Honoring the Holy Spirit: Embracing His Presence

Summary

Tonight, we gathered to focus our hearts on Jesus and to welcome the Holy Spirit, recognizing that it is His presence that truly sets us apart as God’s people. Jesus, before going to the cross, promised not to leave us as orphans but to send the Holy Spirit—one just like Himself—to dwell within us, to father us, and to guide us into maturity and our God-given destiny. The Holy Spirit is not just a force or an influence, but a person who desires relationship, who provides identity, protection, provision, and guidance, just as a loving father would. Our calling is not only to receive this relationship but to honor the Holy Spirit in practical, daily ways.

Honoring the Holy Spirit means placing value on Him, expressing that value through our words, actions, and attitudes. When we honor Him, we open ourselves to all He wants to bring into our lives; when we dishonor Him—through neglect, ingratitude, or treating Him as unimportant—we build barriers that block His work in us. This principle of honor is woven through both our natural and spiritual lives. Just as gratitude and respect open doors in human relationships, so too does honor create access to the Spirit’s presence and power.

Practically, we honor the Holy Spirit by hungering for His presence, making time for Him, and pursuing Him with intentionality. Surrender is another key: daily yielding our plans, desires, and even our weaknesses to Him, trusting His wisdom above our own. We are called to practice His presence throughout the day, not just in set times, but by turning our attention to Him, praying in the Spirit, and cultivating an awareness that He is with us. Seeking His guidance, listening for His gentle voice, and being willing to change our plans when He leads are all ways we show Him honor.

We must also be careful not to grieve or quench the Holy Spirit. Grieving Him happens when we harbor bitterness, speak negatively, or treat others unkindly; quenching Him occurs when we become rigid, fearful, or too busy to respond to His promptings. Instead, we are to make room for Him, to be flexible, and to activate the gifts He has given us by stepping out in faith to serve and bless others. The Spirit desires to work through each of us, not because we are perfect, but because we are willing and available. As we honor Him, we become channels of His love, power, and encouragement to those around us.

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit is sent to “father” us, providing identity, protection, provision, and guidance. Just as Jesus fathered His disciples, the Spirit now dwells within us to mature us into sons and daughters who build our Father’s house. This relationship is not passive; it calls us to grow, to listen, and to allow the Spirit to shape our lives for God’s purposes. [41:16]

- Honor is a spiritual principle that governs the flow of God’s presence and power. When we honor the Holy Spirit—by valuing Him, expressing gratitude, and making room for Him—we open ourselves to receive all He has for us. Dishonor, whether through neglect, familiarity, or ingratitude, builds invisible walls that block the Spirit’s work and leave us spiritually dry. [53:01]

- Hungering for the Holy Spirit’s presence is foundational. True hunger is expressed through pursuit—setting aside time, fasting, praying, and giving God the first part of our day. This hunger keeps our hearts alive and sensitive, and it is easily lost through distraction, busyness, or overfamiliarity. Cultivating hunger is a daily discipline that keeps us open to fresh encounters with God. [57:05]

- Surrender is the daily act of yielding control to the Holy Spirit. It is not a vague intention but a specific, intentional offering of our hearts, minds, plans, and weaknesses to God. Surrender creates an altar in our lives, attracting the fire of God and releasing His peace. Where we refuse to surrender, we experience conflict and anxiety; where we yield, we find rest and divine guidance. [01:05:06]

- We honor the Holy Spirit by being sensitive to what grieves or quenches Him. Bitterness, unkindness, and rigid control all cause the Spirit to withdraw, leaving us without His peace and power. Instead, we are called to be flexible, to make room for His interruptions, and to activate the gifts He has given us by stepping out in faith to serve others. The Spirit delights to work through those who are available, not those who are perfect. [01:29:20]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - Focusing on Jesus and Inviting the Holy Spirit
[02:30] - Jesus’ Promise: The Holy Spirit as Our Helper
[05:00] - The Holy Spirit Fathers Us
[09:00] - What It Means to Honor the Holy Spirit
[13:00] - The Power of Honor and the Danger of Dishonor
[17:00] - Practical Ways to Honor the Holy Spirit
[21:00] - Hungering for God’s Presence
[25:00] - The Discipline of Surrender
[31:00] - Practicing the Presence of God Daily
[36:00] - Seeking the Spirit’s Guidance and Hearing His Voice
[43:00] - Avoiding Grieving and Quenching the Spirit
[48:00] - Making Room for the Spirit’s Interruptions
[52:00] - Activating Spiritual Gifts and Serving Others
[58:00] - Ministry Time: Prayer, Healing, and Fresh Fire

