Guided by the Spirit: Embracing Truth and Purpose

 

Summary

### Summary

Welcome, everyone, and Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful mothers out there. Today, we continue our series, "Spirit Lead Me," focusing on the Spirit of Truth. Last week, we introduced the Holy Spirit as part of the Trinity—God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not just a force; He is a person who lives within us if we are believers. He is our comforter, advocate, and guide, leading us into all truth and helping us grow in our relationship with God ([32:32]).

The Holy Spirit reveals all truth to us. Jesus, in John 16:12-13, tells His disciples that the Spirit of Truth will guide them into all truth and tell them about the future. This is crucial because the Holy Spirit helps us understand who Jesus is and what He came to do for us. When we accept Christ as our Savior, it is the Holy Spirit who makes this truth resonate within us, guiding us back on the path that God has set for us ([37:15]).

As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit helps us discern right from wrong. Hebrews 5:13-14 talks about how new believers are like infants who need milk before they can handle solid food. The Holy Spirit works within us to gradually reveal the truths we need to know, helping us grow from spiritual infancy to maturity. This process involves patient practice and discernment, much like how a parent teaches a child to ride a bike, gradually letting go but always staying close by to support and guide ([38:45]).

The Holy Spirit also helps us understand our identity in Christ. In John 16:14-15, Jesus says that the Holy Spirit will bring Him glory by telling us whatever He receives from Jesus. This means that the Holy Spirit helps us understand who we are in Christ and what our divine purpose is. Our identity is not something we create; it is something that God has already planted within us. The Holy Spirit helps us realize this identity and live it out, aligning our desires with God's will ([55:15]).

Living out our divine purpose involves loving others, serving faithfully, and spreading the good news about Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do this, just as He empowered Peter to preach to thousands and lead many to salvation. This same Holy Spirit is available to us today, helping us live out our purpose and make a difference in our communities, families, and the world ([01:02:02]).

In conclusion, the Holy Spirit is our guide, comforter, and advocate. He reveals the truth to us, helps us grow in our faith, and empowers us to live out our divine purpose. As we continue to seek the Holy Spirit, let us always ask for His guidance before making decisions and thank Him for the love and truth He brings into our lives ([01:06:29]).

### Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit Reveals All Truth: The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us understand who Jesus is and what He came to do for us. This revelation is crucial for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. The Spirit of Truth helps us see beyond the world's offerings and understand the eternal significance of Jesus' sacrifice. [37:15]

2. Spiritual Growth Requires Patience and Discernment: Just as infants need milk before they can handle solid food, new believers need time to grow and understand the deeper truths of the faith. The Holy Spirit works within us to gradually reveal these truths, helping us discern right from wrong and grow in our relationship with God. This process involves patient practice and a willingness to be guided by the Spirit. [38:45]

3. Understanding Our Identity in Christ: The Holy Spirit helps us understand our true identity in Christ. This identity is not something we create but something that God has already planted within us. As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit reveals our divine purpose and helps us align our desires with God's will. This understanding empowers us to live out our purpose with confidence and clarity. [55:15]

4. Living Out Our Divine Purpose: Our divine purpose involves loving others, serving faithfully, and spreading the good news about Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do this, just as He empowered Peter to preach to thousands. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can make a significant impact in our communities, families, and the world, fulfilling the mission God has set for us. [01:02:02]

5. Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance: It is essential to continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. Before making decisions, we should ask the Holy Spirit for direction and clarity. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us, even when it is difficult to hear, and helps us grow in our relationship with God. By honoring the Holy Spirit and seeking His guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. [01:06:29]

### YouTube Chapters

1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [32:32] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit
3. [37:15] - The Holy Spirit Reveals All Truth
4. [38:45] - Spiritual Growth Requires Patience and Discernment
5. [55:15] - Understanding Our Identity in Christ
6. [01:02:02] - Living Out Our Divine Purpose
7. [01:06:29] - Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance
8. [01:13:19] - Announcements and Closing

Study Guide

### Bible Reading
1. John 16:12-13 (NIV): "I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
2. Hebrews 5:13-14 (NIV): "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil."
3. John 16:14-15 (NIV): "He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you."

### Observation Questions
1. According to John 16:12-13, what role does the Holy Spirit play in guiding believers? How does He communicate truth to us?
2. In Hebrews 5:13-14, what analogy is used to describe the spiritual growth of believers? What does this passage say about the process of maturing in faith?
3. How does John 16:14-15 describe the relationship between Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the Father? What does the Holy Spirit reveal to us according to these verses?
4. What are some specific ways the Holy Spirit helps believers discern right from wrong, as mentioned in the sermon? ([38:45])

### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it important for believers to be guided into all truth by the Holy Spirit, as stated in John 16:12-13? How does this guidance impact our understanding of Jesus and His mission? ([37:15])
2. How does the analogy of infants needing milk before solid food in Hebrews 5:13-14 relate to the spiritual growth of new believers? What does this suggest about the patience and practice required in our faith journey? ([38:45])
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit help believers understand their identity in Christ, as described in John 16:14-15? How does this understanding influence our daily lives and decisions? ([55:15])
4. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers to live out their divine purpose, as mentioned in the sermon? What are some examples given of how this empowerment manifests in our lives? ([01:02:02])

### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when the Holy Spirit guided you into truth. How did this experience deepen your understanding of Jesus and His mission? ([37:15])
2. What are some areas in your life where you feel like a spiritual infant needing milk? How can you practice patience and discernment to grow in these areas with the help of the Holy Spirit? ([38:45])
3. How do you currently understand your identity in Christ? What steps can you take to align your desires more closely with God's will, as revealed by the Holy Spirit? ([55:15])
4. Think of a specific decision you need to make soon. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in this decision? What practical steps will you take to ensure you are listening to His direction? ([01:06:29])
5. Identify one way you can live out your divine purpose this week by loving others, serving faithfully, or spreading the good news about Jesus. How will you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in this task? ([01:02:02])
6. Consider a person in your life who tests your patience. What specific action can you take to show them kindness and love, relying on the Holy Spirit for strength? ([56:50])
7. How can you incorporate shared devotion with someone in your life to grow spiritually together? What will be your first step in starting this practice? ([01:04:08])

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Reveals All Truth
The Holy Spirit guides us into all truth, helping us understand who Jesus is and what He came to do for us. This revelation is crucial for our spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. The Spirit of Truth helps us see beyond the world's offerings and understand the eternal significance of Jesus' sacrifice. When we accept Christ as our Savior, it is the Holy Spirit who makes this truth resonate within us, guiding us back on the path that God has set for us. The Holy Spirit's role is to illuminate the truth of Jesus' teachings and help us apply them in our daily lives. [37:15]

John 16:12-13 (ESV): "I still have many things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. 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: Think about a recent situation where you felt confused or uncertain. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into the truth about that situation today?


Day 2: Spiritual Growth Requires Patience and Discernment
Just as infants need milk before they can handle solid food, new believers need time to grow and understand the deeper truths of the faith. The Holy Spirit works within us to gradually reveal these truths, helping us discern right from wrong and grow in our relationship with God. This process involves patient practice and a willingness to be guided by the Spirit. Much like how a parent teaches a child to ride a bike, the Holy Spirit is always close by to support and guide us as we mature in our faith. [38:45]

Hebrews 5:13-14 (ESV): "For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil."

Reflection: Identify an area in your spiritual life where you feel like an "infant." How can you practice patience and seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to grow in that area?


Day 3: Understanding Our Identity in Christ
The Holy Spirit helps us understand our true identity in Christ. This identity is not something we create but something that God has already planted within us. As we grow in our faith, the Holy Spirit reveals our divine purpose and helps us align our desires with God's will. This understanding empowers us to live out our purpose with confidence and clarity. Knowing who we are in Christ allows us to navigate life's challenges with a sense of purpose and direction, rooted in the truth of God's Word. [55:15]

John 16:14-15 (ESV): "He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you felt unsure of your identity or purpose. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's revelation to understand and embrace your identity in Christ today?


Day 4: Living Out Our Divine Purpose
Our divine purpose involves loving others, serving faithfully, and spreading the good news about Jesus. The Holy Spirit empowers us to do this, just as He empowered Peter to preach to thousands. By relying on the Holy Spirit, we can make a significant impact in our communities, families, and the world, fulfilling the mission God has set for us. The same Holy Spirit who empowered the early disciples is available to us today, equipping us to live out our calling with boldness and love. [01:02:02]

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: Consider one way you can serve others or share the good news of Jesus this week. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in this endeavor?


Day 5: Seeking the Holy Spirit's Guidance
It is essential to continually seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in our lives. Before making decisions, we should ask the Holy Spirit for direction and clarity. The Holy Spirit reveals the truth to us, even when it is difficult to hear, and helps us grow in our relationship with God. By honoring the Holy Spirit and seeking His guidance, we can navigate life's challenges with wisdom and grace. This practice of seeking the Spirit's guidance ensures that our actions and decisions are aligned with God's will, leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. [01:06:29]

James 1:5 (ESV): "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him."

Reflection: Think about a decision you need to make soon. How can you intentionally seek the Holy Spirit's guidance and wisdom in making that decision?

