E- The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit

E- The Doctrine of the Holy Spirit2017-03-30T17:07:04-04:00
Study Explanation
Key Scripture
Discussion Guides
Growing Exercises
Recommended Reading

Explanation

The doctrine of the Holy Spirit reveals the deity, person and work of this member of the Godhead.  Who is the Holy Spirit?  What is the nature of the Holy Spirit?  How does the Holy Spirit work in our world?  How does the Holy Spirit work in the church?  How does the Holy Spirit work in and empower believers?  What does it mean for believers to walk in the Spirit?  How do we cooperate with the Spirit in our lives?  How do we resist the Spirit?  These are the questions this study will attempt to answer.

KEY SCRIPTURES

Key Scriptures are designed to give a biblical overview of the topic in question.  They are extremely valuable for gaining an immediate general understanding of what the Bible teaches on a given subject.  Key Scriptures are the first place you should explore when starting a new subject.  They can be discussed individually, in part, or in whole.  Generic inductive Bible study questions are provided to assist you in your discussion.  Key Scriptures are also good for memorizing and reference.

The Holy Spirit is God

Hebrews 9:14 – How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! NIV

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. NIV

Psalm 139:7 – Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? NIV

See also Acts 5:3-4

The Holy Spirit is a member of the Trinity

Matthew 28:19 – Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. NIV

2 Corinthians 13:14 – May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. NIV

The Holy Spirit gives life

Ezekiel 37:14 – I will put my Spirit in you and you will live. NIV

John 6:63 – The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life. NIV

See also Job 33 & Psalm 104:30

The Holy Spirit indwells believers

John 3:34 – For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit. NIV

John 7:39 – By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified. NIV

Romans 8:16 – The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. NIV

Ephesians 1:13 – You also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit. NIV

1 John 3:24 – Those who obey his commands live in him, and he in them. And this is how we know that he lives in us: We know it by the Spirit he gave us. NIV

See also Romans 5:5

Christians should be empowered by the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 3:16 – I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being. NIV

Jude 19 – 20 – These are the men who divide you, who follow mere natural instincts and do not have the Spirit.  But you, dear friends, build yourselves up in your most holy faith and pray in the Holy Spirit. NIV

The Holy Spirit can be resisted

Psalm 51:11 – Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me. NIV

Isaiah 63:10 – Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit.  So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them. NIV

Matthew 12:31-32 – And so I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven men, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven. Anyone who speaks a word against the Son of Man will be forgiven, but anyone who speaks against the Holy Spirit will not be forgiven, either in this age or in the age to come. NIV

Hebrews 10:29 – How much more severely do you think a man deserves to be punished who has trampled the Son of God under foot, who has treated as an unholy thing the blood of the covenant that sanctified him, and who has insulted the Spirit of grace? NIV

Inductive Bible Study Questions

to be used with individual Key Scriptures

  • What is the primary point of this passage?
  • How does this passage challenge us?
  • How does this passage comfort or encourage us?
  • What does this passage teach us about God?
  • What spiritual insights are found in this passage?
  • What are the personal & spiritual implications of this text?
  • What does this passage ask or require of us?

Key Scriptures Bible Study

to be used when studying all Key Scriptures together

  • Did any of the scriptures given surprise you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given confuse you? Explain
  • Did any of the scriptures given comfort or excite you?
  • How would you sum up these scriptures to another?
  • What implications do these scriptures have for our lives?
  • Which of these scriptures would you find it valuable to memorize?

