The God I Never Knew Part 1 - Who Is He?

Who Is He? Robert Morris Focus The Holy Spirit is a person. He is our helper and comforter. He is our friend, and He is not weird! The Holy Spirit is God, and we can have a personal relationship with Him. Fun Open What three words would you use to describe yourself? Share why these words describe you best. Review Key Scriptures: John 14:16–17,16:7–11 • The Holy Spirit is our Helper. The Bible always refers to the Holy Spirit as a person, not as an “it” or a “force.” Because He’s a person, we can know Him personally. The Holy Spirit is also our comforter. • The Holy Spirit is our Friend (and He’s not weird). Many people don’t want to learn about the Holy Spirit because they’ve seen people act weird and misrepresent Him. Although people can sometimes be weird, the Holy Spirit is not weird. It is Satan’s plan to have people misunderstand and misrepresent the Holy Spirit. The benefits of the Holy Spirit are power, love, fruit, and gifts. • The Holy Spirit is God. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit defer to one another and prefer one another. The Bible is clear that the Holy Spirit is God. In Acts 5:3–4 when Ananias lied to the Holy Spirit, the Bible says he lied to God. When you have a vibrant relationship with the Holy Spirit, God is able to minister to others through you. *Group Dynamics Idea* As your group begins this new semester, be proactive about getting others involved. As the leader, you don’t have to do everything yourself. Take time to think through the various roles or tasks that need to be accomplished for a successful group. During the first week or two, have people sign up to help in various ways. (See your Gateway Group’s leader playbook for ideas.) When you empower them to help, they will take more ownership in the group. Discuss 1. Did you grow up thinking the Holy Spirit was weird? In what ways did this message confirm or change some of your previous perspectives about the Holy Spirit? 2. Sometimes people can misrepresent the Holy Spirit through their own weird behavior. Have you ever been concerned that if you had a relationship with the Holy Spirit you would have to act weird? 3. Read John 16:7–8. Why do you think Jesus said it was to our advantage that He leave this earth so He could send the Holy Spirit? 4. Have you thought of the Holy Spirit as a person or as a force? How do we relate differently to the Holy Spirit when we understand He is a person? 5. Why do you think the Holy Spirit is referred to as a helper and a comforter? Can you think of a time when He has personally helped you or comforted you? 6. In what ways is the Holy Spirit our friend? 7. What are some things we can do this week to cultivate our friendship with the Holy Spirit? Take Home As we conclude, remember the following: • The Holy Spirit is our Comforter. • The Holy Spirit is our Friend (and He’s not weird). • The Holy Spirit is God. Prayer Heavenly Father, thank You for giving us the gift of the Holy Spirit. We recognize that He is a person, the third person of the Trinity. Thank You for sending us a comforter and helper. Help us to cultivate our relationship with Him. In Jesus’ name, Amen. *New Leader Tip* Make your group a friendly, welcoming place! Be intentional about greeting every person as they enter. (Find the outgoing people in your group and assign them to do the same.) Show genuine interest in each person by asking questions to get to know them better. People want to be a part of a group that has a warm, friendly, and welcoming atmosphere.