The Spirit Within Companion Workbook by Lifetogether Ministries

The Spirit

WITHIN

Getting to Know the Person & Purpose of the Holy Spirit

Rob King & Eric Ferris VINEYARD CINCINNATI CHURCH

Published by Lifetogether Ministries

Copyright and use of the curriculum template is retained by Brett Eastman. Scripture quotes marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, IL. 60188. Scripture quotes marked (CSB) are taken from the Holy Bible, Christian Standard Bible, copyright © by Holman. Scripture quotes marked (NIV2011) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984 and 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Scripture quotes marked (NKJV) are taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW KING JAMES VERSION®. Copyright © 1982, by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Nashville, Tenn.

ISBN 978-1-950007-14-1 Printed in the United States of America

The Spirit WITHIN

Getting to Know the Person & Purpose of the Holy Spirit

Contents Introduction by Rob King and Eric Ferris Using This Workbook (Read This First) Outline for Each Session

2 4 6

Sessions Session One: The Holy Spirit Is Not What You Think It (He) Is. Session Two: The Holy Spirit Is Our Helper Session Three: The Holy Spirit Is Our Guide Session Four: You Have a Gift! Session Five: Do I Have What It Takes? Session Six: Every Church: A Spirit-Filled Church

8 24 38 52 66 80

Appendices Frequently Asked Questions Small Group Agreement Small Group Calendar Spiritual Partnersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Check-In Small Group Roster Memory Verse Cards (Clip and Review) Prayer and Praise Report

96 98 99 100 102 103 105

Small Group Leaders Hosting an Open House 110 Leading for the First Time 111 Leadership Training 101 112 Notes 115

INTRODUCTION

Many Christians—even those who have been following Jesus for a long time—have a sense of something missing. We know that Jesus promised many wonderful things to His followers and, to be fair, we’ve expected and experienced some of those wonderful things. Nonetheless, we sense that we should be feeling more comfortable and confident in our relationship with God, rather than riddled by doubts and unsure about who we are and where—or even if—we belong in the kingdom of God. We feel at times as though we’ve lost our compass. It seems like we used to see everything more clearly than we do these days, from the moral lines in the world around us to the lines between right and wrong in our own hearts and lives. We thought by now that we would be better in so many ways. Our prayers should be more frequent...and more often answered. Our Bible reading should be enriching and rewarding...and more regular. Shouldn’t we be better at resisting sin? Holier, even? Shouldn’t we feel more capable, peaceful, joyful, spiritual? Are we just complainers? Malcontents? Or is there really something missing? And if so, what is it? Within will help us see that the “something missing” isn’t missing at all. It is already within us, in the Person of the Holy Spirit. All true followers of Jesus already received “everything required for life and godliness” (2 Peter 1:3, CSB) when they received the gift of the Holy Spirit. He (not “it”) supplies everything you’ve ever wanted most, once you understand and connect with the power and presence within. We trust these weeks will be filled with discovery as you realize the potential of having the Holy Spirit onboard every moment and in every situation of your life. Because you are embarking on this study with others, you have an ideal opportunity to see the way all believers share in the one Spirit, and yet also experience unique giftings the Holy Spirit designs and delivers into each of our lives at the moment of our spiritual birth. May God bless you in these small group gatherings, Rob and Eric

Notice in the Table of Contents there are three sections: (1) Sessions; (2) Appendices; and (3) Small Group Leaders. Familiarize yourself with the Appendices. Some of them will be used in the sessions themselves.

If you are facilitating/leading or co-leading a small group, the section Small Group Leaders will give you some experiences of others that will encourage you and help you avoid many common obstacles to effective small group leadership.

Use this workbook as a guide, not a straightjacket. If the group responds to the lesson in an unexpected but honest way, go with that. If you think of a better question than the next one in the lesson, ask it. Take to heart the insights included in the Frequently Asked Questions pages and the Small Group Leaders section.

4 5 6

Enjoy your small group experience. Have fun.

Pray before each sessionâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;for your group members, for your time together, or wisdom and insights. Read the Outline for each session on the next pages so that you understand how the sessions will flow.

USING THIS WORKBOOK

TOOLS TO HELP YOU HAVE A GREAT SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE!

OUTLINE OF EACH SESSION A TYPICAL GROUP SESSION FOR THE WITHIN STUDY WILL INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS. READ THROUGH THESE COMPONENTS TO GET A CLEAR IDEA OF HOW EACH GROUP MEETING WILL BE STRUCTURED:

WEEKLY MEMORY VERSES. Each session opens with a Memory Verse that emphasizes an important truth from the session. This is an optional exercise, but we believe that memorizing Scripture can be a vital part of filling our minds with God’s will for our lives. We encourage you to give this important habit a try. The verses for our five sessions are also listed in the appendix. INTRODUCTION. Each lesson opens with a brief thought that will help you prepare for the session and get you thinking about the particular subject you will explore with your group. Make it a practice to read these before the session. You may want to have the group read them aloud. UNPACKING THE GIFT. Many of us begin the Christian life with the understanding that God has taken care of our sinful past but lack a clear picture of what He wants to do in our present. We realize that forgiveness gives us a new relationship with God but we have a hard time describing how it’s supposed to work. We may wonder more about what we’re supposed to do than consider what God has promised to do. He has arrived in our lives with a gift we get to spend the rest of our lives unpacking. This section includes some simple questions to get you talking—letting you share as much or as little of your story as you feel comfortable doing. Each session typically offers you two options. You can get to know your whole group by using the icebreaker question(s), or you can check in with one or two group members, your spiritual partner(s), for a deeper connection and encouragement in your spiritual journey. CHECKING OUT THE GIFT. In this section, you’ll read the Bible and listen to teaching, in order to hear God’s story—and begin to see how His story aligns with yours. When the study directs you to, watch the short video teaching segment. You’ll then have an opportunity to read a passage of Scripture, and discuss both the teaching and the text. You won’t focus on accumulating information but on how you should live in light of the Word of God. We want to help you apply the insights from scripture practically and creatively, from your heart as well as your head. At the end of the day, allowing the timeless truths from God’s Word to transform our lives in Christ should be your greatest aim. 6

STUDY NOTES. This brief section provides additional commentary, background or insights on the passage you’ll study in the Checking Out the Gift section. ENJOYING THE GIFT. God wants you to be a part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. This is where the Bible’s instructions to “be doers of the Word, not just hearers” (James 1:22) comes into play. Many people skip over this aspect of the Christian life because it’s scary, relationally awkward, or simply too much work for their busy schedules. But Jesus wanted all of His disciples to know Him personally, carry out His commands, and help outsiders connect with Him. This doesn’t necessarily mean preaching on street corners. It could mean welcoming newcomers, hosting a short-term group in your home, or walking through this study with a friend. In this study, you’ll have an opportunity to go beyond Bible study to biblical living. This section will also have a question or two that will challenge you to live out your faith by serving others, sharing your faith, and worshiping God. FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY. If you have time and want to dig deeper into more Bible passages about the topic at hand, we’ve provided additional passages and questions, which you can use either during the meeting, or as homework. Your group may choose to read and prepare before each meeting in order to cover more biblical material. Or, group members can use the additional study section during the week after the meeting. If you prefer not to do study homework, this section will provide you with plenty to discuss within the group. These options allow individuals or the whole group to expand their study while still accommodating those who can’t do homework or are new to your group. DAILY DEVOTIONS. Each week on the Daily Devotions pages, we provide scriptures to read and reflect on between sessions. This provides you with a chance to slow down, read just a small portion of scripture each day, and reflect and pray through it. You’ll then have a chance to journal your response to what you’ve read. Use this section to seek God on your own throughout the week. This time at home should begin and end with prayer. Don’t get in a hurry; take enough time to hear God’s direction.