DISCUSSION GUIDES

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

E1 – I Will Pour out My Spirit – Joel 2: 28-32

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Acceptance, Inclusion, Prophecy

  1. Why would this first line, “I will pour out my Spirit on all people” be surprising to the people who lived prior to Christ?
  2. How do you believe people from a patriarchal culture would view this passage?
  3. Verse 29 speaks of servants, how would people from a rigid class society view this passage?
  4. The text is making an inclusive statement: male and female, old and young, privileged and slave… what is God preparing them for?
  5. Visions and dreams is how God often communicated with the prophets… it implies access to God… again, what is God preparing them for?
  6. The word ‘prophesy’ literally means inspired speech. How would they respond to the idea that all people may have the opportunity to learn from God and speak for God?
  7. How do we fulfill this promise today and how do we often come up short?
  • Approach all scripture prayerfully open

E2 – Immersed in the Spirit – Matthew 3: 11-12

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Baptism, Repentance, Promise, Walking in the Spirit

  1. Why do you suppose water baptism is for repentance?
  2. To baptize, ‘baptizo’ literally means to immerse or fill up; how does water baptism represents cleansing from sin.
  3. However, what does it mean to be baptized or immersed in the Spirit?
  4. Does Jesus ever personally baptize anyone?
  5. What baptism by Jesus is John referring to?
  6. How does Jesus immerse or fill us with the Spirit? When are we immersed or filled with the Spirit?
  7. How do we know if we have been baptized in the Spirit (See Galatians 5: 22-23)?
  8. In Matthew 28: 19-20 Jesus commands his followers to practice water baptism, contrast and compare the water baptism and the baptism of the Spirit. Why are both important?
  • Approach God’s Word with humility, honesty and teachability

E3 – Inspiration and Grace– The Matthew 10: 17-20

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Lordship, Promise

  1. At the time Jesus was speaking these words had his followers yet to receive the Spirit?
  2. What promise is Jesus making his followers, and how would they view such a promise?
  3. How does Jesus indicate the Holy Spirit will aid his followers?
  4. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit from this passage?
  5. Have you ever experienced the moving of the Spirit, or moments of inexplicable inspiration and strength… explain?
  6. According to this passage, when are we likely to experience the leadership of the Holy Spirit?
  7. Contrast and compare the moving of the Holy Spirit in the lives of the committed and the comfortable.
  • These questions are only suggestions, allow the Holy Spirit to be your guide

E4 – The Promised Counselor – John 14:26 & 15:26

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Guide, Promise

  1. What does a counselor do?
  2. Why is it important to have counselors in our lives?
  3. Why do you suppose the Holy Spirit is referred to as the Counselor?
  4. What verbs used in these two passages describe the work of the Holy Spirit?
  5. When does Jesus indicate the Holy Spirit will come?
  6. Why must Jesus go before the Spirit comes?
  7. According to the text, why does the Spirit come?
  8. What does it mean that the Spirit will testify about Jesus?
  9. How does the Spirit testify about Jesus?
  10. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of Christians today?
  • These questions are simply a foundation for you to build upon

E5 – The Promised Spirit – Acts 2: 38-39

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Promise

  1. To whom is the Holy Spirit promised?
  2. What must happen prior to receiving the Holy Spirit?
  3. What is a gift?
  4. Do we earn gifts?
  5. In what way is the Holy Spirit a gift?
  6. What is a promise?
  7. In what way is the Holy Spirit a promise?
  8. Who is this gift and promise for?
  9. Who are those who are far off, is that speaking of Christians today… explain?
  10. Does it comfort or encourage you to know that as a Christian the Holy Spirit is available to you… explain?
  • Create your own study by adding and subtracting questions as needed

E6 – The Spirit in You – 1 Corinthians 3: 16-17

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Freedom

  1. Who is Paul speaking to in this passage?
  2. What does Paul teach regarding the relationship between believers and the Holy Spirit?
  3. What is a temple?
  4. What was the Jewish temple and what role did it play in Jewish life?
  5. How did Jewish people view the temple?
  6. When Paul said that believers were now the temple of the Holy Spirit, what was he communicating?
  7. What would his listeners have understood him to mean, and how would they have responded to that?
  8. What adjective does Paul use to describe the temple?
  9. What is the significance of God’s Spirit moving from a building to a people?
  10. What implications does this have for our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit?
  11. How does the Holy Spirit in us (rather than us needed to go to a temple to relate to God) provide freedom to worship… to pray… to witness… to read scripture… to serve?
  • Your questions are probably better than mine

