Well, due to a bout of "walking" pneumonia I didn't actually teach (or attend) class this month. However I do have notes for all of those who missed and a summary of class (thank you Susan!!). I would encourage you to look over the notes and verses and grow in understanding of the person and work of God the Spirit!
"Some good discussions on the Holy Spirit being a person of the Trinity and not a thing (ie. how our sin grieves the Spirit). We then looked at some practical applications on "being led by" and "walking in" the Spirit. We used examples as to how we are all being led by something (t.v., music, books, mag., people) and it's in the discerning of whether it's wisdom from the ages or Spiritual wisdom that is directing our paths. And we then closed with "being unified by the Spirit" and how we can become dogmatic with our methods (pregnancy, parenting, education, work, food,etc), which, when our focus is being "right" instead of seeing that God uses all things for His glory, the result is separation and isolation."
The Holy Spirit
1 Corinthians 2:9-16
The Holy Spirit is the third person of the trinity, equal to/is God. The Holy Spirit’s role is described as “Helper,” “Counselor,” etc, and when we come to belief and accept Christ then it is the Holy Spirit who dwells in us, confirming our hearts transformation. This is a gift of God who has placed His Spirit in us giving us access to Him.
See: Ephesians 2:13-14, 18,Ezekiel 36: 26-27, Acts 2:17-18; 38-39, 1 Cor 3:16, 6:19-20
V.9-12 - The Holy Spirit reveals God’s truth
The Holy Spirit guides and directs God’s people
-Walk by the Spirit
Note the contrast b/w desires of the flesh and desires of the Spirit.
Our lives should be responding moment by moment to the desires of the Spirit, fighting off the desires of the flesh (Heb 12:1). The Greek word for “desires” is a word that refers to strong human desires, beyond simple intellectual wants. The implication then is that we are to follow desires produced/prompted by the HS in us.
V.13 - The Holy Spirit Sanctifies us
Knowing God better and better (through the Spirit) shows through in our actions. We and God (HS) work out our salvation together: Philippians 2:12-13, Romans 12:1-2, Romans 8:13
V.14-16 – The Holy Spirit unifies us
Spiritual matters can only be understood by those who have the indwelling of the Spirit. God’s desire for His church is that we would be one body, sealed by the Spirit, with one purpose of making Jesus known.
Philippians 2:1-3, Ephesians 4:3
**The point each class should make is that we already are living what we believe; but right living only comes through right theology. If we’ve been living without the guidance of God’s Holy Spirit then we’ve been short changing ourselves and probably have gone astray more times than we ought.
Questions –
1. How has today’s study helped you to better understand the
Holy Spirit and His role in your life?
2. Can you give some practical examples of when you have known you
were living in submission to the Spirit of God?
3. How can this information be helpful to others you know?
What about in your own home – is your spouse or roommates living a life that shows the presence of God’s indwelling power? Why or why not?
