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These studies are designed for Senior High
Study one  Chasing after who is the Holy Spirit
Study two  Spirit for everyone
Study three  Me and Ministry
Study four  GIFTS AND MINISTRIES
Study five  OWNED BY GOD
Study six  BLESSED BY GOD

These studies are designed for Junior High

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OUR RESPONSE

When it comes to the Holy Spirit in the Scriptures, we can
  Reject the Spirit working in our lives and the ministry of the Spirit in our Church?
  Leave it all up to the Spirit of God only. Thus, seeing the Holy Spirit as the ‘answer all' or our ‘feel good maker.'
  Respond to the work of the Spirit and participate in His ministry.

My prayer is that this material will help you to grow in your knowledge and spiritual maturity.

Ephesians 4:11-13 " Christ chose some of us to be apostles, prophets, missionaries, pastors, and teachers, 12so that his people would learn to serve and his body would grow strong. 13This will continue until we are united by our faith and by our understanding of the Son of God. Then we will be mature, just as Christ is, and we will be completely like him." (CEV)

Col 1:28 "We announce the message about Christ, and we use all our wisdom to warn and teach everyone, so that all of Christ's followers will grow and become mature."  (CEV)

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Study One: Chasing after who is the Holy Spirit

Is the Holy Spirit an energy only or does He have a personality?
Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirt the same? Why is this important?
John 15:26 "I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me."
Matt. 3:16-17 "So Jesus was baptised. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him."

How does the Holy Spirit work with Jesus?
John 15:26 "When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN THE OLD TESTAMENT
The word ‘Spirit‘ is used 377 for the wind, breathe and of God, especially His power. Of these, 94 references in the Old Testament point to the Spirit of God.

Creation
Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.'
Psalm 104:30 "When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth."
Does the Holy Spirit give all people creativity or only Christians?

Future renewal of the world
Isaiah 32:14 "The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, 15till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.16Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field."
When do you think this will happen?

Power
Judges 14:6 "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done." Samson

The Spirit also helped
  The workers in the Temple see Exodus 31:3-4;
  Gives wisdom see Daniel 5:14
  Set Ezekiel on his feet Ezekiel 2:2; lifts him up (3:12 and 8:3) Snatches him away (3:14)

Why did only special people receive the Holy Spirit in the Old Testament?

Leadership
Numbers 11:17 "I will come down and speak with you there, and I will take of the Spirit that is on you and put the Spirit on them. They will help you carry the burden of the people so that you will not have to carry it alone."

Numbers 27:18 "So the LORD said to Moses, "Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay your hand on him."

  Judges we see the Spirit come on Othniel, Gideon, Jephthah, Samson.
  The first kings, Saul and David received the Spirit. (1 Samuel 11:6; 16:13)
  The Messiah will have the Spirit on Him according to Isaiah 11:2-4"The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him-- the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD 3and he will delight in the fear of the LORD. He will not judge by what he sees with his eyes, or decide by what he hears with his ears; 4but with righteousness he will judge the needy, with justice he will give decisions for the poor of the earth. He will strike the earth with the rod of his mouth; with the breath of his lips he will slay the wicked."

What ways did the Spirit participate in the ministry of Jesus?
Prophecy
2 Sam 23:2 "The Spirit of the LORD spoke through me; his word was on my tongue." (David)
Numbers 11:25 "Then the LORD came down in the cloud and spoke with him, and he took of the Spirit that was on him and put the Spirit on the seventy elders. When the Spirit rested on them, they prophesied, but they did not do so again."
Zech 7:12 "They made their hearts as hard as flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD Almighty had sent by his Spirit through the earlier prophets."
Numbers 11:29 "But Moses replied, "Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord's people were prophets and that the LORD would put his Spirit on them!"
Joel 2:28 "And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. 29Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days."
Why is it important to realise that the Holy Spirit gave the right words to the Prophets?

Wisdom
* Jesus- Isaiah 11:2 "The Spirit of the LORD will rest on him - the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding, the Spirit of counsel and of power, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD"
 

Presence
Psalm 51:11 "Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit from me."
Isaiah 63:10 "Yet they rebelled and grieved his Holy Spirit. So he turned and became their enemy and he himself fought against them."

Restoration of the new Israel
Isaiah 32:15-16 "till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest. Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field.

Blessing
Isaiah 44:3 "For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants."

OUR RESPONSE
How can we reject the Holy Spirit working in our lives and the ministry of the Spirit in our Church?

Discuss the following statements
  "When things go wrong leave it up to the Spirit of God only."
  "The Holy Spirit is the feel-good-maker."
  "His work is to convict people of sin, our responsibility is to share the gospel." How should this influence the way we share our faith?
  "The Holy Spirit is an energy only"

The Spirit for everyone

PENTECOST
Underline what you think is important. Put a ‘?' Beside what you do not understand.

Acts 2:1 "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."

Abrahamic Covenant
Genesis 12:1 "The LORD had said to Abram, "Leave your country, your people and your father's household and go to the land I will show you. 12:2 "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. 12:3 I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you."

What are the three promises to Abraham?

The giving of the law on Mt. Sinai Anniversary
Pentecost was a festival to celebrate the first fruits being given to God. Check our Exodus 19 and Psalm 29:68 which are Bible readings for the Synagogue at Pentecost.