The Ministry of the Holy Spirit

E7 – The New Way of the Spirit – Romans 7: 4-6

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Guide, Law

  1. Identify the two ways of following God described in this passage?
  2. Explain each approach to God?
  3. Why is trying to follow God through the law insufficient?
  4. How are sinful passions aroused by the law?
  5. What exactly is Paul referring to when he speaks of the fruit of death?
  6. How is following the Spirit different than following the law?
  7. Why is someone controlled by the Spirit dead to the law?
  8. If someone is dead to the law, what are they alive to?
  9. How then is this person directed if not by the law?
  10. How do we know where the Spirit is leading?
  11. Explain the following statement, “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life (2 Corinthians 3:6).
  12. The following the Spirit rather than the law lessen or increase our responsibility… explain?
  • Interrogatives are keys that unlock wonderful secrets 

E8 – The Spirit of Renewal – Titus 3: 3-8

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Victory, Salvation, Renewal, Sin

  1. Do you ever become frustrated at your inability to overcome certain sins in your life… explain?
  2. According to this passage, how does the Holy Spirit work in the life of believers?
  3. How does Verse 3 describe the orientation of people without Christ?
  4. Is this an accurate representation of people in society?
  5. Verse 5 speaks of why God does and does not save us… what does it say?
  6. What do verses 6-7 teach about the process of salvation?
  7. How does verse 5 relate to Verse 3?
  8. What is renewal and how is that different than forgiveness?
  9. Why is renewal critical for believers?
  10. How does rebirth and renewal enable us to better relate to sin issues in our lives?
  11. How would you describe the work of the Holy Spirit in relating to sin; past, present and future in our lives?
  • Be like a detective who interrogates scripture 

E9 – The Guarantee of Life – Ephesians 1: 13-14

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Assurance, Hope, Promise

  1. What does it mean to be marked with a seal?
  2. What does it mean when a government or business owner place their seal on something?
  3. What seal are we marked with?
  4. What is a deposit?
  5. How is a deposit a promise?
  6. How is a deposit a foretaste?
  7. How is the Holy Spirit both a promise and foretaste of what is to come?
  8. What exactly is the inheritance of those belonging to God?
  9. How dependable is a guarantee made by God?
  10. What does this passage teach about hope and the future we can look forward to as believers?
  • The insight is found in scripture; questions are simply tools to mine the ore

E10 – Freedom and Glory – 2 Corinthians 3: 12-18

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Renewal, Transformation, Victory, God’s Glory

  1. What does the veil represent in this passage?
  2. How and when is the veil removed?
  3. What does Paul mean when he says that we have unveiled faces?
  4. How and why do we reflect the Lord’s glory?
  5. What is it that leads to ever increasing glory?
  6. What is the context of the freedom Paul refers to in Verse 17?
  7. Does this passage teach that we are a finished product or a work in progress?
  8. Who is working on us and how do we cooperate with that process?
  9. How is the Holy Spirit central to the process of transformation?
  • Follow the lines of curiosity 

E11 – The Spirit of Truth – John 14: 16-18

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Indwelling, Truth, Promise, Power, Victory, Spiritual Growth

  1. How does Jesus plan to equip his followers after he leaves?
  2. What quality defines the Holy Spirit?
  3. How long will the Holy Spirit be with us?
  4. What does the title of Counselor and His nature of truth reveal about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives?
  5. How can we know the Spirit is always with us?
  6. How and why does the indwelling Spirit lead to greater spiritual power and intimacy with God?
  7. Why is it that the world often has trouble understanding our relationship and intimacy with God?
  8. According to Verse 18, why did Jesus feel he was not abandoning his followers?
  9. What significance did Jesus place on the sending of the Holy Spirit?
  • Group leaders may wish to consult a commentary for background information 

E12 – Purpose and Power – Acts 1:8

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Power, Ministry, Missions, Purpose, Witnesses, Kingdom of God

