3 | What is Jesus communicating to the apostle Thomas in John 20:29? How is this truth connected with God’s words through the apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 5:16, and how does this truth make our intimate relationship with the Lord better?

4 | Name and describe the three levels of relationships that we can have with others. Which is the deepest level and why? How can we get connected with people on this level?

5 | We have been given a tremendous gift in the Holy Spirit: the ability to know God intimately. Carefully read 1 Corinthians 2:11-16. What is the Holy Spirit speaking in this passage about truly knowing God?

6 | Peter and the other disciples had an experience like no other—they interacted with Jesus face to face. Paul did not share this experience, yet he was still mightily used by God. How was this possible?

For more: Look up John 20:29; 2 Corinthians 5:16 and 2 Peter 3:15-16.

7 | What will happen to our relationships with God if we neglect to pursue communion with the Holy Spirit? If you are willing, share with your group some practical ways you have been able to connect with the Holy Spirit and experience His amazing friendship.

CHAPTER SUMMARY:

• If we want a deep, intimate relationship with God, we have to know Him by His Spirit.

• Only the Spirit knows and reveals the thoughts, feelings, and purposes of God’s heart.

• We have been given God’s Spirit; He is the ultimate Teacher who guides us into all truth.

• To maintain friendship with the world—the selfish pursuit of status and pleasures—is to be God’s enemy.

• The Holy Spirit is a gentleman; He will not force His will or friendship on us.

• The three levels of relationship are: physical (lowest and most superficial), soul (or personality), and spiritual (deepest and most intimate).

• Knowing God by His Spirit is deeper and more intimate than knowing Him only through interaction with the physical Person of Jesus.

Empowered by the Spirit

Day 1

Take a moment to imagine a king from the Middle Ages. Try to envision his environment: the castle and turrets, knights and ladies-in-waiting, the battles, the kingdom, and his glory. The office and lineage of a king was often considered ordained by God, so kings were greatly revered by their subjects and lived in abundant wealth. The king’s word was law and his judgments were final. A good king understood that his responsibility was to protect those who lived within his kingdom’s boundaries; he was also in charge of pursuing the interests of the kingdom by extending its borders and securing additional resources.

There was a tremendous amount of responsibility placed on this position and, consequently, the king was granted extraordinary power—at times even absolute power. Keep in mind that I am not describing a figurehead (typical of our era, when democracies and republics serve as the most common forms of government). I am describing an absolute monarchy. Now imagine this sort of king rejecting or being completely unaware of the power that comes with his position. What would happen to his kingdom? Soon it would be conquered, its inhabitants enslaved, and its resources confiscated. It isn’t enough for the king to simply hold the position of “king” (meaning he merely enjoys residence in the palace and the accompanying opulent lifestyle). He must perform the functions of kingship that are only made possible by the power of his position. The king’s position of authority is of no effect if he does not wield the power that comes with it.