The Holy Spirit: Sermon Outline
Notes
Transcript
Key Theme: The Holy Spirit is not just a force or feeling, but the third person of the Trinity who transforms, empowers, and seals believers for eternal life. Our relationship with Him determines the depth of our Christian experience and effectiveness in God's mission.
I. Introduction
The Holy Spirit: A fundamental yet often misunderstood aspect of our faith
Today we explore who He is, what He does, and how He transforms our lives
II. The Holy Spirit is a Person
A. Personal Pronouns are Used
John 14:17 - "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."
Scripture consistently refers to the Holy Spirit with personal pronouns, not "it"
B. He Has Characteristics of a Person
He can be grieved - Ephesians 4:30
He distributes gifts - 1 Corinthians 12:11
He speaks and calls - Acts 13:2
These are not qualities of a force or influence, but of a person
III. The Holy Spirit is God
A. He Possesses Divine Attributes
Eternal - Hebrews 9:14 (the eternal Spirit)
Omnipresent, omniscient, all-knowing - qualities only God possesses
B. His Name is Used Interchangeably with God
Acts 5:3-4 - Lying to the Holy Spirit = lying to God
Peter equates the two directly
C. He is Mentioned Alongside the Father and Son
The Great Commission - Matthew 28:19-20
The Apostolic Blessing - 2 Corinthians 13:14
Election and Sanctification - 1 Peter 1:1-2
D. The Third Person of the Trinity
A mysterious reality of God, yet clearly taught in the New Testament
One God expressed in three persons
IV. The Work of the Holy Spirit
A. He Brought Scripture to Us
2 Peter 1:21 - Prophets spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit
B. He Guides Us into Truth
John 16:13-14 - The Spirit of truth will guide you into all truth
1 Corinthians 2:11-14 - Only the Spirit knows the thoughts of God and reveals them to us
C. He Renews Us
Titus 3:3-7 - Saved through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit
D. He Gifts Us
1 Corinthians 12:12-13 - We were all baptized by one Spirit into one body
E. He is Our Seal
Ephesians 1:13-14 - Marked with the seal of the promised Holy Spirit
A deposit guaranteeing our inheritance
F. He Intercedes for Us
Romans 8:26-27 - The Spirit intercedes for us through wordless groans
V. Warning: We Can Hinder the Work of the Spirit
A. We Can Grieve the Spirit
Ephesians 4:30-32 - Don't grieve the Holy Spirit through bitterness, rage, and malice
B. We Can Quench the Spirit
1 Thessalonians 5:19 - Do not quench the Spirit
VI. The Holy Spirit: Be Filled
A. Walk by the Spirit
Galatians 5:16 - Walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh
B. The Fruit of the Spirit
Galatians 5:22-23 - Love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control
C. The Command to be Filled
Ephesians 5:18 - Do not get drunk on wine, but be filled with the Spirit
VII. Crucial Distinction: Excitement vs. Indwelling
A. The Problem of Confusing Emotions with the Spirit
Corinthian Example: Charismatic experiences void of instruction and life transformation
Camp Deerrun Principle: Don't fall in love with the experience; fall in love with the God you encounter
B. Key Differences
Emotional Excitement:
Tied to specific events or stimuli
Can be fleeting without lasting spiritual change
May lack theological depth
Indwelling of the Holy Spirit:
Constant, abiding presence in believers
Produces consistent fruit of the Spirit
Leads to increased obedience and biblical understanding
Helps in discerning God's will
C. Developing Discernment
Prioritize Scripture over feelings
Look for consistent spiritual fruit
Be wary of sensationalism
Seek counsel from mature believers
VIII. The Spirit's Role in Our Mission and Intimacy
A. Our Mission Depends on the Spirit
John 15:5 - "Apart from me you can do nothing"
Romans 8:12-13 - By the Spirit we put to death the misdeeds of the body
B. Our Intimacy with God Depends on the Spirit
Romans 8:14-16 - Led by the Spirit as children of God, crying "Abba, Father"
Psalm 51:11-12 - "Do not take your Holy Spirit from me"
C. The Spirit Brings Confidence in Our Salvation
The Golden Ticket Analogy: Like having assurance your ticket is valid
2 Corinthians 1:18-22 - God has set his seal on us and put his Spirit in our hearts as a deposit
2 Corinthians 5:5 - The Spirit as a deposit guaranteeing what is to come
IX. How to Receive/Cultivate the Holy Spirit
A. Repent and Be Baptized
Acts 2:38 - Repent, be baptized, and receive the gift of the Holy Spirit
Have you made the commitment to Christ?
B. Live Obedient Lives
John 15:10 - Keep Christ's commands and remain in his love
C. Practical Steps
Being in the Word - Regular Scripture study
Being in Community - Fellowship with other believers
Removing Yourself from the World - John 15:18-19
Making the Most of Every Opportunity - Ephesians 5:15-20
X. Conclusion
"I don't know exactly, but I know I need Him"
The Holy Spirit is not optional for the Christian life
He is essential for our transformation, mission, and intimacy with God
Today, will you open your heart to be filled with the Spirit?
