Signs of the Spirit - Week 2 The Promise of the Spirit Focus: Jesus announced the ultimate good news that God’s Kingdom was coming near to dwell with humanity; and this good news once heard would change everything, for all time, for all people. In Jesus would come a new covenant of life, favour, and freedom founded on His resurrection; empowered not by human strength but by His Spirit. For “...I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit in you…” (Ezekiel 36:26). Study by: Carol and Des Joyce Sermons can be viewed on the Hope Valley Church YouTube Channel 1. Sharing Our Journey Praise, Thanks, and Reflection Invite people to share from one or more of the questions below. It can be done as a whole group or in subgroups. It can also involve a worship song. We worship God for He is holy. We praise God for His greatness. We thank God for what He has done. Share on which of these three—worship, praise, and thanks/gratitude—you find easiest and/or most frequent. Where have you seen God at work in your life since our last meeting? How have you gone living out God’s Word since our last gathering? Where and with whom have you witnessed to the love and good news of Jesus? Warm-up question: Who was the best counsellor you ever had or the person you sought wise counsel from? What made this person so special? Care and Prayer In prayer, capture the things you have shared above after also inviting people to share any personal needs for prayer or support. 2. Opening God’s Word Setting the Scene Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit (and to all believers) to help guide them and be with them all the days of their lives. They will feel Jesus' presence and love every day. Ever looking for the opportune time, the devil now resurfaces. Satan was drawing nigh for his fiercest and final assault on our Lord Jesus. Despite knowing who he was dealing with, he continues to rear his head until the very end. The night before His crucifixion, Jesus said to His eleven believing disciples, “I will no longer talk much with you, for the ruler of this world is coming, and he has no hold on me.” This is now repeated in verse 30 and should be a source of great comfort to all believers—Jesus has won the final victory. Read: John 14:15-31, Acts 1:8 Read John 13:34 and compare how the disciples are to show love for each other with how they are to show love for Jesus (verse 15). Comment. Describe what it means for you to love. The command to love Jesus is repeated three more times (for a total of four times in this short passage). Identify the other three verses, and one person read them to the group. Share what this means to you personally. Divide into twos or threes and re-read one of the passages below. Share with the whole group what promise is made in each verse(s): v 16-18 v 21 v 23 v 26-27 Share what we learn about the Holy Spirit in verses 16-17 and 25-27. Share your understanding of the relationship of the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit to the believer. Since verse 30 says that Satan has no power over Jesus, share your thoughts on why He had to die. (John 3:14-15, 6:53-54, and 10:15-18 may help your discussion.) 3. Living out the Heart of God Share how you would describe your state of “peace” with life at present. From your own life experience, share how you would counsel a person who is going through a painful “storm” right now. Be prepared—you may find the Holy Spirit leading you to someone if you are open to His voice/prompting. Memory verse: John 14:27 Prayer for each other Break into 2s or 3s to pray. Pray for your 5 (from your Relational Map – See ‘The Heart of God’ Study – Week 1). Pray for anyone who wants to receive a new infilling of the Holy Spirit (or even for the first time). Pray for willing hearts to be obedient to Jesus’ commands. Contacts If you would like more information or further help, please contact: scott.button@hopevalleychurch.com.au (Thanks to the Serendipity New Testament for Groups for the ideas for this study.)