Quotes

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "Spend part of your day in shared devotion. What's that mean? Find somebody and share devotion with them. Tell them, you know what? We're going to read a verse or two. And then later on in the day, just tell me about it. What did you learn? What did the Holy Spirit reveal to you from these verses? That's how. That's part of how you're going to do it. And as you spend time in a shared devotion with somebody, at the same time, ask the Holy Spirit, Holy Spirit, reveal what the Scripture and how it applies to my life. That's the first step." [01:04:08]( | | )

2. "The Holy Spirit is the one that makes us grow. If you've grown in scriptures, if you've grown a deeper relationship with God, with Jesus, it's because of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit's the one that's connected you to the Father. When you accepted Jesus as your Savior, the Holy Spirit is now the one that comforts us. He's the one that advocates for us or fights for us when we go into prayer. It's the role of the Holy Spirit. He's our helper. He leads us into all truth." [34:05]( | | )

3. "The Holy Spirit reveals all truth. He guides us to see the truth about who Jesus is. When you accepted Christ as your Savior, you saw who Jesus is. You saw what Jesus could do to your life, how he could get you off of the off-ramp of life and get you back on track. That was all the role of the Holy Spirit, speaking into you, trying to get you back into a relationship with God. And so the Holy Spirit is the Spirit of truth. He guides us to see the truth about who Jesus is." [37:15]( | | )

4. "The Holy Spirit nurtures that same spiritual growth in us. The Holy Spirit wants us to grow closer to God, wants a deeper relationship with us. And the only way you can have a deeper relationship is through the truth. And that is the scriptures. And that is by praying. And that is by leaning on the Holy Spirit, leaning on a church community where you can gather and you have that support to back you up." [48:59]( | | )

5. "The Holy Spirit's the one who helps us understand who we are. Again, we live in a culture where a lot of our kids are confused. Who does it? Confusing the enemy. He's the one that can, I don't know, I don't know what I feel like today. Maybe I'm a boy, maybe I'm a girl. I don't know what I feel like today, right? That's the enemy confusing. And the Holy Spirit didn't make us to have a confused identity. The Holy Spirit, God made us because we have an identity in Jesus." [55:15]( | | )

### Quotes for Members

1. "The Holy Spirit is going to help you serve faithfully. And then the Holy Spirit is going to help you spread the good news about Jesus. The church didn't spread or start without the baptism in the Holy Spirit. It was at that point that Peter was able to go and preach. He was able to preach to over 3,000 people. 10,000 people and 3,000 were saved. How many can preach in front of 10,000 people? Not even I am raising my hands right now. Okay? But it's the Holy Spirit that gave him. The same guy who chopped ears is the same guy that preached a big message. And 3,000 get saved that day. It's the Holy Spirit that's going to help you live that purpose." [01:03:31]( | | )

2. "The Holy Spirit lights up your mind when you read scriptures. I've read tons of scripture. And sometimes certain scriptures I'll just like, oh, scan through. And then that same scripture months later will come back up. And I'm like, oh, is that what you're saying, God? He lights up. The Holy Spirit is telling me this is what needs to be applied to your life right now. He lights up our mind. And so as we begin to grow, the Holy Spirit begins to become closer to us. And we build a closer relationship with Jesus and God." [46:14]( | | )

3. "The Holy Spirit reveals the final outcome of our efforts, of our living with Jesus Christ, of our living a Christ-like life, of following the guidance of the Holy Spirit. This is your future and your future is in here. Your future is in heaven. Your future is eternal with God. And you have a choice to accept that future or not. That's what it comes down to. And there's only one way to get to that future and that's through Jesus Christ. You can't bypass Him." [48:59]( | | )

4. "The Holy Spirit works with us. Slowly he begins to reveal the truths that we need to know at the time we need to know them. And the church body is here to help you grow, right? We're not going to leave a baby out in the cold and like, okay, you were born. Now go fend for yourself. We're going to give you the tools that you need. We're going to slowly build you up through the guidance of the Holy Spirit." [41:41]( | | )

5. "The Holy Spirit's the one that gives us worth. And it's the Holy Spirit that reveals that to us. The Spirit brings us through patient practice. So you have to have some patient practice. And how many mamas have patience? Okay. When you have that first child, you're probably like, whew, I better learn patience right now. Okay. After maybe two, three, four, maybe child five, you're like, whew, I've learned patience, and I still need more. Okay. But it's the Holy Spirit. He helps us through patient practice to discern what's right and wrong." [38:45]( | | )

6. "The Holy Spirit's the one who helps us understand who we are. Again, we live in a culture where a lot of our kids are confused. Who does it? Confusing the enemy. He's the one that can, I don't know, I don't know what I feel like today. Maybe I'm a boy, maybe I'm a girl. I don't know what I feel like today, right? That's the enemy confusing. And the Holy Spirit didn't make us to have a confused identity. The Holy Spirit, God made us because we have an identity in Jesus." [55:15]( | | )

7. "The Holy Spirit's the one that gives us worth. And it's the Holy Spirit that reveals that to us. The Spirit brings us through patient practice. So you have to have some patient practice. And how many mamas have patience? Okay. When you have that first child, you're probably like, whew, I better learn patience right now. Okay. After maybe two, three, four, maybe child five, you're like, whew, I've learned patience, and I still need more. Okay. But it's the Holy Spirit. He helps us through patient practice to discern what's right and wrong." [38:45]( | | )

Chatbot

  • I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from May 13, 2024. Do you have any questions about it?

Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?