Understanding the Holy Spirit: A New Life
Summary
### Summary
Today, we embark on a new sermon series titled "A New Life Under Construction," which builds on our previous series about understanding our identity as God's children. This new series will focus on how the Holy Spirit leads us into a new life in Christ, helping us realize our potential and allowing the Holy Spirit to create something beautiful within us. The first sermon in this series addresses a critical issue: understanding who the Holy Spirit is. Alarmingly, 58% of self-identified Christians believe the Holy Spirit is merely a symbol of God's power rather than a real, living being. This misunderstanding undermines the very foundation of our Christian faith, which is rooted in the Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
We began by examining Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, affirming the Holy Spirit's divinity. The Holy Spirit is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent, possessing divine attributes and performing divine works. He is not just a force but a person with wisdom, intellect, and emotions. The Holy Spirit inspires Scripture, regenerates believers, and plays a crucial role in the life and ministry of Jesus Christ—from His conception to His resurrection.
The Holy Spirit's relationship with Jesus is profound, demonstrating His power, love, and compassion. This same Holy Spirit dwells within us, guiding and transforming us. Unlike the Old Testament times when the Holy Spirit's presence was temporary and selective, we now have the privilege of His constant presence because of Jesus Christ. This relationship is unique and transformative, offering us guidance and empowerment in our daily lives.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person: Understanding the Holy Spirit as a real, living being is crucial for our faith. He is not merely a symbol of God's power but a divine person who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. This understanding is foundational to grasping the true nature of the Trinity and our relationship with God. [02:50]
2. The Holy Spirit's Role in Creation and Scripture: The Holy Spirit is an agent of creation and the inspirer of Scripture. He brings life and renews the face of the ground, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. Moreover, He inspires the words of the Bible, making them alive and transformative for those who read and understand them. [13:45]
3. The Holy Spirit's Relationship with Jesus: The Holy Spirit played a vital role in Jesus' life, from His conception to His resurrection. He anointed Jesus for His public ministry and empowered Him to endure the crucifixion. This relationship highlights the Holy Spirit's power, love, and compassion, which are also available to us. [24:31]
4. The Holy Spirit's Presence in Our Lives: Unlike the Old Testament times when the Holy Spirit's presence was temporary and selective, we now have the privilege of His constant presence. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be with us forever, guiding and transforming us into the likeness of Christ. [38:19]
5. The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not just a force but a person with wisdom, intellect, and emotions. He teaches, convicts, and guides us, making our relationship with Him deeply personal and transformative. Yielding to the Holy Spirit can forever change our lives, making us more like Christ. [35:39]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Introduction to the New Series
[02:50] - The Problem of Misunderstanding the Holy Spirit
[05:55] - Biblical Affirmation of the Holy Spirit's Divinity
[07:59] - The Holy Spirit's Divine Attributes
[13:45] - The Holy Spirit as Creator and Inspirer of Scripture
[17:12] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Regeneration
[19:31] - The Holy Spirit's Emotions and Personality
[20:57] - The Holy Spirit as Teacher and Helper
[24:31] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Jesus' Life
[31:11] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Jesus' Death and Resurrection
[33:39] - Understanding the Holy Spirit's Power and Relationship
[35:39] - Our Relationship with the Holy Spirit
[38:19] - The Holy Spirit's Constant Presence
[40:17] - Closing Prayer
[42:08] - Closing Song and Blessing
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Matthew 28:19 - "Go therefore, make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit."
2. 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 - "For to us God revealed them through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, even the depths of God. For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so, the thoughts of God no one knows except the Spirit of God."
