Partnering with the Holy Spirit in Community
Summary
### Summary
Good morning, everyone. Today, we explored the profound concept of community and the importance of partnering with the Holy Spirit in our lives. Drawing from my background in communications, I shared insights into how different cultures approach community. While some cultures are collectivist, others are more individualistic. However, God calls us to form a spiritual community, or "Kohaneia," where no one feels alone. This sense of community is vital, especially in times of trials and tribulations.
We delved into the book of Zechariah, a prophet whose name means "remembered." Zechariah's prophecies came after the Israelites' 70-year exile in Babylon, and his messages were filled with encouragement and hope. Unlike Haggai, who had a more cautionary tone, Zechariah emphasized God's promises and the coming of the Messiah. His prophecies remind us that God remembers His promises and will fulfill them in His time.
The core of today's message was about the Holy Spirit as our partner. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant entity but an intimate partner in our daily lives. From drawing us to Christ to guiding us in truth, the Holy Spirit plays a crucial role. We cannot accomplish God's will through our own might or power; it is only through the Spirit that we can succeed. This partnership with the Holy Spirit is essential for overcoming challenges, making wise decisions, and living a life that honors God.
We also discussed the various gifts of the Holy Spirit, as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12. Each believer has a unique gift that contributes to the body of Christ. Whether it's wisdom, knowledge, faith, or healing, these gifts are given for the common good. Understanding and utilizing these gifts can help us live more fulfilling and impactful lives.
Finally, we touched on the fruit of the Spirit, which includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives and are essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness.
### Key Takeaways
1. Community and Kohaneia: God calls us to form a spiritual community where no one feels alone. This concept of "Kohaneia" is essential, especially in times of trials. We are not just individuals; we are a collective body of believers who support and uplift each other. [37:46]
2. The Role of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is our intimate partner in life. From drawing us to Christ to guiding us in truth, the Holy Spirit is involved in every aspect of our spiritual journey. We cannot accomplish God's will through our own might; it is only through the Spirit that we can succeed. [51:13]
3. Gifts of the Holy Spirit: Each believer has a unique spiritual gift that contributes to the body of Christ. These gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, and healing, are given for the common good. Understanding and utilizing these gifts can help us live more fulfilling and impactful lives. [08:40]
4. Fruit of the Spirit: The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives and are essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness. [11:12]
5. Dependence on God: We must declare our dependency on God in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's being a good spouse, parent, or leader, we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit. This dependence transforms our lives and enables us to live by God's power rather than our own strength. [14:31]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[36:37] - Introduction to Community
[37:46] - Kohaneia: Spiritual Community
[38:43] - Importance of Human Touch
[39:24] - Prayer for the Congregation
[39:58] - The Gates of Hell Shall Not Prevail
[40:46] - Declaration of Dependency on God
[43:13] - Partnering with the Holy Spirit
[46:36] - Background on Zechariah
[47:28] - Zechariah's Prophecies
[49:29] - Encouragement from Zechariah
[50:30] - The Holy Spirit as Our Partner
[51:47] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[52:16] - Personal Testimony
[53:21] - Zechariah's Vision
[53:51] - Not by Might, Nor by Power
[54:27] - Overcoming Challenges with the Holy Spirit
[55:29] - The Ruach of God
[56:29] - Partnering with the Holy Spirit
[57:00] - Guidance from the Holy Spirit
[58:00] - Personal Testimony: Financial Obedience
[59:33] - 1 Corinthians 2: Wisdom from the Spirit
[01:00:02] - The Spirit's Power
[01:01:04] - God's Wisdom Revealed
[01:02:05] - The Spirit Searches All Things
[01:03:09] - Understanding God's Gifts
[01:04:08] - The Mind of Christ
[01:04:40] - Spiritual Gifts in 1 Corinthians 12
[01:06:43] - Manifestation of the Spirit
[01:07:39] - Gifts of Wisdom and Knowledge
[01:08:40] - Discovering Your Spiritual Gift
[01:09:41] - The Spirit of Truth
[01:10:13] - Personal Testimony: Corporate America
[01:11:12] - Fruit of the Spirit
[01:12:11] - Living by the Spirit
[01:13:26] - Partnering with the Holy Spirit in Daily Life
[01:14:31] - Declaring Dependency on God
[01:15:46] - Receiving the Holy Spirit
[01:16:48] - The Invigorating Power of the Spirit
[01:17:18] - Personal Testimony: The Forge Movie
[01:18:21] - Intimacy with the Holy Spirit
[01:19:20] - The Seal of the Holy Spirit
[01:20:41] - The Resurrection Power of the Spirit
[01:21:20] - The Holy Spirit in Repentance
[01:22:00] - Developing an Intimate Friendship with the Holy Spirit
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Zechariah 4:6 - "So he said to me, 'This is the word of the Lord to Zerubbabel: Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit,' says the Lord Almighty."