SESSION

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS NOT WHAT YOU THINK IT (HE) IS.

I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you foreverâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16â&#x20AC;&#x201C;17 NKJV

UNPACKING THE GIFT Let’s press the reset button when thinking about the Holy Spirit for the duration of this study. Almost all of us come with some understanding from experience or teaching about the Holy Spirit, but fewer of us have a handle on what Scripture actually says about the third Person in the Trinity. Let’s correct that together in the next six weeks. Each of us has a story. The events of our life—good, bad, wonderful or challenging—have shaped who we are. God knows your story, and He intends to redeem it—to use every struggle and every joy to ultimately bring you to Himself. When we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. When we share our stories, we also realize we are not alone—that we have common experiences and thoughts, and that others can understand what we are going through. Your story can encourage someone else, and telling it can lead to a path of freedom for you and for those you share it with. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to give you insight as you study. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Before you start this first meeting, get contact information for every participant. Take time to pass around a copy of the Small Group Roster on page 102, a sheet of paper, or one of you pass your Study Guide, opened to the Small Group Roster. Ask someone to make copies or type up a list with everyone’s information and email it to the group during the week.

Then, begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. Give us your name and tell us the earliest memory you have, apart from your family, of belonging to a group or participating in a joint effort. Describe one worship experience or church service you have had that you will never forget. Think about the adults in your life during your childhood. What was one very memorable expression you heard one of them say frequently that still pops into your mind from time to time? Whether your group is new or ongoing, it’s always important to reflect on and review your values together. On page 98 is a Small Group Agreement with the values we’ve found most useful in sustaining healthy, balanced groups. We recommend that you choose one or two values—ones you haven’t previously focused on or have room to grow in—to emphasize during this study. Choose ones that will take your group to the next stage of intimacy and spiritual health. If your group is new, welcome newcomers. Introduce everyone—you may even want to have name tags for your first meeting. We recommend you rotate host homes on a regular basis and let the hosts lead the meeting. Studies show that healthy groups rotate leadership. This helps to develop every member’s ability to shepherd a few people in a safe environment. Even Jesus gave others the opportunity to serve alongside Him (Mark 6:30–44). Look at the FAQs in the Appendix for additional information about hosting or leading the group. The Small Group Calendar on page 99 is a tool for planning who will host and lead each meeting. Take a few minutes to plan hosts and leaders for your remaining meetings. Don’t skip this important step! It will revolutionize your group.

WATCH THE VIDEO Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Checking Out the Gift section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Read John 14:15–21 If you love me, keep my commands. 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. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them (NIV 2011). What did you hear in the video that gave you a fresh perspective on these verses? As Pastor Rob asked, what positive experiences have you had related to the Holy Spirit? What words do you connect with Holy Spirit? How are each of the persons in the Trinity active in Jesus’ description of our ongoing relationship with God? What did Jesus actually tell us about the Holy Spirit in these verses? What questions surfaced in your mind as you listened to the interaction on the video?

STUDY NOTES Another advocate. This can also mean encourager and helper. The term advocate includes not only the role of the Holy Spirit in us as well as for us. Note for example the Spirit’s role in prayer (Romans 8:26–27). The world cannot accept him. Jesus went on to describe the role of the Holy Spirit in the world, convicting people of truth and sin. People don’t decide to accept the Holy Spirit; He takes initiative, opening their eyes/ hearts to the need for a Savior. He lives with you and will be in you. The Holy Spirit is God on-board in our lives. This phrase explains why we are calling this series The Spirit Within.

ENJOYING THE GIFT God wants you to be part of His kingdom—to weave your story into His. The Holy Spirit does the heavy lifting. That will mean change—to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By starting with small, simple choices, we begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way—giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then, think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned. During his teaching, Rob commented on the situation in many churches, “The Church is this same way with the Holy Spirit—blindfolded and holding to a particular part each of us describing OUR PORTION without a cohesive idea of the whole.” What does Jesus expect His church to do about the Holy Spirit? What is your own current level of openness to what the Holy Spirit might be doing in your life? Thinking of Jesus’ words that the Holy Spirit “lives with you and will be in you,” what experiences recently do you suspect are evidence of the Spirit at work?

Take a look at the Circles of Life diagram below and write the names of two or three people you know who need to know Christ. Commit to praying for God’s guidance and an opportunity to share with each of them. Perhaps they would be open to joining the group? Share your lists with the group so you can all be praying for the people you’ve identified.

Family

(immediate or extended)

Familiar

Friends

(neighbors, kids’ sports teams, school, and so forth)

Fun

(gym, hobbies, hangouts)

Firm (work)

Also consider someone—in this group or outside it—that you can begin going deeper with in an intentional way. This might be your mom or dad, a cousin, an aunt or uncle, a roommate, a college buddy, or a neighbor. Choose someone who might be open to “doing life” with you at a deeper level and pray about that opportunity.

Stack your hands just a sports team does in the huddle and commit to taking a risk and going deeper in your group and in your relationships with each other.

This week how will you interact with the Bible? Can you commit to spending time in daily prayer or study of God’s Word (use the Daily Devotions section to guide you)? Tell the group how you plan to follow Jesus this week, and then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 105.

Close your meeting with prayer.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God nudging you to go deeper, take some time before the next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own and jot your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. A great way to gain insight on a passage is to read it in several different translations. You may want to use a Bible app or website to compare translations.

Read Romans 8:12–17. The six verses in this passage the crucial way in which the Holy Spirit establishes our relationship with God. Any genuine awareness of God’s presence and love is evidence to the Spirit working on us and then in us. How does Paul describe the experience of humans apart from the lifegiving role of the Holy Spirit? As the Holy Spirit draws us into intimacy with God, what is the expression Paul uses to indicate our closeness to God? What is our position with Christ in the family of God because of the Holy Spirit?

Read Romans 8:26–28. As he did with the earlier passage, Paul continues to fill in the details of the Spirit’s intimate work in our lives. Prayer is the territory where the Holy Spirit does His finest work. What does Paul tell us about our unaided efforts to pray? In what different ways does the Holy Spirit actively participate in our prayer lives? How should the truth of these verses affect the way we approach prayer?

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: John 3:8 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 (NIV2011).

Read: John 14:16–17 I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you (NKJV).

Read: Matthew 10:19–20 But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you (NIV2011).

Respond: What was Jesus telling Nicodemus about the work of the Spirit?

Respond: Take a few minutes to express your gratitude to God for giving you the Holy Spirit to “abide with you forever.”

Respond: In what ways does this passage challenge the way you currently view your conversations with others who may be hostile to the Gospel?

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: Luke 4:1 Then Jesus, being filled with the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit into the wilderness (NKJV).

Read: John 7:37–38 On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, “Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them” (NIV2011).

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: How would you know if the Holy Spirit was leading you into a difficult situation?

Respond: How do these words of Jesus capture some of your own experience with the Holy Spirit?

SESSION

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR HELPER

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. Acts 1:8 ESV

UNPACKING THE GIFT This memory verse reminds us that the Spirit’s presence makes it possible for us to live for Christ and witness for Him. In fact, those two effects are often seen by others at the same time. We “speak” most eloquently for Christ when we live for Him by the power of His Spirit.

