GOD: HOLY SPIRIT - Operates in unity with trinity

We’ve grown in the Biblical Essentials of our faith so much already! The Essentials help us grow deep roots so that we are immovable in our faith and ready to share that faith with others. We see in our theme verses that this growth isn’t a one time thing: 

Colossians 2:6-7a |  And now, just as you accepted Christ Jesus as your Lord, you must continue to follow him. Let your roots grow down into him, and let your lives be built on Him. Then your faith will grow strong in the truth you were taught…

This means we’re not done! So far, we’ve explored:

Essential #1 - The Bible is Inspired (authored by God), Inerrant (free from errors), Infallible (will not fail/is trustworthy), and Authoritative (our ultimate guide).

Essential #2 - God is the perfect, loving Creator who is three-in-one: Father, Son, and Spirit. He is all powerful, all knowing, and all present.

Essential #3- Jesus is fully God and was fully man. Although tempted in every way, He chose not to sin and willingly laid down His own life to be the sacrifice for our sin. His example should be our benchmark for godly living.

Last week, we were encouraged by God the Son. We know He understand what it means to be human and that we can turn to Him when we struggle. But did you know that in our weaknesses, there is another part of the Trinity who is ready to help? 

This week, we investigate the third part of the Trinity - God the Holy Spirit. As we do,  ask yourself these questions often: 

• Who has the Holy Spirit? 
• What does the Holy Spirit do?
• If I’m not not hearing the Holy Spirit, why might that be? 
• What is the Holy Spirit leading me to do right now?

Essential #4  - The Holy Spirit is God living in the follower of Christ. He helps the believer know and do right, convicts when we sin, and compels us to share the gospel with others. He comforts us, makes us more like Himself, and works through us when we use our Holy Spirit given gifts.



SCRIPTURES
John 15:26 | “But I will send you the Advocate—the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me (Jesus).”

Acts 10:38 | And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with him.

Matthew 28:18-20 | Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”

DISCUSSION

1. Jesus calls the Holy Spirit the Advocate. He is also given the name Comforter and Helper. How has the Holy Spirit comforted you? How has the Holy Spirit helped you?
2. Read Acts 10:38. What do we see each part of God (Father, Son, Holy Spirit) doing? How do we see the three parts working together? 
3. Matthew 28:18-20 is the Great Commission and gives us our mission as believers. What does it tell us to do?
4. In the Great Commission, all three parts of the Trinity are present. When we make disciples and teach new believers, why is it important that we do so in the name of all three parts of the Trinity instead of just one part? 
5. In Matthew 28, Jesus says He is always with us, but then He returns to Heaven. In Acts 10 it says God was with Jesus, but God the Father was in Heaven the whole time. What part of God is always with us and was always with Jesus?