Physical
Wind,    (God's creative breath)
Fire        and   ( In Jewish culture fire symbolised the law and equal to judgement possibly
              through prophetic preaching)
Sound   Exodus 19:5 "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 19:6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

What new insights does this give to Pentecost in Acts?

What do you think are the links between Sinai and Pentecost? Underline key thoughts.

Law
Isaiah 42:1-4 "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. 2... In faithfulness he will bring forth justice;....4 In his law the islands will put their hope."
Isaiah 42:6 "I, the LORD, have called you in righteousness; I will take hold of your hand. I will keep you and will make you to be a covenant for the people and a light for the Gentiles ,42:7 to open eyes that are blind, to free captives from prison and to release from the dungeon those who sit in darkness.

Check out Ezekiel and what he prophesied about the future?
Ezekiel 37:1 The hand of the LORD was upon me, and he brought me out by the Spirit of the LORD and set me in the middle of a valley; it was full of bones.37:2 He led me back and forth among them, and I saw a great many bones on the floor of the valley, bones that were very dry.37:3 He asked me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" I said, "O Sovereign LORD, you alone know."
37:4 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to these bones and say to them, 'Dry bones, hear the word of the LORD!37:5 This is what the Sovereign LORD says to these bones: I will make breath enter you, and you will come to life.

37:7 So I prophesied as I was commanded. And as I was prophesying, there was a noise, a rattling sound, and the bones came together, 37:9 Then he said to me, "Prophesy to the breath; prophesy, son of man, and say to it, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe into these slain, that they may live.'"37:10 So I prophesied as he commanded me, and breath entered them; they came to life and stood up on their feet, a vast army.
37:11 Then he said to me: "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They say, 'Our bones are dried up and our hope is gone; we are cut off.'
37:12 ... I will bring you back to the land of Israel.
37:14 I will put my Spirit in you and you will live, and I will settle you in your own land. Then you will know that I the LORD have spoken, and I have done it, declares the LORD.'"
37:15 The word of the LORD came to me:
37:16 "Son of man, take a stick of wood and write on it, 'Belonging to Judah and the Israelites associated with him.' Then take another stick of wood, and write on it, 'Ephraim's stick, belonging to Joseph and all the house of Israel associated with him.'
37:17 Join them together into one stick so that they will become one in your hand.
37:18 "When your countrymen ask you, 'Won't you tell us what you mean by this?'
37:19 say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I am going to take the stick of Joseph--which is in Ephraim's hand--and of the Israelite tribes associated with him, and join it to Judah's stick, making them a single stick of wood, and they will become one in my hand.'
37:20 Hold before their eyes the sticks you have written on
37:21 and say to them, 'This is what the Sovereign LORD says: I will take the Israelites out of the nations where they have gone. I will gather them from all around and bring them back into their own land.
37:22 I will make them one nation in the land, on the mountains of Israel. There will be one king over all of them and they will never again be two nations or be divided into two kingdoms.
37:23 They will no longer defile themselves with their idols and vile images or with any of their offences, for I will save them from all their sinful backsliding, and I will cleanse them. They will be my people, and I will be their God.
37:24 "'My servant David will be king over them, and they will all have one shepherd. They will follow my laws and be careful to keep my decrees.
37:25 They will live in the land I gave to my servant Jacob, the land where your fathers lived. They and their children and their children's children will live there forever, and David my servant will be their prince forever.
37:26 I will make a covenant of peace with them; it will be an everlasting covenant. I will establish them and increase their numbers, and I will put my sanctuary among them forever.
37:27 My dwelling place will be with them; I will be their God, and they will be my people.
37:28 Then the nations will know that I the LORD make Israel holy, when my sanctuary is among them forever.'"
 
 

NATIONS
Acts 2:5 "Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 2:6When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
2:8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 2:11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs - we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

List of nations
Why do you think the different races and nationalities are so important to Pentecost?

Isaiah 66:19 "I will set a sign among them, and I will send some of those who survive to the nations--to Tarshish, to the Libyans and Lydians (famous as archers), to Tubal and Greece, and to the distant islands that have not heard of my fame or seen my glory. They will proclaim my glory among the nations.

Last days
Isaiah
2:1-4 "This is what Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem: 2:2 In the last days the mountain of the Lord's temple will be established as chief among the mountains; it will be raised above the hills, and all nations will stream to it.
2:3 Many peoples will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." The law will go out from Zion, the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.
2:4 He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore."

Discuss "The Holy Spirit equips Christians for their servant vocation. However, the point is that the Spirit-empowered word confers salvation because the words are Spirit-empowered."

MEANING
Acts 2:12-14 "Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 2:13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. " 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:"

PETER EXPLAINS
 Acts 2:14-16 "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 2:15 These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 2:16No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:"

JOEL
Acts 2:17-21 "`In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 2:18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 2:19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 2:20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

Check out the passage from Joel and Ezekiel? Underline and share key ideas. Spirit Outpoured
Joel 2:28-32 'And afterward, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your old men will dream dreams, your young men will see visions. Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days. I will show wonders in the heavens and on the earth, blood and fire and billows of smoke. The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD. And everyone who calls on the name of the LORD will be saved; for on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there will be deliverance, as the LORD has said, among the survivors whom the LORD calls.
Ezekiel 39:29  "I will no longer hide my face from them, for I will pour out my Spirit on the house of Israel, declares the Sovereign LORD."
 

JESUS
 2:22-24 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 2:24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him."

How did Jesus prove He was the Son of God?