As we said last week, when we share our stories with others, we give them the opportunity to see God at work. Sometimes they can see the Holy Spirit working in us in ways we can’t see ourselves. Your story is being shaped, even in this moment, by being part of this group. In fact, few things can shape us more than community. When we share our stories, we can encourage someone else, and learn. We experience the presence of God as He helps us be brave enough to reveal our thoughts and feelings. Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking: In the last session, we started looking at misunderstandings and what the Bible actually says about the Holy Spirit. How has that conversation affected you this week? Here’s a question they will discuss in the video: If you could be any one of the popular superheroes in comics or movies, who would you be? Why?

In the last session, we also asked you Who did you identify to write some names in the Circles of as the people in your Life diagram. Who did you identify as the people in your life who need to meet life who need to meet Jesus? Go back to the Circles of Life Jesus? diagram on page 17 to help you think of various people you come in contact with on a regular basis; people who need to know Jesus more deeply. Consider ideas for action and make a plan to follow through on one of them this week. Pair up with someone in your group. (We suggest that men partner with men and women with women.) This person will be your spiritual partner for the rest of this study. He or she doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have to be your best friend. Instead, this person will simply encourage you to complete the goals you set for yourself during this study. Following through on a resolution is tough when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on your own; it makes all the difference to have a partner to cheer you on.

WATCH THE VIDEO Watch the video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Checking Out the Gift section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Read Acts 1:1–8 In my first book I told you, Theophilus, about everything Jesus began to do and teach until the day he was taken up to heaven after giving his chosen apostles further instructions through the Holy Spirit. During the forty days after his crucifixion, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God.

Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, “Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth” (NLT). During the video, Pastor Rob referenced the passage we just read. How does the Holy Spirit show up three times in this passage? We also learned that three results of Jesus’ promise can be seen in these verses about the Holy Spirit’s work: 1. LIVE a fully surrendered life for Jesus. 2. LOOK like Jesus to the people around you. 3. TO be a witness for Jesus is not about merely telling about what He did but showing what he can DO with a life fully given to him. What does each of those statements mean in today’s world?

STUDY NOTES In my first book. Acts of the Apostles was written by Luke as volume two of his historical record of Jesus’ life and the early years of the church. Instructions through the Holy Spirit. Even Jesus, having chosen in the incarnation to limit His use of His own power, carried out God’s will by the power of the Spirit in the same way we have to use that power. “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?” The disciples continued to struggle with understanding Jesus would leave. They didn’t realize at the time what a significant gift Jesus would leave behind.

Pastor Rob wrapped up the sharing by saying, “I think a big part of the good news that we too often miss as Christians is that we have His power within us.” What is the evidence that he’s right about that? During the discussion, what points were made that resonated with you?

ENJOYING THE GIFT In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned from the teaching and Bible study. Then, think about practical steps you can take in the coming week to live out what you’ve learned. When have you witnessed God’s power at work in your own life? How have you seen the Holy Spirit help you live for God and/or look more like Jesus? The discussion included several comments on the convicting power of the Holy Spirit. How have you witnessed that effect of His presence in your or other’s lives? When Jesus said in John 14:12, “Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father” (NIV2011), what was He pointing to about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives as well as His? Here are some simple ways to connect with God and know Him more deeply. Tell the group which ones you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time. Prayer. Commit to personal prayer and daily connection with God. You may find it helpful to write your prayers in a journal. Daily Devotions. The Daily Devotions provided in each session offer an opportunity to read a short Bible passage five days a week during the course of our study. In our hurry-up world, we often move too quickly through everything—even reading God’s Word! Slow down. Don’t just skim, but take time to read carefully and reflect on the passage. Write down your insights on what you read each day. Copy a portion of scripture on a card and tape it somewhere in your line of sight, such as your car’s dashboard or the bathroom mirror. Or text it to yourself! Think about it when you sit at red lights or while you’re eating a meal. Reflect on what God is saying to you through these words. On the sixth day summarize what God has shown you throughout the week. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 105. 32

Close your meeting with prayer.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY If you feel God is nudging you to go deeper, take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into His Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. Want to go deeper? Select a few verses and try paraphrasing them: writing them in your own words. If you like, share them with the group the next time you meet.

Read John 14:8–13. At the beginning of this chapter, Jesus addressed the matter of the troubled hearts of the disciples. He wanted them to know good things would result in heaven (I go to prepare a place) as well as earth (His role as way, truth, and life). Plus there was a special surprise in store for those who trust Him—Someone within. In what ways does this passage bring up the reality of the Trinity? According to Jesus in verse 10, where do the messages and miracles come from that Jesus did while on earth? (Explore the significance of this in the passage below) What is the power Jesus referred to in verse 12 that will allow His followers to perform greater works than He did? How does verse 13 help explain and apply verse 12?

Read Philippians 2:5–11. This is one of the central biblical passages on what had to happen in order for Jesus to enter history as a man and do his work of providing an authentic life-example and providing a Savior for all humanity. How does Paul describe Jesus’ basic and eternal identity? What did Jesus do to become and then live as a man? Since He couldn’t stop being God, what did He have to do in order to function as a human being? How was the Holy Spirit involved? In what ways does this passage provoke humility in you?

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: Acts 1:4–5 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit” (NIV2011).

Read: Acts 1:8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth (NLT).

Read: John 14:16–17 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you. He is the Holy Spirit, who leads into all truth. The world cannot receive him, because it isn’t looking for him and doesn’t recognize him. But you know him, because he lives with you now and later will be in you (NLT).

Respond: Jesus describes the arrival of the Holy Spirit in the early church with two pictures. What are they? How does this news affect your life today?

Respond: When was the last time you asked the Holy Spirit to guide you and give you the words in speaking to others about Jesus?

Respond: What does it mean to you today to have the Holy Spirit living within?

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: John 14:12 Very truly I tell you, whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father (NIV2011).

Read: Philippians 1:19â&#x20AC;&#x201C;20 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death (NKJV).

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: When you think about acting and becoming like Jesus, how does this verse challenge your ideas of what that means?

Respond: What do you take from Paulâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s way of handling the difficult situation he was in as he wrote to the Philippians?

SESSION

THE HOLY SPIRIT IS OUR GUIDE

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God. Romans 8:14 NIV 2011

UNPACKING THE GIFT In this session, we want to zero in on one of the ongoing jobs the Holy Spirit carries out in our lives— guidance. It turns out that because God’s gift to us is a living person within, He can serve as a guide, moment by moment as we go about our days. We’re never really wandering when we are being led by God’s Spirit.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Understanding the Holy spirit’s ministry is very much a corporate effort, where the experiences of others can inform and help us develop sensitivity and awareness to the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear, and your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. I’d like to get a head start on part of the discussion in the video, so can you think of a situation you’ve been in where a guide was a lifesaver or where you realize things would have been very different if you had only had a guide? What would you guess are the main challenges a guide faces in taking a group from point A to point B without losing anyone?

Sit with your spiritual partner. If your Share one prayer partner is absent or if you are new to request and one thing the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. you want to thank If you haven’t established your spiritual God for. partnership yet, do it now. Share one prayer request and one thing you want to thank God for. Spend some time praying about what you’ve shared. (See Unpacking the Gift in Session Two on page 17.) Take some time for each person to share about how they’re doing on the challenge of inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come?

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Read Acts 16:6–10 Next Paul and Silas traveled through the area of Phrygia and Galatia, because the Holy Spirit had prevented them from preaching the word in the province of Asia at that time. Then coming to the borders of Mysia, they headed north for the province of Bithynia, but again the Spirit of Jesus did not allow them to go there. So instead, they went on through Mysia to the seaport of Troas.