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Honoring the Holy Spirit

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### Bible Reading

John 14:16-18 (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. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

Ephesians 4:29-30 (ESV)
> Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

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### Observation Questions

1. In John 14:16-18, what does Jesus promise his disciples about the Holy Spirit’s role after He leaves?
2. According to the sermon, what does it mean that the Holy Spirit “fathers” us? ([41:16])
3. In Ephesians 4:29-30, what are some specific actions or attitudes that can grieve the Holy Spirit?
4. What practical examples did the sermon give for honoring the Holy Spirit in daily life? ([55:17])

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### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus chose to describe the Holy Spirit as “another Helper” who would not leave us as orphans? What does this say about God’s heart for us? ([41:16])
2. The sermon says that honor is a spiritual principle that “governs the flow of God’s presence and power.” How does this principle work in both our relationship with God and with people? ([53:01])
3. What does it look like, practically, to “hunger” for the Holy Spirit’s presence? Why is this hunger so easily lost? ([57:05])
4. The message warns against grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit. What are some subtle ways Christians might do this without realizing it? ([01:29:20])

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### Application Questions

1. The Holy Spirit is described as a loving Father who provides identity, protection, provision, and guidance. In what area of your life do you most need to experience the Holy Spirit’s “fathering” right now? What would it look like to invite Him into that area? ([41:16])
2. The sermon says we honor the Holy Spirit by making time for Him and hungering for His presence. What is one practical change you could make this week to set aside time for the Holy Spirit? ([57:05])
3. Surrender is described as a daily, specific act—not just a vague intention. Is there a specific area (like your plans, relationships, or worries) that you sense God is asking you to surrender? What would it look like to do that this week? ([01:05:06])
4. The message warns that bitterness, unkindness, and rigid control can grieve or quench the Spirit. Is there a relationship or situation where you’ve noticed these attitudes in yourself? How could you respond differently to honor the Holy Spirit? ([01:29:20])
5. The sermon encourages us to “practice the presence of God” throughout the day, not just in set times. What is one way you could remind yourself of the Holy Spirit’s presence during your daily routine? ([01:11:54])
6. The Holy Spirit wants to work through us to bless others, not because we’re perfect but because we’re available. Is there someone in your life you feel prompted to encourage, serve, or pray for this week? What step could you take to act on that prompting? ([01:40:09])
7. When was the last time you sensed the Holy Spirit leading you to change your plans or step out in faith? How did you respond, and what did you learn from that experience? ([01:36:34])

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Close in prayer, inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your group in honoring Him this week.

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Comforter and Father
Jesus promised not to leave us as orphans but to send the Holy Spirit, who would dwell within us, guide us, and father us into maturity. The Holy Spirit is not distant or impersonal; He is present to provide identity, protection, provision, and guidance, just as Jesus did for His disciples. As believers, we are called to recognize the Spirit’s indwelling presence, allowing Him to grow us up as true sons and daughters who build our Father’s house and represent Him in the world. This relationship is foundational to living a life that honors God and fulfills our destiny as His children. [41:16]

John 14:16-18 (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. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most feel “orphaned” or alone, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to father and guide you in that area today?


Day 2: Honoring the Holy Spirit by Hungering for His Presence
Honoring the Holy Spirit begins with cultivating a deep hunger for His presence, valuing Him above all else, and expressing that desire through prayer, worship, and intentional pursuit. Just as David longed to dwell in the house of the Lord, we are called to seek God with a focused heart, making room for Him in our daily lives. This hunger is demonstrated not only in our words but in our actions—setting aside time, fasting, and prioritizing God above distractions. When we hunger for the Holy Spirit, we communicate that He is precious to us, and we open ourselves to encounter Him more deeply. [57:05]

Psalm 27:4-5 (ESV)
"One thing have I asked of the Lord, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to inquire in his temple. For he will hide me in his shelter in the day of trouble; he will conceal me under the cover of his tent; he will lift me high upon a rock."

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to express your hunger for God’s presence—perhaps by setting aside a specific time for prayer, worship, or fasting?


Day 3: Surrendering Daily to the Holy Spirit
Surrendering to the Holy Spirit is an intentional, daily act of yielding control and trusting Him to lead, transform, and guide every aspect of our lives. True surrender is specific, not general; it means offering our hearts, thoughts, desires, and weaknesses to God, allowing Him to shape us and direct our steps. This act of surrender creates an altar in our lives where God’s fire can fall, bringing peace and freedom from anxiety and striving. When we surrender, we honor the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and leadership, making room for His power to work in and through us. [01:02:20]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one specific area of your life—such as your thoughts, relationships, or plans—that you need to intentionally surrender to the Holy Spirit today?


