Empowered Living: The Holy Spirit's Role Today
Summary
Today’s focus is on understanding the purpose and power of the Holy Spirit in the life of every believer. Many of us are familiar with the story of Jesus’ death and resurrection, and we know that the cross secures our salvation and eternity with God. But often, we find ourselves living in the “gap” between the cross and heaven, wondering if there’s more to the Christian life than just waiting for eternity. The truth is, eternity starts now, and the Holy Spirit is God’s presence with us today, making the work of Jesus real and active in our daily lives.
The Holy Spirit is not just a vague force or a feeling; He is God Himself, living inside every believer. Jesus told His disciples that it was better for Him to go away so that the Holy Spirit—the Advocate—could come and be with all believers at all times. The Spirit’s purpose is not only to convict us of sin or guide us in major decisions, but to empower us to live out the fullness of salvation every day. Salvation, both in the Old and New Testaments, means deliverance, rescue, and safety—not just for the future, but for today. Through the Holy Spirit, we experience this deliverance in real, tangible ways.
The Spirit gives us more than just existence; He brings revitalization, renewal, and resurrection power into our lives. The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us, enabling us to live in victory, not just survival. The Holy Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts, gives us peace, and even grants us the mind of Christ—access to God’s wisdom for both big and small decisions. This is not reserved for pastors or church staff, but for every follower of Jesus.
However, to truly experience this, we must move from simply knowing these truths to making them personal and real in our lives. This means not settling for a status quo faith, but actively seeking to live in the power, love, and wisdom that the Spirit offers. It also means immersing ourselves in Scripture, so we can recognize the Spirit’s voice and guidance. Communion is a time to remember that the cross is not just a historical event, but a present reality made alive in us by the Holy Spirit. Today, the invitation is to ask the Spirit to make the cross real in your life, to help you live into the fullness of salvation—not just for eternity, but for today.
Key Takeaways
- The Holy Spirit is not a distant force or a fleeting feeling, but God Himself living within every believer. This means that the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us right now, empowering us to live beyond mere survival and into true spiritual vitality. The Spirit’s presence is not just a theological concept, but a daily, personal reality for those who follow Christ. [44:07]
- Salvation is not only about securing our place in heaven; it is about experiencing deliverance, rescue, and safety in the present. The Holy Spirit applies the work of Jesus on the cross to our lives today, transforming us from the inside out and enabling us to live in freedom and victory, even in the midst of life’s challenges. [45:18]
- The Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts, making the love of God not just something we know intellectually, but something we feel and experience deeply. This love is the foundation for our peace, our confidence, and our ability to face fear, shame, and guilt with the assurance that they were all defeated at the cross. [46:24]
- Through the Holy Spirit, we have access to the mind of Christ—God’s wisdom for every decision, big or small. This is not something we can achieve through intellect or effort alone, but by tuning our hearts to the Spirit’s voice and immersing ourselves in Scripture, we can discern God’s will and walk in His wisdom daily. [49:08]
- Living in the fullness of the Spirit requires moving from concept to reality. It means not settling for a comfortable, predictable faith, but embracing the adventure of following God’s leading, even when it’s challenging. By remembering the cross through practices like communion and by seeking the Spirit’s guidance, we can experience the power, love, and wisdom of God in every area of our lives. [54:54]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Series Introduction: Same Bible, Different God
[03:05] - Understanding the Trinity
[05:20] - The Holy Spirit: Not a Force, But God
[08:15] - Living Stuck in First Gear
[11:30] - Jesus Promises the Advocate
[15:00] - The Purpose of the Holy Spirit
[18:45] - Salvation: Old and New Testament Meanings
[23:20] - The Holy Spirit Makes Salvation Real
[27:40] - Resurrection Power for Today
[32:10] - The Spirit Pours Out God’s Love
[36:00] - The Mind of Christ and God’s Wisdom
[41:30] - Making the Cross Personal
[47:00] - Living in Victory, Not Just Survival
[52:00] - The Importance of Scripture and Listening
[56:30] - Communion: Remembering the Cross
[59:30] - Prayer and Invitation to the Spirit
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Purpose and Power of the Holy Spirit
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### Bible Reading
- John 16:7
"But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you."
- Romans 8:11
"And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies because of his Spirit who lives in you."
- 1 Corinthians 2:16
"For who has known the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
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### Observation Questions
1. According to John 16:7, why did Jesus say it was better for Him to go away? What does He promise will happen when He leaves?
2. In Romans 8:11, what does Paul say the Spirit does for our “mortal bodies”? How is this different from just “existing”?