3. Psalm 104:30 - "You send forth Your Spirit, they are created; And You renew the face of the ground."
#### Observation Questions
1. According to Matthew 28:19, what does Jesus command us to do in relation to the Holy Spirit? [06:24]
2. How does 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 describe the knowledge and understanding of the Holy Spirit? [08:40]
3. What role does Psalm 104:30 attribute to the Holy Spirit in creation? [13:45]
4. In the sermon, what statistic was shared about Christians' belief in the Holy Spirit, and why is it considered problematic? [02:50]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is it significant that Jesus includes the Holy Spirit in the baptismal command in Matthew 28:19? How does this affirm the Holy Spirit's divinity? [06:24]
2. How does understanding the Holy Spirit as omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent (as described in 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 and Psalm 104:30) impact our view of His role in our lives? [08:40] [13:45]
3. The sermon mentioned that the Holy Spirit has emotions and can be grieved (Ephesians 4:30). How does this understanding affect our relationship with Him? [19:31]
4. How does the Holy Spirit's involvement in Jesus' life, from conception to resurrection, demonstrate His power and role in our own spiritual journey? [24:31]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own understanding of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever thought of Him as merely a symbol of God's power? How does recognizing Him as a divine person change your perspective? [02:50]
2. The Holy Spirit is described as omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. How can you rely on these attributes of the Holy Spirit in your daily challenges and decisions? [08:40] [13:45]
3. In what ways can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit, knowing that He has wisdom, intellect, and emotions? What practical steps can you take this week? [19:31]
4. The sermon highlighted the Holy Spirit's role in inspiring Scripture. How can you approach your Bible reading with a renewed sense of its divine inspiration and transformative power? [15:54]
5. Jesus was empowered by the Holy Spirit for His ministry. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your own ministry or service to others? [27:05]
6. The Holy Spirit's presence is now constant and not temporary or selective as in the Old Testament. How does this privilege affect your daily walk with God? [38:19]
7. Think of a specific area in your life where you need transformation. How can you yield to the Holy Spirit to bring about this change? [35:39]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit is a Divine Person
Understanding the Holy Spirit as a real, living being is crucial for our faith. He is not merely a symbol of God's power but a divine person who is omniscient, omnipotent, and omnipresent. This understanding is foundational to grasping the true nature of the Trinity and our relationship with God. The Holy Spirit possesses divine attributes and performs divine works, making Him an integral part of our spiritual journey. Recognizing the Holy Spirit as a person with wisdom, intellect, and emotions allows us to engage in a more profound and personal relationship with Him.
The Holy Spirit's divinity is affirmed in Matthew 28:19, where Jesus commands us to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. This command underscores the Holy Spirit's equal standing within the Trinity. By acknowledging the Holy Spirit as a divine person, we open ourselves to His guidance, teaching, and transformative power in our lives. [02:50]
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: How does recognizing the Holy Spirit as a divine person change the way you approach your relationship with Him today?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit's Role in Creation and Scripture
The Holy Spirit is an agent of creation and the inspirer of Scripture. He brings life and renews the face of the ground, as seen in Genesis and Psalms. Moreover, He inspires the words of the Bible, making them alive and transformative for those who read and understand them. The Holy Spirit's involvement in creation and Scripture highlights His divine power and wisdom, emphasizing His active role in God's plan for humanity.
Understanding the Holy Spirit's role in creation helps us appreciate the depth of His involvement in our world. He is not a distant force but an active participant in the ongoing work of creation and renewal. Similarly, recognizing the Holy Spirit as the inspirer of Scripture allows us to approach the Bible with reverence and openness, knowing that it is a living document meant to guide and transform us. [13:45]
Psalm 104:30 (ESV): "When you send forth your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the ground."
Reflection: How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring new life and understanding as you read Scripture today?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit's Relationship with Jesus
The Holy Spirit played a vital role in Jesus' life, from His conception to His resurrection. He anointed Jesus for His public ministry and empowered Him to endure the crucifixion. This relationship highlights the Holy Spirit's power, love, and compassion, which are also available to us. By examining the Holy Spirit's relationship with Jesus, we gain insight into how the Holy Spirit can work in our lives, providing us with the strength and guidance we need to fulfill our God-given purposes.
The Holy Spirit's presence in Jesus' life serves as a model for our own relationship with Him. Just as the Holy Spirit empowered Jesus, He is available to empower us in our daily lives. This empowerment is not limited to extraordinary moments but extends to our everyday actions and decisions, helping us to live in alignment with God's will. [24:31]
Luke 4:18 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment and guidance today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit's Presence in Our Lives
Unlike the Old Testament times when the Holy Spirit's presence was temporary and selective, we now have the privilege of His constant presence. Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit would be with us forever, guiding and transforming us into the likeness of Christ. This constant presence is a unique and transformative gift, offering us guidance and empowerment in our daily lives. The Holy Spirit's indwelling presence means that we are never alone; we have a divine helper who is always with us, ready to lead and support us.
