I Believe | Deep Dive Week 4 “I Believe in the Holy Spirit”
The Empowering Presence of the Holy Spirit
In Pastor Brad’s final sermon in his “I Believe” series, he reminded us of the vital role the Holy Spirit plays in our lives. In 2 Corinthians 3:1-18, Paul writes about the freedom that comes from the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit. This freedom is not just about being released from the shackles of sin and death, but about being empowered to live a life of truth and grace.
Paul contrasts the Old Covenant, which was written on stone tablets, with the New Covenant, which is written on our hearts by the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:3). The Old Covenant was marked by a focus on external rules and regulations, while the New Covenant is characterized by an internal transformation that comes from the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life, and His presence in our lives brings freedom from the power of sin and death. But this freedom is not just about what we are freed from; it’s also about what we are freed to do. We are freed to live a life of love, joy, peace, and righteousness. We are freed to be the people God created us to be.
As Paul writes, “Where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom” (2 Corinthians 3:17). This freedom is not just a feeling or an idea; it’s a reality that is rooted in the presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
So, how can we apply this truth to our lives? Here are a few questions to consider:
* Are there areas in your life where you feel trapped or stuck? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring freedom and empowerment to those areas.
* Are there things that you feel like you should be doing, but you don’t have the power or motivation to do them? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the strength and courage to take action.
* Are there relationships in your life that are marked by conflict or tension? Ask the Holy Spirit to bring peace and reconciliation to those relationships.
As you reflect on these questions, remember that the freedom brought by the Holy Spirit is not just about what we do, but about who we are. It’s about being transformed by the power of God to live a life of truth and grace.
**Prayer:** Holy Spirit, thank you for the freedom and empowerment that you bring to our lives. Help us to live in the reality of your presence, and to be transformed by your power. Give us the strength and courage to live a life of love, joy, peace, and righteousness. Amen.
Join us next Sunday, December 1, as we start our Advent series, “The Greatest Gift.” Advent is a time of anticipation when we look forward to celebrating the birth of Christ and to His eventual return. We hope you will join us in-person or online. And, in the meantime, have a Happy Thanksgiving!