Discipleship Part II: Growing Deeper as Disciples Week 1 Holy Spirit Disciples who are growing, serving and reaching out to others so that they become disciples. Page 0
HOLY SPIRIT Day One THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT God is one yet He is three. He is the Father, the Son, and the Spirit and while each fulfills distinct roles, He is one. The Trinity is a topic that we cannot comprehend this side of eternity. We have attempted to understand the Trinity with various illustrations but each one of them falls short. We merely have to accept the fact that God is one without knowing exactly how or why. 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us that now we know in part but there will be a day when we know in full. The Holy Spirit was sent to us by the Son when He returned to Heaven. In the Old Testament, the majority of people did not have access to the Holy Spirit. That does not mean that the Holy Spirit did not exist prior to the New Testament. God always was the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit even in the beginning. We will examine what the Old Testament teaches us about the Holy Spirit. As we survey the incredible nature of Creation it is truly aweing. The mountain peaks jutting up into the sky, the rivers winding through the countryside, the fields stretched out producing grains and produce, the forests as they stand united proclaiming glory to God and so much more. God is a God of magnificent creation and the Holy Spirit actively participated. 1. The Holy Spirit was involved in creating the heavens and earth. Genesis 1:2 The Holy Spirit is instrumental in creating us. As each of us are wonderfully and uniquely made, it is amazing to see the creativity of God. One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to express the beauty and splendor of diversity. As each of us were created differently, we were created by the same Creator. 2. The Holy Spirit fashioned us. Job 33:4 Page 1
We not only were created by God but we were also chosen by God. We were chosen to serve Him, to worship Him, to fellowship with Him, and to love Him. The Old Testament teaches us that we can receive the Holy Spirit so that we can live as God intended for us to live. 3. The Holy Spirit works in us and will work through us to make things right. Isaiah 42:1 In the Old Testament, the Holy Spirit did not fill every person. As the Israelites were living under the law there were a few in whom the Holy Spirit dwelt. The Holy Spirit empowered prophets, kings, and other select individuals to point to the power of God. 4. The prophet Micah was filled with the Holy Spirit to be bold. Micah 3:8 Just because those who lived during the Old Testament lived under the law does not mean that God did not supply them with grace or mercy. The Holy Spirit acted as the emissary of that grace for people. 5. The Holy Spirit ministered to the people in a graceful manner. Zechariah 12:10 The prophet Isaiah foretold and proclaimed the coming of Jesus. He preached to the people that the Messiah was going to arrive. Isaiah taught them that the Messiah would be able to be recognized because He would be filled with the Holy Spirit. The Messiah, the Christ would demonstrate the Spirit of God. 6. Jesus showed us the Holy Spirit. Isaiah 11:2 Page 2
David was one who was filled with the Holy Spirit. We also know that the Holy Spirit departed from him when he chose to sin against God. David knew the presence and power of the Holy Spirit in his life and desperately wanted to be reunited with God. 7. David cries out to the Lord in his prayer of repentance in Psalm 51. Psalm 51:11 What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first twenty-one books of the Bible three times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes Page 3
Write out the Memory verse three times. 1 Peter 1:15 - But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 4
HOLY SPIRIT Day Two THE ROLES OF THE HOLY SPIRIT God, the Father s distinct roles are that of Creator and ultimate Judge. God, the Son s distinct roles are Redeemer and Interceder. God, the Spirit has many roles. There are many aspects in which He helps us and enables us to connect with God. We are not physical beings with a spirit. We are spiritual beings encased in a physical form. There will be a day when we will be separated from our physical housing and will be with God forever. The Holy Spirit is here to remind us that when we have God in our lives it is our spirit that is important. 1. The Holy Spirit helps us to focus on the spiritual realm. Romans 8:9 The Holy Spirit does not have a theoretical role. He does not have a philosophical role. The Holy Spirit is here for us to be filled with His presence. A major role of the Holy Spirit is to reside within our lives. 2. The Holy Spirit is here to dwell within us. 1 Corinthians 3:16 When we receive Christ as our Savior we are alive. We once were dead in sin and now we have been resurrected. The Holy Spirit is the life of God living within us. We do not have to remain in a grave. We do not have to remain encased in a tomb. The Holy Spirit raises us up so that we can experience true life. 3. The Holy Spirit is the life giver. Romans 8:11 Page 5
