Most religions have a god, so everyone is kinda comfortable with that.
Some religions have a central key figure like Jesus (except not like Jesus at all).
No other religion even has a category for the way that God presents himself as Spirit
He’s more specific than He is generic
He has intelligence…
[1 Corinthians 2:10]
“But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets.”
He has feelings…
[Ephesians 4:30]
“And do not bring sorrow to God’s Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption.”
He has a will…
[1 Corinthians 12:11]
“It is the one and only Spirit who distributes all these gifts. He alone decides which gift each person should have.”
Let’s see what Jesus said about the Holy Spirit…
[John 3:3-8]
“Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, unless you are born again, you cannot see the Kingdom of God.” “What do you mean?” exclaimed Nicodemus. “How can an old man go back into his mother’s womb and be born again?” Jesus replied, “I assure you, no one can enter the Kingdom of God without being born of water and the Spirit. Humans can reproduce only human life, but the Holy Spirit gives birth to spiritual life. So don’t be surprised when I say, ‘You must be born again.’ The wind blows wherever it wants. Just as you can hear the wind but can’t tell where it comes from or where it is going, so you can’t explain how people are born of the Spirit.”
- It’s the Holy Spirit that gives you life in God
- Jesus compared the Holy Spirit to wind
- You can’t see the wind but you can see the effects of the wind
- You can’t see the Holy Spirit but you can see his effects
- Have you seen that?
- Jesus said this new life was like a new birth
- You have a physical birth
- But you NEED a spiritual birth
- We are born spiritual dead.
[Ephesians 2:1, 4-5, 8-9]
“Once you were dead because of your disobedience and your many sins. “But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) “God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.”
- GOD THE SPIRIT MAKES YOU A SON OR DAUGHTER OF GOD
[Romans 8:14-16]
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. So you have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.” For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God’s children.”
2. GOD THE SPIRIT CHANGES US FROM THE INSIDE
[2 Corinthians 3:16-18]
“But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.”
[Galatians 5:22-23]
says that the “fruit of the Holy Spirit” is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, perseverance, self-control.
3. GOD THE SPIRIT GIVES GIFTS TO GOD’S KIDS
[1 Corinthians 12:7]
“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.”
4. GOD THE SPIRIT GROWS THE FAMILY THROUGH YOU
[Acts 1:8]
“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
[Revelations 22:17]
“The Spirit and the bride say, “Come.” Let anyone who hears this say, “Come.” Let anyone who is thirsty come. Let anyone who desires drink freely from the water of life.”
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Application Questions
1. What stood out to you from this message and why?
2. What is one thing God is telling you to START doing because of this message?
3. What is one thing God is telling you to STOP doing because of this message?
4. How will this message change how you act at home, work and in the your relationships?