2. 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 - "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but in all of them and in everyone it is the same God at work. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit a message of wisdom, to another a message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he distributes them to each one, just as he determines."
3. Galatians 5:22-23 - "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
### Observation Questions
1. What does Zechariah 4:6 emphasize about how God's work is accomplished? ([53:51])
2. According to 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, what are some of the different gifts given by the Holy Spirit? ([01:08:40])
3. What are the characteristics listed as the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22-23? ([11:12])
4. How does the sermon describe the role of the Holy Spirit in drawing us to Christ? ([51:47])
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Zechariah's message to Zerubbabel was "Not by might nor by power, but by my Spirit"? How does this apply to our daily lives? ([53:51])
2. How can understanding and utilizing our spiritual gifts, as described in 1 Corinthians 12, contribute to the body of Christ? ([01:08:40])
3. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of community, or "Kohaneia," in the life of a believer? ([37:46])
4. How does the fruit of the Spirit, as listed in Galatians 5:22-23, manifest in a believer's life according to the sermon? ([11:12])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you tried to accomplish something by your own strength rather than relying on the Holy Spirit. How did that experience turn out, and what did you learn from it? ([53:51])
2. Identify your spiritual gift(s) from 1 Corinthians 12. How can you use these gifts to serve your church community more effectively? ([01:08:40])
3. Think of a specific situation where you felt alone. How can you foster a sense of "Kohaneia" or spiritual community in your life to ensure no one feels alone? ([37:46])
4. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it as part of your interactions with your family or friends? ([11:12])
5. How can you declare your dependency on God in a specific area of your life this week? What steps will you take to rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than your own abilities? ([14:31])
6. Reflect on a recent decision you made. How did you seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit in that decision? If you didn't, how might you approach similar decisions differently in the future? ([57:00])
7. Think of a person who tests your patience. What is a short prayer you can say before the next time you interact with that person to help you exhibit the fruit of the Spirit? ([11:12])
Devotional
Day 1: Building a Spiritual Community
Description: God calls us to form a spiritual community where no one feels alone. This concept of "Kohaneia" is essential, especially in times of trials. We are not just individuals; we are a collective body of believers who support and uplift each other. [37:46]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: Think of someone in your church community who might be feeling isolated. How can you reach out to them this week to offer support and fellowship?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit as Our Partner
Description: The Holy Spirit is our intimate partner in life. From drawing us to Christ to guiding us in truth, the Holy Spirit is involved in every aspect of our spiritual journey. We cannot accomplish God's will through our own might; it is only through the Spirit that we can succeed. [51:13]
John 14:16-17 (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."
Reflection: In what area of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's guidance today? Spend a few moments in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead you.
Day 3: Utilizing Spiritual Gifts
Description: Each believer has a unique spiritual gift that contributes to the body of Christ. These gifts, such as wisdom, knowledge, and healing, are given for the common good. Understanding and utilizing these gifts can help us live more fulfilling and impactful lives. [08:40]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual gift do you believe God has given you? How can you use this gift to serve others in your church or community this week?
