Weekly Discussion Guide

Pastor Matt reminded us that the Holy Spirit is as active in the heart of every believer who has trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior. Because of that, the Holy Spirit infuses Himself in every aspect of our lives.

MY STORY

What are your natural and spiritual gifts? Do these two types of gifts have different origins? Explain.

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO HEAR?

When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” But others mocking said, “They are filled with new wine.”

(Acts 2:1-13)

What were the supernatural signs of the Holy Spirit’s presence on the day of Pentecost?

How would this experience have clarified all of the disciples’ questions when Jesus told that that “a helper was coming”?

What does God want us to hear? Based on the passages above, what are the factual “takeaways” that are meaningful to you?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT US TO DO?

When does the Holy Spirit enter into the life and heart of a follower of Christ?

How do you sense the presence of the Holy Spirit in your life?

What difference does the Holy Spirit’s constant presence in your heart make, especially in regard to your relationships?

What does God want us to do? Flowing out of our reading and interpretation, what action does this passage or the Spirit’s leading, nudging us toward?

WHAT DOES GOD WANT ME TO DO?

Pastor Matt said, This is the good news of Pentecost: God did not ask you to imitate Jesus without the presence of Jesus. He gave you His Spirit. Which means you don’t have to manufacture peace, courage, wisdom, or self-control on your own. The Spirit of God is actively working in you. The same power that raised Jesus from the grave is the same power shaping you over time into the person God created you to be.

What can you notice this week that’s different, because the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart as a believer?

Since the Holy Spirit is truly God, consider addressing him directly in prayer this week. What things would you ask of him?

What does God want ME to do? What is the personal application and action step that the Holy Spirit is calling you toward?