Another role of the Holy Spirit is that He can be grieved. The Holy Spirit can be pushed away and rejected. We have to remember the oneness of God and the Holy Spirit. If we are grieving the Holy Spirit we are grieving God. We grieve the Holy Spirit when we focus on ourselves and pursue selfishness instead of God. 4. We can turn away from the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 4:30 Sin is the intentional, willfull disobedience of God. When we continually disobey the Holy Spirit we are sinning. When we intentionally choose not to listen to God we are pushing the Holy Spirit out of our lives. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit means that we are continually choosing that we do not want to have anything to do with God. To blaspheme the Holy Spirit means that we are making a statement that we do not want to live for or with God. 5. Blasphemy of the Holy Spirit cannot be forgiven because forgiveness is not sought. Matthew 12:31 We cannot truly live a Godly life utilizing our own strength. We really are not that strong. We ourselves do not possess enough power to overcome the challenges that arise in our lives. We need help. In order to live a Godly life, it takes God in us. 6. The Holy Spirit helps us when we cannot help ourselves. Romans 8:26 One major role of the Holy Spirit is to teach us the truth. There are many opinions, perspectives, and thoughts that bombard us. Which ones are right and which ones are wrong? How can we know what God really expects of us? How can we truly know that we are on the right track? The Holy Spirit keeps us centered and focused because He is the truth. Page 6
7. The Holy Spirit is here for us to know the truth. John 14:17 In what roles of the Holy Spirit do you need the most help? Help with your physical, help with being alive in Christ, help with knowing the truth? Take this time to examine if you are trying to do some of the roles that the Holy Spirit wants to do for you. What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first twenty-one books of the Bible three times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes G E L N Page 7
D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E Write out the Memory verse three times. 1 Peter 1:15 - But just as who called you is, so be holy in all you do; Page 8
As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 9
HOLY SPIRIT Day Three ACTIONS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT The Holy Spirit does not just sit back and spectate. He does not merely pop up a bag of popcorn and lounge around aimlessly. The Holy Spirit is active. The Holy Spirit works and wants to work within us. When we get saved and enter into a relationship with God we are to be active as well. We are called to be holy. The best definition of holiness is that we are set apart or we exist to specifically serve God. We cannot live a holy life without the presence of the Holy Spirit. 1. We are commanded to be holy. 1 Peter 1:15 The Holy Spirit draws us closer in our walk with God. The Holy Spirit may lead us into areas where we will face challenges in order for us to grow stronger in Him. God does not always allow negative or tough times to punish us. He may allow them so that we learn a lesson that we will need later on for our journey. Even God, the Son was allowed to go through a difficult time during the desert temptations so He could withstand the temptation at Gethsemane. 2. The Holy Spirit led Jesus to the desert. Matthew 4:1 If we truly want to know God we have to be taught by Him. If we truly want to grow in God we have to be open to what He wants to teach us. The Holy Spirit, God, is our teacher. We cannot know more of God through our own knowledge or understanding, we are not God. But we can learn about God from Him. 3. The Holy Spirit is here to teach us. Page 10
John 14:26 The Holy Spirit is here to guide us. He will not guide us in a harmful manner. He guides us in the truth. Many times in our lives we face uncertainty and the unknown. There are many more questions than answers. It is during those times that we can follow the Holy Spirit s leading and direction and He will be there with us. 4. The Holy Spirit will guide us if we will follow. John 16:13 One way that the Holy Spirit acts is by preaching the gospel to us. The Holy Spirit is the deliverer of hope. He is the bringer of good news. The Holy Spirit empowers individuals to share the message of hope to us. It is through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that we can tell others of what God has done for us and what He can do for them. 5. The Holy Spirit empowers the preaching of good news. 1 Peter 1:12 The Holy Spirit also convicts and points out our errors. The Holy Spirit is not a milk toast pushover. The Holy Spirit is here for us to know right from wrong. The Holy Spirit is here so that we do not stray from God. The Holy Spirit speaks to us so that we do not endanger our walk with God. As we mentioned before, if we ignore or blaspheme the Holy Spirit we are choosing to break our relationship with the Lord. 6. The Holy Spirit teaches that sin separates God from His creation. John 16:8 Page 11
