Title: Don't Grieve the Holy Spirit

Icebreaker: What is one thing you always make sure to do before hosting company in your home?

This week our Bishop delivered an insightful message on what it means to grieve the Holy Spirit. As believers we believe in the Holy Trinity, the mystery of the Godhead existing in three persons. Since we’re made in the image of God we have a way to understand the Holy Trinity in a sense: we live in a physical body, we have a soul, and we are spirit. Similarly, there’s God the Father, Jesus the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is a person just like the rest of the Godhead, He is distinct from the Father and the Son, but all work together to serve one shared vision. The Holy Spirit desires to dwell with and have close fellowship with us, but he is sensitive to the conditions of our internal environment. This is not a message about losing the Holy Spirit, rather, it is about living in such a way that we make the Spirit feel welcome in our day-to-day lives.

Ephesians 4:30

I. Understanding the Spirit 

• (Genesis 1:2) The Spirit has existed since the beginning, along with the Father and Son. We tend to know much about the Father and the Son, but can overlook the characteristics of the Spirit. We must become familiar with the Spirit, but continue to honor and obey him so we do not grieve or offend him.
• To know the Spirit is to learn what causes him grief and what pleases him. When we grieve the Holy Spirit we break his heart, we bring great sorrow to him and lose intimacy with him. It’s not the same as losing our salvation or relationship with Him, but when we hurt him it does create distance between us.
• We must be cautious not to grieve the Spirit because the distance it creates gives way to the enemy (Ephesians 4:27). To lose this intimacy with the Spirit causes us to lose our peace and joy, we get out of alignment and find that we’re more easily irritated or tempted. Our objective is to live in a way that is pleasing to the Spirit so that we may grow in intimacy with him.

Discussion:

Now that we know what it means to grieve the Spirit, what are some things we may do that offend him, and how might we reconcile with him when we hurt him?

II. Ways We Grieve the Spirit

• Holding onto resentment and toxic emotions is an example of how we may grieve the Spirit (Ephesians 4:31). Refusing to forgive others, choosing to hold a grudge, grieves the Holy Spirit and distorts our view of others. We avoid the trap of offense by laying aside our pride and allowing the Spirit to lead us to be more gentle and forgiving.
• We may also grieve the Spirit in the way we speak (Ephesians 4:29). When we don’t bridle our tongue, when we don’t invite the Spirit to correct the way we speak, and instead we allow whatever negative thought comes up to come out we grieve the Spirit and open the door for the enemy to have his way through us. Every time we allow foul and corrupt language to come out of our mouths it grieves the Holy Spirit (James 3:10). He is looking for grace and truth to proceed from our lips, and that only comes through intimacy with Him.
• Lastly, we can grieve the Spirit by being rude to others (Ephesians 4:32). The Bible says we will be known as believers by our love for one another, so to be unkind and harsh with others is to ruin our witness to the world.
• To walk in intimacy with the Holy Spirit means we are mindful of the way we live, the way we speak, the way we treat others. Without the Holy Spirit we are just ordinary people, but with the Holy Spirit we’re empowered to live in extraordinary ways for the kingdom of God.

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!