Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Our Spiritual Value
Summary
In today's sermon, we embarked on a journey to understand the Holy Spirit's role in our lives and the transformative power it holds. We began by addressing the practical needs of our community, such as the need for a new curriculum for our children's ministry, before diving into the theological depths of the Holy Spirit.
We explored the concept of value, not in monetary terms, but in spiritual wealth. I posed a question to the congregation: What if your worth was equivalent to a trillion dollars? This was not to suggest a financial status but to introduce the idea that the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in our lives is of immeasurable value.
The series "Filled" is designed to deepen our understanding of the Holy Spirit. We often hear about the Father and the Son, but the Holy Spirit can sometimes be the most misunderstood person of the Trinity. This week, we took a grand, sweeping view of the Holy Spirit's narrative throughout biblical history.
We revisited the story of the Israelites, who were known as the people of God's presence because His Spirit dwelled among them. From the burning bush to the tabernacle and the temple, God's presence was visibly with His people. The temple, especially Solomon's temple, was a place of immense value, not just in its opulent construction but because it housed God's presence.
However, the most profound shift occurred after Jesus's ascension. The Holy Spirit descended not upon a building or a mountain but upon people. This marked the transition from God's presence being confined to a physical location to being carried within the hearts of believers. We, as followers of Jesus, are now the new temple, and the Holy Spirit dwells within us.
Understanding our value as the new temple is crucial. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead, that calmed the storms, lives in us. This is not about realizing our own power, but recognizing God's power within us. The Holy Spirit empowers us to love, disciple, and change the world according to God's will.
As believers, we are reassurance to others of God's presence. The Holy Spirit in us is a guarantee of our inheritance, a down payment of what is to come. We are not on layaway, waiting to be good enough; we are marked by God's Spirit now.
In conclusion, we must recognize our value as God's temple and live in the power of the Holy Spirit. We are called to be different, to be the living proof of God's presence in the world.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is not a distant or abstract concept but a tangible presence that lives within us, transforming us into the new temple of God. As we carry the Spirit, we become the embodiment of God's presence, offering reassurance and hope to those around us. [35:11]
- Our value as believers is not determined by worldly standards but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This value surpasses any material wealth and is a testament to the spiritual riches we possess in Christ. [30:28]
- The Holy Spirit empowers us beyond our natural capabilities. It is not about our strength but about God's power working through us. This power enables us to love, disciple, and effect change in ways that align with God's purposes. [32:26]
- Recognizing the Holy Spirit's role in our lives is essential for living out our faith. It is not merely about acknowledging its existence but about actively engaging with the Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. [27:07]
- The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. It is a down payment, assuring us that what God has promised will come to fruition. This assurance should embolden us to live confidently and faithfully. [07:34]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Ephesians 1:13-14 - "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory."
2. 2 Chronicles 7:1-3 - "When Solomon finished praying, fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices, and the glory of the Lord filled the temple. The priests could not enter the temple of the Lord because the glory of the Lord filled it. When all the Israelites saw the fire coming down and the glory of the Lord above the temple, they knelt on the pavement with their faces to the ground, and they worshiped and gave thanks to the Lord, saying, 'He is good; his love endures forever.'"
3. Acts 2:1-4 - "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
#### Observation Questions
1. What significant event marked the transition of God's presence from a physical location to dwelling within believers? ([25:20])
2. How did the Israelites recognize God's presence during their journey from Egypt to the Promised Land? ([12:05])
3. What was the reaction of the Israelites when they saw the fire and the glory of the Lord filling Solomon's temple? ([17:41])
4. According to Ephesians 1:13-14, what is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for believers to be the new temple of God, and how does this understanding affect our view of self-worth? ([27:07])
2. How does the indwelling of the Holy Spirit serve as a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ? ([07:20])
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit empower believers to fulfill God's purposes, according to the sermon? ([32:07])
4. How can recognizing the Holy Spirit's presence within us change the way we interact with others and live out our faith? ([33:30])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on the idea that the Holy Spirit dwells within you. How does this change your perception of your own value and worth? ([30:28])
2. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit empowers us to love, disciple, and effect change. Can you identify a specific area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power? ([32:26])
3. How can you actively engage with the Holy Spirit in your daily decisions and actions? Share a recent experience where you felt led by the Spirit. ([27:07])
4. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a guarantee of our inheritance. How does this assurance influence your confidence and faith in God's promises? ([07:34])
5. Think of someone in your life who needs reassurance of God's presence. How can you be a living proof of God's Spirit to them this week? ([33:30])
6. The sermon emphasized the importance of recognizing God's power within us rather than our own. What steps can you take to shift your focus from your own abilities to God's power working through you? ([32:02])
7. How can you contribute to your community or church in a way that reflects the transformative power of the Holy Spirit within you? ([32:21])
Devotional
Day 1: Embodying God's Presence
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract concept but a tangible presence that transforms believers into living temples of God. This transformation is not just a theological idea but a lived experience that impacts how one interacts with the world. As carriers of the Spirit, individuals become the embodiment of God's presence, offering reassurance and hope to those around them. This indwelling of the Spirit is a profound truth that elevates the believer's identity and purpose, making them a beacon of divine light in a world that often dwells in darkness. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a reminder that God is not distant but intimately involved in the daily lives of His people. [35:11]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: How can you be more aware of the Holy Spirit's presence in your daily interactions and become a source of hope and reassurance for others?
