Leader Guide
In this weekend's message we learned how we receive the Holy Spirit, how we live in the Spirit, and how His presence in us is a down payment for eternity. We might have been fearful or hesitant about the Holy Spirit before, now we can be excited and enthusiastic about seeking and receiving Him.
What you will need: A Bible or your Bible app, a notebook, pen, and highlighter. The verses highlighted below are linked so that you can easily access them during your study time.
Jump Start
Leaders: This section is designed to get discussions started, examine God’s truth, and apply it to our week. Life Group leaders should not assume everyone in their group is a Christ follower. Because they are taking part in a Life Group, they must have some openness to knowing more, exploring. Pray for the Holy Spirit to work and let Him lead you as well.
1. When we talk about the Holy Spirit what are some thoughts you have had or experiences in your past? Do you feel this message brought you comfort? Clarity?
2. Initially. Read Ephesians 1:13 (CSB) Based on this scripture when do you receive the Holy Spirit? What is the Importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives as Christians?
Leaders: Be sensitive with the different members in your group, especially if you have unbelievers in your group. Allow everyone to share their impressions of the Holy Spirit. Use this great opportunity to share the Gospel and ask if anyone has any question about whether they have received the Holy Spirit. When we hear, believe and accept what Christ did for us, he saves us and seals (keeps) us for eternity.
3. Continuously. Read Romans 8:5-11 , 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 (CSB). If the Spirit of God lives in us, what does that do to the old ways we lived, thought, and acted? What ways can we glorify God with our bodies?
Leaders: Asking the Spirit to help us, changing our minds to the things pleasing to Him is a daily process. We have the same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead, so He has the power to help us become all He wants us to be.
4. Repeatedly. Read John 14:22-26, Ephesians 5:18(CSB). How does keeping God’s Word show Him that we love Him? How does the scripture say we can remember God’s Word?
Leaders: We are reminded that if we love God, we will desire to obey Him and His Word. The Holy Spirit, the Counselor will teach us and remind us of Jesus’ Words. It takes time to develop a life led by the Holy Spirit.
5. Eternally. Read Ephesians 1:13-14: What does it mean to be sealed with the Holy Spirit? How does a down payment for our inheritance work?
Leaders: This should bring us great joy that the presence of The Holy Spirit demonstrates the genuineness of our faith and that we are God’s children safe and secure. Compare this to putting a down payment on a home or land and how it holds it for the buyer.
Deeper
6. Read Matthew 7:7. According to this scripture how can we pursue more of God?
Leaders: We serve a good God, we simply ask, seek, and knock. God is more than willing to be found.
7. Read 2 Corinthians 1:21-22. How does this verse confirm God’s promise that we will be redeemed eternally?
Leaders: God gives us His Holy Spirit to put His seal on us and in our hearts as His guarantee.
8. Read Romans 8:16. Scripture confirms repeatedly that we can be confident in our Spirit that we are His.
Leaders: Thank you, God, that you clearly teach us in your word that if we hear the Word, believe the Gospel of Jesus Christ and His death and resurrection for our sins, and accept we can be saved and sealed by the Holy Spirit.