Who is the Holy Spirit
Pastor Shawn Stone
September 22, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Warm Welcome: “Hey, good morning, Captive Eight. How are we doing?”
Acknowledgment of Fall: Mention it's the first official day of fall, encouraging everyone to enjoy seasonal activities.
Reference to Style: Light-hearted comment on Chris Hauck's style as an icebreaker.
Transition to the Sermon: Introduce the passage from John 14 and jump into the topic for today.
Series Overview
Series Continuation: This is Week 2 of the “Holy Spirit, Come” series.
Importance of the Holy Spirit: It’s not just a title but a desperate prayer – “We can’t do this thing (church and life) without the Holy Spirit.”
Diverse Reactions to the Holy Spirit:
Excited responses: People who are enthusiastic about the Holy Spirit.
Hesitant responses: Those who’ve had overwhelming experiences or misunderstandings.
Key Problem Statement
Many Christians lack understanding of the Holy Spirit due to:
Pride: Believing they can live life without God.
Distraction: Being caught up in the busyness of life.
Ignorance: Simply not knowing about the Holy Spirit’s role.
Introduction to the Main Points
Quote from A.W. Tozer: “If the Holy Spirit was withdrawn from the church today, 95% of what we do would go on, and no one would know the difference.”
Reflection Question: Is our church operating without dependence on the Holy Spirit?
Core Scripture Reading: John 14:16-26
Jesus’ Promise of the Holy Spirit: The Helper, the Spirit of Truth.
Significance: The Holy Spirit is a gift to every believer.
Main Points
Who is the Holy Spirit?
The Holy Spirit as a Person:
Not an ‘it’ or force but a person with pronouns "He" and "Him."
Emphasize the Holy Spirit has a mind, will, and emotions.
The Holy Spirit as God:
Explain the Trinity: One God in three persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
Greek Word "Alos": The Holy Spirit is another of the same kind as Jesus.
He is just like Jesus, and He forgives, heals, teaches, and counsels.
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
Inspires and Illuminates:
Inspired the writing of the Bible (2 Timothy 3:16).
Illuminates Scripture, making it come alive in our hearts.
Analogy: The Holy Spirit as an up-light that reveals the beauty of God’s truth.
Advocates and Comforts:
Greek word “Parakleitos” – means “Advocate,” “Helper,” “Counselor.”
He stands with us, argues for us, and reminds us of our identity in Christ.
Convicts and Guides:
Helps us discern right from wrong.
Reminds us of our need for God and brings us back when we stray.
How Do We Receive the Holy Spirit?
Believe in Jesus as Our Advocate: Recognize that Jesus is the ultimate advocate in heaven, and the Holy Spirit is our advocate on earth.
Surrender: Stop advocating for ourselves and allow the Holy Spirit to take control.
Experience Him Daily: Understand that being filled with the Spirit means being dominated by His presence.
Practical Steps:
Spend time in God’s Word, listen for His voice, and be open to His leading.
Pray daily for the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort, and empower you.
Illustrations and Analogies
Appendix Analogy: Many Christians treat the Holy Spirit like an appendix—knowing it's there but not understanding its purpose.
In-N-Out Burger Analogy: Hearing about something (e.g., a great burger) versus experiencing it for yourself—just like with the Holy Spirit.
Orphan vs. Child of God:
An orphan is unsure of belonging, while an adopted child knows they are chosen and loved.
Jesus sent the Holy Spirit so we would not be spiritual orphans.
Application
Personal Reflection: Are you living as an orphan or as a child of God who has the Holy Spirit within you?
Encouragement: The Holy Spirit is with you, always guiding, comforting, and reminding you of your identity in Christ.
Conclusion
Challenge: Live with awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence this week.
Closing Prayer: Invite the congregation to ask the Holy Spirit to fill them afresh, reminding them they are not alone, but sons and daughters of God.
Remind the Congregation: “You are not an orphan. You have the Holy Spirit, and He will be with you forever.”
Biblical References
John 14:16-17 - "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."
John 14:18 - "I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you."
John 14:20-21 - "In that day you will know that I am in my Father, and you in me, and I in you. Whoever has my commandments and keeps them, he it is who loves me. And he who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I will love him and manifest myself to him."
John 14:26 - "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."
John 16:7 - "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."
Acts 13:2 - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.'"
Ephesians 4:30 - "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."
Deuteronomy 6:4 - "Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one."
2 Timothy 3:16 - "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness."
1 Corinthians 12:3 - "Therefore I want you to understand that no one speaking in the Spirit of God ever says 'Jesus is accursed!' and no one can say 'Jesus is Lord' except in the Holy Spirit."
Romans 8:15-16 - "For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, 'Abba! Father!' The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
1 John 3:20 - "For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and he knows everything."
Romans 8:1 - "There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
Reflection Questions
1. How can I intentionally invite the Holy Spirit into my daily routines and decision-making, rather than trying to handle life on my own?
2. In what areas of my life am I living with an “orphan spirit,” and how can I begin to embrace my identity as a child of God with the Holy Spirit's help?
3. When have I treated the Holy Spirit as an impersonal force or an “appendix” rather than recognizing Him as a personal, divine Helper? How can I change my mindset about His role in my life?
4. How often do I seek the Holy Spirit's guidance, illumination, and comfort when reading the Bible, and how can I be more intentional about allowing Him to bring Scripture to life?
5. What steps can I take this week to be more aware of the Holy Spirit’s presence, and how can I create opportunities to be filled with His power and guidance?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Prayer for the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Activity: Every morning this week, set aside 5-10 minutes to pray specifically for the Holy Spirit to guide, fill, and lead you throughout your day. Ask Him to be your Helper, Comforter, and Advocate.
Application: This helps reinforce your dependence on the Holy Spirit, inviting His presence to be a part of your daily life.
2. Scripture Meditation and Journaling
Activity: Choose one of the verses mentioned in the sermon (e.g., John 14:16-17) and spend 10-15 minutes meditating on it each day. Write down your thoughts, any insights the Holy Spirit reveals, and how it applies to your life.
Application: This will help you develop a deeper understanding of who the Holy Spirit is and allow you to experience His illuminating work in Scripture.
3. Actively Listen for the Holy Spirit’s Voice
Activity: Throughout your day, make a conscious effort to pause and ask the Holy Spirit for guidance before making decisions, speaking, or responding to situations. Practice listening for His voice or nudges in your spirit.
Application: By regularly seeking the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you’ll become more attuned to His voice and presence, strengthening your relationship with Him.
4. Reflect on Your Identity as a Child of God
Activity: Set aside time to reflect on your identity in Christ. Write down areas where you feel like you’re living with an “orphan spirit” (e.g., insecurity, fear, or striving). Then, pray and ask the Holy Spirit to remind you of your identity as an adopted child of God.
Application: This exercise helps you transition from living as an orphan to living with the confidence and security of being God’s beloved child, with the Holy Spirit affirming your identity.
5. Serve Others in the Power of the Holy Spirit
Activity: Identify one person or group you can serve this week (e.g., a neighbor, coworker, or someone in your community). Ask the Holy Spirit to empower you to serve them with love, kindness, and compassion. It could be offering a listening ear, providing a meal, or praying with them.
Application: This action step helps you experience the Holy Spirit working through you, demonstrating His power and love to others as you rely on His guidance and strength.
