Week 3: The Holy Spirit
Jesus said the Holy Spirit was given to fill a need in our lives. With Jesus ascended to the right hand of the Father, continuing His work would be a task far too great for mere man. The Holy Spirit plays an essential role in our lives both to grow in our relationship with God – our ability to love Him – and our relationship with others – our ability to love our neighbor. There is much to learn about this much neglected subject, and this week’s devotions really only scratch the surface. My hope is at the very least, you will come to appreciate the necessity and power of the Spirit in our lives.
–Pastor Mike
Small Group Questions for Week of 9/28/08
- Opening: How have you seen God work this week?
- As applicable, what stood out to you this week as you spent time with God in the devotionals?
- The Holy Spirit’s role to guide and teach us truth is key to building a healthy relationship with the Father. What have you learned lately from the Word about God that has impacted your love for Him?
- Being filled with the Spirit produces an inner joy and peace (Col. 3:15) that results in, among other things, a thankful heart. Paul says in Ephesians to give thanks to God for everything; in Colossians he says whatever we do, whether in word or deed, give thanks to God. If a thankful heart is a product of being filled with the Spirit, how are you doing in your walk with the Spirit? Are you quarter full, half full, completely full of the Spirit’s influence? Do you see any correlation between time spent meditating on His Word and a thankful attitude?
- Living by the Spirit means setting our minds on what the Spirit desires (Rom. 8:5). Gal. 5:19-23 reveals the difference between the flesh and the Spirit. In looking at the list of fleshly acts, are there any areas that you struggle with? In those struggles, what do you believe “setting our minds on what the Spirit desires” looks like practically in relation to that struggle?
- Gal. 5:22-23 lists the fruit of the Spirit. Here, they are not given as goals to pursue, but the product of a Spirit-led life. Looking at the list of fruit, how is your Spirit-led life progressing?
- It is encouraging to know that as we share the gospel, we are not alone. How does knowing the Holy Spirit works in collaboration with our efforts affect your attitude and approach to sharing Christ? In hindsight, how have you seen the Spirit work behind-the-scenes in your efforts to share Christ?
As you go into your prayer time, consider the following questions:
• How have you struggled this week?
• How can the others in the group help you?