LifeGroup Notes May 23, 2010; De-Spooking the Holy Spirit; Part Two
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~~Moving Beyond the Scandal of Pentacost
Overview: In part one of this series we discussed the “personhood” of the Holy Spirit. Last week Pastor Terry’s message was dealing with the gifts of the Holy Spirit and whether or not they are meant for believers today or if they were, as the cessationists believe, only for a period of time and are no longer applicable for Christians living after the days of the early church. City of Grace follows a theology that takes the Bible at its “Word” regarding the person and the power of the Holy Spirit. In our discussions this week, let’s look at a few of the reasons why it is clear and imperative that we receive this essential equipping of the Holy Spirit’s power that God provides for his children.
Read the Read Acts 1:4-8 and then discuss the thoughts below in your groups:
1. Notice that Jesus is talking to believers when he says you will receive power when the Spirit comes “upon” you. Talk about the difference between how the Spirit indwells believers versus this passage that describes a “coming upon” of the Spirit for power.
2. Talk about how it is this “power” that enables believers to be, as Jesus describes, “my witnesses.”
3. Read the final words of Matthew, 28:16-20. How is having the power to witness tied to Great Commission Jesus gave his disciples.
Read 1 Corinthians 14:1-5 and discuss the thoughts below in your groups:
1Follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts, especially the gift of prophecy. 2For anyone who speaks in a tongue does not speak to men but to God. Indeed, no one understands him; he utters mysteries with his spirit. 3But everyone who prophesies speaks to men for their strengthening, encouragement and comfort. 4He who speaks in a tongue edifies himself, but he who prophesies edifies the church. 5I would like every one of you to speak in tongues, but I would rather have you prophesy. He who prophesies is greater than one who speaks in tongues, unless he interprets, so that the church may be edified.
1. This chapter immediately follows the powerful “love” chapter of 1 Cor. 13. Notice in verse one how the Apostle Paul begins his dialog on the gifts by saying “follow the way of love.” Have you ever seen the topic of “spiritual gifts” be promoted by Christians in a way that was not “following the way of love?” How do you think that has hindered some believers from pursuing the gifts in their own lives?
2. Notice that we are encouraged to “eagerly” desire the spiritual gifts, and especially the gift of prophecy. What does verse three tell us about the gift of prophecy that makes it such a valuable gift for the strengthening of the Church?
3. How does the description of prophecy in verse 3 differ from the examples of prophecy found in the Old Testament? Do you think people’s idea of Old Testament prophecy can confuse them from understanding the New Testament expression of prophecy as described in verse three? If so, why?
Taking Action: After praying and asking the Holy Spirit to guide you into truth, read 1 Corinthians chapter 12, 13 and 14 and then ask the Father to give you the gifts of the Spirit that will help you be His witness and bring him glory.
MINISTRY TIME