From Ghost To Friend
Pastor Weston Stutz
September 15, 2024
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Main Topics Discussed
Introduction
Greeting: Welcoming the congregation, light-hearted remarks about the weather and the past week.
Excitement for New Series: Introducing the series "Holy Spirit, Come." Emphasizing it’s more than a sermon title—it's a prayer of desperation for God to move.
Purpose of the Series: Not to gain theological knowledge, but to stir a hunger for more of God and a deeper connection with the Holy Spirit.
The Prayer: "Holy Spirit, Come"
Repetition of the Prayer: Emphasize "Holy Spirit, come" as not just a phrase but a heartfelt cry.
Personal Transformation: Discuss how this series will lead some to be filled or baptized in the Holy Spirit. It’s about transformation and stepping into deeper worship.
1 Corinthians 3:16: "When you receive salvation, the Holy Spirit lives in you." Explain that the Holy Spirit isn’t a reward for seasoned believers but a gift given at salvation.
Understanding Baptism in the Holy Spirit
Baptism Defined: Greek word "baptizo" means fully immersed. The Holy Spirit wants to fully immerse us, not just sprinkle us.
Comparison to Water Baptism: Just like being fully submerged in water signifies giving all of ourselves to Jesus, being baptized in the Spirit signifies asking for all of God in return.
Full Surrender: The importance of not wanting "halfway Christianity" but being fully immersed in the Spirit, desiring everything God offers.
Three Reasons We Don’t Pray "Holy Spirit, Come"
Reason 1: We Are Distracted
Focus on Attention: Everything in life—media, work, entertainment—fights for our attention, making it harder to focus on God.
God Wants Our Attention: Emphasize that God doesn’t kick down the door; He knocks (Revelation 3:20). He waits for us to invite Him in.
Challenge to Prioritize God: Ask if we are making room to listen to God or if distractions are keeping us from hearing His voice.
Reason 2: We Rely on Our Own Power
Self-Reliance: We often live as if the Holy Spirit doesn’t exist, relying on our own abilities or gifts rather than God’s power.
Jesus’ Example: Even Jesus said He could do nothing on His own (John 5:19). If Jesus needed the Holy Spirit’s power, how much more do we?
Challenge: How much of what you do is done without consciously inviting God into it? Ask the congregation to reflect on their reliance on the Holy Spirit.
Reason 3: We Don’t Understand the Holy Spirit
Misconceptions of the Holy Spirit: Address the fear or confusion surrounding the Holy Spirit. He is not just a dove, wind, or fire—He’s a person.
Relational Aspect: The Holy Spirit is not a force, but a friend who desires fellowship (2 Corinthians 13:14). Explain the word "koinonia" as deep fellowship and intimacy with the Spirit.
From Ghost to Friend: Demystify the Holy Spirit as someone who wants to be a close companion in our lives.
The Power of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
What the Holy Spirit Brings:
Truth: The Spirit of Truth guides us (John 16:13). In a world full of lies, He helps us discern what is true.
Spiritual Gifts: Each believer is given gifts to serve the body (Romans 12:6). These gifts are not for us but through us, for the benefit of others.
Advocacy: The Holy Spirit advocates for us, countering the accusations of the enemy (John 14:26). He speaks life and truth over us.
Revelation: The Holy Spirit illuminates scripture, giving us fresh insight and understanding (Hebrews 4:12). He reveals new things in God’s Word when we need it most.
Vision: The Holy Spirit provides direction for our lives. God’s vision for us will always be fruitful, not burdensome (Proverbs 29:18).
Our Response to the Holy Spirit
Surrender: The key to walking in the power of the Holy Spirit is surrender. We receive the Spirit through salvation, but He receives us through our surrender.
Not Self-Help, but Spirit Help: Emphasize that we don’t change through our own strength but through allowing the Holy Spirit to work in and through us.
The Prayer of Surrender: Invite the congregation to pray, asking God to fill them with His Spirit, surrendering control and inviting the Holy Spirit to lead their lives.
Conclusion: Holy Spirit, Come
Invitation to Pray: Lead the congregation in a prayer of surrender and ask the Holy Spirit to fill them afresh.
Encouragement for the Series: Challenge the congregation to continue praying "Holy Spirit, come" throughout the series and to expect transformation, deeper connection, and spiritual growth.
Closing Prayer
Thank God for His Spirit and for the opportunity to be in relationship with Him. Ask for a continued outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the congregation’s lives, families, and communities.
Biblical References
Corinthians 3:16 – "Don’t you realize that you are God’s temple and that God’s Spirit dwells in you?"
This verse emphasizes that the Holy Spirit dwells in believers immediately upon receiving salvation.
John 3:16 (referenced briefly) – "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life."
Mentioned to compare with 1 Corinthians 3:16 as another foundational verse about faith in Jesus.
Acts 8:14-17 (referenced contextually) – "When the apostles in Jerusalem heard that Samaria had accepted the word of God, they sent Peter and John to Samaria. When they arrived, they prayed for the new believers there that they might receive the Holy Spirit, because the Holy Spirit had not yet come on any of them; they had simply been baptized in the name of the Lord Jesus. Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit."
