Spirit Led and God Glorifying Relationships - Part 1

Following Jesus: Spirit Led and God Glorifying Relationships - Part 1 John 3:1-8

John 3:1-8  

1. The Spirit will give us His nature and passion for His Kingdom.

Jeremiah 13:23 – “…Can the leopard change his spots? … Neither can you do good who are in a habit of doing evil.”  

2 Corinthians 5:17 – “… if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation...”

     i. Pray together often to love God, to love others and to make disciples.
     ii. Pray and review your personal calendar on a weekly and/or monthly
         basis for more Kingdom influence.  

Proverbs 14:8 – “The wisdom of the prudent (farsighted) is to discern his way, but the folly of fools is deceiving.”

Proverbs 16:9 – “In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” 

2. The Spirit will strengthen us to daily honor Christ over ourselves.

John 16:5-7, 12-15, 26

Paraklétos - The Strengthener, Comforter, Encourager, Intercessor

John 12:23-26    

     i. Intentionally read and study the Word daily to encounter Him in His
        Word.

John 5:39

Psalm 105:4 - “Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His face continually.”

Luke 9:23 - “Jesus said, ‘If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.’”

     ii. Memorize Scripture together and encourage one another.

John 15:7-8

Psalm 1:2 - “…his delight is in the law of the Lord, and in His law he meditates day and night.”

Joshua 1:8 - “This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.”

     iii. Implement spiritual disciplines such as a Sabbath rest, retreat times
         and connecting times. (day, week, month, year)

Spiritual disciplines are Spirit empowered habits that strengthen us to love God, love others and make disciples.

1 Timothy 4:7 – “…discipline yourself for the purpose of godliness.”

Isaiah 30:15 – “This is what the Sovereign LORD, the Holy One of Israel, says: ‘In repentance and rest is your salvation, in quietness and trust is your strength, but you would have none of it.’”  

~ Repentance - withdrawal and returning
~ Rest - quiet attitude, demeanor and/or lifestyle
~ Salvation - delivered, preserved, defended, rescued, liberated, victorious
~ Quietness - settled, at peace, undisturbed
~ Trust - confidence, conviction, reliance
~ Strength - power, courage, mighty deeds of God

3. The Spirit causes us to be alert to sin, accountability and righteousness.

John 16:8-11  

     i. Take communion together on a regular basis and examine
        relationships.
     ii. Give permission to others to regularly ask us questions and give us
         loving accountability. 

Galatians 6:1 – “…. Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness…”

4. The Spirit will empower us to be loving and bold witnesses for the
    Gospel.

Acts 1:6-8  Page #1087
Acts 2:36-40
Acts 4:27-31

     i.Learn to do without and be generous financially so that others can have
       everything in Christ.

2 Corinthians 9:11 – “You will be enriched in everything for all generosity, which through us is producing thanksgiving to God.”

     ii. Continually prepare and equip one another to know, live out and share
         the Gospel Story.

1 Peter 3:15 – “…. but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence.”

     iii. Intentionally do life with others to make disciples.  

Matthew 4:19 - “Jesus said to them, ‘Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.’”

2 Timothy 2:1-2 – “You therefore, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. The words which you have heard from me in the presence of many witnesses, entrust these to faithful men who will be able to teach others also.”

Disciple making is an intentional investment into peoples’ lives to see them love God, love others and make disciples.

Faith Sheet  

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

Main Themes    
~ When we yield to the life and ministry of the Holy Spirit, our relationships
    will lift up Christ and make Him known by our words and walk. (John
    15:7-8 and 16:14)
~ All believers have the presence of the Trinity and the full presence of the
   Holy Spirit in us and in our relationships. Now we are to live like it!   2
   Corinthians 13:14 -   “The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the Love of
   God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.”

#1- Reviewing This Past Sunday      
Following Jesus: Spirit Led and God Glorifying Relationships - Part 1
John 3:1-8

1. Read John 3:1-8 and discuss Sunday’s message with someone.
2. In what specific ways have your desires to have a God glorifying life and
    God glorifying relationships matured over the years?
3. Discuss the characteristics and the action steps with someone. Which
    ones are God calling you to apply today with key people in your life?
    What will you first do? How do you envision these steps impacting your
    relational and spiritual maturity? Pray!

 # 2- Preparing for Next Sunday    
Following Jesus: Spirit Led and God Glorifying Relationships - Part 2
1 Corinthians 2:1-16

1. Read 1 Corinthians 2:1-16. Pray to understand the passage.
2. Observe- What does the passage say? (read it several times)
3. Interpret- What is the meaning of the passage, the main thoughts or
    points?
4. Application- How do the truths revealed here impact my relationship with
    God? Cause me to praise or appreciate Him? How do the truths impact
    my relationship with others? How do the truths impact my daily walk in
    discipling others? Is there something for me to believe? To confess? To
    give thanks? To avoid? Use the text and pray.