Day 2: Immeasurable Spiritual Wealth
Our value as believers is not determined by worldly standards but by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This value surpasses any material wealth and is a testament to the spiritual riches we possess in Christ. Understanding this can shift one's perspective from seeking external validation to embracing an internal sense of worth rooted in divine truth. The Holy Spirit's presence within us signifies a wealth that cannot be quantified, a treasure that does not fade or diminish. This spiritual wealth empowers believers to live with confidence and purpose, knowing that their true value is recognized and upheld by God Himself. [30:28]
"For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." (2 Corinthians 2:15 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you start measuring your worth by the spiritual riches you possess in Christ rather than the world's standards?
Day 3: Empowered Beyond Ourselves
The Holy Spirit empowers us beyond our natural capabilities. It is not about our strength but about God's power working through us. This divine empowerment enables believers to love, disciple, and effect change in ways that align with God's purposes. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead is active within us, equipping us to overcome challenges and to serve others with supernatural love and wisdom. This power is not for personal glory but for the manifestation of God's kingdom on earth, as believers become conduits of His transformative work. [32:26]
"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." (Acts 1:8 ESV)
Reflection: What is one area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own?
Day 4: Engaging with the Spirit
Recognizing the Holy Spirit's role in our lives is essential for living out our faith. It is not merely about acknowledging its existence but about actively engaging with the Spirit to guide our actions and decisions. This engagement involves listening for the Spirit's promptings, obeying its lead, and allowing it to shape our character and desires. As we grow in our relationship with the Spirit, our lives increasingly reflect the fruits of the Spirit, and our decisions become more aligned with God's will. This active engagement is a journey of transformation, where the believer's life becomes a testament to the Spirit's power and guidance. [27:07]
"And the Spirit said to Philip, 'Go over and join this chariot.'" (Acts 8:29 ESV)
Reflection: How can you cultivate a deeper engagement with the Holy Spirit to guide your decisions and actions today?
Day 5: Assured Inheritance
The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is a guarantee of our inheritance in Christ. It is a down payment, assuring us that what God has promised will come to fruition. This assurance emboldens believers to live confidently and faithfully, knowing that their future is secure in God's hands. The Spirit's presence is a constant reminder of this promise, providing comfort and motivation to persevere in faith. As we live in the light of this assurance, our lives become a living testimony to the hope and certainty we have in Christ, inspiring others to seek the same eternal inheritance. [07:34]
"In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory." (Ephesians 1:13-14 ESV)
Reflection: How does the assurance of your inheritance in Christ influence the way you live your life today?
Quotes
"We are the new temple. We are. And we are infinitely more valuable than any building shouldn't get tattoos, you shouldn't get pierced in, you shouldn't drink alcohol because our bodies are the temple of God and getting the tattoo is just like spray painting the walls of a temple." [27:07] ()
"Your value far exceeds any building or tent. You're worth at least a billion liquid assets. Robert says here, you value yourself over a trillion dollars. I do. I got the spirit of God living inside of me." [30:28] ()
"We are called to live in this power. Lord, we need to learn to use this power, take hold of this power, harness this power so we can love people the way we're supposed to love." [32:26] ()
"You and I can be reassurance to others who are wondering, is God's presence here? Is God spirit among us? Yes, it is. It's in me and it's in you as believers." [35:11] ()
"We're told in Ephesians chapter 1 that God literally gives us his spirit inside of us as a guarantee of our inheritance. As if God to say, look, you're going to come to me, you're going to be changed, you're going to become a new creation." [07:34] ()
"The same spirit lives in you, the same spirit that rose Jesus from the dead lives in you. The same spirit that calmed the wind and the waves lives in you as a follower of Christ." [30:28] ()
"God's spirit was with them. That's what set the nation of Israel apart from every other nation. They became known as the people of his presence because his presence was with them." [15:09] ()
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