Hey Gang,
This week we will begin a new series on the understanding that when we come to Christ, we are not left alone. This 5-week study focuses on God's presence in our lives through His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit plays an active role in our salvation, and He continues to work in us and through us in order to help us live out that salvation.
This week we will begin a new series on the understanding that when we come to Christ, we are not left alone. This 5-week study focuses on God's presence in our lives through His Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit plays an active role in our salvation, and He continues to work in us and through us in order to help us live out that salvation.
You want to know why this study is so important? It's because many adults seem to know that they can't gain salvation in their own power, but then so many believing adults attempt to live the Christian life in their own power. Many Christians are not knowledgeable about the work of the Holy Spirit. We can start to live beyond ourselves and our own ability as we discover the difference the Holy Spirit can make in our lives.
I. GOD SENT THE COUNSELOR – JOHN 16:5-7
The Counselor’s Ministry
5 “But now I am going away to Him who sent Me, and not one of you asks Me, ‘Where are You going?’ 6 Yet, because I have spoken these things to you, sorrow has filled your heart. 7 Nevertheless, I am telling you the truth. It is for your benefit that I go away, because if I don’t go away the Counselor will not come to you. If I go, I will send Him to you.
The Greek idea of counselor (“paraclete”) is one called alongside another for support and encouragement. How does the Spirit do this?
II. THE COUNSELOR REVEALS – JOHN 16:8-11
8 When He comes, He will convict the world about sin, righteousness, and judgment: 9 About sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 about righteousness, because I am going to the Father and you will no longer see Me; 11 and about judgment, because the ruler of this world has been judged.
What three things did Jesus say the Spirit would do? Why are these important?
What’s the connection between the Spirit’s conviction and freedom? When has His conviction helped you experience freedom?
III. THE COUNSELOR TEACHES – JOHN 16:12-15
12 “I still have many things to tell you, but you can’t bear them now. 13 When the Spirit of truth comes, He will guide you into all the truth. For He will not speak on His own, but He will speak whatever He hears. He will also declare to you what is to come. 14 He will glorify Me, because He will take from what is Mine and declare it to you. 15 Everything the Father has is Mine. This is why I told you that He takes from what is Mine and will declare it to you.
How do you know when someone isn’t telling you the truth?
How do you know the Spirit tells the truth? What is the result of living by truth? How about denying truth? How about sharing the truth?
Conclusion
Whom do you consider a mentor in your life? What important things have you learned from that person? What characteristics make that person reliable and trustworthy? How does the Holy Spirit reflect those qualities as your Guide?
On the celebration of the Fourth of July, we turn our attention to the Declaration of Independence that was signed on July 4, 1776. This is a key document that provides political freedom. The Constitution became our document that preserves the liberties stated in the Declaration.
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While we celebrate our freedom, let us celebrate our even more important freedom from sin and death through faith in Jesus Christ. In our free land we are free to exercise and share our faith. Let’s make sure we do it!
Prayer of Commitment
Lord, free me from anything that hinders the exercise of the freedom You gave. Amen
We will miss all of you this Sunday and we hope that each one of you have a safe and enjoyable 4th of July.
See you next Sunday as we continue in our series on the Holy Spirit.
In His Love,
David & Susan