KING DAVID
2:25-36 "David said about him: "`I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 2:26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 2:27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 2:28You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'
2:29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 2:30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 2:31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.
 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has
 received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has
 poured out what you now see and hear.
2:34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "`The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 2:35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '
2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

REPENT
2:37-38 "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 2:38 Peter replied, "
Repent and be
baptised, every one of you,
in the name of Jesus Christ for the
forgiveness of your sins. And you will
receive the gift of the Holy Spirit."

Unpack the above verses and share what each main statement means to you.

UNIVERSAL OFFER
2:39-40  The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."

Can you tell who will become Christians? Whose responsibility is the sharing the gospel, whose responsibility is the converting of people?

RESPONSE
2:41  "Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

LIFESTYLE
2:42-47 "They devoted themselves to the
apostles' teaching and to the
fellowship, to the
breaking of bread and to
prayer.
2:43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 2:46 Every day they continued to
meet together in the temple courts. They
broke bread in their homes and
ate together with glad and sincere hearts,
2:47 praising God and
enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved."

How does v.42 define the Church?
 

Our response
Discuss the following statement

The baptism of the Holy Spirit brought the restoration of Israel
to be a light to the world
 Clothe the disciples with power for the missionary task of being witnesses
 to Israel but ultimately to the end of the earth.

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Me and Ministry

TRUE VERSES FALSE MOTIVES FOR MINISTRY

People help for a wide range of different reasons. Some good and some suspect. Many churches are always short of leaders in the short-term so they may use guilt as a method of recruitment. This gets leaders in the short-term but is not a good basis for long-term recruitment.

Assess how in the past you have been motivated for ministry?

Guilt or called by God?
 1. Service is done out of a sense of   Obligation - Obedience
 2. Priorities are established by a  Me-first Mindset - Father-First Mindset
 3. Motivated to serve by   Fear of Men - Fellowship with God
 4. Attitude reflects    Not-my-job - Whatever it takes
 5. Approaches ministry out of   Fullness which becomes emptiness -
       Emptiness which becomes Fullness
 6. Results are     Self Seeking - God-Glorifying
 7. A Spirit of     Pride - Humility

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God - this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - his good, pleasing and perfect will." Romans 12:1-2

What are some areas of your life that need to be transformed more by God?

The Spirit sent by God the Father and Jesus the Son
John 15:26 "Then the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."
John 16:13-14 "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you."
Galatians 4:6 "Because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, the Spirit who calls out, "Abba, Father."
Why was the Spirit poured out on the Church?
 
 

The work of the Spirit in the world

John 16:8 "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment"

What is a key ministry of the Spirit in the world?
 
 

The work of the Spirit in the Church

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever - 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."

John 14:26 "But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all
things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

John 16:15 "All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

Romans 8:9 "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

What are the key ministries of the Spirit to the body of Christ?
 
 

Baptism
 John 1:32-34 "Then John gave this testimony: "I saw the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him 33I would not have known him, except that the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, `The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and remain is he who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.' 1:34 I have seen and I testify that this is the Son of God."

  "The baptism of John was not just repentance but in a sense calling people to recognise that the chosen one of God, the Messiah or Christ was coming" Discuss.

Spirit Baptism in John

What do the following quotes tell us about the ministry of the Holy Spirit?

"3Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 3:6 Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. 3:7 You should not be surprised at my saying, `You must be born again.' 3:8 The wind blows wherever it pleases. You hear its sound, but you cannot tell where it comes from or where it is going. So it is with everyone born of the Spirit"

"3:34For the one whom God has sent speaks the words of God, for God gives the Spirit without limit"

 "4:23 Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. 4:24 God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth."

"6:63 The Spirit gives life; the flesh counts for nothing. The words I have spoken to you are spirit and they are life."

" 7:38 Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, streams of living water will flow from within him." 7:39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified."

"14:16 And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever - 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. 14:18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. 14:19Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me Because I live, you also will live.14:20On that day you will realize that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you."

"14:26 But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

"15:26 "When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me. 15:27 And you also must testify, for you have been with me from the beginning."

"16:13 But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. 16:14 He will bring glory to me by taking from what is mine and making it known to you. 16:15 All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

"20:22 And with that he breathed on them and said, "Receive the Holy Spirit. 23If you forgive anyone his sins, they are forgiven; if you do not forgive them, they are not forgiven."

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BIBLICAL INPUT

Underline any Spiritual gifts that are mentioned in the following passages.

Ephesians 4:11-16 "It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ. Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming. Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

1 Peter 4:8-11 "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen."

Romans 12:3-8 "For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you. Just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully."

1 Corinthians 12:4-11 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit. There are different kinds of service, but the same Lord. There are different kinds of working, but the same God works all of them in all men. Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good. To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by that one Spirit, to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues. All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."

In the Bible, spiritual gifts are always discussed as active gifts from the Holy Spirit for the building up of the body of Christ. The gifts must be looked at in the context of ‘the body' not just for individual benefit.

1 Corinthians 12:1-31
Involvement
  4-11 All Christians are equipped for ministry in the body of Christ.
  v.4 "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit."
  v.7 "Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good."
  v.11 "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as
   he determines. "

Insignificance
  12-20 All Christians are needed.
  V.12. The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many,
   they form one body. So it is with Christ
  v.13 For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or
  free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
  v.18 "But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted
  them to be."

Indifference
  21-27 The weaker and the stronger Christians need to participate in the Body of Christ.
  v.22 "On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable,"
  v.26 "If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it."
  v.27 "Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it."
 

