Know & Live By God’s Spirit Matthew 1:18 (NLT) This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 1. Darkness & chaos coming to & order is a work of the Spirit. Joel 2:28–29 (NLT) 28 “Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out my Spirit upon all people…29 In those days I will pour out my Spirit even on servants—men and women alike. John 1:14 (NLT) So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son. How Is The Holy Spirit Working In the New Testament? 2. Jesus’ are the creative work of the Spirit. His birth. Matthew 1:18 (NLT) This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. His baptism. Luke 3:21-22 (NLT) 21 One day when the crowds were being baptized, Jesus himself was baptized. As he was praying, the heavens opened, 22 and the Holy Spirit, in bodily form, descended on him like a dove…” His testing & teaching. Luke 4:1 (NLT): Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness,… Luke 10:21 (NLT) At that same time Jesus was filled with the joy of the Holy Spirit,… 3. Jesus’ was the new-creation work of the Spirit. Power over death. Romans 1:3–4 (NLT) The Good News is about his Son. In his earthly life he was born into King David’s family line, 4 and he was shown to be the Son of God when he was raised from the dead by the power of the Holy Spirit. He is Jesus Christ our Lord. Power to send. John 20:21–22 (NLT) Again he said, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you.” 22 Then he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.” “God's Spirit continues to hover over a dark and chaotic world, slowly healing and working toward the day when it will be made new.” ~ The Bible Project WHAT NOW? Since Jesus’ origins are a work of the Spirit, we can trust he is fully God. Since Jesus fully depended on the empowering of the Spirit, so should we. Continuing The Conversation 1. When you look at what’s happening in the world, it’s easy to see so much darkness & chaos. Are there any ways you can see the work of the Spirit bringing life & order? 2. Do you or anyone you know struggle to see, believe or trust that Jesus is fully God? ( Why or why not? ) 3. If Jesus so fully depended on the empowering of the Holy Spirit, what causes you to get so stuck in self-reliance? 4. Reaction to this statement? “God's Spirit continues to hover over a dark and chaotic world, slowly healing and working toward the day when it will be made new.” ~ The Bible Project