Wednesday Bible Study

Sermon Notes:

Introduction

• Reflecting on the Holy Spirit: Who He is, what He does, and how we respond.
• The Holy Spirit is:
  • A person, not an impersonal force.
  • Fully God, the third person of the Trinity.
  • The one believers interact with most intimately as He indwells us.

I. Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. God the Spirit
   • Co-equal, co-eternal with God the Father and God the Son.
   • He operates as the hidden person of the Trinity, glorifying Christ, not Himself.
2. The Spirit’s Nature
   • Helper, Comforter, Counselor, and Empowerer (John 14:16, 26; 16:7-15).
   • The Spirit of Truth, always aligned with Scripture and Christ’s teachings.

II. What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

1. Regenerates

   • Transforms believers at salvation (Titus 3:4-6).
   • A spiritual rebirth and renewal, not a mere external change.
   • We rest, boast, and submit to this work, acknowledging our new identity in Christ.

2. Convicts

   • Reveals sin, righteousness, and judgment (John 16:8-11).
   • Conviction leads to confession, repentance, and restored fellowship with God.

3. Teaches and Guides

   • Brings to remembrance Christ’s teachings (John 14:26).
   • Leads us into all truth and never acts contrary to Scripture.

4. Fills

   • Believers are commanded to be filled with the Spirit (Ephesians 5:18-21).
   • Being filled is about submission to the Spirit’s control, leading to:
     • Encouragement through Scripture.
     • Worship and thanksgiving in all circumstances.
     • Submitting to God’s order in relationships and roles.

5. Empowers

   • Enables believers to live victoriously over sin (Galatians 5:16-25).
   • Walking by the Spirit leads to the fruit of the Spirit:
     • Love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.

III. How Do We Respond to the Spirit?

1. Abide in Christ

   • Set your mind on things above (Colossians 3:1-2).
   • Trust and submit to the Spirit daily.

2. Walk by the Spirit

   • Actively obey His leading, even in the small, everyday choices (Galatians 5:16).
   • Resist the flesh by leaning on His power.

3. Discern His Leading

   • The Spirit leads in alignment with God’s Word.
   • Trust Him in both the extraordinary and the quiet whispers.

4. Be Filled Continually

   • Cultivate a life of prayer, worship, and thanksgiving to stay under His control.

Conclusion

• The Spirit-filled life is essential for victorious Christian living and bold witness.
• As we begin this new year, commit to greater dependence on the Holy Spirit.
• Seek His filling, trust His leading, and embrace His empowerment for every moment of life.