3. The sermon says, “The Holy Spirit is not just a vague force or a feeling; He is God Himself, living inside every believer.” What are some ways the sermon described the Holy Spirit’s presence in our lives? [[05:20]]
4. 1 Corinthians 2:16 says, “But we have the mind of Christ.” According to the sermon, what does it mean to have the mind of Christ? [[49:08]]
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### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon talks about living “in the gap” between the cross and heaven. What does it mean to live in this gap, and how does the Holy Spirit change that experience for believers? [[11:30]]
2. The word “salvation” is described as deliverance, rescue, and safety—not just for the future, but for today. How does the Holy Spirit make this kind of salvation real and active in our daily lives? [[23:20]]
3. The sermon says the same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to us. What might it look like for someone to live with this “resurrection power” in their everyday life? [[45:18]]
4. The Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts, making it something we experience, not just know. How might this change the way we deal with guilt, fear, or shame? [[46:24]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges us not to settle for a “status quo” faith, but to seek the fullness of the Spirit. What is one area of your life where you feel you’ve been “stuck in first gear”? What would it look like to invite the Holy Spirit into that area? [[08:15]]
2. The Holy Spirit gives us access to God’s wisdom for both big and small decisions. Can you think of a recent decision—big or small—where you needed God’s wisdom? How could you have listened for the Spirit’s guidance in that moment? [[50:03]]
3. The sermon says, “The Spirit pours God’s love into our hearts.” Is there a place in your life where you need to experience God’s love more deeply? What would it look like to ask the Holy Spirit to make that love real to you this week? [[46:24]]
4. The pastor mentioned that the Holy Spirit’s power, love, and wisdom are not just for pastors or church staff, but for every believer. Do you ever feel like these things are “for someone else” and not for you? Why or why not? [[54:08]]
5. The sermon encourages us to immerse ourselves in Scripture to recognize the Spirit’s voice. What is one practical step you can take this week to spend more time in God’s Word? [[56:29]]
6. During communion, we’re invited to remember that the cross is not just a historical event, but a present reality. How can you make the work of the cross more personal and real in your daily life? [[58:40]]
7. The pastor said, “Eternity starts now.” How does this idea change the way you think about your everyday life and your relationship with God? [[11:30]]
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Close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to make the cross real in your life and to help you live into the fullness of salvation—not just for eternity, but for today.
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Makes the Power of the Cross Real Today
The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force or a vague feeling, but God Himself living inside every believer, making the work of Jesus on the cross real and active in our lives right now. Instead of simply waiting for eternity or feeling stuck between the cross and heaven, we are invited to experience the fullness of salvation today—deliverance, rescue, and safety—through the Spirit’s presence. This means that the victory Jesus secured is not just a future hope, but a present reality, empowering us to live transformed lives, not by our own effort, but by the Spirit’s power within us. [44:07]
John 16:7 (ESV)
"Nevertheless, 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."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel like you’re just “waiting for heaven” instead of living in the power of the Holy Spirit today? How can you invite the Spirit to make the cross real in that area right now?
Day 2: The Same Power That Raised Jesus Is in Us
The Spirit who raised Jesus from the dead now lives in every believer, offering not just existence but revitalization, renewal, and resurrection power for daily living. This is more than surviving or just “getting by”—it’s about being infused with the very power that brought Jesus back to life, bringing victory and transformation into our everyday struggles and decisions. We are not left to our own strength; the Spirit empowers us to live in freedom and victory, making the impossible possible as we trust and rely on Him. [45:18]
Romans 8:11 (ESV)
"If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you."
Reflection: Where in your life do you need to move from just “surviving” to living in the resurrection power of the Holy Spirit? What is one step you can take today to rely on His strength instead of your own?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Pours God’s Love Into Our Hearts
God’s love is not just a concept to be understood, but a reality to be experienced, and it is the Holy Spirit who pours this love into our hearts. Through the Spirit, we can truly feel and know the depth of God’s love for us, even in moments of guilt, fear, or shame. The Spirit reminds us that our guilt was paid for, our fear was defeated, and our shame was nailed to the cross, inviting us to live in the freedom and assurance of God’s unending love every day. [47:53]
Romans 5:5 (ESV)
"And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us."
Reflection: When was the last time you truly felt God’s love for you? Ask the Holy Spirit today to help you experience His love in a tangible way, especially in an area where you feel unworthy or distant.
Day 4: We Have the Mind of Christ Through the Spirit
Through the Holy Spirit, we are given access to the very mind of Christ, allowing us to receive God’s wisdom for both big and small decisions in life. Human wisdom is limited, but the Spirit reveals God’s thoughts, guidance, and perspective, helping us to discern His will and live in alignment with His purposes. As we quiet the noise and listen, we can make choices that reflect God’s heart, trusting that the Spirit will lead us in every circumstance. [49:08]
1 Corinthians 2:16 (ESV)
"For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ."
Reflection: What decision—big or small—are you facing today where you need God’s wisdom? Take a moment to ask the Holy Spirit to give you the mind of Christ and listen for His guidance.
Day 5: Remember and Live Into the Fullness of Salvation
Salvation is not just a past event or a future promise, but a present reality to be lived out daily through the Holy Spirit. As we remember the cross, especially in moments like communion, we are invited to realign our will with God’s, repent, and step into the victory, love, and power that Jesus secured for us. The Spirit helps us move from concept to reality, making the truths of Scripture personal and transformative as we walk in the fullness of what God has for us today. [01:01:54]
1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (ESV)
"For I received from the Lord what I also delivered to you, that the Lord Jesus on the night when he was betrayed took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes."
Reflection: As you remember the cross today, what is one area where you need to realign your will with God’s and step into the fullness of salvation He offers? Invite the Holy Spirit to make this real and personal for you right now.
Quotes
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