This entry is for discussion around Sunday’s message, “The Metronome,” which can be found right here. It is part of our ongoing “New Rhythm” series. If you are the lifegroup discussion leader, read through these questions ahead of time, and pick the ones that best fit your group. Have your group open their Bibles to the passages and be ready to discuss.
Ephesians 4:30
And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.
What are the Holy Spirit’s purposes in your life?
- John 14:26
- Gal 5:22
- 1 John 2:26-27
- John 14:16
- 1 Corinthians 2:9-12
- Matthew 10:20
- Romans 8:26-28
What does it feel like to grieve. What is the basic definition of “to grieve?”
(λυπεῖν, “to cause pain,” λυπεῖσθαι, “to experience sorrow,” “to be sad”) or to give regret -The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament
How do we “grieve” the Holy Spirit? How does he respond to us when grieving?
One way we grieve the Holy Spirit
Often, believers will use Him to disguise our laziness, or irresponsibility. You know what that’s like. It’s when we had an opportunity to help someone, or to share our faith, but we “didn’t feel led at that time.” That CAN be the case, but far more often, this isn’t a lack of leading, it is really a lack of obedience on our part.
Can you think of other ways?
Read Galatians 5:18-24. Is a person’s heart revealed by what he or she “produces?” How do we deal with that?
What happens when we openly produce disobedience against the Holy Spirit? Read 1 Corinthians 5:1-5.
What do you think it means for a church to “pronounce judgement,” and to “deliver him over to Satan for the destruction of the flesh.” Does that sound harsh?
“this does not mean we should close our eyes to sin that is known by sinners and saints alike! We cannot judge another believer’s motives (which is what Matt. 7 refers to), but we can and must judge the actions of God’s people.” -Warren Wiersbe
“Delivering over to Satan” doesn’t mean that a person is abandoned by the church or by God… It means that the Holy Spirit withdraws, leaving you to fight the battle on your own power (which is what this man in 1 Corinthians was asking for) and ultimately face the destruction of your sinful inclinations- the flesh.
Does this mean you are alone? Read Romans 8:15-16.
You are SEALED by the Spirit. He is an “ever present help” in time of need, and NOTHING can separate you from His love. He is committed to this relationship with you, and you can’t change that.
Let him “guide into all truth.” (John 16:13)
He does this by reminding and reinforcing the teaching of Jesus (John 14:26)