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About the Holy Spirit

How do I receive the Holy Spirit?

Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your new lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? GALATIANS 3:2-3 NLT
I receive the Holy Spirit when I repent of my sin and believe in God’s son Jesus Christ

What does the Holy Spirit Do?

Fulfills God’s promise to me

Through Christ Jesus, God has blessed the Gentiles with the same blessing he promised to Abraham, so that we who are believers might receive the promised Holy Spirit through faith. GALATIANS 3:14 NLT
See JOHN 14:25-26

Connects me spiritually to God through prayer

And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.” GALATIANS 4:6 NLT
Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. EPHESIANS 6:18 NLT
Well then, what shall I do? I will pray in the spirit, and I will also pray in words I understand. 1 CORINTHIANS 14:15 NLT
Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world. 1 JOHN 4:1 NLT

Directs me in the way I should live

So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves. GALATIANS 5:16 NLT

Empowers me to live like Jesus

But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. GALATIANS 5:22-23 NLT

Gives supernatural gifts and miracles

I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ. GALATIANS 3:5 NLT

How do I reconnect with God’s spirit?

Open my heart to the work of the Holy Spirit

Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. 1 THESSALONIANS 5:19 NLT
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives. Let us not become conceited, or provoke one another, or be jealous of one another. GALATIANS 5:25-26 NLT

Listen for the Holy Spirit’s leading

(Jesus said) When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. JOHN 16:13 NLT

Community Group Discussion Guide

  1. When you hear the words “Holy Spirit” what thoughts, images, or experiences pop into your mind and where do you think they come from?
  2. Read Galatians 3:2. How do you think your beliefs about the Holy Spirit need to deepen or grow? For example, to what extent do your beliefs limit what you think the Holy Spirit can do? Or how do you need to be more discerning about what you believe is from the Holy Spirit?
  3. Read 1 John 4:1. When have you seen “Holy Spirit” used or referred to in a way that you thought was wrong and how did you test it?
  4. Read Galatians 5:16. When have you experienced the Holy Spirit guiding your life and how did you know it was him? What are some times the Holy Spirit has helped you fight sin and how did you allow him to work in you?
  5. Read Galatians 5:22-23. Which “fruit of the Spirit” do you think is most evident in your life? Ask your group what fruit they see in you. How can you use that fruit to minister to others this week?
  6. Which “fruit of the Spirit” do you think is lacking in your life and how can you invite God’s Spirit into helping you cultivate that characteristic more this week?

Personal Reflection Guide

Find a space where you can be alone with God. Maybe go for a walk or sit quietly in your favorite chair. Begin a conversation with God about the Holy Spirit and your openness to his activity in your life. Ask God some questions like, “To what extent am I open to and aware of the Holy Spirit’s work? To what extent am I willing to listen to and follow his leading? Where have I seen evidence of his work in me to help me become like Jesus? Where have I seen evidence of his work through me to serve others? How has God received the glory for this work?” Don’t feel like you need to answer all the questions. Simply allow them to prompt your conversation with God and let the Holy Spirit guide you. When you’re ready, bring your time with God to a close by thanking him for what he’s done in and through you, and for your time together.

My Notes