  1. Is this passage an actual command, a description of how God will use his people, or both?
  2. According to this passage how does God plan to use his people?
  3. Is there any significance to the progression of locations given by Jesus?
  4. How does God plan to empower his people to accomplish these things?
  5. Why is the Spirit essential for successful ministry?
  6. What does this passage teach about our resources for ministry?
  7. What does this passage teach regarding the secret for successful ministry?
  8. What is a witness?
  9. Why is Jesus so confident that once we receive the Holy Spirit, we will be witnesses?
  10. What does this passage reveal about our purpose as Christians?
  • Seek to connect the dots with other scriptures and Bible content 

E13 – The Ministry of the Spirit – John 16: 5-15

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Power

  1. What does this passage teach regarding the role of the Holy Spirit in the world?
  2. How does the Spirit’s role in the world take the pressure off of believers?
  3. Why did Jesus say it was for our good that he was going away?
  4. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers and in the church?
  5. According to verses 13-14, how does the Holy Spirit function within the Godhead?
  6. What is the purpose of the work of the Holy Spirit?
  7. For what reason did Jesus give this teaching to his followers?
  8. Does this passage reassure you regarding God’s presence and power in your life, church and world?
  • There are no greater tools for effective Bible study than humility, honesty, and diligence

Spiritual Gifts

E14 – Directed and Empowered – 1 Corinthians 12

Key Words: Holy Spiritual, Spiritual Gifts, Purpose, Calling, Church Growth

  1. What does Paul say in Verse 1 about why Paul is writing about spiritual gifts?
  2. Does everyone have the same gifts?
  3. What does Verse 7 teach about who receives spiritual gifts and why?
  4. Who determines which Christians receive which gifts?
  5. Some have argued that spiritual gifts are not necessarily abilities at all, but callings empowered by the Spirit; do verses 27 through 31 shed light on this question or only confuse the matter?
  6. What’s the difference between the two and it the distinction important?
  7. What does the text say about gift projection (judging others because they don’t share your gifts and the passion and ability that goes with it)?
  8. What does the text say about gift envy?
  9. What do you say to the idea that the Holy Spirit determines the ministry of churches through the gifts that it gives to its members?
  • You are responsible for your level of engagement

E15 – Gifts of Grace – Romans 12: 3-8

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Spiritual Gifts, Grace, Pride, Spiritual Community

  1. Why does Paul continuously refer to the gifts as the grace given to us?
  2. How and why are spiritual gifts a work of grace?
  3. How are we tempted to think more highly of ourselves than we ought because of spiritual gifts?
  4. Why is boasting in our abilities a bad idea?
  5. According to the text, how is the body of Christ formed?
  6. How should this cause us to view one another?
  7. How should this cause us to relate to one another?
  8. What does the text mean when it says the members belong to each other?
  9. According to this passage how should our role in the church be determined?
  • Go beyond the obvious by avoiding “Yes” or “No” answers

Walking in the Holy Spirit

E16 – Washed by the Spirit – 2 Thessalonians 2: 13-15

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Sanctification, Holiness, Walking in the Spirit, Salvation

  1. What does this passage teach about the ministry of the Holy Spirit?
  2. The word ‘sanctify’ means to cleanse or make holy.
  3. What role does the Holy Spirit play in salvation?
  4. See Hebrews 10:10 and 14… How is sanctification a one-time event?
  5. See 1 Thessalonians 4: 3-8… Is there still sin in our lives after we commit our lives to Christ?
  6. In what way is sanctification an ongoing process?
  7. How is sanctify both a once for all work and a continuing work at the same time?
  8. What do you suppose theologians mean when they speak of positional sanctification and progressive sanctification?
  9. What is the role of the Holy Spirit in each? How should the former influence the latter?
  • Sit and think before answering

E17 – Keeping in Step with the Spirit – Galatians 5: 13-25

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Fruits of Sin, Fruits of the Spirit, Sinful Nature

