MESSAGE NOTES AND INDIVIDUAL/GROUP REFLECTION QUESTIONS, 5/26/24
During this season of Pentecost, our three-week message series looks at the third person of the Trinity, the Holy Spirit, who tends to get overlooked in our churches and personal lives. Drawing on what the Bible says regarding the person and work of the Holy Spirit, you will be encouraged to know the third person of the Trinity better.
This week, we focus on how the Holy Spirit empowers us.
- What are some of the items you need and enjoy most in your life that need power to work at full capacity. How are you limited when they are lacking power?
- Where are you with the Holy Spirit? Are you resistant, ignorant, confused, or engaged? Why do you think this is so?
- Though the concept of the Trinity can be confusing, how does it impact you that the specific Hebrew/Greek names for each person of the Trinity are all relational in nature – “wanting to come alongside you” ? God, the Father – Heb. Adonai (Lord/master) / Jesus, the Son – Grk. Emmanuel (God with us) / Holy Spirit – Grk. Paraclete (advocate)
- Reflect on Acts 1:4-9. What questions arise in you when you read it? Do you really believe that a power greater than yourself can enter your soul and guide you? What evidence do you have of this in your life or in the lives of others? How have you seen a change in action, thought or attitude?
- Consider the significance of 1 Corinthians 3:16, which says you are God’s temple and His Spirit dwells in you. If this was part of God’s plan to bring the Holy Spirit into the tabernacle (Exodus 40:35), then in Jesus (John 1:32), and finally in you, how does this truth impact your perspective on your daily life and your sense of identity?
- What gifts and fruit of the Spirit are evident in your life? When have you seen the Spirit give you the power to live into these? Which of the gifts or fruit do you need the Spirit to cultivate more based on your present circumstances?
- Consider the practical steps mentioned in the message about how to follow the Holy Spirit. What specific actions can you take to follow the Spirit’s leading more closely?
- Posture – surrender, love and obedience
- Plugged In – God’s Word & His people
- Prayer – on the go as you breathe
- Promptings – seek them
Prayer: Lord, thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Help me to follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of my life. In this season, I need you to come alongside me in _______________. Show me the way, grant me perspective and mold me. May You receive the glory. Amen.
Resources:
2/ Forgotten God by Francis Chan (book/RightNow Media video series –access free account)