Sermons

Print this page

THE JESUS CHRONICLES PART 2 Message #2

The Wait Is Over

August 16-17, 2008 Pastor Chris Brown

Return to Sermon Page

Food for Thought
_{^{For the week of August 17, 2008}}
(Questions and Scriptures for further study)

1.  We heard in this weekend’s teaching that as followers of Christ there will be evidence of the Holy Spirit working in our lives.  But have you ever been confused as to what that looks like or how you recognize the work of the Holy Spirit?  How does Ephesians 4:17-32 help you answer these questions?
  
Ephesians 4:17-32
    So I tell you this, and insist on it in the Lord, that you must no longer live as the Gentiles do, in the futility of their thinking. [18] They are darkened in their understanding and separated from the life of God because of the ignorance that is in them due to the hardening of their hearts. [19] Having lost all sensitivity, they have given themselves over to sensuality so as to indulge in every kind of impurity, with a continual lust for more.
    [20] You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. [21] Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. [22] You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; [23] to be made new in the attitude of your minds; [24] and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.
    [25] Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to his neighbor, for we are all members of one body. [26] "In your anger do not sin": Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, [27] and do not give the devil a foothold. [28] He who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with his own hands, that he may have something to share with those in need.
    [29] Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. [30] And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. _^[NIV]
 
2.  Last week we heard that one of the primary purposes of the Holy Spirit is “to make God look good.” As you read 1 Corinthians 2:9-15, what other roles does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of those who are committed to following Christ?  Have you found this to be true in your life?
  
1 Corinthians 2:9-15
    However, as it is written:
    "No eye has seen,
        no ear has heard,
    no mind has conceived
        what God has prepared for those who love him"--
[10] but God has revealed it to us by his Spirit.
    The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. [11] For who among men knows the thoughts of a man except the man's spirit within him? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. [12] We have not received the spirit of the world but the Spirit who is from God, that we may understand what God has freely given us. [13] This is what we speak, not in words taught us by human wisdom but in words taught by the Spirit, expressing spiritual truths in spiritual words. [14] The man without the Spirit does not accept the things that come from the Spirit of God, for they are foolishness to him, and he cannot understand them, because they are spiritually discerned. [15] The spiritual man makes judgments about all things, but he himself is not subject to any man's judgment: _^[NIV]
 
3.  Chris mentioned in this week’s teaching that we all too often get tripped up in thinking that it’s just “God and me.”  We forget that our regular connection with believers is essential to tuning into and being led by the Holy Spirit.  How does Hebrews 10:24-25 describe and emphasize this point?
 
Hebrews 10:24-25
    And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds. [25] Let us not give up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but let us encourage one another--and all the more as you see the Day approaching. _^[NIV]

These kinds of connections usually don’t happen by accident and often need to be intentional. Are there any steps you need to take to make a better connection with other believers? 

 

*  Here at North Coast we have created Growth Groups to help with these kinds of intentional connections. We offer groups for all ages and stages of life. If you are interested in joining a group, sign-ups start Labor Day weekend (August 30/31). We also have 4-week Intro Groups starting on August 21 for people that have never been in a group. You can sign up in the Plaza on the Melrose campus or call the church office during the week.