Day 4: Manifesting the Fruit of the Spirit
Description: The fruit of the Spirit includes love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. These characteristics are the manifestation of the Holy Spirit in our lives and are essential for our spiritual growth and effectiveness. [11:12]
Galatians 5:22-23 (ESV): "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit? Ask God to help you grow in this area today.
Day 5: Declaring Dependence on God
Description: We must declare our dependency on God in every aspect of our lives. Whether it's being a good spouse, parent, or leader, we cannot do it without the Holy Spirit. This dependence transforms our lives and enables us to live by God's power rather than our own strength. [14:31]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Identify one area of your life where you have been relying on your own strength. What steps can you take to surrender this area to God and depend on His power?
Quotes
1. "The building is just where we congregate. But you are his people. And what God wants from us is for us to be more of what they call Kohaneia. Kohaneia is a Greek Hebrew term for community. God looks for us to be not only just people that are coming from various cultures and backgrounds and experiences. He looks for us, those who are in his body, who are believers. He looks for us to be what we call, to create Kohaneia. Kohaneia is community where no one feels that they are alone." [37:46] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "You belong to God. You are his people. You are the church. In the name of Jesus, Father, and we thank you, Holy Spirit, that you will speak to us in a way that's individualistic, but a way that is corporate, God. We thank you, God, that you will touch every circumstance under the sound of my voice, God. And that, Father God, you will go to work." [40:46] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "I know you're smart. I know you're capable. I know you're strong. But declare your whole dependency on God. I declare my dependency on Him. Come on, young people. You may be youthful, but declare your dependency on God. Come on. I declare my dependency on Him. I can't be the husband I'm supposed to be. I can't be the wife I'm supposed to be. I can't be the father I'm supposed to be. I can't be the boss I'm supposed to be. I can't be the leader I'm supposed to be. I declare my dependency on Him." [43:13] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The same way that God accomplishes his will in our life is through us partnering with the Holy Spirit. Certain things you're not going to overcome on your own. I did not overcome at the age of 20. Listening to Biggie. I had a Biggie problem. Biggie had got a hold of me. You know it's the B-I-G. B-O-B-B-A. No info for the what? Y'all got to get delivered from Biggie. Got a Biggie problem." [54:27] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "God's spirit cannot be seen. But it can be felt. His spirit communicates. And his spirit changes things. So the Ruach of God is what we're after. It is the breath of God. It's God's presence in my life. It's God's movement in my life. I partner with God. How did you get so faithful, Tamika. I partnered with God. When I was 20. And now I'm 50. And I've been partnering with him ever since. Battles. Yes. Battles. Want. Battles. Loss. But I partner with God." [55:29] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "You must know what gift you have been given by the Holy Spirit. That's why when you go through our growth partnership membership class, we give you a gift assessment. Trying to help you navigate. So I find that identity like what is it that God has given me by his Spirit. For as the body is one and has many members. But all the members of that one body being many are one body. So also is Christ." [01:08:40] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You want to live by God's power. Not just a lot of talk. That power is called Dunamis in Greek. It's God's supernatural ability living through you. You'll receive this power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. In Acts 19, there were some disciples. Disciples. Disciples. And they said when Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some know what a disciple is. Somebody that is serious about walking with God." [01:15:04] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "The Holy Spirit knows you. Your wife don't know you the way the Holy Spirit knows you. I don't know you baby the way the Holy Spirit does. I'm talking about intimate details of your life. He knows. And he's willing to reveal it to you. Somebody say I got the partner. I got the partner with him. The day you become a believer, he says he seals you. That seal means it's like an identity." [01:19:58] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "The Holy Spirit is there when you repent. The Holy Spirit removes the barriers that keep you from all that God has for you. The Holy Spirit. What you gotta ask God is to give you all that he has for you. I want us, as you stand on your feet, to think about this. When you first start off, it's ankle deep according to Ezekiel. Then it's knee deep. Then it's waist deep. And then it becomes like a river that you cannot avoid." [01:21:20] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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