The Gift Overview
‘The Gift’ is a shorthand description used in the apostles' letters to the churches describing the lavish grace of God given to all who repent and place their trust in Jesus as Lord, believing the gospel. The gospel is who Jesus is and what he has done. ‘The Gift’ is what we freely receive in Christ and continually experience through the Holy Spirit!
Filled with the Holy Spirit
REMEMBER (30 min)
Remember God: Worship, Prayer or Communion
Worship Songs
“Rest on Us” Maverick City
“Holy Spirit” Kim Walker Smith
Come Holy Spirit (Uthando)[feat. Torch Everblazing] // We Will Worship
Remember each other: Care
Optional- break up into smaller groups for 10 min Hi/Lo check in
Remember the Liturgy:
Remember what we learned and put into practice last week: Accountability
Topic: The Gift- 2. Freed
What did you receive or share any testimonies from the journal writing exercise?
REFLECT (30 min)
Prepare (See the Leaders Guide for a brief commentary and context for the scripture and core truth from the topic)
Introduce today’s Topic and any commentary or context for the scripture
Topic Title: The Gift: Filled with the Holy Spirit
Share the Summary Scripture for the topic: Ephesian 1:13-14
Share “Core Truths from the topic” in the leaders guide where needed
Share context for Scripture Story : John 16:7-15
Discover
Read the Scripture: John 16:7-15 (ESV)- Jesus Promised the Holy Spirit
Discussion Questions
What is the biblical and historical context?
What does this reveal about God and People (optional)
How could it be better for Jesus to send us the Holy Spirit rather than be with us in the flesh?
What does Jesus teach us about the “Helper” in this passage?
How has the Holy Spirit been a ‘Gift’ in your life?
RESPOND (30 min)
Experience and Encounter
Share and Pray: Consider where you might not have received the fullness of the gift of the Spirit. Could break into pairs/smaller groups and pray for infilling of the HS or to receive more of the ‘gifts’ the Spirit offers us.
Creative: Using a glass of water, drop food coloring into the water, watch it permeate all of the water. The HS moves in and through all areas of life. Pray and encourage one another by asking the Holy Spirit to move in areas we have not seen the HS move in.
Lord’s Supper (Communion)
Practice and Obey
This week recognize that you are filled with the Holy Spirit. Take a moment and prayerfully thank the Holy Spirit that he fills you afresh each day. Pause and ask the Holy Spirit to fill you again today. As the week progresses, take note of ways that the HS is moving in your life - is the HS speaking to you through creation, through the word or worship, through a child, etc.
Pray
The Lord’s Prayer