August 4th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: “The Holy Spirit was promised by God to help us grow as His true children in the world”
Applying Sermon Notes & Bible Verses to Our Daily Walk with Jesus
Ezekiel 36:24-28 "I will take you from the nations and gather you from all the countries and bring you into your own land. I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you shall be clean from all your uncleanness, and from all your idols I will cleanse you. And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit within you, and cause you to walk in my statutes and be careful to obey my rules. You shall dwell in the land that I gave to your fathers, and you shall be my people, and I will be your God."
Jeremiah 31:31-34 "Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord, when I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel and the house of Judah, not like the covenant that I made with their fathers on the day when I took them by the hand to bring them out of the land of Egypt, my covenant that they broke, though I was their husband, declares the Lord. For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Action to Consider: Recognize that God’s promise to give us a new heart and His Spirit within us is a daily reality. Allow the Holy Spirit to lead you in your decisions, transforming your heart to be more like Christ’s. Trust in God’s promise to cleanse you and guide you in His ways.
Jesus Taught That He Would Give Us the Holy Spirit to Help Us Grow and Become Fruitful in Life
John 4:10-14 "Jesus answered her, 'If you knew the gift of God, and who it is that is saying to you, ‘Give me a drink,’ you would have asked him, and he would have given you living water.' The woman said to him, 'Sir, you have nothing to draw water with, and the well is deep. Where do you get that living water? Are you greater than our father Jacob? He gave us the well and drank from it himself, as did his sons and his livestock.' Jesus said to her, 'Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty forever. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.'"
John 7:37-39 "On the last day of the feast, the great day, Jesus stood up and cried out, 'If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’' Now this he said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified."
Action to Consider: Seek the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life. Just as living water quenches physical thirst, the Holy Spirit satisfies our spiritual thirst. Allow the Spirit to flow through you, transforming and refreshing you daily, producing the fruits of the Spirit in your life.
The Living Word Planted in Us to Bear Good Fruit in Life
Matthew 13:3-23; Mark 4:3-20; Luke 8:4-15 These passages contain the Parable of the Sower, where the seed represents the Word of God, and the various soils represent the conditions of human hearts.
Action to Consider: Prepare your heart to receive God’s Word. Be the good soil that nurtures the seed, allowing it to grow and produce a bountiful harvest. Regularly engage with Scripture, let it take root in your heart, and live it out in your daily actions.
Jesus, the Living Word, as the Source of Eternal Life
Matthew 4:4; Luke 4:4 "But he answered, 'It is written, “‘Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God.’”
John 6:51 "I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh."
Action to Consider: Depend on Jesus, the Living Word, for spiritual sustenance. Just as you need physical food to live, you need the Word of God for your spiritual well-being. Make time each day to read, meditate on, and apply God’s Word.
Jesus, His Words, Abiding in Us, to Bear Fruit
John 15:1-8 "I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit. Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you. Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me. I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing. If anyone does not abide in me he is thrown away like a branch and withers; and the branches are gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned. If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples."
Action to Consider: Abide in Jesus and let His words remain in you. Stay connected to Him through prayer, worship, and studying His Word. This connection will enable you to bear spiritual fruit, glorifying God in your life.
The Holy Spirit Abiding in Us to Grow in Understanding of the “Truth” That Sets Us Free
John 8:31-32 "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'"
John 14:6, 17, 16-26 "Jesus said to him, 'I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.'" "...even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
John 15:26-27; 16:13-15; 17:17 "But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me." "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. He will glorify me, for he will take what is mine and declare it to you. All that the Father has is mine; therefore I said that he will take what is mine and declare it to you." "Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth."
Action to Consider: Invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth. He will teach you, remind you of Jesus’ teachings, and help you understand God’s truth. This truth will set you free from sin and guide you in living a life that pleases God.
Jesus Taught That the Holy Spirit Would Help Us Learn from Him So That We Can Become Like Him
John 14:16 "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever."
Action to Consider: Rely on the Holy Spirit as your Helper and Teacher. He is with you always, guiding you to understand and apply Jesus’ teachings in your life. Strive to become more like Jesus by following the Holy Spirit’s lead.
The Apostle Paul Taught That the Holy Spirit Opens Our Minds to What God Is Like So That We Have the Mind of Christ
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 "Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'— these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person’s thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 'For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ."
Action to Consider: Allow the Holy Spirit to renew your mind, giving you the mind of Christ. Seek spiritual wisdom and understanding, letting the Spirit guide your thoughts and actions. This renewal leads to a transformed life that reflects Jesus.
Paul Taught That Having Our Minds Aligned with Jesus Leads to Transformation of Our Lives
2 Corinthians 3:16-18 "But when one turns to the Lord, the veil is removed. Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Romans 12:1-2 "I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Action to Consider: Present yourself to God as a living sacrifice and allow Him to renew your mind. Reject the patterns of this world and embrace a mind transformed by the Holy Spirit. This leads to a life that honors God and discerns His perfect will.
How Well Do I Know the Mind of Jesus?