The Holy Spirit's constant presence is a source of comfort and strength. It assures us that we are not left to navigate life's challenges on our own. Instead, we have a divine companion who is intimately involved in our lives, helping us to grow in faith and character. This ongoing relationship with the Holy Spirit is a testament to God's love and commitment to us. [38:19]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: How can you become more aware of the Holy Spirit's constant presence in your life today?
Day 5: The Transformative Power of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not just a force but a person with wisdom, intellect, and emotions. He teaches, convicts, and guides us, making our relationship with Him deeply personal and transformative. Yielding to the Holy Spirit can forever change our lives, making us more like Christ. The Holy Spirit's transformative power is evident in the way He shapes our thoughts, attitudes, and actions, helping us to grow in spiritual maturity and Christlikeness.
By yielding to the Holy Spirit, we allow Him to work in us and through us, bringing about lasting change. This transformation is not a one-time event but an ongoing process that requires our cooperation and willingness to be led by the Spirit. As we submit to the Holy Spirit's guidance, we experience the fullness of life that God intends for us, marked by love, joy, peace, and other fruits of the Spirit. [35:39]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: What specific area of your life do you need to yield to the Holy Spirit's transformative power today?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When you're building like that, what that really represents, represents is an undiscovered potential for a new creation. That there is so much potential there. You can see it looks like maybe that's a building that might be a door, might be a jail. I'm not quite sure what he's building there. But nonetheless, it is a potential for a new creation. It's whatever he can come up with." (29 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "In this series, we're going to be looking at how the Holy Spirit leads us into a new life in Christ. We will come to understand, our potential. And allow the Holy Spirit to create something beautiful in us and through us. This very much is a new life under construction." (20 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "We need to stop thinking of the Holy Spirit as some impersonal force or power. We need to think of Him as a person who has a personality like us. And that statement might shock you. You maybe have never thought of the Holy Spirit to have a personality. But it's there. It's in Scripture." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The beauty in the Holy Spirit is even though He is God, even though He is divine and He can do all these incredible things, He still works with us. He works with Christians. He teaches us. Jesus says in John 14, But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I said to you." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Just like Jesus you too can have a relationship with the Holy Spirit. And our relationship with the Holy Spirit is very special in all of human history. If you didn't know this. We are so privileged we are so honored that we are born in this part of human history." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "Of self-identified Christians, 58% contend that the Holy Spirit is not a real living being, but is merely a symbol of God's power, presence, or purity. 58% of Christians don't affirm that the Holy Spirit is a person. 58% of Christians don't understand the God that they worship, is really what that's saying. This is a huge problem in the church. When we don't understand the Trinity, then do we really have Christian faith?" (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Overall, we're not going deep on our own, trying to develop a relationship with God, coming to understand him, wrestling with our own faith. That's what we're called to do. We're supposed to challenge ourselves. Do we understand what the Bible really says? All of this results in, a growing number of Christians, who really don't understand the God they worship." (28 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit regenerates those who believe in Jesus Christ. This is a divine act. Now, I'm not going to go into this, because we're going to save that for next week, and we're going to talk extensively into that. But the fact that you're given new life, I want to just make you aware of that. You have a new life in Christ. He transforms us through the power of the Holy Spirit." (26 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit Himself can experience emotions and pain. Probably the most dramatic example of this comes from Ephesians 4. Verse 30 says, Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit. Did you know you could grieve the Holy Spirit? But more to this point, as we're studying this, it means that He has emotions. He's grieved. He's grieved by the bad things that we do." (44 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Holy Spirit has wisdom and intellect. When Isaiah is prophesying about Jesus, part of that is what the Holy Spirit will give to Jesus. And Isaiah writes, The Spirit of the Lord will rest on Him. Meaning on Jesus. The Spirit of wisdom and understanding. The Spirit of counsel and strength. The Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord. Do you hear? Do you hear in that, that the Holy Spirit will come upon Christ and give Him wisdom, intelligence, intellect, reasoning?" (49 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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