From the Inside Out
A Grace Filled Life
Grace to receive the Spirit (1|2)
Pages 145-152
John 14:15-18 (NIV) “If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”
Galatians 5:16-17 (NIV) So I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the flesh desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the flesh. They are in conflict with each other, so that you are not to do whatever you want.
How should the Church today understand and practice the gifts of the Holy Spirit in light of Scripture?
What has been your experience or observation of the Holy Spirit’s work, whether through spiritual gifts, the fruit of the Spirit, or both?
Why do you think it’s so hard for Christians/Churches to live with mystery or unanswered questions about the Holy Spirit’s work?
In what ways have you seen the fruit of the Spirit and the gifts of the Spirit complement each other in ministry or service? Which do you find more natural to express, and which do you want to grow in?