The Power and the Purpose of the Holy Spirit, pt. 2

April 29, 2007

Opening Text: II Timothy 3:14-17

The Power and the Purpose of the Holy Spirit, pt. 2

John 16:12-15

Proposition: Our ability to align ourselves with the Spirit is strengthened by meditation on the Scripture.

Intro: Communication of goals and purposes

- Coaches have playbooks

- Companies have prospectus

- Colleges have handbooks

  I.  What could this mean?

1.  The Holy Spirit will teach us new information from Jesus

a) This is continuing revelation in which people are constantly receiving new revelation.

2.  The Holy Spirit is required for us to understand the Bible

a) This is the idea of illumination

b) Unless the Spirit guides you, you can’t understand the teaching.

 II.  What does this mean?

Context: 14:26 - You are the disciples

    The Holy Spirit oversaw the writing of Scripture (Inspiration) - II Timothy 3:16-17

What purpose?

-  We strengthen our resolve to stand against sin and it’s agents through the power of Scripture (Ephesians 4:14-18)  - Renewing of your minds, Conforming to the image of Christ

- We also learn how to live righteously and avoid false teaching (Acts 17:11)

Example of the loyal Bereans

III.  So What?

1.  There are insights and transformation that take place as we delve into the word

Two types of reading

Informational - Reading Scripture for the desire of mastering the text.  Knowing what the Scripture says.  (Read, Study)

Formational - Reading Scripture for what it means in relation to how we live (Meditate, Memorize)