  1. With what does this passage contrast living in the Spirit?
  2. What does it mean to live according to the sinful nature?
  3. What are the fruits of the sinful nature?
  4. Have you seen this play out in your experience; does the sinful nature genuinely lead to such fruit?
  5. What does it mean to live according to the Spirit?
  6. What are the fruits of the Spirit?
  7. What is fruit? How is fruit produced?
  8. Have you seen this play out in your experience; does following the Spirit genuinely lead to such fruit?
  9. Why is living in the Spirit a liberating experience?
  10. What does Paul mean when he says there is no law against such things as the fruit of the Spirit? What does it mean to keep in step with the Spirit?
  11. What then does it mean to live in the Spirit?
  • Thoughtful silence is the soil of epiphany

E18 – Sowing the Spirit – Galatians 6: 7-10

Key Words: Holy Spirit, The Flesh, Sin, Sinful Nature, Walking in the Spirit

  1. Read Galatians 5: 13 – 25 and determine the context of the argument Paul is making.
  2. What does it mean to sow?
  3. What do sowing (in this context) and seeking have in common?
  4. Are they the same thing?
  5. How do we sow the sinful nature?
  6. How do we sow the Spirit?
  7. What are the fruits of each?
  8. What insight does this passage give us regarding walking in the Spirit?
  9. Define walking in the Spirit in your own words.
  10. How is walking in the Spirit verses the sinful nature a matter of investing in the things of God rather than the things of the flesh?
  11. Why is it crucial for Christians to walk in the Spirit rather than the flesh: for the sake of themselves, those close to them, and the world?
  •  Seek Nuance

E19 – Life and Peace – Romans 8: 5-8

Key Words: Holy Spirit, the Flesh, Peace, Sinful Nature

  1. What insight does this passage give regarding what it means to walk in the Spirit?
  2. What does it mean to set our minds on what the sinful nature desires?
  3. What does it mean to set our minds on what the Spirit desires?
  4. What is the result of each approach?
  5. Why and how does Paul use the word “controlled” in this passage?
  6. How does Paul describe those controlled by the sinful nature?
  7. How would you go about setting your mind on the things the Spirit desires?
  8. What does the Spirit desire?
  9. What does this teach us regarding walking in the Spirit rather than the flesh?
  • Be sure to explore all the resources for each doctrine, virtue, and practice

E20 – Controlled by the Spirit – Romans 8: 9-16

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Dying to Self, the Flesh, Indwelling

  1. What does it mean to be controlled by something?
  2. Do you agree that we are either controlled by the flesh or the Spirit… explain?
  3. According to this text, where does the Holy Spirit reside and who has the Spirit?
  4. What is the result of the indwelling Holy Spirit?
  5. According to verse 12, what is the obligation of those indwelled by the Holy Spirit?
  6. What does the text teach about living in or walking in the Spirit?
  7. What does it mean to put to death the misdeeds of the body?
  8. Contrast and compare dying to self and fleeing from sin… are they the same?
  9. Contrast and compare dying to self and living for God… are they the same?
  10. What insight does this text give regarding walking in the Spirit?
  • Remember there are additional studies in the Key Scriptures section

The Benefits of Walking in the Holy Spirit

E21 – Understanding Deep Things of God – 1 Corinthians 2: 10-16

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Guide, Truth

  1. What does this text say about how we learn spiritual truth?
  2. What do verses 10-11 teach regarding our access to the thoughts and plans of God?
  3. Does this mean we have access to all of God’s thoughts?
  4. Which thoughts do you suppose the Spirit reveals to us?
  5. Does Verse 12 help answer this last question?
  6. What do you suppose Paul means by spiritual truths in spiritual words?
  7. Is he downplaying human words or is he describing how God’s Spirit communicates through imperfect mediums, including people… explain?
  8. What does the text say about the ability of someone without the Spirit to understand spiritual truth?
  • Remember there are other learning and scripture studies in the Growing Exercises section