The Holy Spirit is here for us to act. He is here for us to act to help others. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit so that others can come to know God and to be filled with the Holy Spirit as well. The Holy Spirit gives us gifts so that others can encounter God. We are not filled with the Holy Spirit just to feel God. We are filled with the Holy Spirit to connect with God and to connect others to Him. 7. The Holy Spirit is in us for others. 1 Corinthians 12:7 How active is the Holy Spirit in your life? How actively are you seeking to know more of God the Father through God, the Spirit? Are there areas in your life where you would like the Holy Spirit to be more active? What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Write out the first twenty-one books of the Bible four times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes Page 12
G E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E Page 13
Write out the Memory verse four times. 1 Peter 1:15 - But just as who called you is, so be in all you ; As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 14
HOLY SPIRIT Day Four HOW TO BE FILLED WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT We have looked at some of the roles of the Holy Spirit and some of the manners in which He acts. How are we affected? Can the Holy Spirit make a difference in our lives? Can we be filled by the Holy Spirit? The answer to the last two questions is absolutely YES! We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit it will not only be difficult to live a Christ-like life but almost impossible. We cannot live for God without God. We cannot overcome the enemy without God. If we want to truly receive what God has for us we have to surrender to the Lordship of the Holy Spirit. 1. There are many who are trying to be Godly without God and they are frustrated. Romans 7:15 Does it really matter if we are filled with the Holy Spirit? Can t we just do enough to get by so that we get into Heaven? No, when we are saved we are in a relationship. If a relationship is to be healthy it requires work. We cannot accomplish the work necessary by ourselves so we need help from God. God wants us to be holy or sanctified. We cannot do so without the Holy Spirit. 2. It is God s will for us to be holy. 1 Thessalonians 4:3 The first step in being filled with the Holy Spirit is to understand that it is a process. We must first consciously choose to submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and then know that it is a continual process. Some people feel that if they surrender to the Holy Spirit once that they are all right forever. Submitting ourselves to the Holy Spirit is a constant, daily process. 3. If we want to be filled with the Holy Spirit we have to continually receive Him. Page 15
Romans 12:2 Please know this, we can and are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. We do not have to walk through life alone. We do not have to try to make it on our own. The Bible clearly states that the Holy Spirit is here to occupy, lead, guide, and empower us. If we are struggling in our relationship with God we may be trying to do it by ourselves. 4. We are to be filled with the Holy Spirit. Ephesians 5:18 First, we need to acknowledge that being filled with the Holy Spirit is a conscious choice and a continual relationship and then we must approach Him and ask Him to be the Lord of our life. We have to intentionally understand that we need Him to be in control. When we ask to be filled with the Holy Spirit, we will be filled. 5. The Holy Spirit wants to reside within us and will if we ask. Matthew 7:7 As mentioned earlier this week, we can also grieve the Holy Spirit. That means that we are turning away from God. We must daily go to God and focus on being filled by the Holy Spirit. As with every relationship if two do not spend time together they will not have a very solid relationship. If we are only relying on the Holy Spirit occasionally we really do not have that strong of a relationship with God. When we come to the Holy Spirit daily He will continually draw us to God. 6. We need to rely and follow the Holy Spirit daily. John 14:16 Page 16
As with every other healthy relationship there will be areas to work on. When we daily surrender to the Holy Spirit He will make us aware of these areas in our lives. We can also know whether or not we are filled with the Holy Spirit or if we are filled with ourselves. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit there will be evidence. If we are filled with the Holy Spirit that relationship can be seen. 7. We can know if we are following the Holy Spirit. Galatians 5:22,23 Have we asked to be filled with the Holy Spirit? Are we trying to be a Christian using our own strength? Using Galatians 5:22,23 as a template, in what areas does the Holy Spirit need to work in us? What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Page 17
