Inheritance Church Sermons

MAIN IDEA: The baptism in the Holy Spirit ignites and activates believers

The Promise: Acts 1:4-8
4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, “which,” He said, “you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.” 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, “Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?” 7 And He said to them, “It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority. 8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”

The Purpose: Mark 16:15-18
15 And He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature. 16 He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned. 17 And these signs will follow those who believe: In My name they will cast out demons; they will speak with new tongues; 18 they will take up serpents; and if they drink anything deadly, it will by no means hurt them; they will lay hands on the sick, and they will recover.”

The Privilege: John 14:12-18
12 “Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father. 13 And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. 14 If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.
15 “If you love Me, keep My commandments. 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you orphans; I will come to you.

The Power: Acts 2:1-4, 14-18

Discussion Questions:
According to the passages we read, what are some of the gifts the Holy Spirit brings to the church? 
Are these gifts meant for a select few or for all believers?
What is the connection between the baptism in the Holy Spirit and the activation of these gifts.
Since the baptism in the Holy Spirit was such an important part of Jesus’ teaching and promises, why do you think it is not emphasized more in the church? What are the results of minimizing this great gift in the Body of Christ?
As a group, if you have received the baptism, share what you have experienced and how it has changed your life.
As a group, invite anyone (without pressure) to be prayed for to receive the baptism. Feel free to use this format, from our resource The Baptism in the Holy Spirit:

MAIN IDEA: The Father has granted me an open invitation into a victory lifestyle.

Embrace the Process
The process is all grace, accessed through faith.



The Victory Process
Ephesians 6:12 (NASB) “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.”



2 Corinthians 10:5 (NASB) “We are destroying arguments and all arrogance raised against the knowledge of God, and we are taking every thought captive to the obedience of Christ.”



John 14:16-27 (NASB) “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and remind you of all that I said to you. Peace I leave you, My peace I give you; not as the world gives, do I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, nor fearful.”



John 16:23 (NASB) “And on that day you will not question Me about anything. Truly, truly I say to you, if you ask the Father for anything in My name, He will give it to you.” 



ACTIVATION
REPENT
RENOUNCE
RECEIVE



Discussion Questions:
Based on the Ephesians passage (see above), spend some time talking about how the battle is one against spiritual forces. What role do they play? 
Based on the 2 Corinthians passage (see above), spend some time talking about how the battle is about our thought life. What role do our thoughts play? What is the role of truth? How does Paul describe it?
Taking what you’ve discovered in the first two discussion points, discuss: How does the Enemy and his demons find “weak points” in our defenses?
What is the role of the Holy Spirit in helping us have the mind of Christ (see John 14 above)? What tools does the Holy Spirit use? What does it mean that Jesus commanded us to maintain peace?
How would you describe Jesus’ invitation in John 16 (see above)? What is he inviting us into? 
What are some practical ways you can apply these insights in your own thought life? How can they help regulate healthy emotions? How can they help you overcome fear and anxiety? 
As a group, spend some time praying over one another. Is there someone who needs deliverance from a spirit of fear/anxiety or something else? Is there someone who has a “big ask” (John 16)? If so, spend time praying in Jesus’ Name and claiming your place in the Father’s presence.