This series walks through the Apostles Creed as a basic summary of our faith but also as a way to live our faith out with God in the world. Each weekend of this series will explore the biblical and theological roots of the Apostles Creed, while also providing specific spiritual practices and approaches to living out what we know as we ‘proclaim and embody’ the Creed in our daily lives.
This week focuses on the phrase, “I believe in the Holy Spirit.”
SERMON OUTLINE
“Therefore I want you to know that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, ‘Jesus be cursed,’ and no one can say, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ except by the Holy Spirit.” (1 Corinthians 12:3)
The Nature of the Holy Spirit
- Powerful – ruach; pneuma
- Personal – parakletos
Two Gifts Given: Jesus’ Incarnation and the Holy Spirit’s Impartation
- The Father gives Jesus the Son (John 3:16-17)
- The Father gives the Holy Spirit (John 14:16, 26)
The Holy Spirit and God’s People
- The Presence of the Holy Spirit (John 14:15-17; Ephesians 1:13-14)
- The Guidance of the Holy Spirit (John 14:16-17; 16:13)
- The Fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26)
- The Giftings of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Romans 12:4-8)
- The Mission of the Holy Spirit (Acts 1:7-8; 2:1-12)
Living Our Belief in the Holy Spirit
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
- As we begin exploring the third article of the Apostles’ Creed, what questions do you have about the Holy Spirit?
- This week we continue our series, “Living the Creed” by exploring this statement from the Apostles’ Creed: “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Begin your study in prayer by asking God to speak to you through His Word, and then continue with the study.
- What do the following Old Testament passages tell us about the Holy Spirit?: Genesis 1:1-2; Nehemiah 9:30; Job 33:4; Psalm 104:30 • Psalm 139:7; Psalm 143:10; Ezekiel 36:24-28.
- Read Jesus’ words on the work of the Holy Spirit in John 14:15-21, 25-27 and 15:26-27, 7-15 aloud. What does Jesus say about who the Holy Spirit is and what the Holy Spirit does in this teaching?
- Jesus sends the gift of the Holy Spirit upon His followers at the time of the Pentecost festival. Read both Acts 1:4-9 and 2:1-21. What do we learn about the Holy Spirit from these verses?
- At the most basic level, the Holy Spirit is a gift of God’s personal presence (see 14:16). For the disciples who were going to experience Jesus’ departure, the promise of the Holy Spirit was important. Why was it important to them from what you read in Jesus’ words and from what you know in the rest of the New Testament?
- From the passages below, what do we learn about the Holy Spirit’s work in the life of the believer and church?: Romans 12:4-8; Romans 8:26; Galatians 5:19-26; Ephesians 1:13-14; 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22; Titus 3:4-7; 1 Corinthians 12:1-11; Ephesians 5:18-20; 1 John 2:19-27.
- What is one thing you learned through this study or sense God is speaking to you about your life and faith? If you’re in a small group, share that with one another. If you are on your own, write it down and share it with someone this week. Conclude your study in prayer.
DIG DEEPER
- Memorize 1 Corinthians 12:3 or Acts 1:8
- Read Acts 2:1- 14. Draw, ink, or paint Acts 2 as a basis for prayer. Take time to talk with God as you depict these verses in your own way. What is God speaking to you?
- Watch the Bible Project video on the Holy Spirit
- Consider reading:
- Gordon Fee, God’s Empowering Presence
- Jack S. Deere, Why I Am Still Surprised by the Power of the Spirit