That night Paul had a vision: A man from Macedonia in northern Greece was standing there, pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!” So we decided to leave for Macedonia at once, having concluded that God was calling us to preach the Good News there (NLT). What did you think when Pastor Rob began his teaching by saying, “What a great gift we have – to be led by the very Spirit of God!”? The passage above gives us a glimpse of the practical ways in which the Holy Spirit guided Paul and his companions. What principles can you see in their experience of Holy Spirit guidance? What are some of the differences between having a map and having a guide? Why are we so prone to insist on having a map rather than trusting the guide? As the group discussed Holy Spirit guidance, what were some of the helpful comments?

STUDY NOTES The Holy Spirit had prevented them. We arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t told the exact details, but the way forward closed. When a way to serve God is blocked, we can get discouraged unless we expect God sometimes to steer us by stopping us. So instead, they went on. God can certainly make us stop if that is His plan, but otherwise, we keep moving through open doors. That night Paul had a vision. The assumption is not that God always leads through visions. But He may. Our concern should not be on the unusual but rather on the faithful ways God guides us by His Spirit. Our responsibility is to be available.

ENJOYING THE GIFT Why is it important to remember that the Holy Spirit always guides in line with the Word and character of God? What are some of the ways you are seeking to become familiar with God’s voice? What do you think of the comment: “When we read God’s Word, the author is always present.” What does this mean? How have you found this true? In what ways has God’s Spirit used His Word to guide your life? When have you recently been aware of the inner voice of the Holy Spirit? What were you urged to do? Each of you in the group has different gifts and abilities. And every small group has tasks and roles that need to be done. How could you serve this group—perhaps with hospitality or prayer, by organizing an event, research or study of a topic, by worshipping or inviting new people? Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation: to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even to just have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for. Groups grow closer when they serve together. How could your group serve someone in need? You may want to visit a shut-in from your church, provide a meal for a family who is going through difficulty, or give some other practical help to someone in need. If nothing comes to mind, spend some group time praying and asking God to show you who needs your help. Have two or three group members organize a serving project for the group, and then do it!

Close your meeting with prayer.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read John 4:19–24. Jesus met a Samaritan woman outside of Sychar and carried out an amazing conversation with her that transformed her life. He shared with her some foundational teaching on the nature of worship and the Holy Spirit’s involvement. What was the woman doing with her question in verse 19–20 (see vv.17–18)? What does it mean to worship God “in spirit and truth”? (This is not a reference to the Holy Spirit, but to the spiritual part of humans— energized by God’s Spirit) How does the Trinity show up in verse 24? How do you know you are worshipping God in spirit and truth?

Read Ephesians 5:15–21. Paul was instructing the Ephesian church in the ways they should live in response to all Christ had done and was doing for, in, and through them. He is speaking with believers who already have the Spirit within (see Ephesians 1:13–14). Is being “filled with the Spirit” a permanent or temporary experience? How do verses 19–21 indicate some of the behaviors associated with being filled with the Spirit? How often are you asking God for a fresh filling of His indwelling Spirit for yourself and others?

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: 1 Thess. 1:5â&#x20AC;&#x201C;6 For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit (NKJV).

Read: Romans 8:14 For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God (NIV2011).

Read: John 16:13 When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future (NLT).

Respond: How did the Holy Spirit impact the Thessalonians is two ways Paul recorded in these verses? What parallel do you see in your own life?

Respond: Meditate on these two great gifts the Spirit brings: His ongoing guidance and your identity as a child of God.

Respond: This verse speaks of a different kind of guidance than pathways and priorities. Describe this aspect of the Holy Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s guidance.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: Zechariah 4:6 Then he said to me, “This is what the LORD says to Zerubbabel: It is not by force nor by strength, but by my Spirit, says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies” (NLT).

Read: Acts 8:29–30 The Holy Spirit said to Philip, “Go over and walk along beside the carriage.”

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: What should we think when things that bring glory to God happen in and around our lives?

Philip ran over and heard the man reading from the prophet Isaiah. Philip asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” (NLT). Respond: The group on the video discussed the principle of the inner witness. How did Philip experience this Holy Spirit guidance? Have you asked the Lord for this kind of leading in your daily walk?

SESSION

YOU HAVE A GIFT!

Peter replied, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.â&#x20AC;? Acts 2:38 NIV 2011

UNPACKING THE GIFT This session’s memory verse is found after Peter’s first sermon in the book of Acts. When those listening asked what they must do to be saved, this was his answer. The first message in the brand new church included the assurance that with repentance and salvation would also come the Holy Spirit as a gift.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer in which you invite God to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Sharing personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Continue observing the action of the Holy Spirit among your group. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. Would you call yourself more a person who jumps and then checks the parachute or a person who keeps checking the parachute right up to the point where others have to throw you out of the plane? Why do you think that is? What has been a significant personal discovery for you in the area of the Holy Spirit during these last few weeks? Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. (See Unpacking the Gift in Session Two on page 17.)

WATCH THE VIDEO Use the Notes space provided below to record key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Checking Out the Gift section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Use the following questions to guide your discussion of the teaching and stories you just experienced on the video and the Bible passage below.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4–7 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good (ESV). Both the video and the passage we just read capture intense and intimate conversations. What stood out for you in the video presentation? Looking at these verses, how would you differentiate the gifts, service, and activities that Paul mentions? The spiritual gifts we are discussing start at the point of spiritual rebirth and the arrival of the Holy Spirit. What other means of serving might be confused with gifts or even useful to the gifts as we seek to practice our unique Holy Spirit gifting? For example, what are capacities for service that you’re born with? What about skills you may learn along the way? Why is the phrase “To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good” in the verses above crucial in any biblical understanding of the gifts?

STUDY NOTES The Corinthian church was a very spiritually gifted church, and yet they had all sorts of problems. The spiritual gifts are resources which can unleash the power and presence of the Holy Spirit or create all sorts of difficulties if handled in the wrong ways. This in one area in which, as Pastor Rob says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The dirt and the divineâ&#x20AC;? must be kept in mind. Gifts. Paul is referring to the unique, Spirit-given gifting that marks the life of each believer in Christ. These become a significant part of our contribution to the body of Christ and can take a lifetime to fully engage. Service. This refers to areas or ways of service that may be temporary or ongoing which provide particular opportunities to employ or practice our gifting. Activities. These are specific practices or circumstances that require a particular gift or group of gifts to bring about glory to God. All of these are apart from natural talents we are born with or skills that we develop because of our circumstances or upbringing. Our spiritual gifting often makes use of these resources.

ENJOYING THE GIFT God wants you to be part of His Kingdom—to weave your story into His. Our spiritual gifting is an amazing part of His plan. Discovering and practicing our gifting will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices and getting feedback from others, we can discover where God wants to use us. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way, by giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session. What questions were raised by the group in the video that were your questions? How did the answers help or provoke more questions? How did you respond to Pastor Rob’s note that the understanding and using spiritual gifts is an area where we can’t forget the complications of the divine and the dirt that the Spirit within represents? How did the story of Cliff in the video demonstrate the unique blending of spiritual gifting, natural talents, and experience in service to the body? To use Pastor Rob’s expression, in what ways are you “jumping in” to serving within the body of Christ, whether you have a detailed awareness of your gifting or not? Pastor Rob closed the session with a reminder that we tend in the church to highlight certain gifts and minimize or ignore others? What problems does this cause? How can we be more comfortably open to all God has for us?

What steps will you take this week to What steps will you grow in your relationship with God? If take this week to grow you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct your attention in your relationship to Scripture this week. If you’ve been with God? reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week, and talk about your progress and challenges when you meet next time. Ask, “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 105.

Close your meeting with prayer.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Take some time between now and our next meeting to dig into God’s Word. Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme. Jot down your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may event want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages. If you like, share what you learn with the group the next time you meet.

