How Can the Holy Spirit Help Us? // Masashi Shibuya
God is with us, and He wants to help us! At Pentecost, we received the ultimate gift—the Holy Spirit. Discover how the Holy Spirit can empower you today!
———————————————————
God is with You and He Wants to Help
Jesus’s Love For Peter
(John 21:15-19 NIV)
When they had finished eating, Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon son of John, do you love me more than these?” “Yes, Lord,” he said, “you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my lambs.” (16) Again Jesus said, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” He answered, “Yes, Lord, you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Take care of my sheep.” (17) The third time he said to him, “Simon son of John, do you love me?” Peter was hurt because Jesus asked him the third time, “Do you love me?” He said, “Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you.” Jesus said, “Feed my sheep. (18) Very truly I tell you, when you were younger you dressed yourself and went where you wanted; but when you are old you will stretch out your hands, and someone else will dress you and lead you where you do not want to go.” (19) Jesus said this to indicate the kind of death by which Peter would glorify God. Then he said to him, “Follow me!”
Promise of Jesus (Helper)
(Acts 1:4-5 NIV)
On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. (5) For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.”
(Acts 1:8 NIV)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
The Day of Pentecost
(Acts 2:1-4 NIV)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. (2) Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. (4) All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them.
The Holy Spirit Enables Us To Be Strong Leaders
Peter Preaches the Good News with Boldness
(Acts 2:38-41 NIV)
Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. (39) The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.” (40) With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, “Save yourselves from this corrupt generation.” (41) Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day.
How Can the Holy Spirit Help Us?
(Acts 1:8 NLT)
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
(Acts 2:1-4 ERV)
When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. (2) Suddenly a noise came from heaven. It sounded like a strong wind blowing. This noise filled the whole house where they were sitting. (3) They saw something that looked like flames of fire. The flames were separated and stood over each person there. (4) They were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they began to speak different languages. The Holy Spirit was giving them the power to do this.
(Acts 2:14,38 ERV)
Then Peter stood up with the other eleven apostles. He spoke loudly so that all the people could hear. He said, “My Jewish brothers and all of you who live in Jerusalem, listen to me. I will tell you something you need to know. Listen carefully… (37) When the people heard this, they felt very, very sorry. They asked Peter and the other apostles, “Brothers, what should we do?” (38) Peter said to them, “Change your hearts and lives and be baptized, each one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ. Then God will forgive your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.
(Acts 2:41 ERV)
Then those who accepted what Peter said were baptized. On that day about 3000 people were added to the group of believers.
The Holy Spirit Helps Us
(Romans 5:5 ERV)
And this hope will never disappoint us. We know this because God has poured out his love to fill our hearts through the Holy Spirit he gave us.
The Holy Spirit Helps Us Help Others
(Romans 12:6-8 ERV)
We all have different gifts. Each gift came because of the grace God gave us. Whoever has the gift of prophecy should use that gift in a way that fits the kind of faith they have. (7) Whoever has the gift of serving should serve. Whoever has the gift of teaching should teach. (8) Whoever has the gift of comforting others should do that. Whoever has the gift of giving to help others should give generously. Whoever has the gift of leading should work hard at it. Whoever has the gift of showing kindness to others should do it gladly.
(1 Timothy 2:4-5 ERV)
God wants everyone to be saved and to fully understand the truth. (5) There is only one God, and there is only one way that people can reach God. That way is through Christ Jesus, who as a man (6) gave himself to pay for everyone to be free. This is the message that was given to us at just the right time.
Questions:
- Jesus asked Peter three times, “Do you love me?” Then, Jesus said to Peter, "Feed my sheep." How can we show our love for Jesus? How can we show we care for others in our daily lives? (John 21:15-17)
- Peter denied Jesus three times, yet Jesus restored him and gave him a purpose. How does this encourage you when you feel like you’ve made mistakes? (John 21:15-19)
- Jesus promised the disciples they would receive power through the Holy Spirit. Why do you think the Holy Spirit wants to help us be bold? (Acts 1:8, Acts 2:38-41)
- The Holy Spirit gives everyone unique gifts to serve others. What gifts do you think God has given you? How can you use them to help others? (Romans 12:6-8)
- When Jesus told Peter, “Follow me,” it was a call to completely trust Jesus. What does it mean for you to follow Jesus in your life? (John 21:19)
———————————————————
Connect with us:
Web: mylifehouse.com
Instagram: instagram.com/lifehouseglobal/
Facebook: facebook.com/lifehouseglobal
Other Podcasts:
Want to listen to our messages in other languages?
Lifehouse Japan (Japanese & English): https://lifehousejapan.captivate.fm/listen
Lifehouse Hong Kong (Cantonese & English): https://lifehousehongkong.captivate.fm/listen
