ALLOS: ANOTHER OF THE SAME KIND – JEAN GERBER
Scriptures:
Acts 1:4-5; 5:32; 11:12; 16:7; 11:28; 7:51 ; 13:4; 20:28; 19: 2
1 Corinthians 6:19-20 NIV
2 Corinthians 3:17 NIV
1 Corinthians 2:10-11
Isaiah 40:12-15 NIV
John 14:15-17 NIV
Questions:
1. DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT MATTER?
2. WHO IS THE HOLY SPIRIT?
3. WHAT DOES THE HOLY SPIRIT DO?
In our journey of spiritual growth, we’re reminded that maturity isn’t a solitary pursuit—it’s about growing together. The Holy Spirit, promised by the Father and sent by Jesus, is our constant companion in this journey. We explore the Greek word ‘Alos,’ meaning ‘another of the same kind,’ which beautifully describes how the Holy Spirit continues Jesus’ work in our lives. The Book of Acts shows us how the early church was ignited by the Spirit’s presence. We’re challenged to consider: Are we allowing the Holy Spirit to be Lord over every area of our lives? Where the Spirit is Lord, there is true freedom. This isn’t just about our eternal destination, but about experiencing the fullness of God’s kingdom here and now.
Why Does the Holy Spirit Matter?
The importance of the Holy Spirit is woven throughout scripture, particularly in the book of Acts. Jesus himself spoke frequently about the Holy Spirit, describing it as a gift promised by the Father. In Acts 1:4-5, Jesus instructs his disciples to wait for this gift, saying, “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
This promise wasn’t just for the disciples of old – it’s for us today. The Holy Spirit is our helper, our guide, revealing heavenly things and directing our steps. Without the Holy Spirit, Christianity can become bland and powerless. With the Holy Spirit, miracles happen, prayers are answered, and lives are transformed.
Who is the Holy Spirit?
It’s important to clarify who the Holy Spirit is – and who He isn’t. The Holy Spirit is not a dove, oil, fire, breath, or water, though these are ways the Spirit has manifested. The Holy Spirit is the third person of the Trinity – not a thing or an “it,” but a person who walks with us daily.
Romans 8:16 beautifully describes this relationship: “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.” The Holy Spirit is God actively involved in our world and our lives, teaching us, speaking to and through us, helping us discern, and opening (or closing) doors in our lives.
A powerful scripture that encapsulates the work of the Holy Spirit is 2 Corinthians 3:17: “Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” It’s not just about the Spirit being present, but about the Spirit being Lord. Wherever the Spirit is Lord, there is freedom.
This challenges us to examine our lives. Are there areas where we haven’t fully surrendered to the Spirit’s lordship? Our salvation, our identity, our peace, our faith – all aspects of our spiritual armour require the Holy Spirit’s leadership to be effective.
What Does the Holy Spirit Do?
The Holy Spirit’s actions always align with the Father’s will. As 1 Corinthians 2:10-11 says, “These are the things God has revealed to us by his Spirit. The Spirit searches all things, even the deep things of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except their own spirit within them? In the same way no one knows the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God.”
This gives us confidence in the Holy Spirit’s guidance. Everything the Spirit does comes from the mind of the Father. We can trust the Holy Spirit because the source is God Himself.
In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises to send “another advocate” – the Holy Spirit. The Greek word used here, “parakletos,” carries rich meaning. It suggests a permanent calling alongside us, to coach us through life. The Holy Spirit is our divine mentor, continually encouraging and guiding us towards our God-given destiny.
Living in the Freedom of the Spirit
Understanding the Holy Spirit’s role in our lives is transformative. It’s not just about gaining information, but receiving revelation. Information without revelation is just education, but information with revelation leads to transformation. We’re called not just to know about God, but to experience Him deeply through the work of the Holy Spirit.
This experience of the Spirit leads to freedom – freedom from guilt, shame, and the burdens of our past. It reminds us daily that we are no longer bound by sin, but free to live out our divine purpose.
As we seek to mature in our faith, let’s invite the Holy Spirit to be Lord over every area of our lives. Let’s surrender those places we’ve been holding back – whether it’s our finances, our thought life, our relationships, or our deepest struggles. The Father has destined us to live freely and lightly, and through the Holy Spirit, this freedom is available to us right now.
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract concept or a mystical force – He is our ever-present helper, sent by the Father to guide us into all truth and freedom. May we be a people who not only know about the Holy Spirit but who live and move in the power and freedom He brings.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is essential for our faith walk, providing guidance, revelation, and transformation that we cannot achieve on our own.
- We need to recognize the Holy Spirit as a person, not an “it,” and invite Him to be Lord over every aspect of our lives for true freedom.
- The Holy Spirit acts as our divine coach, permanently called alongside us to guide us through life’s journey.
Discussion Questions
- Why does the Holy Spirit matter in our daily lives as Christians? Share an experience where you felt the Holy Spirit’s guidance or presence.
- The message mentions that Christianity can become “bland and boring” without the Holy Spirit. Do you agree or disagree? Why?
- How do you understand the concept of the Holy Spirit being “Lord” over different areas of our lives? Are there any areas where you struggle to let the Spirit lead?
- How does understanding the Holy Spirit as our “parakletos” (advocate, counselor, coach) change your perspective on your relationship with God?
- The sermon mentions that the Holy Spirit reveals God’s thoughts to us. How can we become more attentive to the Spirit’s revelations in our lives?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, sent to guide and lead us in every step of our journey. Open our hearts to fully understand and embrace the presence of Your Spirit. May we surrender every area of our lives to the Holy Spirit’s lordship, knowing that where the Spirit is Lord, there is freedom. Teach us to listen, to trust, and to follow the Spirit’s prompting, that we may live in the fullness of Your kingdom here and now. Fill us with boldness and grace as we walk in step with the Spirit. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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