- Was there anything about the Holy Spirit that you didn't know before that you learned from this chapter? What about anything you disagreed with or made you uncomfortable?
- On page 27 is says, "Human eloquence or persuasiveness of speech are the mere trappings of the dead." What are ways we might fall into this in our own lives or ministries?
- Read Titus 2:2 along with pages 32 and 33. What are some other verses you might have that go with this?
We'll use our discussion on this blog to launch our discussion at the meeting this Sunday. Looking forward to reading everyone's thoughts!
And for your viewing pleasure look at the previous post...
3 comments:
Bummer...I had typed out my entire response and then I lost it all...so let's try again...but it will not be as in-depth! (You can thank me for that later..haha).
1)I seem to learn new things every time I study the Holy Spirit. It isn't necessarily that I forget but I believe that as in all things the Lord reveals things to us in his timing. This is the same thing that happens to me every time I re-read a book in the bible, or read Oswald Chambers again. It is truly amazing how it is like the first time I have read it again and so much is revealed. Studying the Holy Spirit is convicting, enlightening and truly amazing! this is the beauty of our walks with the Lord he reveals particular things to us and meets us where we are in our walks with Him. We learn and grow each and every time.... I cannot say that I disagree with anything that was presented, but I was convicted which isn't necessarily "feel good" but certainly needed. It is my own demanding selfishness that is so sickening as I study about how amazing our Lord is and how He could use and grow me in such a mighty way if I would just die to myself.
2)As humans we life ourselves up through our own selfish speech and actions. We talk circles around people and truly think we are wonderful people. These actions that are not guided by the Holy Spirit and whose purpose is to serve God are meaningless. They do nothing but lead us into a "comfort" with ourselves and open us up to attacks. Just because it sounds or feels good does not mean it is guided by the Lord.
3) For me one of the most relevant verses that correspond with these two pages and Titus 2:2 is: Romans 12:1 "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." If we live our lives as if we were living sacrifices for our Lord and conduct ourselves in a holy and pleasing manner then we are living a life of Love. We are setting aside the flesh, serving one another and being obedient to our Lord.
I love that he dealt with the issue of the Holy Spirit and miracles. Why a huge portion of the church has chosen to disregard that the Holy Spirit is still the same yesterday, today, and forever I don't know. We wonder why the church seems powerless and ineffective, its because they refuse to acknowledge that God still heals, that God still raises people from the dead, that God still wants to pour out His Spirit like He did on the Apostles. We are all guilty of this to some extent, when was the last time you prayed for someone to be healed and you actually believed they would be healed right there and then.
If only those that support Moody's ongoing ministry believed in what he taught about the Holy Spirit. How different the world would be. Can you imagine the Moody ministry being Spirit filled and using the gifts of the Spirit.
I was really convicted. It has been awhile since I really desired the gifts of the Holy Spirit. I need to get back to the days of asking to be filled daily. What a difference that makes!
"stay under the fount where the blessings come out" Chuck Smith
I have finally read the first chapter!!
One thing I loved that I never have heard was the three things the Holy Spirit will give you if He is freely working and being poured into our hearts: Love, Hope, and Liberty. My favorite quote about love: "I believe God cannot use many of his servants, because they are full of irritability and impatience...their mouths are sealed; they cannot speak for Jesus Christ and if they do not have any love, they cannot work for God." pg 22,23 Shamefully I have seen this attitude so much in my daily life and its easy to let it take over in Mexico too, if I'm not relying on the Spirit for strength and love. I feel this perspective will give me a new weapon to use when I am tempted to act out of my emotions and not on God's love given by His Spirit.
FYI:the book that I have is obviously different than the version you've been sending online. I don't have an introduction. It just started with chapter 1. So my page 27 and pages 32 and 33 are totally different.
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