Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Identity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Ever-Present Helper

The Holy Spirit is a constant presence in the life of a believer, promised by Jesus to ensure that His followers are never spiritually orphaned. This presence transforms fear into boldness, as demonstrated by the disciples after Pentecost. When Jesus was physically present, His disciples felt secure and fearless. However, as He prepared to leave, He assured them of the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would be with them always. This promise was fulfilled at Pentecost, where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit, empowering them to proclaim the gospel with courage and conviction. The Holy Spirit continues to be our Helper today, providing guidance, comfort, and strength in our daily lives. [03:42]

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: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's help to transform fear into boldness today?

Day 2: The Ongoing Journey of Forgiveness and Filling

Forgiveness and the filling of the Holy Spirit are not one-time events but ongoing processes in the Christian life. Just as we continually seek forgiveness for our sins, we must also seek to be continually filled with the Spirit, who empowers and sustains us. The Holy Spirit is like a well of water, always available to refresh and empower us. This continual filling is essential for living a life that reflects Christ's love and grace. It is through this ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit that we find the strength to overcome sin and live in alignment with God's will. [06:12]

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV): "And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."

Reflection: What daily practices can you incorporate to seek continual filling of the Holy Spirit in your life?

Day 3: Our Identity Affirmed by the Spirit

The Holy Spirit within us cries out to God, affirming our identity as His children. This relationship is not based on our feelings or circumstances but on the truth of God's Word and the Spirit's work in our hearts. Many believers struggle with feeling disconnected from God, as if their prayers are not being heard. However, the Holy Spirit assures us of our place in God's family, reminding us that we are His beloved children. This assurance is a source of comfort and strength, enabling us to live confidently in our identity as children of God. [10:16]

Romans 8:15-16 (ESV): "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."

Reflection: How can you remind yourself of your identity as a child of God when you feel disconnected or distant from Him?

Day 4: Security in Christ Overcomes Insecurity

Insecurity and competition among believers stem from a lack of understanding of our secure position in Christ. When we know we are loved by God, we can live in harmony with others, free from the need to prove ourselves. The devil often blinds us to this truth, leading to insecurity and a sense of spiritual orphanhood. However, when we are secure in our relationship with God, we no longer feel the need to compete with others or prove our worth. This security allows us to live in harmony with others, free from the need to compare ourselves or seek validation through our achievements. [12:15]

Galatians 5:25-26 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit. Let us not become conceited, provoking one another, envying one another."

Reflection: In what ways can you practice living in harmony with others, free from comparison and competition, this week?

Day 5: Assurance in God's Promises

Assurance of salvation comes from trusting in God's promises, not our repeated efforts to earn His favor. The Holy Spirit reminds us of these promises, giving us peace and confidence in our relationship with God. Reflecting on personal journeys, many find that assurance comes not from repeated prayers or actions but from a deep trust in the promises of God, such as those found in John 6:37. This assurance is available to all who come to Him, and it is the Holy Spirit who continually reminds us of this truth, providing peace and confidence in our salvation. [18:36]

Hebrews 10:22-23 (ESV): "Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."

Reflection: What specific promise of God can you hold onto today to strengthen your assurance of salvation?

Sermon Summary

In the Old Testament, the people of God were like orphans because they did not have the intimate relationship with God as Father that we experience today through Jesus Christ. When Jesus was physically present, His disciples had no fear because they knew He was with them. However, as He prepared to leave, He promised them a Helper, the Holy Spirit, who would be with them always. After Jesus' death, the disciples experienced a period of fear and uncertainty, but everything changed when they were filled with the Holy Spirit. This transformation was immediate, empowering them to boldly proclaim the gospel.

Being forgiven of our sins and being filled with the Holy Spirit are the two most crucial aspects of the Christian life. Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a continual process, just as being filled with the Holy Spirit is an ongoing necessity. The Holy Spirit is like a well of water, always available to refresh and empower us. Jesus promised that with the Holy Spirit, we would never be orphaned, even in our trials. Many believers struggle with feeling disconnected from God, as if their prayers are not being heard. However, the Holy Spirit within us cries out to God, affirming our relationship as His children.

The devil often blinds us to this truth, leading to insecurity and a sense of spiritual orphanhood. When we are secure in our relationship with God, we no longer feel the need to compete with others or prove our worth. We can rest in the knowledge that we are loved by God, just as our brothers and sisters in Christ are. This security allows us to live in harmony with others, free from the need to compare ourselves or seek validation through our achievements.

Reflecting on my own journey, I remember the moment I became certain of my identity as a child of God. Despite knowing the gospel from a young age and repeatedly asking Jesus into my heart, it was not until I fully grasped the assurance of His promise in John 6:37 that I found peace. This assurance is available to all who come to Him, and it is the Holy Spirit who continually reminds us of this truth.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit is our Helper, promised by Jesus to be with us always, ensuring we are never spiritually orphaned. This presence transforms fear into boldness, as seen in the disciples' lives after Pentecost. [03:42]
2. Forgiveness and the filling of the Holy Spirit are ongoing processes in the Christian life. Just as we continually seek forgiveness, we must also seek to be continually filled with the Spirit, who empowers and sustains us. [06:12]
3. The Holy Spirit within us cries out to God, affirming our identity as His children. This relationship is not based on our feelings or circumstances but on the truth of God's Word and the Spirit's work in our hearts. [10:16]
4. Insecurity and competition among believers stem from a lack of understanding of our secure position in Christ. When we know we are loved by God, we can live in harmony with others, free from the need to prove ourselves. [12:15]
5. Assurance of salvation comes from trusting in God's promises, not our repeated efforts to earn His favor. The Holy Spirit reminds us of these promises, giving us peace and confidence in our relationship with God. [18:36]
** [18:36]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[02:23] - Jesus' Promise of the Holy Spirit
[03:42] - Disciples' Transformation
[05:12] - Importance of Forgiveness and the Spirit
[06:12] - Continual Filling of the Spirit
[06:59] - The Spirit as a Well of Water
[07:52] - Feeling Disconnected from God
[09:09] - The Spirit's Cry Within Us
[10:16] - Our Identity as God's Children
[11:52] - Overcoming Insecurity
[12:46] - Living in Harmony with Others
[14:14] - Personal Testimony of Assurance
[16:20] - Early Spiritual Journey
[18:36] - Assurance in God's Promises

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

John 14:16-18
Romans 8:15
John 6:37

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Observation Questions:

According to John 14:16-18, what promise does Jesus make about the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to the concept of not being orphaned? [06:59]
In Romans 8:15, what role does the Holy Spirit play in affirming our identity as God's children? How is this depicted in the sermon? [10:16]
How does the sermon describe the transformation of the disciples after being filled with the Holy Spirit? What immediate changes occurred in their behavior? [03:42]
What does John 6:37 say about the assurance of salvation, and how did this verse impact the pastor's personal journey? [18:36]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the promise of the Holy Spirit as a Helper in John 14:16-18 provide comfort and assurance to believers facing trials? [06:59]
In what ways does Romans 8:15 challenge the feelings of spiritual orphanhood and insecurity among believers? How does this relate to the sermon’s message about our identity in Christ? [10:16]
The sermon mentions the disciples' boldness after receiving the Holy Spirit. What does this suggest about the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers today? [03:42]
How does the assurance found in John 6:37 influence a believer's understanding of salvation and their relationship with God? [18:36]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt spiritually orphaned or disconnected from God. How can the promise of the Holy Spirit as a Helper change your perspective in similar situations? [06:59]
In what areas of your life do you struggle with insecurity or competition with others? How can understanding your secure position in Christ help you overcome these feelings? [12:15]
The sermon emphasizes the ongoing process of being filled with the Holy Spirit. What practical steps can you take to seek continual filling and empowerment by the Spirit in your daily life? [06:12]
How can the assurance of salvation in John 6:37 bring peace to your spiritual journey? What specific doubts or fears do you need to surrender to God’s promises? [18:36]
Consider the pastor’s personal testimony of assurance. How can you cultivate a deeper understanding and trust in God’s promises in your own life? [18:36]
Identify a specific area where you feel disconnected from God. What actions can you take this week to reconnect and affirm your identity as His child? [07:52]
How can you support others in your community who may be struggling with feelings of spiritual orphanhood or insecurity? What role can you play in encouraging them to embrace their identity in Christ? [12:15]

Sermon Clips

I believe that being forgiven of our sins and being filled with the holy spirit are the two most important things in the Christian life, and we know forgiveness of sins is not just once at the beginning of our Christian life. [00:05:09]

In the acts of the apostles that the apostles are filled with the spirit more than once, you read about that in acts chapter four, and in Ephesians 5:18 it says we must be continually filled with the holy spirit. [00:06:00]

The holy spirit can be pictured like a well of water like Jesus told the Samaritan woman, there's always water there you can draw. A river is very different from, and Jesus said here in John 14 that when this holy spirit remains with you, you will not be orphaned. [00:06:35]

Do you feel as if you don't have anybody to care for you? You're not sure whether your father in heaven is listening to you or it's like not a phone call and it doesn't look as if there's a connection or somebody's not answering at the other end. [00:07:50]

The holy spirit comes within and the first thing he does is Romans 8 verse 15, he cries out to God. So here it says the holy spirit comes within and cries out. [00:09:13]

The only thing the devil blinds us to that truth often, and a lot of the problems we have in our life is because we are insecure like orphans. When we become perfectly secure in our relationship with God as a loving child to a loving. [00:11:52]

We will not try to compete with other of God's children to show that I am better than you. If you have any desire to show that you are better than some other child of God. [00:12:18]

I am loved by you and that brother is loved by you, that sister is loved by you. What do I gain by showing that I can do something better than. [00:14:00]

When I was 19 and a half and for the first time, I was absolutely sure I became a child of God. Playing from the age of about 13 I think I was asking the Lord Jesus to come into my heart come into my heart. [00:15:37]

I knew the gospel from the time I was a young boy of 10 years old, every Sunday we went to Sunday school. Every morning we got up my father said begin with at least a one minute prayer before you get out of bed. [00:16:20]

I was reading John chapter 6 and I came to verse 37 where Jesus says John 6:37, and I said Lord I have come to you. [00:19:07]

Despite knowing the gospel from a young age and repeatedly asking Jesus into my heart, it was not until I fully grasped the assurance of His promise in John 6:37 that I found peace. [00:19:37]

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Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Identity in Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Ever-Present Helper

Day 2: The Ongoing Journey of Forgiveness and Filling

Day 3: Our Identity Affirmed by the Spirit

Day 4: Security in Christ Overcomes Insecurity

Day 5: Assurance in God's Promises

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Identity in Christ

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