Opening Discussion

• Tell a light-hearted story about how a simple miscommunication led to an interesting outcome. (ie- a text that had the wrong info or a weird autocorrect word, saying something that was taken wrong by the other person, etc.)

Shortened Version

Read and Discuss

John 20:21-22

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

• What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
• During the creation of the world, why was the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters?
• What’s the significance of Jesus’ proclamation of peace over the disciples before telling them to receive the Holy Spirit?
• How does someone receive the Holy Spirit?

Read Exodus 29:41-43, 45

41 You are to offer the second lamb at twilight. Offer a grain offering and a drink offering with it, like the one in the morning, as a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. 42 This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. 43 I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by my glory.

45 I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

• In the Old Testament, where did the presence of the Lord reside?
• Why did the Lord want to have a meeting place for His people?
• Why was a sacrifice necessary for the people to come into the Lord’s presence?
• What are some things you do to prepare yourself to meet with the Lord?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

• What does Paul mean that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus’ death and resurrection give us access for the Holy Spirit to now dwell within us?
• What are some ways you are being transformed into the image of God?

Discipleship Questions

• When was a time the Holy Spirit guided you?
• What are some ways you can live in the freedom of God’s Spirit this week?

Extended Edition

Read and Discuss

John 20:21-22

21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, I also send you.” 22 After saying this, Jesus breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.”

Genesis 1:1-2

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters.

• What is the role of the Holy Spirit?
• During the creation of the world, why was the Holy Spirit hovering over the waters?
• What’s the significance of Jesus’ proclamation of peace over the disciples before telling them to receive the Holy Spirit?
• When we are sent by God, why do we need the Holy Spirit?
• How does someone receive the Holy Spirit?

Read Exodus 29:41-43, 45

41 You are to offer the second lamb at twilight. Offer a grain offering and a drink offering with it, like the one in the morning, as a pleasing aroma, a food offering to the Lord. 42 This will be a regular burnt offering throughout your generations at the entrance to the tent of meeting before the Lord, where I will meet you to speak with you. 43 I will also meet with the Israelites there, and that place will be consecrated by my glory.

45 I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.

• In the Old Testament, where did the presence of the Lord reside?
• Why did the Lord want to have a meeting place for His people?
• Why was a sacrifice necessary for the people to come into the Lord’s presence?
• What are some things you do to prepare yourself to meet with the Lord?
• How often throughout the week do you take time to be in the Lord’s presence?
• What are some things that distract you from your time with God?
• What are some things that help you connect with the Lord?

Read 1 Corinthians 6:19-20

19 Don’t you know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you,whom you have from God? You are not your own, 20 for you were bought at a price. So glorify God with your body.

2 Corinthians 3:16-18

16 But whenever someone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.18 So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image.

• What does Paul mean that our body is a temple of the Holy Spirit?
• Why did Jesus’ death and resurrection give us access for the Holy Spirit to now dwell within us?
• What are some ways you are being transformed into the image of God?
• How can you glorify God with your body?
• What are some ways the Holy Spirit gives freedom?

Discipleship Questions

• When was a time the Holy Spirit guided you?
• What are some ways you can live in the freedom of God’s Spirit this week?

Memorize it!

2 Corinthians 3:17 For the Lord is the Spirit, and wherever the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.

Prayer TACOS

Thanksgiving- Give thanks for the Holy Spirit’s presence in your life

Adoration- Worship God for sending us a Helper

Confess to the times you haven’t listened to the Holy Spirit and did things your way

Others- Pray for someone who needs to receive the Holy Spirit. Ask the Lord for an opportunity to talk to them this week.

Self- Ask the Lord to show you what it means to live in the freedom of the Spirit.