Instruction
  28-31 Needs to be in response to the Word of God and a Biblical understanding of God.
  v.28 "And in the church God has appointed first of all apostles, second prophets, third
   teachers, then workers of miracles, also those having gifts of healing, those able to help
   others, those with gifts of administration, and those speaking in different kinds of tongues."
  v.29 "Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?"
 

WHAT ARE SPIRITUAL GIFTS?
Spiritual Gifts are special abilities. Matthew 25:15
  Divine endowments.
  Unique contributions.

Given by the Holy Spirit.
  1 Cor. 12:11 "All these are the work of one and the same Spirit, and he gives them to each one, just as he determines."
  God is the gift-giver.
Spiritual gifts are received at the new birth. (Salvation)

To every believer in the body of Christ.
  1 Peter 4:10 "Each one should use whatever spiritual gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God's grace in its various forms "
  All Christians have at least one gift.
  Each one in the Church has a God-ordained ministry.

According to God's grace.  Cor.12:18, 28, Ephesians 4:11, Romans 12:6
  God bestows my gift/s for meaningful service.
  My gift/s enables His will for my life.

For use within the context of the Body Ephesians 1:22-23, Colossians 1:18, 1 Peter 4:10
  First responsibility is to the household of faith.
  Serving people pleases God.

WHAT SPIRITUAL GIFTS ARE NOT.
1. NATURAL TALENTS
  Natural Talents  Spiritual Gifts
  Physical birth   Spiritual birth
  Edifies the individual  Edifies others
  Given to all   Given to believers
  eg. Cooking   eg. Discernment
 
 

Both natural talents and Spiritual gifts.
  Vary in degree and kind.
  Can be developed.
  Are given by God and ought to be used under the Lordship of Jesus Christ. (Col.3:17, 23-24)

Natural talents may be transformed by a Spiritual Gift
  Salesperson   Evangelist
  Manager   Administrator
  Social Worker   Mercy

Spiritual gifts are not the same as the fruit of the Spirit.
  Fruit of the Spirit  Spiritual gifts
  Maturity   Position
  Inward attribute  Outward attribute
  Eternal qualities  Temporary tasks
  Character-oriented  Ministry-oriented

Both the fruit of the Spirit and Gifts are
  To be manifested in the life of the believer
  Necessary for a fruitful and effective ministry of service. ( 1 Cor.13:1-3, Ephesians 4:2,15-16 and Romans 12:9)

Spiritual gifts need to be complemented by a dedicated Christian life
  Christian dedication   Spiritual gifts
  Faith walk    Ministry
  All believers are to exercise  Exercise in the area of the gift
  All Christians share in common To be used to encourage other Christians
  eg. Church, prayer, witnessing eg. evangelism, teaching

Spiritual gifts and not the same as ministry positions
  Ministry positions   Spiritual gifts
  Job description   Ministry
  Position titles    Task
  eg. Sunday School teacher  Pastor eg. teaching, mercy

Spiritual Gifts can be copied by Satan.
  Counterfeit gifts `  Spiritual gifts
  Given by Satan   Given by God
  Purpose is to confuse   Purpose is to unite
  Embellish evil    Glorify God
  Empowered by the Devil  Empowered by The Holy Spirit
  (Exodus 7-8, Matthew 7:22-23 and 24:24)

Spiritual gifts can be abused
Genuine gifts can be imitated by people for many reasons. This can be due to biblical ignorance or wilful disobedience. Below are some examples.

1. Projection: Expecting others to have the same gift as you and say that this ministry is easy for all to do.

2. Glorification: Thinking that your gift is special and of greater importance. Thus, you expect to be treated as exceptional.

3. Isolation: Using your gift for personal satisfaction or gain, not seeking to serve others and the common good.

4. Suppression: Doubting the validity, need, or impact of your spiritual gift so you suppress its expression.

Spiritual gifts need to be discerned by the Body of Christ.

  By those with the Gift of Discernment 1 John 4:1"Dear friends, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, because many false prophets have gone out into the world."

  Confirmed by the Word of God 1 Timothy 3:16 " Beyond all question, the mystery of godliness is great: He appeared in a body, was vindicated by the Spirit, was seen by angels, was preached among the nations, was believed on in the world, was taken up in glory."

  Affirmed within the Body of Christ ( 1 Cor.12:7, Ephesians 4:16)

  The Testimony of the Holy Spirit  John 15:26 "When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."

 See also Romans 8:16
 
 

* Some of this material is based on resources from Willow Creek Community Church.

OWNED BY GOD

Galatians 5:19-23 "The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 5:20 idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 5:21 and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.
5:22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 5:23gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 5:25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 5:26Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

Paul contrasts sin to the life of the believer.
  Flesh with Spirit
  Works with fruit.
  Work looks at human endeavour whilst fruit to divine empowerment.
Gal 3:3 "Are you so foolish? After beginning with the Spirit, are you now trying to attain your goal by human effort?"
  "Fruit is not something we chase for as believers we should chase after being like Christ and glorify Him. The more we seek Christ, the more that the fruit will develop." Discuss.

We are the product of the Spirit.
  In the Old Testament the law was a written code of behaviour in the New Testament we are to live by the Spirit.
  The Laws in the Old Testament were written on stone. In the New Testament it is written in our hearts by the Spirit.
  The Law makes you religious. The Spirit makes you righteous. Col 3:10 "and have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge in the image of its Creator."
  We are told not to be passive but to walk by the Spirit.
  How are we to be Spirit-led?
 

