Teaching Outline: Who Is the Holy Spirit?
A 20-Minute Small Group Teaching for Awakening House Churches. The time outlines are just suggestions. You can teach longer based on this material.
Opening Prayer (2 min)
- Invite the Holy Spirit to lead the discussion and reveal Himself in a fresh way.
- Ask God to open hearts to receive deeper understanding of the Holy Spirit.
- The Holy Spirit is God (5 min)
- The Holy Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity
- Matthew 28:19 (NIV) – “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”
- He is not just a force, energy, or influence—He is fully God, just as the Father and Son are.
- The Holy Spirit was Active from the Beginning
- Genesis 1:2 (NIV) – “Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.”
- He was present at creation and has always been working in the world and in the lives of believers.
II. The Holy Spirit’s Role in Our Lives (5 min)
- The Holy Spirit is Our Helper
- John 14:26 (NIV) – “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.”
- He is our teacher, guide, and comforter.
- The Holy Spirit Empowers Believers
- Acts 1:8 (NIV) – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- The Holy Spirit gives us boldness, spiritual gifts, and supernatural power to fulfill our calling.
- The Holy Spirit Leads and Speaks
- Romans 8:14 (NIV) – “For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.”
- He directs our steps and speaks to us in prayer, the Word, and through inner promptings.
III. The Baptism and Gifts of the Holy Spirit (6 min)
- The Baptism of the Holy Spirit is for Every Believer
- Acts 2:38 (NIV) – “Peter replied, ‘Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.’”
- This empowers us to live a supernatural life and operate in spiritual gifts.
- The Gifts of the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:4-11)
- Word of Wisdom – Supernatural insight into situations.
- Word of Knowledge – Revelation of things not naturally known.
- Faith – Extraordinary confidence in God.
- Gifts of Healing – Miraculous healing power.
- Working of Miracles – Supernatural signs and wonders.
- Prophecy – Declaring the heart of God.
- Discerning of Spirits – Identifying spiritual influences.
- Speaking in Tongues – Praying in a supernatural language.
- Interpretation of Tongues – Understanding and interpreting tongues.
IV. Group Discussion & Application (5 min)
Discussion Questions:
- How have you personally experienced the Holy Spirit in your life?
- Which aspect of the Holy Spirit’s role do you need to grow in?
- Have you received the baptism of the Holy Spirit? If not, would you like to?
- How can you become more sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Closing Prayer (2 min)
- Invite the Holy Spirit to fill and empower everyone in the group.
- Pray for fresh encounters, boldness, and activation of spiritual gifts.
- If needed, take time to pray for those seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit.