Title: Walking with the Holy Spirit

Icebreaker: If you had to choose an animal to represent you, which animal would it be and why?

This week our Bishop returned with a dynamic message on walking with the Holy Spirit. We have spent the last few weeks learning about the Holy Spirit, the third member of the Godhead who is here as our helper and guide. It is the Spirit that draws us to Christ for salvation and leads us to know the will of the Father. Without the help of the Holy Spirit we have no power to do what pleases God, yet many of us make the mistake of choosing to go our own way and just hoping God will bless our decisions on the back end. To live a truly blessed life, to fulfill the plans of God for your life, is to learn to yield to the leading of his Spirit and walk with him day by day.

John 16:12-15

I. Understand the Spirit 

• To walk with the Holy Spirit means to walk in agreement and to trust his leading (Amos 3:3). A lot of us suffer the consequences of carrying out our own will and learn the hard way that peace comes when we follow the Spirit's leading (John 14:16-17).
• The Holy Spirit is the representative of the Godhead on the earth (John 16:7). Jesus is no longer here, but he sent the Spirit to be with us in his place. This means the Spirit is the one on the earth carrying out the plans of God. He is the sole administrator, the one who leads us into the will of the Father.
• Perhaps the most important role of the Spirit is to testify of Jesus (Revelation 19:10). The Spirit says and does nothing outside of pointing us to salvation in Christ. All that He does, all that He leads us to do, is follow Jesus.

Discussion:

We learned previously that the Spirit will withdraw from us when he is grieved, what are some things you remember learning we may do that offend him, and how might we reconcile with him when we hurt him?

II. Be Born of the Spirit

• Jesus himself was born of the Spirit, conceived in Mary's womb by the power of the Holy Spirit. Likewise, we must be born again by the Spirit in order to experience the salvation that Jesus offers (John 3:5-7).
• It is the Holy Spirit who distinguishes us as children of God. Once we are born of the Spirit we can be led and empowered by him to know and do the will of God on the earth (Romans 8:14). So, the work of the Spirit is continuous in our lives, which is why we need to learn to walk with him daily.
• Walking with the Spirit requires sensitivity. In John 1:29-32 the Spirit is likened to a dove as Jesus is likened to a lamb. Both animals are known for being gentle and sensitive, and they illustrate to us the nature we must embody in order to walk with Spirit.
• It is a Christ-like demeanor that attracts the Spirit, gentle and humble, sensitive to his leading. The Spirit comes and dwells where he is welcomed, and cultivates the character of Christ in us the more we walk with him.

UPCOMING EVENTS + REMINDERS:

Spanish Services at City Church: Spanish services are now in full swing at City Church! Every Sunday you can worship with us in the chapel at 10 AM, alongside our English service. We look forward to seeing you there!

GriefShare: Grief is one of life’s most difficult journeys, but you don’t have to go through it alone. If you, or someone you know, has lost a loved one you can begin your journey from mourning to joy through GriefShare at City Church. Meetings are held on Saturdays at 9:00 AM in the District Pastors’ Office. For more information please visit citychurchnola.life/GriefShare.

Wednesday Morning Prayer: You can participate in corporate prayer every Wednesday morning at 7 AM on Facebook. Join us each week as we continue to pray for our church, our city, and our nation.

City Life TV: You can watch our Bishop deliver thoughtful messages throughout the week. Tune in to WHNO, channel 20, Saturdays at 10:00 PM.

REPORT:

Please continue to report your in-person and virtual group meetings!

By using the same email you would normally receive, you may update your group information and report your weekly meetings.

If you need help with reporting, please contact your district pastor.

Have an amazing and spirit-filled group!