E22- Love and Strength – Ephesians 3: 16-19

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Power, Abundance, Trinity

  1. What is the nature of the power referred to in verse 16?
  2. List the ways the Spirit builds us up in verses 17-19.
  3. The passage indicates that we are given love, knowledge and the fullness of God, what is the fullness of God?
  4. Read Ephesians chapter 1… Is this passage a reference back to the amazing blessings described in chapter 1?
  5. What do most people think off when they think of spiritual power?
  6. How does this passage describe spiritual power?
  7. Have you experienced this power in your life?
  8. The passage refers to the Spirit in our inner being and Christ in our hearts, is this text using the Spirit and the Son interchangeably?
  9. Is this a veiled reference to the Trinity?
  10. What insight does this passage give to those Christians who find it challenging to live Christ’s love?
  • Spend time with the questions prior to leading a group or coaching time

E23 – The Fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5: 22-23

Key Words: Holy Spirit, Spiritual Fruit, Walking in the Spirit

  1. What do you think of when you think of fruit: goodness, nourishment, or something else… explain?
  2. Where does fruit come from in nature?
  3. Where does the fruit of the Spirit come from?
  4. How does genuinely seeking Spirit or the things of God result in the fruit of the Spirit in your life?
  5. Which of these fruits come most easily to you?
  6. Which are more challenging for you?
  7. Which one fruit do you wish you had more of?
  8. Compare and contrast these verses with John 15: 1-8?
  9. Compare the ideas of ‘remaining in the vine’ and ‘walking in the Spirit?’
  10. How can the teachings in John 15 assist us in bearing the fruit of the Spirit?
  11. What steps can you take in your life to better keep in step with the Spirit or live by the Spirit; hence, bearing the fruit of the Spirit?

GROWING EXERCISES

  1. Identify the 39 times in scripture when someone is said to be filled with the Spirit. There are at least 23 instances in the Old Testament and 16 in the New Testament.  Ask the following questions.  Who is filled with the Spirit?  Is there anything similar about these people?  Why are they filled with the Spirit?  What do these instances have in common?  How is this experience different with people in the Old Testament and people in the New Testament?  What gifts or abilities did the Spirit give to those in the Old Testament?  How do these gifts and abilities compare with those given in the New Testament?  What conclusions can you draw about being filled with the Spirit?
  1. Study the following verses regarding the ministry of the Holy Spirit. What do these verses teach regarding the various activities of the Spirit?
  1. Genesis 1:2
  2. Job 33:4; 104:30; Ezekiel 37:14
  3. Micah 3:8; Zechariah 4:6; Matthew 10:20
  4. Psalm 143:10; Isaiah 48:16; Ezekiel 37:1; Acts 8:29; 11:12; 13:2; 20:22
  5. Isaiah 11:2; 1 Corinthians 2: 10-14
  6. Isaiah 34:16
  7. Isaiah 42:1; 61:1; Mathew 1: 18-20; 3:16; 4:1; 12:18; 12: 28; Mark 1:10 – 12; Luke 1:35; 3:22; 4:1; 4:14; 4:18; 10:21; John 1: 32-33; Acts 10:38
  8. Ezekiel 36:27; Micah 3:8; Acts 1:8
  9. Isaiah 44:3;
  10. Ezekiel 3:12; Ephesians 1:17
  11. Psalm 51:11; Ezekiel 29:39; Haggai 2:5; 1 Corinthians 3:16; 6:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14; Ephesians 2:18
  12. Mark 1:8
  1. List the virtues and character qualities given by the Spirit? If a verse appears more than once, then it suggests additional virtues or qualities.  For example Galatians 5: 22-23 will suggest 9 different virtues?  What do these verse suggest about the work of the Spirit in the lives of believers?   What does this communicate regarding what it means to walk in the Spirit?  How does the Spirit achieve these changes in our hearts?  What do these verse teach about what it means to live the Christian life?
  1. Acts 4:31
  2. Isaiah 11:2; Daniel 5:11; Acts 6:3; 6:10; 1 Corinthians 2:13; Ephesians 1:17
  3. Acts 6:5; 11:24; 1 Corinthians 12:9; Galatians 3:14; 5:5; Jude 20
  4. Romans 5:5; 15:30; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Galatians 5:22; Colossians 1:8; 2 Timothy 1:7
  5. Luke 10:21; Acts 13:52; Romans 14:17; 15:13; Galatians 22-23; 1 Thessalonians 1:6
  6. Romans 8:6, 14:17, 15:13, Galatians 5:22, Ephesians 4:3
  7. 2 Corinthians 6:6
  8. Job 32:8, Isaiah 11:2, 2 Corinthians 6:6
  9. 2 Corinthians 6:6, Galatians 5:22
  10. 2 Corinthians 6:6, Galatians 5:22
  11. Romans 14:17, Galatians 5:5
  12. Romans 5:5, Ephesians 4:3
  13. Galatians 5:22
  14. Galatians 5:22
  15. Galatians 5:23
  16. Galatians 5:23, 2 Timothy 1:7
  17. Romans 5:5, 5:13, Ephesians 4:4
  1. Study the following verses about grieving the Spirit. 1 Samuel 16:14; Psalm 51:11;    106: 32-33; Isiah 63:10; Matthew 12: 31-32; Mark 3:29; Luke 12:10; Acts 5:3; 7:51; Ephesians 4:30; 1 Thessalonians 4:8; Hebrews 10:29.
  1. What conclusions can you draw from these verses?
  2. What is the difference in our relationship with the Spirit from the Old Testament to the New Testament?
  3. What do these verses teach regarding how we grieve the Spirit?
  4. How does God relate to those who grieve the Spirit?
  5. What happens to us spiritually when we resist the Spirit?
  1. The two ethics most contrasted with living in the Spirit is living by the law and walking in the flesh. Make a thoughtful and exhaustive list of the ways you naturally drift towards the law or legalism.  Make another list of the ways you naturally drift towards the flesh and the things of the flesh.

