Forgotten God Ch. 4 (Why Do You Want Him?)
Posted by Tyler Conrad | | Posted On Tuesday, November 30, 2010 at 11:46 AM
The purpose of this chapter was to examine the right and wrong motives for wanting to follow the Holy Spirit. Here are some motives that Francis talks about.
Wrong Motive:
1. Selfish Gain:
a. A good example of this is found in Acts 8:9-24, which describes Simon the magician, who wanted the Spirit’s power for selfish reasons. The Holy Spirit works to glorify God (John 16:14) and Him alone, not us (Matthew 5:16).
b. Another way that one might selfishly seek the Spirit is by trying to lead the Spirit instead of following. If we try to lead the Spirit rather than follow it, we often start with our own dreams and desires and ask the Spirit to work so that we can accomplish our selfish plans instead of following wherever the Spirit leads. Are you truly willing to go wherever the Spirit leads?
Right Motive:
1. The Common Good/ Love
a. Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. In this passage, Paul tells us that the Spirit works in us for the common good. It is love for God, for His people, for His church, etc. If you read 1 Corinthians 12-14, you will get an idea of the proper function of the church. Have you ever taken the time to realize that God has put you in the unique position you are in right now, with the specific gifts He has given you, so that you may use them selflessly for the common good? As we focus on the Bible study every week, it is often easy to overlook what is right in front of us. The Spirit works through each of us, if we let Him, to build up and love the people around us. We have each been equipped with specific gifts to be able to do that. When we come on Sunday morning, some have been gifted with music, others with preaching, others with the technical aspects of the service, others with relational skills, etc. We each have unique gifts/ personalities that God uses for the common good if we let Him. What an amazing thought!
With that thought in mind, the majority of the time spent this week was on investing in one another. We got into small groups and shared our unique stories, struggles, and spoke truth into each other’s lives through God’s living word, made possible through the Holy Spirit. It is amazing what God puts in front of us each day, and the resources He gives us to be His hands and feet if we obey Him!
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