The Holy Spirit

A brief overview of this week’s topic
The Holy Spirit is the person of the Godhead that for many is lesser-known and understood. In this study, we will be going over the Holy Spirit’s role in the birth of Christ and the Spirit’s role in the church’s life until Jesus comes again.

The Gospels describe Mary’s miraculous conception as something the Holy Spirit did in her. Mary was “found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.” (Matthew 1:18). The angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph and assured Joseph that Mary’s pregnancy was not because she had been unfaithful, but that the Holy Spirit had conceived this child inside of her. There was no human interaction to make this happen. Instead, there was a divine/human cooperation to bring Jesus into this world.

The Holy Spirit who conceived Jesus inside Mary is the same Spirit who “conceives” Jesus in us. The same Spirit that descends on Jesus at his baptism is the same Spirit that falls on us at our baptism. The same Spirit that empowers Jesus for ministry does the same in us, with us, and for us.

The Holy Spirit dwells and empowers us through this Advent Journey. May this Christmas season remind us how the Holy Spirit is eager to help us keep Jesus at the forefront.
The Spirit Moves 
KNOW
Read Matthew 1:18-20; Galatians 4:4; Ephesians 1:13; Revelation 2:7, 11, 17; 2:29; 3:6, 13, 22.

1. What was the Holy Spirit’s role in the birth of Christ? Matthew 1:18-20
   • He was the divine person involved in Mary getting pregnant.
   • The Holy Spirit did something that has only happened once in history. 
   • Provided the miracle to bring salvation to Israel and the world.
   • Other.
2. Why do you think Jesus came at the right time! Galatians 4:4
3. The Holy Spirit’s job is to “seal” Jesus in us. How? Ephesians 1:13
   • When you heard the word of truth.
   • When you believed in Jesus.
   • Other.
4. What are some unique things we learn of the Spirit as He speaks to the Seven Churches in Revelation? Revelation 2-3.
   • We are called Conquerors.
   • The Spirit speaks, not just to individuals but to churches.
   • Reveals our weaknesses and also what we need to strengthen. 
   • Other.

GROW
Similarly, like Mary, the Holy Spirit is responsible for Jesus being a reality in our lives. It could seem complicated and impossible to say that God wants to be in me. But I'm a sinner. I make so many mistakes! Yes, yet God wants to dwell in me. Even with hardened hearts? Yes.

Once Jesus is in us, it could get some getting used to. Consider Mary's response to the announcement. She was a bit perplexed.  Joseph was perplexed over what the Spirit was doing in Mary. Have you ever had family and friends wonder what's going on with you after your conversion? They may take your conversion seriously or question your conversion. Just like Mary, Joseph questioned and was even upset enough to want a divorce over this.

So, what God does in you is for your own growth and also for those around you who see Jesus in you.

GO
Luke 1:41-42 says that Elizabeth praised God because of the child in Mary. Imagine that for a moment. Someone is praising God because of the Jesus in you. It’s not about you. It is because of Jesus. Sometimes we allow the attention Jesus brings to us to think it is about us. Elizabeth wasn’t praising Mary. She was praising God.

When you walk into a place, a room, into someone’s life, the Spirit wants to show Jesus to those who are there. We, like Mary, are willing vessels to bring the reason for praise. Mary wasn’t trying to preach, give a Bible study, or teach Elizabeth. She just showed up! Mary had Jesus in her, and that’s what made the difference. The Spirit is the one who revealed it to her. That’s the Spirit’s job. To show Jesus to the world. Even when it’s Jesus living in us.

Apply

1. Do I take Jesus with me wherever I go?
2. What’s your reaction when someone praises God for the Jesus in you?
3. Remember, it’s not about us; it’s about Jesus in us.