Write out the first twenty-one books of the Bible five times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes G E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E Page 18
Write out the Memory verse five times. 1 Peter 1:15 - But just as who you is, so be in you ; As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 19
THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT HOLY SPIRIT Day Five We should be filled with the Holy Spirit. Without the indwelling of the Holy Spirit we cannot truly receive all that God has in store for us. Without the complete surrender of our lives to the Holy Spirit s leading we will not be complete. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit there is a power available for us that is much bigger than ourselves. If we are not filled with the Holy Spirit we are missing out on so much that God has for us. When the Holy Spirit is leading us we will be empowered to do things that we could never do on our own. 1. Samson is an example of God s power. Judges 16:28 Before the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit they were cowering in fear behind locked doors. They were afraid that the Romans were going to capture them and subject them to the same fate that befell Jesus. However, once they were filled with the Holy Spirit they were bold and stood up in a courageous manner. 2. With the Holy Spirit, the disciples took a stand. Acts 4:13 The last statement that Jesus spoke to the disciples was an instructive and encouraging one. He told them that they would be filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. That statement was not solely reserved for the disciples alone, it is applicable in our lives as well. We do have access to the power of God. 3. We can receive power. Page 20
Acts 1:8 When the Holy Spirit reigns supreme in our lives and we are following His leading and teaching we can be confident. We do not have to be wishy-washy or tossed around to and fro. We can stand courageously and make a difference in those in whom we come into contact. We are not weak. We are not beaten. We are more than conquerors. 4. When we have the Holy Spirit in our lives we have power. 2 Timothy 1:7 When we combine connecting with God and being filled with God there will be visible activity. When we truly are surrendered, sold out, and submitted to God we will see God move. God loves to work through His holy people. The Holy Spirit s power can be visible in our lives. 5. The early church experienced the power of the Holy Spirit. Acts 4:31 When we are submitted to the leadership of the Holy Spirit in our lives we can be surprised at how much can be accomplished. The Holy Spirit can take the weak and make them strong. The Holy Spirit can take the beaten and lift them as victors. The Holy Spirit can encourage those who discouraged. There is nothing that God cannot do. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit there will be nothing we cannot do because we are God s. 6. God can do everything. Matthew 19:26 Because God can do everything, He empowers us to rise above the mediocrity of normal living. The Holy Spirit in our lives elevates us from normalcy to truly making a difference in a world Page 21
that needs to be changed. Without the Holy Spirit, we will not have power. When we are filled with the Holy Spirit, we will be able to see mountains move and obstacles overcome. 7. With God, we can do ALL things. Philippians 4:13 This week we have just barely scratched the surface of the Holy Spirit. If we are willing and open to learning more about God He will gladly teach us. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus said, Blessed are those who hunger and thirst after righteousness for they shall be filled. When we seek to be filled with the Holy Spirit, He will fill us and give us a power that we cannot begin to comprehend. What are you going to do with the Holy Spirit? What key point are you taking from this lesson? How are you going to apply that to your life? Page 22
Write out the first twenty-one books of the Bible seven times Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy, Joshua, Judges, Ruth, 1 Samuel, 2 Samuel, 1 Kings, 2 Kings, 1 Chronicles, 2 Chronicles, Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther, Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes G E L N D J Ju R 1st S 2nd S 1st K 2nd K 1st C 2nd C E N E J P Pr E Page 23
Write out the Memory verse seven times. 1 Peter 1:15 - But as who you is, so be in you ; As you pray, begin with at least one statement that acknowledges how big God is and one statement on something you are thankful for today. Page 24
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