NATURE OF GOD
  Exodus 34:6 "And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 34:7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin."

If we are to be like God what does the above verses tell us about how we are to behave? What areas of your life do you find hardest to be a Christian?
 

SPIRIT FRUIT LISTS
What is the best way to view the fruit of the Spirit "singular, cluster or as one"?
What things are mentioned about ‘fruit' from the following verse?

Col 3:12  "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience"
2 Cor. 8:7  "But just as you excel in everything - in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us - see that you also excel in this grace of giving. "
Eph.4:32  "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 5:1 Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children"

LOVE
1 John 4:7  "Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God. 4:8 Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love. 4:9 This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. 4:10 This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. 4:11 Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. 4:12 No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us. 4:13 We know that we live in him and he in us, because he has given us of his Spirit."

Romans 5:5  "because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us"

Which is the best opposite for love? : hate, self centred or apathy?

JOY
  Not happy but joy in the Lord.
Is your Christian life like a thermometer or thermostat?

PEACE
2 Thess 3:16  "Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you."
Gal 5:20-21  "hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 5:21 and envy;"
 

PATIENCE
  Forbearance with on another not patience for a late train but willing to forgive and work with others.

KINDNESS / GOODNESS
  Mercy to people.
  Christian discipline is not to put the boot in but to bring people to repentance.
Gal. 6:1  "Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted. 6:2 Carry each other's burdens, and in this way you will fulfil the law of Christ. 6:3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself"

Can believers fall?
Will believers go through hard times?
Will believers make mistakes?

Faithfulness
  Doing what you said you would
  Reliable

Gentleness
  Humility
  Considerate to others
  Opposite to selfish ambition
Phil. 2:3  "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves."

Self-control.
* The fruit that stops the vices.
Gal 5:23  "Against such things there is no law. 5:24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 5:25Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."
Obeying the law does not make one virtuous
Calvin :When the Spirit reigns, the law has no longer any dominion." Discuss

Rate yourself on how fruitful you are (0 Lousy - 5 Good)

Love    0    1    2   3   4   5
Joy    0    1    2   3   4   5
Peace   0    1    2   3   4   5
Patience   0    1    2   3   4   5
Kindness   0    1    2   3   4   5
Goodness   0    1    2   3   4   5
Faithfulness  0    1    2   3   4   5
Gentleness  0    1    2   3   4   5
Self-control  0    1    2   3   4   5
BLESSED BY GOD

NO CONDEMNATION
Romans 8:1-4 "Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus, 8:2 because through Christ Jesus the law of the Spirit of life set me free from the law of sin and death. 8:3For what the law was powerless to do in that it was weakened by the sinful nature, God did by sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful man to be a sin offering. And so he condemned sin in sinful man, 8:4 in order that the righteous requirements of the law might be fully met in us, who do not live according to the sinful nature but according to the Spirit."

  How is an amnesty or pardon like being a Christian? How should this change our view of life?

Law written on the heart: (heart not stone)
Jer. 31:33-34 "This is the covenant I will make with the house of Israel after that time," declares the LORD. "I will put my law in their minds and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.
34No longer will a man teach his neighbour, or a man his brother, saying, 'Know the LORD,' because they will all know me, from the least of them to the greatest," declares the LORD. "For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more."

Discuss the following ways that the law is different from the Spirit.

    LAW   SPIRIT
    Religious    Righteous
    Stone    Heart
    Good   God pleasing
    Correct  Relationship

Why should obedience to God change us? How does it lead to life and relationship changes?
 
 
 

SPIRIT DIRECTED
Circle below any key things about the ministry of the Holy Spirit

 Romans 8:5-8 "Those who live according to the sinful nature have their minds set on what that nature desires; but those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. 6The mind of sinful man is death, but the mind controlled by the Spirit is life and peace; 7the sinful mind is hostile to God. It does not submit to God's law, nor can it do so. 8Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."

Exodus 33:15-16 "Then Moses said to him, "If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here. 16 How will anyone know that you are pleased with me and with your people unless you go with us? What else will distinguish me and your people from all the other people on the face of the earth?"

TEMPLE OF GOD
Romans 8:9-10 "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. 10But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness."

In the Old Testament believers worshipped God in the High Places, Tabernacle and the Temple. We are now the Temple of God. What do you think this means?

RESURRECTION POWER
Romans 8:11-13 "And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you. 12Therefore, brothers, we have an obligation - but it is not to the sinful nature, to live according to it. 13For if you live according to the sinful nature, you will die; but if by the Spirit you put to death the misdeeds of the body, you will live,"

Who has the Holy Spirit? How can you allow the Holy Spirit to control more in your life?
 

GUIDED BY THE SPIRIT
Romans 8:14 "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
How do you think God leads us?

SONSHIP AND HEIRS
Romans 8:15-17 "For you did not receive a spirit that makes you a slave again to fear, but you received the Spirit of sonship. And by him we cry, "Abba, Father."
16The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God's children. 17 Now if we are children, then we are heirs - heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."

How would you explain this to someone from a broken home?

NOW BUT ALSO FUTURE
 Romans 8:23 "Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the first-fruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies."

When will we become perfect?

PRAYER EMPOWERED
Romans 8:26-27 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. 27And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints in accordance with God's will."
What do you think this means?

