unit 2 LESSON 8

April 21, 2024

STUDY TEXT:  John 3:5-8; 14:15-26; 16:7-11; Romans 8:1-11; Galatians 5:16-21; Titus 3:3-7 

CENTRAL TRUTH: The Holy Spirit is central to Cristian living.

KEY VERSE: Galatians 5:16 Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh (KJV).

Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature craves (NLT).

LET'S GET STARTED

This week, we're beginning a study on the fruit of the Spirit--the evidence of life in the Spirit. Spirituality is a popular topic of conversation today, which can open doors to share your faith and experience. But first, we should understand what being "spiritual" really means. Our lesson opens with a nighttime conversation between Jesus and a Pharisee named Nicodemus. Perhaps Nicodemus conducted his interview under the cover of darkness because he was afraid of the Jews. After all, he was one of their leaders. Perhaps John's use of "by night" suggests Nicodemus was in spiritual darkness. In either case, Jesus shone the light of truth on the question of true spirituality: Religion alone is not enough. No one can see the kingdom of God without new birth (John 3:3).

Key Takeaways from This Lesson: (1). Biblical spiritually is different from the world's idea of spirituality. (2). The Holy Spirit has a unique role in the Trinity, and we can pursue a closer relationship with God through Him. (3). Spiritual disciplines can deepen our biblical spirituality.

  PART1 ---Be Born of the Sprit

Necessity of the New Birth                   John 3:5-8

The biblical definition of spirituality is like in the Spirit. And that life begins with a new kind of birth. This isn't a physical birth; it's a spiritual birth--that is, a birth through the Spirit. This new life is available to any person who receives Jesus as Savior and puts their trust in Him. At the moment they are born again, they become the "children of God" (John 1:12). Without the Spirit of God, we cannot enter the kingdom of God--whether in eternity or in the present. Our human efforts cannot achieve the peace and power of God's rule or emulate God's way of living, thinking, behaving and loving. It is the Holy Spirit who "gives birth to spiritual life" (verse 6). Through the Holy Spirit (1). God gives us new birth: Life in the Spirit. (2). God produces Christ's nature in us: the fruit of the Spirit. (3) God lets us participate in His supernatural work: the gifts of the Spirit.

REACT? How does the world's definition of spirituality ("related to the human spirit as opposed to something physical or material") compared to the biblical definition "Life in the Spirit")? 

Contrast of the New Birth           Titus 3:3-7

What a difference there is between the old life and the new! In his letter to the church leader Titus, the apostle Paul described in sharp contrast the two ways of living: the old way of being human and the new way of living in, Christ that comes from being born of the Spirit. To paraphrase Paul's testimony, "At one time my life was a real mess too, but God . . .!" New birth and new life are brought about by the washing away of our sins and God's generous gift of pouring out the Holy Spirit on us through Jesus Christ. Not only do we get a fresh start on life, but we get the wherewithal to keep living it. In God's record books. we are now accounted as righteous, and in God's family, we are now heirs. What a wonderful hope!

REACT? Do you recognize any pf the vices listed in Titus 3:3 from your life before Christ?

PART 2- Know That the Spirit Has Come

At Work in Their Hearts                       John14:15-26

To those who love Christ and keep His commandments, Jesus promised the presence of the Holy Spirit. He described the Spirit's work in the world using the title Paraclete, a word often translated "Comforter." In every way Jesus was a Paraclete to His original disciples, the Holy spirit is intended to be a paraclete to all of Christ's followers. There are two noteworthy differences: 

1. Although Jesus would depart this world and return to the Father (13:1), the Spirit would remain with Christ's followers forever. (2). Although the Incarnation physically limited Jesus to one time and place, the Spirit can be everywhere at all times--including within each believer!

The Father would send this precious partner, and member of the Trinty to Jesus' loving and obedient follower. The Paraclete, another Master Teacher like Jesus, would make the truth plain, reminding believers of everything the Savior said (verse 26).

REACT? What aspects of the Holy Spirit's work have you experienced in your life.?

At Work in the World                             John 16:7-11

In God's wisdom, the coming of the Holy Spirit was preferable to Jesus' remaining on earth. As Jesus told His followers, "It is expedient for you that I go away" (John 16:7. As Jesus told His followers, it is expedient for you that I go away" (John16:7) Unless Jesus left, the Spirit would not come. The Spirit provided the only way for Jesus' followers to fully understand Him. The Spirit mobilized and empowered Christ's followers to reach the world. Jesus explained the Spirit would shine the pure light of truth, convicting the world in three distinct areas (verses 8-11). 

(1). The Paraclete would show the world was guilty of the basic sin of refusing to believe in Christ.

     (2). The Paraclete would show the world did not understand God's righteousness, since they crucified Jesus, God's only begotten Son. 

(3). The Paraclete would show the world was subject to judgment along with the ruler of this world.

REACT? Give a specific example of how the Holy Spirit's presence and power gave you confidence to make a decision or speak up for Jesus.

Part 3--Walk in the Spirit

A Line to Toe                            Galatians 5:16-21.

When you are led by the Spirit you need pursue only two commandments:

                    (1). Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength (Mark 12:30). (2). Love your neighbor as yourself (verse 31). 

Paul reiterates Jesus' teaching that these commands are the summation of the Law. (Galatians 5:14). He adds, "Let the Holy Spirit guide your lives. Then you won't be doing what your sinful nature Craves' (verse 16).

REACT? How can we trust God's love for us when we don't understand the way He responds to our prayers?

          The Law of Life                Romans 8:1-11

God took the initiative to do what the Law could not do, sending His Son to save us and His Spirit to enable us to obey His commands. The purpose of salvation is not simply that we might escape punishment, but "that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled in us" (Romans 8:4). Only in those who surrender to the Spirit's control can the righteous requirements of the Law be fulfilled. The fleshly mind is alienated from God, and as Paul clearly states, "Letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death." The spiritual mind, however, is alive to God and alert to spiritual realities. "Letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace."

REACT? Give an example of one way you have learned to set your mind on the Spirit.

WHAT IS GOD SAYING TO US?

Spirituality, according to the Bible, is life in the Spirit. Such life requires a new spiritual birth, because the old, sinful nature cannot enter the kingdom of God. Life in the Spirit happens through a relationship with God as intimate as the disciples had with Jesus, made possible through the Paraclete.

LIVING IT OUT. 

                                    (1). Ask the Holy Spirit to open a door for evangelism this week. Without arguing about religion, ask someone about their spiritual life. Be ready to share about your relationship with Jesus.

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 (2).  Reflect this week on what you most appreciate about the Paraclete. Thank the Lord for sending Him.

 (3). Choose something you can do this week to tune in even more to the voice of the Spirit. What spiritual disciplines would help you most?

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DAILY BIBLE READING

                  Monday: The Spirit Strives with Sinners. Genesis 6:1-8

              Tuesday: The Spirit Resisted by Israel. Isaiah 63::7-10

                  Wednesday: The Spirit Changes Lives. Ezekiel 36:25-29

        Thursday: Characterized by the Spirit. Acts 6:1-7

  Friday: The Spirit Sets Free. Romans 8:1-10

                           Saturday: The Spirit Confirms Our Redemption. Eph. 1:3-14

Gospel Publishing House. 1445 N. Boonville Ave. Springfield, Missouri 65802 Volume 105 Number 3. Mar. Apr.  May. 2024