Read Romans 12:1–13. Paul begins this intensely practical section of his letter by calling us to be living sacrifices, available to the Spirit for His uses. Verses 6–8 include some significant teaching on our responsibility to engage our gifts as we know them. How do verses 3–5 describe the issue of humility in the body of Christ? How does verse 6 parallel the memory verse for this session? What is the point in common in what Paul says about each of the gifts in mentions in vv. 6–8? What do these verses clarify for you in seeking to understand and practice your gifting?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:27–31. In this section of 1 Corinthians, Paul was seeking to level the playing field for the spiritual gifts and remind his readers that the gifts vary, are all important, and each necessary in its own place. Like other listings of gifts in the New Testament, this was given as an example and shouldn’t be read as exhaustive. How many gifts does Paul include in this list? Next to each gift, write down an example of how that gift benefits the whole. What is the expected answer for each of the rhetorical questions Paul asks in verses 29–30? How does Paul direct you in verse 31 if you don’t yet know your gifting? How does the reality of “divine and dirt” explain Paul shift at the end of verse 31 and what does he spend all of chapter 13 talking about? How often are you asking God for a fresh filling of His indwelling Spirit for yourself and others? 63

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: Ephesians 1:13 And now you Gentiles have also heard the truth, the Good News that God saves you. And when you believed in Christ, he identified you as his own by giving you the Holy Spirit, whom he promised long ago (NLT).

Read: Acts 2:38 Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit” (NIV2011).

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:7 A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other (NLT).

Respond: How is your relationship with God a two way street? When you presented your life to Him what did you receive in return?

Respond: In what ways have you experienced the truth of Peter’s answer?

Respond: List five gifts other believers have that are significantly helping you.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: 1 Corinthians 12:18 But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be (NIV2011).

Read: Galatians 5:22â&#x20AC;&#x201C;23 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and selfcontrol. Against such things there is no law (NIV2011).

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: As you seek an understanding of your own gifting, why is the verse a needed constant reminder?

Respond: How are the fruit of the Spirit different from gifting of the Spirit? How do they work together? What happens when gifts are exercised apart from fruit?

SESSION

DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words. Romans 8:26 NLT

UNPACKING THE GIFT Paul understood weakness firsthand. We might think of him as a spiritual giant with amazing superpowers until we read his testimony and suddenly recognize he was a fellow struggler just like the rest of us. One of his best examples to us is what he did when he was reminded of his weaknesses. He had an answer and it wasn’t quitting or desperately trying harder. He turned to the Holy Spirit as his answer.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite the Holy Spirit to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. Telling our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. Sharing our stories requires us to be honest. We can help one another be honest and open by creating a safe place; be sure that your group is one where confidentiality is respected, where there is no such thing as “stupid questions,” and where you listen without criticizing one another. In your working experience, what have you learned about the importance of the right tools and the right training? Describe what it feels like to be doing a job you enjoy doing and do well. Sit with your spiritual partner. If your partner is absent or if you are new to the group, join with another pair or someone who doesn’t yet have a partner. If you haven’t established your spiritual partnership yet, do it now. Answer this question: how has being in this group impacted your personal relationship with God? (See Unpacking the Gift in Session Two on page 17.)

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Read Romans 8:1â&#x20AC;&#x201C;4 There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did by sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, on account of sin: He condemned sin in the flesh, that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit (NKJV). According to this passage, what role does each Person in the Trinity take in securing our salvation and helping us lead the Christian life? As Pastor Rob mentioned, how did the context of this passage, what Paul shared about his personal walk with God, highlight the importance of the first verses in chapter 8 of Romans? Why are 1) discouragement/defeat or 2) trying harder tempting responses to failure or inadequacy in the Christian life turn out to be wrong? What does God want us to do? (See Romans 7:24â&#x20AC;&#x201C;25) When we say that the Holy Spirit equips us to live the Christian life, what are we talking about?

STUDY NOTES Here Paul is preaching to himself. He is reminding his inner being that the threat of ultimate failure has been completely removed for those who have allowed Jesus to take their place and endure everything that was scheduled for us. Now no condemnation. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re now no longer hoping for the best or trying hard to make the grade; Jesus took our place and accepted the punishment we justly deserved. In Christ Jesus. A simple but profound way of saying that Christ is not only in us by His Spirit but that we were in Him on the cross and remain in Him every remaining moment of life. Walk...according to the Spirit. Throughout the Scriptures, walking is a term for living. Paul is stating that our lives must revolved around and be directed by the Holy Spirit. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh, God did. If we try to live up to the law on our own, condemnation is certain. All the rules canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t make us keep them; they simply remind us we need help!

ENJOYING THE GIFT God wants you to be part of His kingdom—to weave your story into His. He wants us to walk according to His Spirit. That will mean change. It will require you to go His way rather than your own. This won’t happen overnight, but it should happen steadily. By making small, simple choices, we can begin to change our direction. The Holy Spirit helps us along the way— giving us gifts to serve the body, offering us insights into Scripture, and challenging us to love not only those around us but those far from God.

In this section, talk about how you will apply the wisdom you’ve learned in this session. In what ways do the rules and guidelines in Scripture still apply though we are now in Christ? When you think about being personally equipped by God to live the Christian life, what specifics come to mind as items in your “equipment”? How do you currently describe your own role in the body of Christ? In what ways have you been challenged to “step up your game” and pay closer attention to your coach as a result of these sessions? Are there any other principles or points you got from the video that we need to talk about? Spend some time praying about those you know who might respond to a simple invitation to come to a church service, to join your small group, or even just to have coffee and talk about spiritual matters. Ask the Holy Spirit to bring to mind people you can pray for.

A strong group is made up of people who What specific steps are all being filled up by God, so that they will you take this are empowered to love one another. What specific steps will you take this week to week to connect with connect with God privately, so He can “fill God privately, so He you up?” If you’ve focused on prayer in past weeks, maybe you’ll want to direct can “fill you up?” your attention to Scripture this week. If you’ve been reading God’s Word consistently, perhaps you’ll want to take it deeper and try memorizing a verse. Tell the group which one you plan to try this week. Then, at your next meeting, talk about your progress and challenges. Ask “How can we pray for you this week?” Invite everyone to share, but don’t force the issue. Be sure to write prayer requests on your Prayer and Praise Report on page 105.

Close your meeting with prayer.

Read 1 Corinthians 12:12–21. We have looked at the verses before and after these in other sessions. Here, Paul is addressing our tendency to elevate certain gifts and the need to appreciate the role the Spirit has given us. The word gift isn’t used in this passage. What word replaces it? There are at least two negative attitudes forbidden in these verses. What are they and which one do you find yourself most likely to struggle with? What is significant to you about being connected with all other believers in Jesus at His body?

Read Ephesians 4:1–13. The apostle Paul wanted all the best for his brothers and sisters in Ephesus. He spend three chapters developing an amazing picture of everything we have and are in Christ. With this passage, he makes the transition in to talking about how we must live if everything in chapters 1–3 is true. In verses 1–3, what are the five characteristics that should be true of our relationships with each other in the body of Christ? Are there any of these qualities that we can develop or practice without someone else being involved? What eight things do we have in common as believers (vv.4–7). Are any of these qualities to talk about in the next group session? Verses 8–10 include an Old Testament quote and use imagery take from military conquests, when the winning side shared the treasure of the defeated enemy. Here Jesus is giving us gifts because He won the victory in defeating sin and death. How do others know your gift from the Spirit is valuable to you? How do verses 11–13 make the point that each of us not only has a gift but we are also actually a gift to the rest of the body? How will you practice your gift with other in the body of Christ this week? 77

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: Ephesians 4:7 However, he has given each one of us a special gift through the generosity of Christ (NLT).

