Week of May 4, 2025 –  Who is the Holy Spirit?

Description:

Life is full of questions—big ones, personal ones, and ones that keep us up at night. Maybe you’ve wondered: What does it mean to be a disciple? Is the Holy Spirit still active today? What does God think about life in the womb, and the woman carrying it? How do we fight in spiritual battles we can’t see? And why does God allow so much suffering if He’s good?

You’re not alone in asking. We asked you, on social media and in person, what questions you wanted answered most, and this series is our response. Join us as we open God’s Word to find biblical truth, real hope, and practical guidance for life’s hardest and most heartfelt questions.

Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

• What’s something you’ve received as a gift that you forgot to open or use for a while?

   

• Growing up, what came to mind when you heard the words “Holy Spirit” or “Holy Ghost”?

   

• If you could ask one question about the Holy Spirit, what would it be?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

• John 16:5–13a – Jesus promises the Advocate.
  
• Galatians 5:16, 22–23 – Walking by the Spirit and His fruit.
  
• John 14:26 – The Spirit teaches and reminds.
  
• Acts 1:8; Acts 8:29 – The Spirit empowers and leads.
  
• 1 Corinthians 12:7 – The Spirit gives gifts.
  
• Acts 2:38 – Receiving the Spirit.
  
• 2 Timothy 3:16 – Spirit-inspired Scripture.
• Proverbs 15:22 – Importance of counsel.

Group Discussion Questions

Part 1: Who is the Holy Spirit?

1. According to John 16:7, why did Jesus say it was better for Him to go away?
   
2. What does it mean that the Spirit convicts the world of sin, righteousness, and judgment? (John 16:8–11)
3. How does the Holy Spirit help us understand and remember truth? (John 14:26)

Part 2: What Does the Holy Spirit Do?

1. Read Galatians 5:16, 22–23. Which fruit of the Spirit do you see most clearly in your life? Which is hardest for you?
2. How does the Holy Spirit conform us to Christ’s character? Can you share a personal example?
3. What does it mean that the Spirit calls us to God’s purposes? (Acts 1:8, Acts 8:29)

Part 3: How Do I Know It’s Him?

Review the four discernment questions:

• Is it consistent with Scripture?
  
• Does it glorify Jesus?
  
• Does it produce the fruit of the Spirit?
  
• Has it been confirmed in prayer and community?

Which of these do you personally rely on most often?

Has there been a time when you weren’t sure if the Spirit was leading you? How did you work through it?

Part 4: Receiving the Spirit

1. Based on Acts 2:38, what steps are tied to receiving the Holy Spirit?
2. If someone in your group isn’t sure they have the Spirit, what encouragement can you offer?

Action Steps

• Reflect: Where do I sense conviction, where do I need transformation, and where might God be calling me?
  
• Ask: Invite the Holy Spirit daily to lead you—pray, “Help me walk by the Spirit today.”
  
• Discern: Practice the four-question test this week when making a decision.
• Share: Encourage your group to talk to a spiritual mentor or pastor about their experience with the Holy Spirit.

Closing Prayer

God, we thank You for not leaving us alone. Thank You for sending the Holy Spirit to convict us of sin, to transform us to be more like Jesus, and to call us into Your mission. We ask that You help us live daily with awareness of Your Spirit’s presence. May we walk in truth, bear Your fruit, and be Your witnesses in this world. Help us to listen and obey as You lead us. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.