For example, on your list of ways you drift towards legalism, you might list that you feel guilty for missing church even when it is for a legitimate reason.  Or you may indicate that you are judgmental towards Christians who drink wine in moderation; although, you know that Jesus and Paul drank wine.  In others words, include things you feel guilty about that maybe you shouldn’t or ways that you judge when maybe you shouldn’t.

On your list of ways you drift towards the flesh, you may include that you are easily angered or struggle with apathy.  What are those things that keep you from living the way you desire for God?  What are the things in your own heart that thwart your Christlikeness?

Develop these lists over time: at least 3 sittings.  Add to them and allow your subconscious and opportunity to work on them for a while.  Go over the following questions with your coach?

  • How does living by the law give us a false sense of spirituality?
  • How does living by the law create distance between us and God… us and others?
  • How does living by the law in the areas you identified hold you back from being what God wants to be and going where God wants you to go?
  • What steps should you take to live more in the Spirit rather than by law?
  • How does walking in the flesh hold you back spiritually?
  • What does it mean to crucify the flesh?
  • What areas of your flesh need to die for you walk in the Spirit?
  • How does the Spirit work in our hearts to bring about lasting change?

RECOMMENDED READING

  1. The Holy Spirit: Activating God’s Power in Your Life by Billy Graham
  2. Baptism and Fullness: The Work of the Holy Spirit Today by John Stott
  3. Living in the Power of the Holy Spirit by Charles Stanley
  4. Showing the Spirit by D. A. Carson
  5. Paul, the Spirit, and the People of God by Gordon Fee
  6. Spirit of the Living God by Dale Moody
  7. Keep in Step with the Spirit by J. I. Packer
  8. The Beginner’s Guide to Spiritual Gifts by Sam Storms
  9. Ministering Through Spiritual Gifts by Charles Stanley
  10. Experiencing God by Henry Blackaby
  11. Survival Kit for New Christians by Ralph Neighbor
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