Read: Romans 8:26 And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words (NLT).

Read: 1 Cor. 12:26â&#x20AC;&#x201C;27 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it (NIV2011).

Respond: How do you depend on the Holy Spirit in prayer?

Respond: What parts of church closest to you are suffering right now? How are you using your gifts, skills, and resources to meet those needs and care for them?

Respond: At whatever level of recognition of your gift is at the moment, take some time to express your gratitude to God for bringing you a gift to serve Him and others.

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: 2 Cor. 3:17–18 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image (NLT).

Read: 1 Timothy 4:14 Do not neglect the spiritual gift you received through the prophecy spoken over you when the elders of the church laid their hands on you (NLT).

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: How is the Holy Spirit allowing you to see the glory of the Lord?

Respond: In what ways have you intentionally enlisted others in helping you clarify your spiritual gift? How is this series helping?

SESSION

EVERY CHURCH: A SPIRIT-FILLED CHURCH

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. Corinthians 3:17 NIV2011

UNPACKING THE GIFT In this final session we want to step back from looking at our group experience of God’s presence as the best or only example of what God’s Spirit can be doing in a local church. Down with type-casting the Spirit as producing one style or tone of local church (the correct one being the one we’re comfortable with) and expecting the Spirit to do things in new ways, even while the core remains the same.

Open your group with prayer. This should be a brief, simple prayer, in which you invite God’s Spirit to be with you as you meet. You can pray for specific requests at the end of the meeting, or stop momentarily to pray if a particular situation comes up during your discussion. As we have said in previous lessons, sharing our personal stories builds deeper connections among group members. Your story may be exactly what another person needs to hear to encourage or strengthen them. And your listening to others’ stories is an act of love and kindness to them—and could very well help them to grow spiritually. Begin your time together by using the following questions and activities to get people talking. What has surprised you most about this group? Where did God meet you over the last six weeks? Describe one practice or understanding about the Holy Spirit you have learned in this series? Take time in this final session to connect with your spiritual partner. What has God been showing you through these sessions? What positive changes has your partner noticed in you? Check in with each other about the progress you have made in your spiritual growth during this study. Make plans about whether you will continue your relationship after the group has concluded. Take some time for each person to share about how they’ve done with inviting the people on the Circles of Life to church or your small group. What specific conversations are you praying about for the weeks to come? 83

WATCH THE VIDEO Watch the video for this session now. Use the Notes space provided below to record any key thoughts, questions, and things you want to remember or follow up on. After you finish watching the video, have someone read the discussion questions in the Checking Out the Gift section and direct the discussion among the group. As you go through each of the subsequent sections, ask someone else to read the questions and direct the discussion.

NOTES:

CHECKING OUT THE GIFT Read Romans 8:1–4 Oh, foolish Galatians! Who has cast an evil spell on you? For the meaning of Jesus Christ’s death was made as clear to you as if you had seen a picture of his death on the cross. Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? Have you experienced so much for nothing? Surely it was not in vain, was it? I ask you again, does God give you the Holy Spirit and work miracles among you because you obey the law? Of course not! It is because you believe the message you heard about Christ (NLT). During his teaching remarks, Pastor Rob outlined four marks of a Spiritfilled church: A love for God shown through respect for His Word. A love and respect for one another. An atmosphere of spiritual freedom. A supernatural boldness to proclaim the Word of God. What thoughts did you have as he shared these points? What other characteristics might we be tempted to add to the list? Do they fit with the list, or do they tend to displace one or more of those four characteristics? The Galatians were surrendering their freedom in Christ for a list of rules that determined faithfulness. Paul confronted their error. What were they doing with the Spirit by turning to human effort in expressing spirituality? The group discussed at length some of the personal details that point to the presence of the Holy Spirit in a group. Which of those remarks stuck with you? Did you think of any that were not mentioned? Pastor Rob mentioned the church with the ad “Finally, a Spirit-filled church in town.” What problems does the tone and claim of that ad say about the presence of Christ in a community? What would be healthy view of other churches in our community?

STUDY NOTES You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. Paul was begging them not to turn away from the Gospel and the reality of the Spiritâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s impact on their lives. After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? When the Christian life moves away from dependence on the Holy Spirit to reliance on anything else, we are practicing foolishness and will lose our freedom in Christ.

ENJOYING THE GIFT How has God changed your story during this sixweek study? What new things is He asking you to do? What truth has transformed your heart? Think about specific steps you want to take to live a new story, to walk more closely with God so you can be part of His story, engaged in His kingdom.

What can this small group do which would foster a greater openness to the Holy Spirit and freedom among ourselves? How can we pray more fervently for other churches in town and other small groups, asking for an outpouring of the Spirit? How has your understanding of God as your heavenly Father been challenged by this series and by this final session? How would you answer if someone asked you, “What do you mean you have God living within you”? As this is the last meeting in this study, take some time to celebrate the work God has done in the lives of group members. Have each person in the group share some step of growth they have noticed in another member. (In other words, no one will talk about themselves. Instead, affirm others in the group.) Make sure each person gets affirmed and noticed and celebrated—whether the steps they’ve made are large or small. If your group still needs to make decisions about continuing to meet after this session, have that discussion now. Talk about what you will study, who will lead, and when you will meet.

Review your Small Group Agreement on page 98 and evaluate how well you met your goals. Discuss any changes you want to make as you move forward. If you plan to continue to meeting, and your group starts a new study, this is a great time to take on a new role or change roles of service in your group. What new role will you take on? If you are uncertain, maybe your group members have some ideas for you. Remember you aren’t making a lifetime commitment to the new role; it will only be for a few weeks. Maybe someone would like to share a role with you if you don’t feel ready to serve solo. Close by praying for your prayer requests and take a couple of minutes to review the praises you have recorded over the past five weeks on the Prayer and Praise Report on page 105. Spend some time thanking God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

Thank God for all He’s done in your group during this study.

Close your meeting with prayer.

FOR ADDITIONAL STUDY Explore the Bible passages related to this session’s theme on your own, jotting your reflections in a journal or in this study guide. You may even want to use a Bible website or app to look up commentary on these passages.

Read John 14:22–31. Having introduced the subject of the Holy Spirit, Jesus enlarges our understanding of the role He would play once Jesus departed. What does the question in verse 22 reveal about the disciples’ understanding of Jesus’ plans? How do all three Persons in the Trinity show up in verses 23–26? Why is Jesus describing the new arrangement as an upgrade over the present situation with Him physically here on earth? What will remain the same? Jesus talks about another gift—in what way is His promise just another way of describing what the Holy Spirit does as He makes His home in us?

Read John 16:5–15. For a third time, Jesus returns to the subject of the Holy Spirit during the Last Supper, giving the disciples a glimpse of the broader ministry of the Spirit in the world. What reason does Jesus give for needing to go away? What three things will the Holy Spirit be accomplishing throughout the world when He comes? Did you experience any of that ministry before you became a believer? How does Jesus identify each of the failures that the Holy Spirit works to correct? In what ways does verse 13 give you comfort and hope as you seek to grow in your knowledge of God and understanding of His ways?

DAILY DEVOTIONALS Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

Read: 1 Cor. 14:24–25 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” (NIV2011).

Read: 2 Cor. 3:17 Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (NIV2011).

Read: James 1:25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it (NLT).

Respond: Pastor Rob mentioned that the broad definition of prophesy is to declare God’s Word. How have you experienced or witnessed the sheer power of God’s Word presented even to an unbelieving audience?