Day 4: Do Not Grieve or Quench the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is sensitive and can be grieved or quenched by our attitudes, words, and actions—especially when we harbor bitterness, speak negatively, or refuse to make room for Him to move. Grieving the Spirit causes His presence to withdraw, leading to a loss of joy, peace, and spiritual vitality. Quenching the Spirit happens when we become rigid, controlling, or too busy to respond to His promptings. Instead, we are called to be kind, forgiving, flexible, and attentive, loving what He loves and avoiding what He hates, so that His presence and power can flow freely in our lives. [01:30:17]

Ephesians 4:29-32 (ESV)
"Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Is there a relationship or situation where your words or attitudes may have grieved the Holy Spirit? What step can you take today to restore kindness and openness to His presence?


Day 5: Honoring the Holy Spirit by Being Available to Bless Others
One of the greatest ways to honor the Holy Spirit is by being available and willing to be used by Him to minister to others, activating the gifts He has given us. God does not wait for us to be perfect; He desires our trust and availability, calling us to step out in faith, take risks, and serve those around us. When we listen to the Spirit’s promptings and act—whether through a word of encouragement, a prayer, or a simple act of kindness—we become channels for His power and love. This honors the Holy Spirit and builds up the body of Christ, allowing His fire and presence to touch lives through us. [01:40:09]

1 Corinthians 12:7 (ESV)
"To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally bless or encourage today by stepping out in faith and allowing the Holy Spirit to work through you?

Quotes

When you honour someone, you open the way for all they have to come to you. If you dishonour someone, they would draw from you and what they have to benefit your life no longer comes to you. So whenever this dishonour and disrespect, a wall or barrier is built that stops you receiving and stops them functioning. [00:51:14] (25 seconds)  #HonorOpensDoors Edit Clip

The process of surrender creates an altar and altars attract the fire of God. You think all through the Bible, the fire of God fell on altars. What's the altar we build? The altar is where we surrender something to the Lord and don't take it back. [01:05:00] (16 seconds)  #AltarsAttractFire Edit Clip

All I'm doing is awakening up to the fact that when you don't do it you're dishonoring the Holy Spirit. When you dishonor Him you shut down the flow of His life to you. So when I hunger for Him I'm expressing that I value and honor His activity in my life. When I surrender to Him I'm communicating that I honor His input and leadership in my life. [01:09:44] (25 seconds)  #HonorLeadsToLife Edit Clip

It's quite simple stuff. And these are not like rocket science. They're just a simple childlike trust. My dad's going to look after me. And the Spirit's here to father me. He's going to help me. Help me get that car park. Help me get the finance. Help me get what I need. Help bring things to me that I need. Help open doors for me. It's just like, you know, dad's got my back. That's how I'm meant to live. Just a child. It's like there's a sort of like a childlike just trust. He'll come through for me because I'm his child. He'll want to look after me. That's how it's supposed to be. It's just very, very simple. [01:28:28] (42 seconds)  #ChildlikeTrustInFather Edit Clip

If you want to stop a fire, what you do is get a blanket and you put water on it, soak it with water and throw it on the fire, and the fire goes out like that. So it's called wet blanketing. Now, some people are wet blankets. They're wet blankets in relationships. What's a wet blanket like? You say, hey, this is exciting. Why don't we do this? I don't know. And suddenly the atmosphere is just down like that. You know, wow, we had such an exciting time. I don't know. I don't agree with that. Oh my goodness. And Everett, do you know anyone that's a wet blanket? They're not very nice to be around because all your spontaneity, all your enthusiasm, everything, the joy, let's do this. Why don't we do this? This would be great. And they just wet blanket it like that. They put the fire out. There's no encouragement whatsoever. Just put the fire out. Well, you see, you can put the fire out with the Holy Spirit. When we won't make room for Him, or we become inflexible, or we try to control everything. You've got to make room for Him. [01:36:11] (58 seconds)  #AvoidWetBlanketing Edit Clip

If you want to honour the Holy Spirit, is to activate the gifts he's given. See, the Bible says that in 1 Corinthians 12 7, now the gifts of the Spirit or the empowerment to help people is given to every believer. So if you want to honour him, then one way you'll honour him is by valuing that he will use you to work and bless someone else. Religion will tell you you're not ready yet. You're not ready yet. But it doesn't ever tell you when you will be ready. You'll never be ready. I'm still not ready. I've learnt this, you're never going to be ready. God just wants you to trust him and be available. And it's the people who are available that God will work through. [01:39:25] (51 seconds)  #ActivateSpiritGifts Edit Clip