First Light Men s Community 4/2/14 - Multiply Chapter 21 (p.279) Multiply Questions are on the handout Pick 3 to discuss? I especially like Questions 1, 2, & 7.
Review of Topics from Chapter 20: - Jesus is still in the process of completing his mission on earth. - At the Great Commission, Jesus called us to be part of that mission. - Make disciples in a world that is opposed to God being King. - God s plan WILL succeed our ultimate victory is assured in Him. - Disciple making is rooted in God s plan of redemption for mankind. - Discipleship is a lifelong process in it we become more like Jesus. - Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved. Acts 16:31
References to the Holy Spirit in John 16
Where are we - in the context of John s Gospel? (Chapter 16) Chapters 1-12 Chapters 13-21 1 st half of John 2 nd half of John - Jesus Baptism - Last Supper - Jesus Ministry - Crucified / Raised - Appears to Disciples Chapter 16 is near the end of the Last Supper Discourse. 5 chapters dedicated to the Last Supper (25% of John s Gospel)
John:13-17 Last Supper Discourse - Overview - Jesus knows what is about to happen. Essentially, he is warning the 12 disciples not to panic, and he gives them some final instructions & blessings. This is the final briefing to his team.
John 15 - I am the vine; you are the branches. Remain in me - This is my command: Love each other. - The world will hate you, remember it hated me first John 16 - A warning; tough times coming; don t go astray - I am going away; I will send you the Counselor - In time, your grief will turn to joy John 17 - Jesus prays for Himself, Disciples, & All Believers
John 16: 5-13 Now I am going to him who sent me It is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Counselor (Holy Spirit) will not come to you He will guide you into all truth
Who is the Holy Spirit, and what is His role? He is a person. He is God. He is our Counselor. He is our Guide to God and Truth.
The Holy Spirit is a Person. 1. He possesses and exhibits the Attributes of a Person. 1. Personality, Intelligence, Feelings, and a Will 2. He knows and searches the things of God. (1Cor:2:10-11) 3. He possesses a mind. (Rom 8:27) 4. He is able to teach people. (1Cor 2:13) 2. He relates to other persons. 1. He related to the apostles with a distinct personality (Acts 15:28) 2. He related to Jesus as a separate personality (John 16:14) 3. He is distinguished from his own power, and is not just a force. (Luke 4:14, Acts 10:38, 1Cor 2:4) 3. Greek pronouns indicate He is masculine. 1. Several times in NT a masculine pronoun is used to refer to the Spirit. (John 15:26, John 16:7-8 and13-14, Eph 1:14-15)
The Holy Spirit is God. 1. Scripture relates Him, by name, to the Trinity. 1. Spirit of Jesus (Acts 16:7); Spirit of our God (1Cor 6:11) 2. Another Helper means, of the same kind as Christ (Jn14:16) 2. His Attributes are those that belong to God Alone. 1. Omniscience (Isa 40:13, 1Cor 2:12) 2. Omnipresence (Ps 139:7) 3. Omnipotence in Creation (Job 33:4, Ps 104:30) 3. His Actions are those that only God can perform. 1. The cause of the Virgin Birth (Luke 1:35) 2. He inspired the Scriptures (2 Peter 1:21) 3. Involved in Creation of the World (Gen 1:2)
When and How do we receive the Holy Spirit in modern times? 1. We are indwelt with Him. 1. Scripture teaches that the Spirit is given to All Believers in Christ. (John 7, Acts 11, Rom 5, 1Cor 2, 2Cor 5) 2. Not to possess the indwelling of the Spirit indicates an Unsaved Condition. (Rom 8:9, Jude 19) Relates to Assurance. 2. We are sealed by God with the Holy Spirit. 1. Like indwelling, sealing takes place at the time of conversion. (Eph 4:30, 2Cor 1:22) 2. Sealing indicates: ownership, authority, responsibility, and security (assurance of salvation!) Discussion Time!
Multiply Chapter 21 (p.279) - The Spirit of God - Who is the Holy Spirit? - The Spirit in the New Testament - The Spirit of God, and the Word of God - The Ministry of the Spirit - The Spirit in God s Mission - The Spirit of God in the Church
The Spirit of God Q1: Take a minute to consider the significance of the promise of the Holy Spirit in Ezekiel 36:25-27. Explain why this promise is so important in the history of redemption.
Who is the Holy Spirit? Q2: How should seeing the Holy Spirit as a person and as God Himself change the way you relate to Him?
The Spirit in the New Testament Q3: Read Acts 2 carefully. As you read, pay attention to two things: (1) references to Old Testament truths and promises, and (2) references to the Holy Spirit. What references do you see in Peter s sermon to some of the key concepts you studied in the Old Testament sessions? Q4: What does this passage say about the Holy Spirit? How was the Holy Spirit working at this significant moment in redemption history?
The Ministry of the Spirit Q5: Read Romans 7 and 8. What does Paul s comparison of these two ways of living say about the role of the Holy Spirit and our need for Him?
The Spirit in God s Mission Q6: How have you seen the Spirit of God working in the life of your church? If you are having trouble identifying the work of the Spirit, why do you think the Spirit s work isn t being clearly seen in your church?
The Spirit of God in the Church Q7: How are you partnering with other members of the body of Christ to be used by the Spirit in fulfilling God s mission on earth? Q8: Spend some time in prayer. Thank God for the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Pray that you would be empowered to pursue and rely on the Spirit s power in your life. Pray that God would work through the life of your church to bring healing, hope, and change to the world around you.