Describes a group of Samaritans who believed in Jesus but needed to be filled with the Holy Spirit.
John 15:5 – "I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me, you can do nothing."
Emphasizes that believers need to remain connected to Jesus and the Holy Spirit to live fruitful lives.
John 5:19 – "Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does, the Son also does."
Shows that even Jesus depended on the Father and the Holy Spirit to accomplish His works.
Romans 8:11 – "The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you."
Highlights the power of the Holy Spirit in believers, promising life through the Spirit.
Revelation 3:20 – "Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with that person, and they with me."
Describes Jesus' invitation for believers to allow Him and the Holy Spirit into their lives.
James 4:8 – "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you."
Encourages believers to seek God and experience His presence.
Mark 1:9-10 – "In those days Jesus came from Nazareth of Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. And when he came up out of the water, immediately he saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove."
Shows the Holy Spirit descending upon Jesus at His baptism, emphasizing the open heavens.
Matthew 27:50-51 – "And when Jesus had cried out again in a loud voice, he gave up his spirit. At that moment the curtain of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom. The earth shook, the rocks split."
Describes how Jesus' death tore the curtain, giving believers direct access to God and the Holy Spirit.
John 16:13 – "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
Highlights the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding believers into truth.
Romans 12:6 – "We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us."
Mentions the diversity of spiritual gifts provided by the Holy Spirit for the common good.
1 Corinthians 12:7 – "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
Affirms that the Holy Spirit gives gifts to believers to bless the community.
John 14:26 – "But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."
Describes the Holy Spirit as an advocate who teaches and reminds believers of Jesus' teachings.
Isaiah 64:1 – "Oh, that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence."
A prophetic prayer for God’s intervention, fulfilled when Jesus opened the heavens for the Holy Spirit.
Reflection Questions
"Holy Spirit, Come" as a Prayer:
How often do I pray with desperation and expectation for the Holy Spirit to move in my life, and how can I make this prayer a daily practice?Surrendering to the Spirit:
In what areas of my life am I still holding back from full surrender to God, and how might fully surrendering to the Holy Spirit transform my relationships, work, or spiritual walk?Dealing with Distractions:
What are the biggest distractions in my life that keep me from focusing on God, and how can I intentionally make space for Him to move and speak?Relying on God's Power:
Reflect on a recent situation where I relied on my own strength instead of God’s power. How might the outcome have been different if I had invited the Holy Spirit into that situation?Understanding the Holy Spirit as a Friend:
How do I currently view the Holy Spirit—as a distant force or as a close companion? What can I do to deepen my relationship with Him as a friend and guide in my daily life?
Daily Activities
1. Daily Prayer of Desperation ("Holy Spirit, Come")
Activity:
Set aside 5-10 minutes each morning to pray, specifically saying "Holy Spirit, come." Focus on inviting the Holy Spirit to guide your thoughts, actions, and decisions for the day.Application:
This daily prayer practice will help you develop a deeper reliance on the Holy Spirit and cultivate a posture of openness to His guidance and transformation in your life. The goal is to move beyond just saying the words and engage in heartfelt connection with God.
2. Distraction Detox
Activity:
Choose one day this week to turn off distractions such as social media, television, and non-essential entertainment. Instead, spend time in quiet reflection, Bible reading, or journaling. Create space for God to speak to you without distractions.Application:
This activity will help you prioritize God's voice over the constant noise of daily life. By intentionally removing distractions, you will be able to hear from the Holy Spirit more clearly, allowing God to guide your thoughts and actions.
3. Full Surrender Checklist
Activity:
Write down a list of areas in your life where you tend to rely on your own strength (e.g., work, family, relationships). Next to each area, write a prayer of surrender, inviting the Holy Spirit to take control of that aspect of your life.Application:
This practice encourages you to release control and fully surrender your life to God. It reinforces the idea that true transformation comes through allowing the Holy Spirit to lead and empower every part of your life, rather than relying on your own abilities.
4. Holy Spirit Friendship Journal
Activity:
Start a journal dedicated to documenting moments when you sense the Holy Spirit’s presence, guidance, or encouragement. Write about specific instances where you feel the Spirit speaking to you or directing your steps.Application:
This journal will help you cultivate a more personal and intimate relationship with the Holy Spirit. Reflecting on these moments will increase your awareness of His activity in your life, transforming your relationship from seeing Him as a distant force to a close friend and guide.
5. Spiritual Gifts in Action
Activity:
Identify one spiritual gift that you believe God has given you (e.g., teaching, serving, encouraging). Make a plan to use that gift this week—whether by helping someone in need, offering encouragement, or using your gift in church or community service.Application:
Using your spiritual gift will allow the Holy Spirit to work through you for the benefit of others. It emphasizes that gifts are not for self-benefit but for serving the body of Christ, and will deepen your understanding of how God works through His people.
