Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do?
Topics & people (3)
Summary
The Holy Spirit is God at work on earth — present at creation, poured out at Pentecost, and given to fill the hearts of God's children with his love. This session introduces who the Spirit is (a distinct person of the Trinity, not an impersonal force) and what he does: he fills us with God's love, assures us we belong to God's family, makes us more like Jesus, gives us power over sin, and empowers us with spiritual gifts.
Key Points
Who is the Holy Spirit?
- The Holy Spirit is God at work on earth, "present at the beginning, and God present with us now." (Jason)
- The Bible describes him as Comforter, Advocate, Guide, Teacher, Helper, Spirit of Wisdom, and Spirit of Jesus.
- One God exists eternally as Father, Son and Holy Spirit — "one divine Essence, three distinct Persons." (Chris Price)
- "It is best for you that I go away, because if I don't, the Holy Spirit won't come; but if I do go away, then I'll send him to you." — John 16:7
The day of Pentecost
- Acts 2 describes the Holy Spirit coming in power. "In the last days, God says, I will pour out my Spirit on all people." — Acts 2:17
What does the Holy Spirit do?
- Fills our hearts with God's love — so we're not unsure of his love from one day to the next.
- Assures us we're part of God's family — "by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.'" (Romans 8:15-16)
- Makes us more like Jesus — the fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness… (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Gives us power to overcome sin and addiction.
- Empowers us with spiritual gifts — wise advice, knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy and more (1 Corinthians 12:7-11).
Notable Quotes
"I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you." — Ezekiel 36:26
"God is the best at giving gifts. He knows our deepest heart's desires, and He knows exactly what to give us." — Ben
The Holy Spirit is God at work on earth. Jesus said it would be better for us to have the Spirit than to have him physically present. This session explores who the Spirit is and what he does in the lives of God's children.
Discussion Questions
1A million dollars to give away
If you were given a million dollars that you had to give away, what would you do with it?
And if you got to keep it, what would you do with it instead?
2Questions about the Holy Spirit
What questions come to mind when you hear about the Holy Spirit?
What do you think about the idea that the Holy Spirit is not a force, but a distinct being with a personality?
The Bible uses many names for the Holy Spirit — Comforter, Advocate, Guide, Teacher, Helper, Spirit of Jesus. Do any of them stand out to you?
3Experiences of God's gifts
Have you ever heard of, or had any experience with, God's supernatural gifts?
Have you ever had someone pray with you? How did it go?
Have you ever felt like God was speaking to you, or had a strong sense of his love and presence?
Have you, or someone you know personally, ever experienced a miracle?
4Going deeper
Have you ever seen someone's life change so much that you couldn't deny it was God changing them?
What are some reasons a person might be hesitant to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
What are some good reasons a person would want to be filled with the Holy Spirit?
Up Next in Playlist
Alpha Youth Series
Life: Is this it?
Jesus: Who is He?
Cross: Why did Jesus die?
Faith: How can I have faith?
Prayer: Why and how do I pray?
Bible: Why and how do I read the Bible?
Spirit: Who is the Holy Spirit and what does he do?
Fill: How can I be filled with the Holy Spirit?
New Life: How do I make the most of the rest of my life?
Evil: How can I resist evil?
Telling Others: Why and how should I tell others?
Healing: Does God heal today?
Church: What about the church?