GOD'S FRIEND
Romans 8:31 "What, then, shall we say in response to this? If God is for us, who can be against us?"

CONQUERORS
Romans 8:37-39 "No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, 39neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord."

Can a believer give up God? Does God give us up?
 

The rest of the New Testament

Discuss the following verses

  Heart not stone Romans 2:29 "No, a man is a Jew if he is one inwardly; and circumcision is circumcision of the heart, by the Spirit, not by the written code. Such a man's praise is not from men, but from God."
   LAW:  Sin, weak, not empowered leads to death
   SPIRIT: Life, forgiveness, power, eternity

  The Spirit searches all things  1 Cor 2:10 "but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God."

  Knows the mind of God 1 Cor. 2:11 "For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God."

  Teaches the Gospel  1 Cor. 2:13 "This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words"

  Dwells in believers  1 Cor. 3:16 "Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you?"

  Gives life to believers  2 Cor 3:6 "He has made us competent as ministers of a new covenant - not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life."

  Leads us to God Romans 8:14 "because those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God."
 
 

The Holy Spirit.

Is the Holy Spirit an energy only or does He have a personality?
Ephesians 4:30 "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption."

Is God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirt the same? Why is this important?
John 15:26 "I will send you the Spirit who comes from the Father and shows what is true. The Spirit will help you and will tell you about me."
Matt. 3:16-17 "So Jesus was baptised. And as soon as he came out of the water, the sky opened, and he saw the Spirit of God coming down on him like a dove. Then a voice from heaven said, "This is my own dear Son, and I am pleased with him."

How does the Holy Spirit work with Jesus?
John 15:26 "When the Counsellor comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who goes out from the Father, he will testify about me."

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN CREATION
Creation
Genesis 1:2 "Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters."

Psalm 104:30 "When you send your Spirit, they are created, and you renew the face of the earth."
Does the Holy Spirit give all people creativity or only Christians?
 

Future renewal of the world
Isaiah 32:14 "The fortress will be abandoned, the noisy city deserted; citadel and watchtower will become a wasteland forever, the delight of donkeys, a pasture for flocks, 15till the Spirit is poured upon us from on high, and the desert becomes a fertile field, and the fertile field seems like a forest.16Justice will dwell in the desert and righteousness live in the fertile field."
When do you think this will happen?
 

Power
Judges 14:6 "The Spirit of the LORD came upon him in power so that he tore the lion apart with his bare hands as he might have torn a young goat. But he told neither his father nor his mother what he had done."   Samson
 

The Spirit for everyone

PENTECOST
Underline what you think is important. Put a ‘?' Beside what you do not understand.

2:1 When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. 2Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. 3They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. 4All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.

Physical
Wind:   Old Testament God's creative breath.
Fire:   In Jewish culture fire symbolised the law and was equal to judgement possibly through prophetic preaching

Sound:  Exodus 19:5 "Now if you obey me fully and keep my covenant, then out of all nations you will be my treasured possession. Although the whole earth is mine, 19:6 you will be for me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.' These are the words you are to speak to the Israelites."

What new insights does this give to Pentecost in Acts?

NATIONS
Acts 2:5 "Now there were staying in Jerusalem God-fearing Jews from every nation under heaven. 2:6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard them speaking in his own language. 2:7 Utterly amazed, they asked: "Are not all these men who are speaking Galileans?
2:8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in his own native language? 2:9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 2:10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 2:11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs -we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!"

Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, "What does this mean?" 2:13 Some, however, made fun of them and said, "They have had too much wine. " 2:14 Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:"

PETER EXPLAINS
 "Fellow Jews and all of you who live in Jerusalem, let me explain this to you; listen carefully to what I say. 2:15These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning! 2:16 No, this is what was spoken by the prophet Joel:"

JOEL
2:17 "`In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy, your young men will see visions, your old men will dream dreams. 2:18 Even on my servants, both men and women, I will pour out my Spirit in those days, and they will prophesy. 2:19 I will show wonders in the heaven above and signs on the earth below, blood and fire and billows of smoke. 2:20 The sun will be turned to darkness and the moon to blood before the coming of the great and glorious day of the Lord. 2:21 And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.'

JESUS
 2:22 "Men of Israel, listen to this: Jesus of Nazareth was a man accredited by God to you by miracles, wonders and signs, which God did among you through him, as you yourselves know. 2:23 This man was handed over to you by God's set purpose and foreknowledge; and you, with the help of wicked men, put him to death by nailing him to the cross. 2:24 But God raised him from the dead, freeing him from the agony of death, because it was impossible for death to keep its hold on him.

How did Jesus prove He was the Son of God?

DAVID
2:25 David said about him: "`I saw the Lord always before me. Because he is at my right hand, I will not be shaken. 2:26 Therefore my heart is glad and my tongue rejoices; my body also will live in hope, 2:27 because you will not abandon me to the grave, nor will you let your Holy One see decay. 2:28 You have made known to me the paths of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence.'
2:29 "Brothers, I can tell you confidently that the patriarch David died and was buried, and his tomb is here to this day. 2:30 But he was a prophet and knew that God had promised him on oath that he would place one of his descendants on his throne. 2:31 Seeing what was ahead, he spoke of the resurrection of the Christ, that he was not abandoned to the grave, nor did his body see decay.
 2:32 God has raised this Jesus to life, and we are all witnesses of the fact.
 2:33 Exalted to the right hand of God, he has
 received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has
 poured out what you now see and hear.
2:34 For David did not ascend to heaven, and yet he said, "`The Lord said to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand 2:35 until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet." '
2:36 "Therefore let all Israel be assured of this: God has made this Jesus, whom you crucified, both Lord and Christ."

