This document summarizes a session discussing the film "Holy Spirit" and the role of the Holy Spirit. It poses questions about minor issues the church focuses on versus important truths neglected. It discusses how the church is perceived today and why churches aren't more supernatural if filled with the Holy Spirit. Attendees are asked to imagine what the church could be like if relying on the Spirit's power rather than human talents. The passage John 16:2-7 is analyzed about Jesus telling disciples he must leave and send the Holy Spirit. Relying on the Spirit involves choosing not to rely on oneself and giving up control. Attendees are asked if they are willing to rely on the Spirit's power and guidance rather than their own

1. Session 5
Before you begin this session, view the film HOLY SPIRIT. This
discussion will be based on that film, and this session will
include a clip from that film.

2. Session 5
Discuss your initial reactions to the film you just watched.
What stood out to you?
What got you thinking?
What questions did it raise in your mind?

3. Session 5
When we talk about the Holy Spirit, too often we get
caught up debating minor issues while neglecting the
most obvious and critical ones. What minor issues do
we tend to focus on? What are the obvious truths
that we tend to neglect?

4. Session 5
Without the Holy Spirit, the church cannot be what God
designed it to be. Think about the reputation the church
has today. When people look at a typical American
church, what do you think they see?

5. Session 5
If the same Holy Spirit who changed the world in the
book of Acts lives within us, why do you think our
churches aren’t more supernatural?

6. Session 5
Imagine what the church would look like if we relied less on our
natural talents and began doing amazing things as the Spirit
worked through us. Describe what the church might look like if
we rediscovered the Holy Spirit’s power and guidance.
How would people respond to a church like that?

7. Session 5
In a moment, read John 16:2-7. by this point, the disciple had
been following Jesus for a long time. They left their homes,
businesses, and families in order to follow Him. Their identity
was wrapped up in being with Jesus wherever He went. In this
passage, Jesus tells His disciples that He is going to leave and
send the Holy Spirit to take His place. As you read the passage,
consider how the disciples must have been feeling. Imagine
what it would be like to hear Jesus say that He is leaving.

8. Session 5
Jesus warned His disciples that difficult times were coming. They were
going to be persecuted and killed. And right after giving this warning, He
told them that He would leave and send the Holy Spirit to take His place.
How do you think the disciples felt when Jesus said He was going to
leave them.

9. Session 5
Why would Jesus say that it’s better to have the Holy
Spirit?

10. Session 5
People sometimes think that life would be easier if Jesus were physically
walking beside them. But we have to take Jesus’ words at face value: “I
tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go
away, the Helper will not come to you.”
Imagine for a moment that Jesus were walking beside you. How would
following Jesus be easier with Him physically next to you? For each of
the points you mention, discuss how having the Holy Spirit could actually
be better.

11. Session 5
Recognizing the power of the Holy Spirit and acknowledging your need for Him
is important, but it’s not the end of the road. There’s still a decision to be made.
Relying on the Spirit involves choosing not to rely on yourself. Following His
guidance involves choosing to give up control. For the rest of this session and
throughout the next session we will get more practical and focus on how to
actually walk in the Spirit. But before we talk about how to rely on the
Spirit, you must first decide whether or not you want to rely on Him.

12. Session 5
Try to be honest. Are you willing to stop relying on your
strength and abilities and begin pursuing the Spirit’s
power and guidance? If you say yes, then why do you say
that? If you say no, then what is holding you back?

13. Session 5
Let’s get more practical. We all battle against sin in
our lives. To often we rely on our own strength in our
struggle with temptation. What does it mean to rely
on the Spirit’s power in a moment of temptation?
What would that look like in your life?

14. Session 5
There are things in all of our lives that hinder the work of
the Spirit. At this point, you may be longing to see the
Spirit work in incredible ways, but every one of us has
barriers that keep Him from moving through us. What
things in your life might hinder the work of the Spirit? How
can you begin removing those barriers?

15. Session 5
In the Follower’s Guide in session 2 we will explore what it looks
like to be filled with the Spirit. But the first step is to simply ask
Him to work in and through you. Spend some time in prayer.
Ask God for the wisdom and strength to look beyond yourself
and rely on the Holy Spirit. Pray that the Spirit will transform
your life and your church. Ask Him to work through you so
powerfully that no one can deny that something supernaturally
is happening.

16. Session 5
Before your next group meeting, we recommend
completing HOLY SPIRIT Session 1 in the Follower’s Guide.
The Follower’s Guide is designed to lead you prayerfully
and thoughtfully consider how the material you have just
discussed should play out in your personal life.