1. Why did Jesus teach that “the truth will make us free?” (John 8:32) "and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."
Action to Consider: Understanding and living by God’s truth liberates us from the bondage of sin and falsehood. Embrace Jesus’ teachings and allow them to free you from anything that hinders your relationship with God.
2. Why did Jesus give a New Commandment? (John 13:34-35; 15:12-13) "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."
"This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends."
Action to Consider: Live out Jesus’ commandment to love others as He has loved you. Demonstrate selfless, sacrificial love in your interactions, showing the world that you are His disciple.
3. Why did Jesus teach us to be perfect if it is impossible and every sin will be forgiven anyway? (Matthew 5:48; 12:31; 15:19) "You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." "Therefore I tell you, every sin and blasphemy will be forgiven people, but the blasphemy against the Spirit will not be forgiven." "For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander."
Action to Consider: Strive for spiritual maturity and holiness, recognizing that while perfection is unattainable, the pursuit of godliness is essential. God’s grace covers our sins, and He calls us to live a life that reflects His holiness.
4. How do I describe the heart of Jesus and why? (see John 1:16-18) "For from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God; the only God, who is at the Father’s side, he has made him known."
Action to Consider: Understand and emulate the heart of Jesus, which is full of grace and truth. Let His character guide your interactions and decisions, revealing God’s nature to those around you.
5. How well do I understand the mind of Jesus? Reflect on how much you align your thoughts and actions with Jesus’ teachings. Seek a deeper relationship with Him through prayer, Scripture, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus Taught “Truth” That Is Essential to Life
John 8:31-32, 34 "So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, 'If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.'" "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who commits sin is a slave to sin.'"
Action to Consider: Abide in Jesus’ words and embrace the truth He teaches. This truth will liberate you from the power of sin and lead you to live a life of freedom and purpose.
Jesus Liberates Us from the Consequences of Sin
Matthew 26:26-29 vs. False Narratives "Now as they were eating, Jesus took bread, and after blessing it broke it and gave it to the disciples, and said, 'Take, eat; this is my body.' And he took a cup, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, 'Drink of it, all of you, for this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. I tell you I will not drink again of this fruit of the vine until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.'"
Action to Consider: Remember and celebrate Jesus’ sacrifice through communion. This act of remembrance reinforces the truth that Jesus’ death and resurrection free us from sin’s consequences. Live in gratitude and freedom, knowing you are forgiven.
Jesus Nurtures Us with Understanding of God as a Father
Matthew 11:27; Luke 10:22 vs. False Narratives "All things have been handed over to me by my Father, and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
"All things have been handed over to me by my Father. And no one knows who the Son is except the Father, or who the Father is except the Son and anyone to whom the Son chooses to reveal him."
Action to Consider: Grow in your understanding of God as your loving Father. Jesus reveals the Father to us, inviting us into a deep, personal relationship with Him. Trust in God’s fatherly care and guidance in your daily life.
Jesus Shows Exactly How to Live for God as Our Father
Matthew 12:50 vs. False Narratives "For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Action to Consider: Follow Jesus’ example in doing God’s will. Your obedience to God’s commands identifies you as part of His family. Seek to know and do the Father’s will in every aspect of your life.
Jesus Clarified Who to Trust for Guidance in This Life
Matthew 23:8-12 vs. False Narratives "But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brothers. And call no man your father on earth, for you have one Father, who is in heaven. Neither be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Christ. The greatest among you shall be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted."
Action to Consider: Trust in Jesus for guidance and instruction. He is your ultimate Teacher and Leader. Humble yourself and serve others, following Jesus’ example of servant leadership.
Jesus Taught Us How to Personally Relate to God
Matthew 6:5-15; Luke 11:1-4 vs. False Narratives "And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and at the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him. Pray then like this: 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.' For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses."
"Now Jesus was praying in a certain place, and when he finished, one of his disciples said to him, 'Lord, teach us to pray, as John taught his disciples.' And he said to them, 'When you pray, say: 'Father, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins, for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation.'"
Action to Consider: Develop a personal and intimate prayer life. Follow Jesus’ model prayer, recognizing God’s holiness, seeking His kingdom and will, and depending on Him for daily needs and forgiveness. Build a relationship with God through honest and humble communication.
Embracing “Truth” as Essential to Life
Remembering Jesus’s Sacrifice and Expressing Gratitude in Communion:
Regularly participate in communion, reflecting on Jesus’ sacrifice. This practice deepens your gratitude and commitment to living in the spiritual freedom He provides.
Sitting at the Feet of Jesus as the Perfect Son of God and Best Mentor in the World:
Spend time in Jesus’ presence through prayer and studying His teachings. Let Him mentor you in your spiritual journey, guiding you to grow in faith and character.
Prioritizing Time with God the Father with Jesus Guiding Us in What We Talk About:
Make time each day to commune with God, allowing Jesus to guide your conversations and thoughts by way of His Holy Spirit. This prioritization strengthens your relationship with God and aligns your heart with His will.