REPENT
2:37 When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?" 2:38 Peter replied, "Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Unpack the above verses and share what each statement means.

UNIVERSAL OFFER
2:39 The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off - for all whom the Lord our God will call." 2:40 With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation."

Can you tell who will become Christians? Whose responsibility is the sharing the gospel, whose responsibility is the converting of people?

RESPONSE
2:41 " Those who accepted his message were baptised, and about three thousand were added to their number that day."

LIFESTYLE
2:42 They devoted themselves to the
apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer.

2:43 Everyone was filled with awe, and many wonders and miraculous signs were done by the apostles. 2:44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 2:45 Selling their possessions and goods, they gave to anyone as he had need. 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 2:47 praising God and enjoying the favour of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.

How does v.42 define the Church?
Design how we could make Church better. How would you do the church building? Why? What would you do in the service? What other ministries would you have?

Ministry
 
 

The work of the Spirit in the World

John 16:8 "When he comes, he will convict the world of guilt in regard to sin and righteousness and judgment"

What is a key ministry of the Spirit in the world?
What are some things that can make you guilty?
Do people always listen to God if they are guilty? Why?
 
 

The work of the Spirit in the Church

How does the Spirit help the Church?
If you were the Spirit of God what would you do to make Christians better? Would it work?

John 14:16-17 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Counsellor to be with you forever - 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."

John 14:26 "But the Counsellor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all
things and will remind you of everything I have said to you."

John 16:15 "All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will take from what is mine and make it known to you."

Romans 8:9 "You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ."

Romans 8:26 "In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express."

What are the key ministries of the Spirit to the body of Christ?

SPIRITUAL AEROBICS
 

Romans 12:3-8 "I realise how kind God has been to me, and so I tell each of you not to think you are better than you really are. Use good sense and measure yourself by the amount of faith that God has given you. 4A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. 5That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.
6God has also given each of us different gifts to use. If we can prophesy, we should do it according to the amount of faith we have. 7If we can serve others, we should serve. If we can teach, we should teach. 8If we can encourage others, we should encourage them. If we can give, we should be generous. If we are leaders, we should do our best. If we are good to others, we should do it cheerfully."
RATE YOURSELF ON THE FOLLOWING LIST OF GIFTS
SPEAK GOD'S MESSAGE
God has given me a gift for communicating the Gospel. I can explain the Gospel simply and in a clear and understandable way.       0 1 2 3 4 5
SERVE
God has given me a special ability of helping people out. I am sensitive to other people and find it easy to respond to the needs of people     0 1 2 3 4 5
TEACH
God has given me the skill to help others to learn the Bible. I am able to motivate people in there Bible study.          0 1 2 3 4 5
ENCOURAGING OTHERS
God has given me the gift to tell people there strengths and give them encouragement in there spiritual life. I am able to help people give there best.    0 1 2 3 4 5
GENEROSITY
God has given me the ability to give of myself and my resources for the benefit of others. I can reach out to those in need         0 1 2 3 4 5
AUTHORITY (Leadership)
God has given me the gift for organisation. I can get things done. I find it easy to take responsibility when the need arises.        0 1 2 3 4 5
KINDNESS
God has given me the ability to be compassionate, warm and caring when someone is in trouble or need. I can identify with their pain and be sensitive in my support.   0 1 2 3 4 5

A. When it comes to Spiritual gifts from God I feel that I have
  1. None    2. Downgrade myself
  3. Overestimate my ability  4. Never think about it
  5. Understand my gifts and try to effectively use them

B. How should we view spiritual gifts?

C. What do you think is the difference between a spiritual gift, an ability and a talent?

D. How could we encourage each other in the use of our spiritual gifts?

Romans 8:9-11
"You, however, are controlled not by the sinful nature but by the Spirit, if the Spirit of God lives in you. And if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Christ. But if Christ is in you, your body is dead because of sin, yet your spirit is alive because of righteousness. And if the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead is living in you, he who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit, who lives in you."

2. Where does the Holy Spirit come from?

3. To whom is the Holy Spirit given to?

4. Is it possible to belong to Jesus and not have the Holy Spirit, why?

5. Why is the Holy Spirit given to those who believe?

Galatians 5:19-26
"The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery; 20idolatry and witchcraft; hatred, discord, jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions, factions 21. and envy; drunkenness, orgies, and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23.gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. 25. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26. Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying each other."

6.We don't like to think of ourselves as rebels against God, but we give ourselves away all the time. Some of this tell-tale behaviour is subtle and some obvious. What are some obvious and subtle anti-God behaviour? See v 19-21

7.The Spirit works to change all that. How do we allow Him to begin His work in us? v 24
How do we allow Him to continue? v 25

8.What personal qualities will the Spirit produce in us? v.22-23

9. Rate yourself on how fruitful you are (0 Lousy - 5 Good)

 Love    0    1    2   3   4   5
 Joy    0    1    2   3   4   5
 Peace    0    1    2   3   4   5
 Patience   0    1    2   3   4   5
 Kindness   0    1    2   3   4   5
 Goodness   0    1    2   3   4   5
 Faithfulness   0    1    2   3   4   5
 Gentleness   0    1    2   3   4   5
 Self-control   0    1    2   3   4   5

 In summing up, how does the Holy Spirit help Christians?

