The Holy Spirit And Me

“And now I will send the Holy Spirit, just as my Father promised. But stay here in the city until the Holy Spirit comes and fills you with power from heaven.” – Luke 24:49.

At the end of Luke’s gospel, we read the words Jesus spoke to His disciples just before His ascension to glory. With Jesus’ impending departure, the disciples were naturally worried about being left alone. Who could blame them?  But they were not left alone. This is one of the most uplifting verses in Scripture. Think about it for a few moments: God did not leave the disciples or us alone to fend for ourselves. He provided an amazing Helper in the person of the Holy Spirit. We need never be afraid again, or lonely, or hopeless, or sorrowful, or helplessly inadequate. For the Helper is always with us.

No matter what your circumstances or what season of life you are in, there is always Someone standing by to assist you. God has provided every resource you need through His Spirit. When you can’t, He can. When you’re tired, He isn’t. When you’re weak, He’s strong.  You were never meant to carry it all alone. You were never meant to live as an orphan. 

As believers, we’ve been given the Holy Spirit as a Helper, Teacher, and Friend. His presence, guidance, and wisdom in our lives are our greatest gifts while here on earth. Through Him, we have access to direct connection with our heavenly Father. Through Him, we receive spiritual gifts to empower us. We house His Spirit in us, and if we allow His Spirit to operate in our lives, we’re going to be more than okay, no matter what comes our way.  

The Holy Spirit’s presence in the life of the reader is essential to our total understanding, appreciation, and implementation of Scripture.“But it was to us that God revealed these things by his Spirit. For his Spirit searches out everything and shows us God’s deep secrets. No one can know a person’s thoughts except that person’s own spirit, and no one can know God’s thoughts except God’s own Spirit. And we have received God’s Spirit (not the world’s spirit), so we can know the wonderful things God has freely given us.” (1 Corinthians 2:10-12) John 14:26 says, “ But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.” And we know from 2 Peter 1:20-21 that the Holy Spirit moved upon the authors of Scripture to write the Bible. And it is He who inspired Scripture that helps us interpret it and apply it to our lives today.

The Holy Spirit longs to declare to you God’s plans to love you, provide for you, heal you, transform you, and deliver you. He longs to lead you to the fullness of life available to you.

Discussion Questions:

1. When you think of the Holy Spirit, what comes to your mind? 
2. How familiar are you with the topic of the Holy Spirit? Is the Holy Spirit a confusing or encouraging topic of study for you? Why or why not?
3. Identify one practical way you will live in the Holy Spirit more fully as a response to this week’s study and sermon.