God's will. The Spirit of Truth, or "Ruach" in Hebrew, was present at the creation, indicating His eternal role in God's plan. The Holy Spirit's guidance helps us discern God's truth in a world filled with conflicting messages.
As we seek the Spirit of Truth, we open ourselves to divine wisdom that transcends human understanding. This guidance is not just intellectual but transformative, affecting our hearts and actions. The Holy Spirit's role in revealing truth helps us navigate life's complexities with clarity and purpose. By aligning ourselves with God's truth, we can live more authentically and purposefully. [23:48]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt confused or uncertain. How did you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to discern the truth? What steps can you take to be more receptive to the Spirit of Truth in your daily decisions?
Day 3: The Trinity and Relationship
The concept of the Trinity, though not explicitly named in the Bible, is evident in the relationship between God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. This divine relationship underscores the importance of communion and relationship, both within the Godhead and with us. The Trinity exemplifies perfect unity and love, serving as a model for our relationships with God and others.
Understanding the Trinity helps us appreciate the depth of God's love and the importance of community. Just as the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are in perfect communion, we are called to cultivate deep, meaningful relationships with God and each other. This divine relationship invites us into a life of love, unity, and mutual support, reflecting the nature of God in our interactions. [26:55]
2 Corinthians 13:14 (ESV): "The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all."
Reflection: Think about your relationships with God and others. How can you cultivate deeper communion and unity in these relationships, reflecting the nature of the Trinity?
Day 4: Spiritual Life and Witnessing
As believers, we are spiritually alive because the Holy Spirit dwells within us. This transformation empowers us to be living witnesses for Christ. The Holy Spirit testifies about Jesus, and we are called to partner with Him in this mission, relieving the pressure of witnessing on our own. Our spiritual vitality is a testament to the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Being a living witness for Christ means embodying His love, grace, and truth in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary gifts and wisdom to share the gospel effectively. This partnership with the Holy Spirit ensures that our witness is not based on our strength but on divine empowerment. As we rely on the Holy Spirit, we can confidently share the message of Christ with others. [35:59]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
Reflection: Reflect on your role as a witness for Christ. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your efforts to share the gospel? What specific steps can you take to be a more effective witness in your community?
Day 5: Empowerment through the Holy Spirit
To be effective witnesses, we must seek God's truth, let it transform our hearts, and allow the Holy Spirit to empower us. This involves spending time in God's Word, memorizing key scriptures, and opening ourselves to the Holy Spirit's guidance and power. The Holy Spirit's empowerment is essential for living a life that reflects Christ's love and truth.
Seeking God's truth requires intentionality and dedication. As we immerse ourselves in Scripture and prayer, we open our hearts to the Holy Spirit's transformative work. This empowerment enables us to live out our faith authentically and courageously. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace, becoming effective witnesses for Christ. [41:57]
Ephesians 3:16-17 (ESV): "That according to the riches of his glory he may grant you to be strengthened with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith—that you, being rooted and grounded in love."
Reflection: Consider your daily spiritual practices. How can you be more intentional in seeking God's truth and allowing the Holy Spirit to empower you? What changes can you make to ensure that you are living a life that reflects Christ's love and truth?
Quotes
1. "So I have the honor of finishing our sermon series. We've been going through the key quotes, can I quote that series? And it's been really good and this is the third week of that series and it's just been so good to just get into the Word of God together and that's what this really has been about. We've been choosing scriptures and key quotes that people just memorize over the years and then they wonder, why do I know this verse?" [16:24] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "So Jesus is sending here, I'm going to send the paraclete who's going to be all of these things for you and he's going to be with you forever. Isn't that good? He's going to be with us forever. And you know who he's talking about here? He's talking about the promised Holy Spirit. The same promised Holy Spirit that was echoed throughout all of scriptures to be with us and in us forever." [21:00] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "In those times, I don't lean on my own strength because then my own strength will fail. I don't lean on my own knowledge because my own knowledge will fall short. I lean on the infinite wisdom and strength of God who's promised to be in me forever. Isn't that good? Amen." [21:49] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The whole point of the Holy Spirit, is to be with us and help us, but it's to give us his truth, the spirit of truth. And like Leanne said this morning in worship, to try to get all of this knowledge that we have about God and all of this wisdom that we hear from God's word and get it down into our hearts and into our spirits. Because that's when all of this knowledge and understanding becomes revelation. When we get it down into our spirits. Because that's when it changes us. It changes us when it gets down from our heads to our hearts." [23:48] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "There was communion in heaven, relationship between God the Father, God the Son, God the Spirit, before the existence of time. Isn't that just awesome? That God was, his whole being, his whole character, his whole nature, is a God of relationship. And he shows that in himself, even before he created us and wanted relationship with us." [25:36] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "We use the word Trinity as a part of our human language to try our best to try to understand an infinite God, to try to understand the unsearchable God. Just like Adele was saying this morning, it was so perfect. Isaiah 55, it says, God's thoughts are not our thoughts, and his ways are not our ways. His ways are unsearchable. His ways are higher, and we can never attain, and we can never attain to them. He knows what he's doing." [27:56] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So what does it mean to be spiritually alive? What do I do now with my life that it is now changed by knowing God and having his spirit inside of me, that it is now being transformed by his living and active word? That I'm a new creation in Christ? What does it mean? And what does it mean to be a living witness?" [35:01] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "So we can't not do some of the word of God and then leave other parts out of it. Just say, Holy Spirit, you be the witness and I'll watch you. No. He wants us to partner with him. And that's why he's with us and in us. And he empowers us to do that. So isn't that just awesome? That takes the pressure off us. We have the helper. We have the advocate. We have the counselor to be with us and in us forever to help us testify those things." [37:47] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "We all have that story and he's called us to simply share that story. And we're not alone when we do it. So some statements, some steps in how do we be a living witness. What does it look like? It starts with seeking truth. Seeking God's truth. Getting all of God's wisdom, all of God's truth, all of God's word and sinking it down into a place where it's in our hearts. Where it just not only goes into our heads but it changes our behavior. It changes the way we see things in our life. It changes the way we see other people in our lives." [39:06] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "So he formed Adam from the dust of the earth. He breathed the breath of life, giving his spirit to him, making him a spiritual being. But then, he gave Adam a choice. He said, Adam, I love you so much. Eve, I love you so much. Humans, people, you, I love you so much. But I want you to love me back. And I'm not going to force you to love me back. I want you to choose to love me because that's what real love is. Real love is when you get to choose to love somebody. You're not forced to love somebody." [44:25] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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