Grounded in the Spirit: Seeking the Giver, Not Gifts

Over the past weeks, we’ve been exploring the reality of the Holy Spirit—how God’s presence is not just a concept or a culture, but something tangible and experiential. The Holy Spirit is the power by which light dispossesses darkness, and as we stretch out in faith, God’s Kingdom advances, even in places like Nazna. This is not a topic to be ticked off; it’s an ongoing journey of walking with the Spirit, learning to live in both the Word and the Spirit, not one without the other. The Word gives us discernment, and the Spirit brings life and power.

We looked at the story of Simon the Sorcerer in Acts 8, a man who had real spiritual power but was not grounded in God. Simon’s story is a warning and a mirror for us. He was amazed by the power of the Holy Spirit and wanted to buy it, revealing a heart that sought the gift over the Giver. The apostles, in contrast, led people to Christ, not to themselves. Their ministry was rooted in humility, freedom, and the desire to see others encounter God personally, not to build their own platforms.

This brings us to three crucial questions for our own lives: What is the expression of the spiritual grounded in? Where is it leading? And where are our hearts? The spiritual is real, and many are seeking spiritual experiences, but not all are from God. The Word of God is our filter, helping us discern what is truly of the Holy Spirit. We must also ask: does our spiritual life lead people to Christ, or to ourselves? Is it about control, ego, or freedom and love?

Finally, God is deeply concerned with our hearts. It’s possible to do many spiritual acts and yet miss intimacy with Him. Jesus warns that not everyone who does miracles in His name truly knows Him. Our public acts must flow from a private life with God, rooted in love. The Holy Spirit wants to make His home in each of us, not just work through a select few. God’s heart is to pour out His Spirit on all people, to restore, heal, and bring us into deeper intimacy with Him. The invitation is to examine our hearts, seek the Giver above the gifts, and prepare ourselves for what God wants to do in and through us.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The foundation of our spiritual life must be the Word of God, not just spiritual experiences. The spiritual realm is real, but not every spirit is the Holy Spirit. Discernment comes from grounding ourselves in Scripture, which is God-breathed and equips us to distinguish truth from deception. Without this grounding, we risk being led astray by experiences that feel powerful but are not rooted in Christ. [18:28]
• 2. The direction of our spiritual expression matters: does it lead people to Christ or to ourselves? When spiritual gifts or experiences become about building our own platform or ego, we distort God’s power from a force that brings freedom to one that brings captivity. True ministry points away from self and toward Jesus, inviting others into freedom and relationship with Him, not into dependence on us. [21:59]
• 3. God is more concerned with the state of our hearts than with our outward acts or spiritual gifts. It is possible to perform miracles, prophesy, or have great faith, yet miss the heart of God if we do not know Him personally. The warning is clear: intimacy with God is the goal, not just impressive acts. Our hearts must be examined regularly to ensure we seek the Giver, not just the gifts. [34:17]
• 4. Healing and restoration are found in honest community and vulnerability. Past hurts, especially those related to spiritual abuse or disappointment in church, can block us from stepping into what God has for us. God’s desire is to bring comfort, healing, and restoration, but this often happens as we open up to others, allow them to speak into our lives, and let Jesus minister to our wounds. [07:21]
• 5. The private life with God is essential for a healthy public ministry. We often desire the public fruit of Jesus’ life—miracles, influence, power—without cultivating the private intimacy He had with the Father. The Holy Spirit wants to meet us personally, not just corporately, and our effectiveness in public is directly tied to our willingness to seek God in the secret place. [37:36]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [03:07] - Spirit and Word: Not Either/Or
• [05:26] - The Impact of Church Hurt
• [07:21] - Personal Story: Leadership and Wounds
• [11:22] - Acts 8: Setting the Scene
• [15:01] - Simon the Sorcerer: Spiritual Power vs. God’s Power
• [18:28] - What Is Your Spiritual Life Grounded In?
• [21:59] - Where Does Your Spiritual Expression Lead?
• [25:00] - The Danger of Ego and Control
• [28:30] - The Gift vs. The Giver
• [31:45] - The Heart Behind the Acts
• [34:17] - Public vs. Private Life with God
• [37:36] - Prayer and Invitation
• [39:00] - Closing and Blessing

1. What was Simon the Sorcerer known for in Samaria, and how did people respond to him before Philip arrived?

1. When Peter and John arrived in Samaria, what did they do for the new believers, and what was Simon’s reaction?

1. According to Peter’s rebuke, what was wrong with Simon’s request to buy the power to give the Holy Spirit?

1. In Matthew 7:21-23, what does Jesus say about people who do miracles and prophesy in His name but lack something essential?

1. The sermon highlights that Simon had real spiritual power, but it was not from God. What does this suggest about the reality of spiritual experiences and the need for discernment?

1. The apostles’ ministry led people to Christ, while Simon’s actions drew attention to himself. Why is it important for spiritual gifts and experiences to point people to Jesus rather than to individuals?

1. Peter tells Simon that his heart is not right before God. What does this reveal about God’s priorities when it comes to our spiritual lives and public acts?

1. 1 Corinthians 13:1-3 says that even the greatest spiritual gifts are worthless without love. How does this connect to the warning Jesus gives in Matthew 7:21-23?

1. The sermon asks: “What is the expression of the spiritual grounded in?” How do you personally discern whether a spiritual experience or teaching is truly from the Holy Spirit and grounded in God’s Word? Are there practices or habits you use to filter what you hear or experience?

1. Have you ever found yourself (or seen others) seeking spiritual gifts, experiences, or recognition more than seeking God Himself? What are some signs that your spiritual life might be more about the gift than the Giver?

1. The sermon warns about spiritual expressions that lead people to depend on a person or leader rather than on Jesus. In your own life or church experience, have you seen this happen? How can we as a group help each other keep the focus on Christ and not on personalities?

1. The story of Simon shows that it’s possible to do spiritual acts with the wrong heart. How can you regularly examine your own heart and motives in serving, leading, or using your gifts? What helps you stay rooted in love and humility?

1. The sermon shared a personal story about church hurt and how past wounds can block us from stepping into what God has for us. Are there any past disappointments, hurts, or spiritual abuses that you feel are still affecting your willingness to serve or trust God? What would it look like to begin opening up about these in community?

1. The private life with God is described as essential for a healthy public ministry. What does your private time with God look like right now? Is there a specific way you want to grow in intimacy with Him this week?

1. God’s heart is to pour out His Spirit on all people, not just a select few. Is there an area in your life where you feel unqualified or hesitant to step out in faith? How can the group pray for you or encourage you to take a next step?