Greater Things - The Holy Spirit

BIG idea: Greater things require greater power. To take possession of the Greater Things God has for us will require walking in the power of the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is like a breath of fresh air. He is unseen unpredictable, powerful and refreshing. The Holy Spirit is not weird or someone we should fear or avoid. He is a helper with whom we can have an intimate friendship. If we’ll let Him, He’ll make our lives better, and He’ll make us better at life.

(Acts 19:1-2) While Apollos was at Corinth, Paul took the road through the interior and arrived at Ephesus. There he found some disciples and asked them, “Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?” They answered, “No, we have not even heard that there is a Holy Spirit.”

A Breath of Fresh Air Ruwach – a wind, breath, a violent exhalation, blast of breath.

(Genesis 1:2) Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters. Pneuma – a current of air, blast of breath, a strong breeze.

(John 6:63) The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. ⎫

Wind is unseen. (John 14:16-17) And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. ⎫

Wind is unpredictable. (John 3:8) Jesus answered…“The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit."

Wind is powerful. (Acts 1:8) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” ⎫ Wind is refreshing. (1 Corinthians 2:9-10) "No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him"-- but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.

Take a Deep Breath (Ephesians 4:30 Message) Don’t grieve God. Don’t break his heart. His Holy Spirit, moving and breathing in you, is the most intimate part of your life, making you fit for himself. Don’t take such a gift for granted.

1. Let go of fears and misperceptions. (Proverbs 3:5 MSG) Trust GOD from the bottom of your heart; don't try to figure out everything on your own.

2. Go all in. (Jeremiah 29:13) You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.

3. Develop an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit. (2 Corinthians 13:14 Message) The amazing grace of the Master, Jesus Christ, the extravagant love of God, the intimate friendship of the Holy Spirit, be with all of you. God the Father loves me. God the Son saves me. God the Holy Spirit is with me.

DISCUSSION

Have you ever had any misunderstandings or misconceptions about the Holy Spirit? Where did those ideas originate and how do you view the Holy Spirit at this point in your faith journey?

When you think of the Holy Spirit, what words come to mind to describe Him. How can an intimate friendship with the Holy Spirit impact your daily life?

What is something from the past or in the present that has held, or is holding you back, from going “all in” with the Holy Spirit? What would going “all in” look like for you?

NEXT STEPS

Invite the Holy Spirit into your daily life and listen for His voice as He teaches and guides you. If you really want to go “all in” ask the Lord for the gift of the spiritual language. (Acts 2:4 (NLT) And everyone present was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages,[b] as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability.