ADVANCING IN THE POWER OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

PREAMBLE

The theme of our studies this month is, “Advancing in the Power of the Holy Spirit.”  Perhaps no other Bible writer emphasizes the work of the Holy Spirit among men and women like Luke does.  We have therefore chosen to base our studies on his Book of Acts. However, the story of the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Godhead, does not begin in the New Testament. The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit are eternally one. We know that the Spirit was there even at creation in the Book of Genesis. Prophets like Joel and Isaiah prophesied about Him and His work in and through the anointed of God. Indeed our third study is based on such prophesy. However, the rest of the studies concentrate on the Book of Acts where the work and enabling power of the Holy Spirit manifests among ordinary people like you and I, turning them into powerful ambassadors of Christ among nations.

STUDY ONE                                                                      WEEK OF JUNE 30^th  

THE PROMISE OF THE HOLY SPIRIT

Introduction:

Jesus said in Luke that unless I go away the Holy Spirit cannot come. Now Jesus is risen and is going back to His Father. What does He have for his disciples who remain on earth?     

Read:  Acts 1:1-11 

Observe:

1.   What did Jesus promise?

2.  What did the disciples enquire of Jesus and what was His response?

3.  Why did the disciples need the Holy Spirit?

Digest:

4.  What is the difference between the kingdom the disciples were asking for and the kingdom that Jesus promised?

5.  What were the things the disciples were going to be witnesses of? 

6.  How do you see the Godhead working together as One in this passage?

7. Why was it necessary for Jesus to show Himself to the disciples and to give them the promise of the Holy Spirit?

8. What is your understanding of being baptised by the Holy Spirit?

9. What is the relationship between the response of Jesus to the disciples (v.7-8) and the proclamation of the angel in verse 11 (see also Matthew 24:14)?

Apply:

10. What is the evidence that you/your group/your church have received the power of the Holy Spirit?

STUDY TWO                                                  WEEK OF JULY 7^th      

THE HOLY SPIRIT EMPOWERS

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Acts 1:8]

Introduction:

This week we observe the fulfilment of the promise we saw last week—the coming of the Holy Spirit. It is the day of Pentecost and the diciples are gathered together, waiting. Let’s find out what happens.

Read:  Acts 2:1-13

Observe:

1.  Where were the disciples gathered and who else was around?

2.  What did the disciples hear and see?

3.  What did the others hear and see?

4.  What amazed and perplexed the crowd?

Digest:

5.  How did the Holy Spirit impact the disciples?

6.  How did the Holy Spirit impact those that were gathered around them?

7. What are the implications of the questions and answers which visited the minds of the people as they witnessed the workings of the Holy Spirit?

8. What potential barriers were overcome by the power of the Holy Spirit in this passage?

Apply:

9.  Share your personal experience of the power of the Holy Spirit?

10. What other empowerment would you seek from the Holy Spirit in your life??

STUDY THREE                                                                  WEEK OF JULY 14^th

THE HOLY SPIRIT GIVES GOD’S FAVOUR

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse:  Acts 2:4]

Introduction:

As we observed in our preamble the story of the Holy Spirit does not begin in the New Testament. This week we look at a prophesy that Jesus Himself chose to read to the Jews in the synagogue in Nazareth at the begining of His ministry (Luke 4:18-19). Let’s find out what Isaiah prophesies.   

Read:  Isaiah 61:1-7

Observe:

1.  What are the tasks of the Holy Spirit in advancing the kingdom?

2.  What do the favours of the Holy Spirit cause to happen?

3.  What are the results of the anointing?

Digest:

4.  What is the role of the Holy Spirit in this passage?

5.  Who would be the beneficiaries of the Lord’s favour in this passage?

6.  How would you interpret the benefits in this passage in relation to the New Testament Gospel of Christ?

Apply:

8.  What things in your community do/do not reflect the effect of this anointing?

STUDY FOUR                                  WEEK OF JULY 21st

THE HOLY SPIRIT, THE GOSPEL

AND ETHNIC/RACIAL BARRIERS

[Review of Last Week’s Memory Verse: Isaiah 61:1]

Introduction:

We wind up this series on the Holy Spirit with a return to the book of Acts. Peter, hitherto the vocal and leading light of the disciples is faced with a challenging ethnic situation. Only the Holy Spirit is able to sort it out for him and to the glory of God. Let’s find out how.

Read:  Acts 10:1-48

Observe:

1.  What visions did Cornelius and Peter have?

2.   What was Peter’s world view/mindset before the visitation?

3.  What were the barriers that the Holy Spirit broke?

4.  What was Peter’s reaction to the Holy Spirit’s move among the Gentiles?

Digest:

5. How did the Holy Spirit show that God does not discriminate?

6. What is the significance of Cornelius’s prayers and offerings?

7.  Why was it necessary for the Holy Spirit to reveal Himself and His mission

to both Peter and  Cornelius in this manner?

Apply:

8. Are there communities within your context that you would hesitate to witness to and why?

9.  From today’s study, discuss practical ways how you/your church can help to reduce racial/ethnic discrimination?