Bless my Soul
 
 

Check out the following verses and discuss what the Holy Spirit does in the life of the believer
 
 

a/ Renews people   (John 3:5-6)
"Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, no one can enter the kingdom of God unless he is born of water and the Spirit. 3:6Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit."
 

b/ Dwells within each Christian (1 Cor 3:16-17)
"Don't you know that you yourselves are God's temple and that God's Spirit lives in you? 3:17If anyone destroys God's temple, God will destroy him; for God's temple is sacred, and you are that temple."

c/ Seals every Christian in Christ       (Eph 1:13, 4:30)
1:13 "And you also were included in Christ when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation. Having believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit"
4: 30 "Don't make God's Spirit sad. The Spirit makes you sure that some day you will be free from your sins."

d/ Is the guarantee of the inheritance that each Christian will receive (2 Cor 5:5)
"Now it is God who has made us for this very purpose and has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come."
 

e/ Baptises each Christian into the body of Christ   (1 Cor.12:12-13, Gal.3:27)
1 Cor .12:12 -13"The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 12:13 For we were all baptized by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
Gal 3:27 "And when you were baptised, it was as though you had put on Christ in the same way you put on new clothes."

Read the following verse from Ephesians and see how many more blessings you can find.
 

Ephesians 1:3-14 "Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God's own adopted children. 6God was very kind to us because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.
7-8Christ sacrificed his life's blood to set us free, which means that our sins are now forgiven. Christ did this because God was so kind to us. God has great wisdom and understanding, 9and by what Christ has done, God has shown us his own mysterious ways. 10Then when the time is right, God will do all that he has planned, and Christ will bring together everything in heaven and on earth.
11God always does what he plans, and that is why he had Christ choose us. 12He did this so that we Jews would bring honour to him and be the first ones to have hope because of him. 13Christ also brought you the truth, which is the good news about how you can be saved. You put your faith in Christ and were given the promised Holy Spirit to show that you belong to God. 14The Spirit also makes us sure that we will be given what God has stored up for his people. Then we will be set free, and God will be honoured and praised."

BLINDFOLD MAZE
Aim:   The Holy Spirit guides us though life. We like to think that we are in control and that our physical senses are correct. However God knows more than we do, just as a person with sight can pick things better than people without sight.
Needs:   String, blindfolds, items of your choice. (eg baked beans, rocks, spaghetti, jelly, corn flakes, etc)
Setting up:  Create a maze by using string which has a number of branches that lead to items
How to play: People are blindfolded and set off at thirty second intervals to crawl through the maze. (Each person to have a minder) As they go through the maze they are to feel each item and guess what it is.
 

SIGNATURE HUNT
Aim:       To show the diversity within the body of Christ and lead into the material on spiritual gifts.
Needs:   Pen and photocopies of the signature hunt list
Setting    Up:  None.
How to play: Hand out the sheet and the people must get a signature beside each question.
 

TEAM SHOES
Aim:   To encourage team work and that the body of Christ must work together. To show unity in the life of the believer and spiritual gifts are for the good of the whole church.
Needs:  One shoe per pair
Setting Up:  None
How to play: People are to pair up and compete in races where they are to carry a shoe between them and run over a short course. To make it exciting the leaders are to say how they are to hold the shoe up eg. between hips, or backs, heads, neck elbows. knees etc.

BIBLE VERSE JAR
Aim:   To encourage sharing of a spiritual nature.
Needs:  Pen, paper strips, a large jar
Setting Up:  None
How to play: People are to write a Bible verse and what it means to them and put it in the jar. People can ‘visit' the jar and read different papers at anytime.
 
 
 

MAKE A MATCH
Aim:   To help people see what they share in common (Body of Christ)
Needs:  None.
Setting Up:  None
How to play: People are to mingle and the leader will call out a body feature and people are to get into pairs with a ‘matched' person. Eye colour, hair colour, gender, age, birth month, shoe size, etc.
   After a couple of rounds, the last pair to form, is out, till only one pair
    is left.

Spiritual Fruit Cards
Aim:   Discover more about the fruit of the Spirit
Needs:  A pack of cards per four people.
Setting Up:  None
How to play: People are to get into groups of four. Each person is to have 9 cards ace to nine of one suit. A person will pick up one card and give a facial expression that equals that card. The others then put a card down in front of them to say which fruit they think the person is doing. One point for every right answer.

Ace = love, two = joy, three = peace, four = patience, five = kindness, six = goodness, seven = faithfulness, eight = gentleness, nine = self-control
 

BLINDFOLD FRUITY BITS
Aim:   Fruit of the Spirit
Needs:  Nine different types of fruit, blind folds
Setting Up:  Fruit into nine bowls cut up.
How to play: Blindfold each person and then give them a piece of each fruit and the person has to guess what it is.
 

SIGNATURE HUNT

Find people who have
1.  Teaches Sunday School   _______________________
2.  Preached in Church    _______________________
3.  Been in the forty hour famine.  _______________________
4.  Gone overseas     _______________________
5.  Have parents who are missionaries _______________________
6.  Have blue eyes     _______________________
7.  Were born overseas    _______________________
8.  Have helped a person to Christ  _______________________
9.  Can speak three languages  _______________________