Respond: How would you explain freedom in the Spirit? Is God really limited to doing only what makes us comfortable, or do we need to be free enough to welcome God doing the unexpected?

Respond: What the difference between eagerly obeying the God who has set you free and fearfully trying to keep a set of rules in hopes God will be pleased?

Day 4.

Day 5.

Day 6.

Read: Ephesians 4:16 He makes the whole body fit together perfectly. As each part does its own special work, it helps the other parts grow, so that the whole body is healthy and growing and full of love (NLT).

Read: Galatians 3:2â&#x20AC;&#x201C;3 Let me ask you this one question: Did you receive the Holy Spirit by obeying the law of Moses? Of course not! You received the Spirit because you believed the message you heard about Christ. How foolish can you be? After starting your Christian lives in the Spirit, why are you now trying to become perfect by your own human effort? (NLT).

Use the following space to write any thoughts God has put in your heart and mind about the things we have looked at in this session and during your Daily Devotions time this week.

Respond: Are you doing your part? Have you made it a practice to thank and encourage others who are doing their part? What would it take to start?

Respond: In what specific ways are you living by the Spirit? When are you most aware that He lives within?

APPENDICES

RESOURCES TO HELP MAKE YOUR SMALL GROUP EXPERIENCE EVEN BETTER!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS What do we do on the first night of our group? Like all fun things in life—have a party! A “get to know you” coffee, dinner, or dessert is a great way to launch a new study. You may want to review the Group Agreement (pages 98) and share the names of a few friends you can invite to join you. But most importantly, have fun before your study time begins. Where do we find new members for our group? This can be troubling, especially for new groups that have only a few people or for existing groups that lose a few people along the way. We encourage you to pray with your group and then brainstorm a list of people from work, church, your neighborhood, your children’s school, family, the gym, and so forth. Then have each group member invite several of the people on his or her list. Another good strategy is to ask church leaders to make an announcement or allow a bulletin insert. No matter how you find members, it’s vital that you stay on the lookout for new people to join your group. All groups tend to go through healthy attrition—the result of moves, releasing new leaders, ministry opportunities, and so forth—and if the group gets too small, it could be at risk of shutting down. If you and your group stay open, you’ll be amazed at the people God sends your way. The next person just might become a friend for life. You never know! How long will this group meet? Most groups meet weekly for at least their first six weeks, but every other week can work as well. We strongly recommend that the group meet for the first six months on a weekly basis if at all possible. This allows for continuity, and if people miss a meeting they aren’t gone for a whole month. At the end of this study, each group member may decide if he or she wants to continue on for another study. Some groups launch relationships for years to come, and others are stepping-stones into another group experience. Either way, enjoy the journey. Can we do this study on our own? Absolutely! This may sound crazy, but one of the best ways to do this study is not with a full house but with a few friends. You may choose to gather with another couple who would enjoy some relational time (perhaps going to the movies or having a quiet dinner) and then walking through this study. Jesus will be with you even if there are only two of you (Matthew 18:20). 96

What if this group is not working for us? You’re not alone! This could be the result of a personality conflict, life stage difference, geographical distance, level of spiritual maturity, or any number of things. Relax. Pray for God’s direction, and at the end of this six-week study, decide whether to continue with this group or find another. You don’t typically buy the first car you look at or marry the first person you date, and the same goes with a group. However, don’t bail out before the six weeks are up—God might have something to teach you. Also, don’t run from conflict or prejudge people before you have given them a chance. God is still working in your life, too! Who is the leader? Most groups have an official leader. But ideally, the group will mature and members will rotate the leadership of meetings. We have discovered that healthy groups rotate hosts/leaders and homes on a regular basis. This model ensures that all members grow, give their unique contribution, and develop their gifts. This study guide and the Holy Spirit can keep things on track even when you rotate leaders. Christ has promised to be in your midst as you gather. Ultimately, God is your leader each step of the way. How do we handle the childcare needs in our group? Very carefully. Seriously, this can be a sensitive issue. We suggest that you empower the group to openly brainstorm solutions. You may try one option that works for a while and then adjust over time. Our favorite approach is for adults to meet in the living room or dining room and to share the cost of a babysitter (or two) who can watch the kids in a different part of the house. This way, parents don’t have to be away from their children all evening when their children are too young to be left at home. A second option is to use one home for the kids and a second home (close by or a phone call away) for the adults. A third idea is to rotate the responsibility of providing a lesson or care for the children either in the same home or in another home nearby. This can be an incredible blessing for kids. Finally, the most common solution is to decide that you need to have a night to invest in your spiritual lives individually or as a couple and to make your own arrangements for childcare. No matter what decision the group makes, the best approach is to dialogue openly about both the problem and the solution.

SMALL GROUP AGREEMENT OUR PURPOSE To provide a predictable environment where participants experience authentic community and spiritual growth.

OUR VALUES Group Attendance To give priority to the group meeting. We will call or email if we will be late or absent. (Completing the Group Calendar on page ??? will minimize this issue.) Safe Environment To help create a safe place where people can be heard and feel loved. (Please, no quick answers, snap judgments, or simple fixes.) Respect Differences To be gentle and gracious to fellow group members with different spiritual maturity, personal opinions, temperaments, or â&#x20AC;&#x153;imperfections.â&#x20AC;? We are all works in progress. Confidentiality To keep anything that is shared strictly confidential and within the group, and to avoid sharing improper information about those outside the group. Encouragement for To be not just takers but givers of life. We want to Growth spiritually multiply our life by serving others with our God-given gifts. Shared Ownership To remember that every member is a minister and to ensure that each attender will share a small team role or responsibility over time. Rotating Hosts/ To encourage different people to host the group in their Leaders and Homes homes and to rotate the responsibility of facilitating each meeting. (See the Group Calendar on next page.)

OUR EXPECTATIONS Refreshments/mealtimes Childcare When we will meet (day of week) Where we will meet (place) We will begin at (time) We will do our best to have some or all of us attend a worship service together. Our primary worship service time will be Date of this agreement Date we will review this agreement again Who (other than the leader) will review this agreement at the end of this study

GROUP CALENDAR Planning and calendaring can help ensure the greatest participation at every meeting. At the end of each meeting, review this calendar. Be sure to include a regular rotation of host homes and leaders, and donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget birthdays, socials, church events, holidays, and mission/ministry projects. DATE

LESSON

HOST HOME

DESSERT/MEAL

LEADER

Monday, January 15

Steve and Lauraâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Joe

Bill

SPIRITUAL PARTNERS’ CHECK-IN BRIEFLY CHECK IN EACH WEEK AND WRITE DOWN YOUR PERSONAL PLANS AND PROGRESS TARGETS FOR THE NEXT WEEK (OR EVEN FOR THE NEXT FEW WEEKS). THIS COULD BE DONE BEFORE OR AFTER THE MEETING, ON THE PHONE, THROUGH AN E-MAIL MESSAGE, OR EVEN IN PERSON FROM TIME TO TIME.

OUR PLANS My Name: Spiritual Partner’s Name:

OUR PROGRESS Week 1

Week 2

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Week 3

Week 4

Week 5

Week 6

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SMALL GROUP ROSTER Name Contact Info

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MEMORY VERSE CARDS SESSION ONE

SESSION TWO

I will pray to the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. John 14:16–17 NKJV

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.

SESSION THREE

SESSION FOUR

For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.”

Romans 8:14 NIV2011

Acts 1:8 ESV

Acts 2:38 NIV2011

SESSION FIVE

SESSION SIX

And the Holy Spirit helps us in our weakness. For example, we don’t know what God wants us to pray for. But the Holy Spirit prays for us with groanings that cannot be expressed in words.

Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. 2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV2011

Romans 8:26 NLT

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PRAYER AND PRAISE REPORT Week 1

Week 2

105

Week 3

Week 4

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Week 5

Week 6

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SMALL GROUP LEADERS

KEY RESOURCES TO HELP YOUR LEADERSHIP EXPERIENCE BE THE BEST IT CAN BE.

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HOSTING AN OPEN HOUSE If you’re starting a new group, try planning an “open house” before your first formal group meeting. Even if you have only two to four core members, it’s a great way to break the ice and to consider prayerfully who else might be open to joining you over the next few weeks. You can also use this kick-off meeting to hand out study guides, spend some time getting to know each other, discuss each person’s expectations for the group and briefly pray for each other. A simple meal or good desserts always make a kick-off meeting more fun. After people introduce themselves and share how they ended up being at the meeting (you can play a game to see who has the wildest story!), have everyone respond to a few icebreaker questions: What is your favorite family vacation? What is one thing you love about your church/our community? What are three things about your life growing up that most people here don’t know? Next, ask everyone to tell what he or she hopes to get out of the study. You might want to review the Small Group Agreement and talk about each person’s expectations and priorities. Finally, set an open chair (maybe two) in the center of your group and explain that it represents someone who would enjoy or benefit from this group but who isn’t here yet. Ask people to pray about inviting someone to join the group over the next few weeks. Hand out postcards and have everyone write an invitation or two. Don’t worry about ending up with too many people; you can always have one discussion circle in the living room and another in the dining room after you watch the lesson. Each group could then report prayer requests and progress at the end of the session. You can skip this kick-off meeting if your time is limited, but you’ll experience a huge benefit if you take the time to connect with each other in this way.

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LEADING FOR THE FIRST TIME Sweaty palms are a healthy sign. The Bible says God is gracious to the humble. Remember who is in control; the time to worry is when you’re not worried. Those who are soft in heart (and sweaty palmed) are those whom God is sure to speak through. Seek support. Ask your leader, co-leader, or close friend to pray for you and prepare with you before the session. Walking through the study will help you anticipate potentially difficult questions and discussion topics. Bring your uniqueness to the study. Lean into who you are and how God wants you to uniquely lead the study. Prepare. Prepare. Prepare. Go through the session several times. If you are using the DVD, listen to the teaching segment and Leadership Lifter. Consider writing in a journal or fasting for a day to prepare yourself for what God wants to do. Don’t wait until the last minute to prepare. Ask for feedback so you can grow. Perhaps in an email or on cards handed out at the study, have everyone write down three things you did well and one thing you could improve on. Don’t get defensive. Instead, show an openness to learn and grow. Prayerfully consider launching a new group. This doesn’t need to happen overnight, but God’s heart is for this to take place over time. Not all Christians are called to be leaders or teachers, but we are all called to be “shepherds” of a few someday. Share with your group what God is doing in your heart. God is searching for those whose hearts are fully his. Share your trials and victories. We promise that people will relate. Prayerfully consider whom you would like to pass the baton to next week. It’s only fair. God is ready for the next member of your group to go on the faith journey you just traveled. Make it fun, and expect God to do the rest.

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LEADERSHIP TRAINING 101 Congratulations! You have responded to the call to help shepherd Jesus’ flock. There are few other tasks in the family of God that surpass the contribution you will be making. As you prepare to lead, whether it is one session or the entire series, here are a few thoughts to keep in mind. We encourage you to read these and review them with each new discussion leader before he or she leads. 1. Remember that you are not alone. God knows everything about you, and He knew that you would be asked to lead your group. Remember that it is common for all good leaders to feel that they are not ready to lead. Moses, Solomon, Jeremiah and Timothy were all reluctant to lead. God promises, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you” (Hebrews 13:5). Whether you are leading for one evening, for several weeks, or for a lifetime, you will be blessed as you serve. 2. Don’t try to do it alone. Pray right now for God to help you build a healthy leadership team. If you can enlist a co-leader to help you lead the group, you will find your experience to be much richer. This is your chance to involve as many people as you can in building a healthy group. All you have to do is call and ask people to help. You’ll probably be surprised at the response. 3. Just be yourself. If you won’t be you, who will? God wants you to use your unique gifts and temperament. Don’t try to do things exactly like another leader; do them in a way that fits you! Just admit it when you don’t have an answer, and apologize when you make a mistake. Your group will love you for it, and you’ll sleep better at night! 4. Prepare for your meeting ahead of time. Review the session and the leader’s notes, and write down your responses to each question. Pay special attention to exercises that ask group members to do something other than engage in discussion. These exercises will help your group live what the Bible teaches, not just talk about it. Be sure you understand how an exercise works, and bring any necessary supplies (such as paper and pens) to your meeting. If the exercise employs one of the items in the appendix, be sure to look over that item so you’ll

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know how it works. Finally, review “Outline for Each Session” so you’ll remember the purpose of each section in the study. 5. Pray for your group members by name. Before you begin your session, go around the room in your mind and pray for each member by name. You may want to review the prayer list at least once a week. Ask God to use your time together to touch the heart of every person uniquely. Expect God to lead you to whomever He wants you to encourage or challenge in a special way. If you listen, God will surely lead! 6. When you ask a question, be patient. Someone will eventually respond. Sometimes people need a moment or two of silence to think about the question. Keep in mind, if silence doesn’t bother you, it won’t bother anyone else. After someone responds, affirm the response with a simple “thanks” or “good job.” Then ask, “How about somebody else?” or “Would someone who hasn’t shared like to add anything?” Be sensitive to new people or reluctant members who aren’t ready to say, pray or do anything. If you give them a safe setting, they will blossom over time. 7. Provide transitions between questions. When guiding the discussion, always read aloud the transitional paragraphs and the questions. Ask the group if anyone would like to read the paragraph or Bible passage. Don’t call on anyone, but ask for a volunteer, and then be patient until someone begins. Be sure to thank the person who reads aloud. 8. Break up into smaller groups each week or they won’t stay. If your group has more than seven people, we strongly encourage you to have the group gather sometimes in discussion circles of three or four people during the Checking Out the Gift or Change Your Story sections of the study. With a greater opportunity to talk in a small circle, people will connect more with the study, apply more quickly what they’re learning and ultimately get more out of it. A small circle also encourages a quiet person to participate and tends to minimize the effects of a more vocal or dominant member. It can also help people feel more loved in your group. When you gather again at the end of the section, you can have one person summarize the highlights from each circle. Small circles are also helpful during prayer time. People who are unaccustomed to praying aloud will feel more comfortable trying it with just two or three others. Also, prayer requests won’t take as much time, so circles will have more time to actually pray. When you gather back with the whole group, you can have one person from each circle briefly update everyone on the prayer requests. People are more willing to pray in small circles if they know that the whole group will hear all the prayer requests. 9. Rotate facilitators weekly. At the end of each meeting, ask the group who should lead the following week. Let the group help select your weekly facilitator. You may be perfectly capable of leading each time, but you will help others grow

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in their faith and gifts if you give them opportunities to lead. You can use the Small Group Calendar to fill in the names of all meeting leaders at once if you prefer. 10. One final challenge (for new or first time leaders): Before your first opportunity to lead, look up each of the five passages listed below. Read each one as a devotional exercise to help yourself develop a shepherd’s heart. Trust us on this one. If you do this, you will be more than ready for your first meeting. Matthew 9:36 1 Peter 5:2–4 Psalm 23 Ezekiel 34:11–16 1 Thessalonians 2:7–8, 11–12

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NOTES

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