Maturing by Dependence in the Holy Spirit

Following Jesus: Maturing by Dependence in the Holy Spirit
John 7:37-39

I. Jesus invites us into life in the Spirit
     1. A life initiated by belief in Jesus
     2. A life that is deeply satisfied and a source of satisfaction to others
     3. A life experienced through ongoing dependence on the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 5:18 - “…be filled with the Spirit.”

II. Jesus’ life in the Spirit    
     1. Born of the Spirit

Luke 1:26-35

John 3:5-6 - “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God. That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit.”

     2. Matured through the work of the Spirit

Luke 2:52

Isaiah 11:2 - “And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD.”

Galatians 5:16 - “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.”

Romans 8:5 - “For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.”

     3. Led by the Spirit

Luke 4:1

1 John 4:1 - “Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God.”

     4. Empowered by the Spirit to carry out His purpose

Luke 4:16-19

Acts 1:8 - “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be My witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and in all Samaria and to the end of the earth”

     5. Filled with joy in the Holy Spirit

Luke 10:21 - “At that very time He rejoiced greatly in the Holy Spirit.”

Faith Sheet

Transformation verse - “Conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.”  Philippians 1:27  

Main Themes:
~ Jesus invites us away from unfulfilled lives to a life of enjoying being fully
   satisfied in Him, and being a source of satisfaction to others.

~ Jesus modeled for us a life of ongoing dependence on the Spirit. By
   following His example and daily living in dependence of the Spirit, we can
   live a joyful life in obedience and praise to God.

#1 - Reviewing this Past Sunday
Following Jesus: Maturing by Dependence in the Holy Spirit
John 7:37-39

1. Read John 7:37-39. Who is Jesus talking to in this passage? What is he
    inviting them to?
2. Where did you used to look to fulfill the thirsts and longings in your life?
    Discuss with someone how Jesus has filled the longings of your heart?
3. Read the following verses about Jesus’ life in the Spirit. In what ways do
    we live a similar life of dependence on the Spirit? Luke 1:26-35; 2:40;
    3:22; 4:1; 4:16-19; 10:21
4. Pray that we will grow in knowing Him, treasuring Him and making Him
    known through our daily dependence on the Spirit.

 # 2 - Preparing for Next Sunday
Following Jesus: Maturing through Obedience by the Holy Spirit
John 8:1-11

1. Read John 8:1-11. How did Jesus obey the Father over the religious
    establishment? How did He lovingly call the woman to live in obedience
    to the Father in verse 11? What is the main point of the passage and
    what are some applications for your life from this passage?
2. Now read John 18:1-11. Notice that Jesus fully submitted to the Father’s
    will although He did not feel like drinking the cup of wrath that was
    coming at the cross. How is it possible to obey God when we do not feel
    like it? (i.e. Serving someone who is ungrateful, loving someone who
    does not respond well, etc.) (Galatians 5:16 and Psalm 40:8)
3. Read 1 John 2:6, John 14:21, 15:14 and Matthew 5:16. What importance
    does obedience play in our daily lives? What does obedience to God’s
    Word reveal about us? Why is obedience to God so needed today? Pray!