And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him. Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think....

—Romans 12:1-2 NLT

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

If you are using this book as part of the Messenger Series on the Holy Spirit, please refer to video session 2.

We have communion with the Holy Spirit.

Communion is the Greek word koinonia, which means “fellowship, companionship, communication, intimacy, sharing together, social intercourse, partnership, joint participation, close mutual association.” These types of communion can be broken down into three basic categories: fellowship, partnership, and intimacy.

1 | The Holy Spirit wants to have unbroken communion (koinonia) with us as sons and daughters of God. This communion includes fellowship, a friendly relationship of sharing life together. Why is it important to welcome and be keenly aware of the Holy Spirit’s companionship? What might happen if we don’t?

2 | In addition to fellowship, the Holy Spirit wants to be in partnership with us. What are some practical things partners do to help one another achieve success? What is unique about our partnership with God’s Spirit today in comparison to that experienced by Old Testament followers of God, like Abraham or Moses? How does this encourage you?

3 | Communion with the Holy Spirit goes even deeper than just fellowship and partnership. It also includes intimacy—close, mutual association. How can we as believers develop this level of communion with the Holy Spirit?

HONOR

Any expression of respect or of high estimation by words or actions. In essence, to honor is to value, esteem, respect, treat favorably, and have high regard for.

—adapted from American Dictionary of the English Language, Noah Webster 1828

4 | The Holy Spirit’s primary function is to reveal who Jesus is and to bring Him honor and glory. He will reveal Christ and manifest Himself where He is genuinely honored. Carefully read the definition of honor. What are some specific ways we can honor the Holy Spirit individually and corporately as His Church?

5 | Although the Holy Spirit (Spirit of God) is never described as a female in Scripture, His behavioral patterns are at times feminine by function. Carefully read Genesis 1:27 and explain what this says about God’s character, which includes the character of the Holy Spirit. How does knowing this truth affect your relationship with Him?

6 | The Holy Spirit is very gentle, tender, and comforting in nature. If we are not careful, we can grieve or quench the Spirit—we can sadden Him greatly and cause Him to draw back His activity in our lives. Carefully meditate on Ephesians 4:29-32 and identify some of the actions that grieve the Spirit. How is this grieving different from quenching the Spirit, as talked about in 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22? How can we guard against these actions?