Notes
During the forty days after he suffered and died, he appeared to the apostles from time to time, and he proved to them in many ways that he was actually alive. And he talked to them about the Kingdom of God. Once when he was eating with them, he commanded them, "Do not leave Jerusalem until the Father sends you the gift he promised, as I told you before. John baptized with water, but in just a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit." So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, "Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?"
He replied, "The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!"
Acts 1:3-11
We are representatives of God Himself, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to be those representatives; He gives us the ability to do things we couldn't have done before, and so that the world will see Jesus through our lives.
The Spirit of God, who raised Jesus from the dead, lives in you. And just as God raised Christ Jesus from the dead, he will give life to your mortal bodies by this same Spirit living within you.
Romans 8:11
Do not stifle the Holy Spirit. How many of us are stifling the Spirit of God in our lives by not operating as who He designed us to be? We are to be in partnership with other people, in leadership leading the world, stewarding the earth as images of the living God.
1 Thessalonians 5:19
1) The Holy Spirit Is an Advocate
But in fact, it is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Advocate won't come. If I do go away, then I will send him to you.
John 16:7
The same Holy Spirit that was given to the believers at Pentecost is the same Spirit we are given as believers now. The Holy Spirit is sent to us as our advocate–He is in our corner who counsels and encourages us. He shows us that God is for us, not against us; we can lean on Him for support.
2) The Holy Spirit Is a Guide
When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future.
John 16:13
The Holy Spirit will guide you to truth if you submit yourself to His authority. He helps us to discern God's will and understand His plans for the future.
3) The Holy Spirit Is a Teacher
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.
John 14:26
The Holy Spirit is also a teacher, who reminds us of everything Jesus has done for us. Like a good teacher, He will help us apply His lessons and correct us when we go astray, so that we can correct our steps next time.
4) The Holy Spirit Is an Affirmer
For his Spirit joins with our spirit to affirm that we are God's children.
Romans 8:16
Having an affirming hand in your life is important because it lets you know that you belong. His presence reassures us that we belong to God, giving us confidence and peace as we walk in our calling.
5) The Holy Spirit Is a Gift-Giver
There are different kinds of spiritual gifts, but the same Spirit is the source of them all. There are different kinds of service, but we serve the same Lord. God works in different ways, but it is the same God who does the work in all of us. A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.
1 Corinthians 12:4-7
We are meant to come together with our gifts. The Holy Spirit brings all of us together with our differences so that we can learn to operate with your gift and partner with other people, to lead the world into victory. Let's strive in 2025 to give ourselves fully to the work of the Lord.
Group Questions
- How have you experienced the Holy Spirit advocating for you in your life?
- How do you handle the Spirit's correction when you make mistakes?
- What does it mean to you that the Holy Spirit affirms you as God's child?
- How can you partner with others to use your gifts for God's glory?
Prayer
Thank you for the Holy Spirit, our advocate, guide, teacher, affirmer, and gift-giver. Help us to trust Him fully, to follow His lead, and to use the gifts He gives us for your glory.