Join us this week as Mike continues our series ‘In Christ…’. Watch or listen on our website, Youtube, or your favorite podcast app!
Sermon Summary: In Christ We Have… The Spirit
The sermon, based on Ephesians 1:13-14, explores the Holy Spirit as an essential benefit of being “in Christ,” outlining the Spirit’s role in the Trinity: the Father chooses, the Son redeems, and the Spirit seals. The speaker divides the Spirit’s work into three themes: The Gift, The Guarantee, and The Glory. The Spirit is presented first as The Gift—God’s personal presence that imparts new life, sealing believers as “claimed by God” upon believing the gospel. Second, the Spirit acts as The Guarantee or down payment, assuring the believer of their full future inheritance, sanctifying them, and producing the visible “fruit of the Spirit” as a foretaste of the renewed world to come. Finally, all the Spirit’s activity is for The Glory of Jesus Christ, meaning the Spirit’s work will never contradict Scripture and its ultimate signature is the formation of Christ’s character in the believer.
Small Group Discussion Questions
- The Trinity’s Roles: Mike outlines the roles of the Trinity in salvation as the Father chooses, the Son redeems, and the Spirit seals. How does this specific breakdown of the Trinity’s work increase your appreciation for the comprehensive nature of your salvation?
- The Holy Spirit as a Seal: Mike addresses the struggle of doubting one’s salvation when God seems distant. How does knowing the Holy Spirit is a seal (a mark that says “claimed by God”) impact your assurance during seasons of doubt or spiritual dryness?
- New Sight: Jesus told Nicodemus that unless one is “born of the Spirit, he cannot see the kingdom of God”. What does it mean practically for you to have “eyes to see” the Kingdom of God, and how is this new perspective evidence of the Spirit’s work in your life?
- The Guarantee (Foretaste): The term for “deposit” (Arrabon) is explained as a down payment, guaranteeing the full payment that is to come. What are some ‘foretastes’ or ‘glimmers’ of the full inheritance (eternal life, resurrection, a renewed world) that you experience in your life now?
- Conforming to Christ: The Spirit’s role is to change us more into the likeness of Christ, which, as Mike says, can be painful at times. What is one area of your life where you feel the Holy Spirit is currently convicting or conforming your character right now? What resistance do you feel to this conviction?
- Fruit vs. Gifts: Mike contrasts the pursuit of spiritual “feels” or gifts with the visible fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, etc.) How can we prioritize pursuing the fruit of the Spirit over seeking emotional experiences or visible manifestations?
- Testing the Spirit: Mike offers two tests for confirming the Spirit’s leading: it never contradicts God’s Word, and it always glorifies Jesus Christ. With this in mind, why is testing every wind of doctrine important today, and how do you personally ensure the spiritual influences you listen to align with Christ’s glory?
- The Co-Heir Perspective: Mike challenges the audience to consider how living as a co-heir with Christ should change their perspective on worldly status, money, and possessions. In what specific area of your life do you need to adopt this co-heir perspective this week?
- Witnessing to Christ: The functional purpose of the Spirit is to empower us to bear witness to Jesus. What is one way you can intentionally witness to the life, death, and resurrection of Christ in your daily sphere of influence this week?