Part 1
The Holy Spirit Throughout the Bible: From Creation to Our Daily Lives
When many people think about the Holy Spirit, they often associate Him primarily with the New Testament. However, the Holy Spirit — referred to as the Spirit of God in the Old Testament — has been active from the very beginning of creation. His presence is woven throughout Scripture, revealing God’s power, guidance, creativity, and deep desire for relationship with His people.
The Holy Spirit in the Old Testament
The very first glimpse of the Holy Spirit appears in Genesis:
“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.” — Genesis 1:2
Before anything was formed, the Spirit of God was there — moving, preparing, and bringing order out of chaos.
Throughout the Old Testament, we see the Spirit empowering individuals for specific purposes. King David understood the importance of God’s presence when he prayed:
“Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me.” — Psalm 51:11
The prophet Micah declared that it was the Spirit who gave him courage and authority:
“But as for me, I am filled with power, with the Spirit of the Lord, and with justice and might…” — Micah 3:8
One particularly beautiful example is found in Exodus, where God fills Bezalel (along with Oholiab) with His Spirit:
“And I have filled him with the Spirit of God, with ability and intelligence, with knowledge and all craftsmanship.” — Exodus 31:3
These men were anointed not to preach, but to create — designing and building the Tabernacle and the Ark of the Covenant. This reminds us that the Holy Spirit does not only empower spiritual leadership; He also inspires creativity, artistry, skill, and excellence in practical work. God cares about beauty, detail, and the gifts He has placed within us.
The Holy Spirit in the Gospels
When we arrive at the New Testament, the Holy Spirit is introduced without explanation — as if the reader should already recognize Him.
John the Baptist announces:
“I baptize you with water, but the one who comes after me will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
He is pointing to something far greater than ritual cleansing — a baptism into the very presence of God.
We then witness a powerful moment at Jesus’ baptism. As Jesus comes out of the water, the Spirit descends like a dove, and the Father speaks from heaven:
“This is my Son, in whom I am well pleased.”
Here we see the Trinity — Father, Son, and Holy Spirit — all present together.
The Holy Spirit as Our Advocate
Jesus later gives one of the clearest descriptions of the Holy Spirit in John 14:
“And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever — the Spirit of truth… he lives with you and will be in you.” — John 14:15–18
The Holy Spirit is not temporary help. He is our constant companion.
Jesus teaches that the Spirit will:
● Live within us
● Lead us into truth
● Remind us of everything Jesus taught
● Ensure that we are never alone
Many believers can recall moments when Scripture suddenly comes to mind at exactly the right time. This is often the gentle work of the Holy Spirit guiding and reminding us.
The Work of the Holy Spirit
Jesus expands on this in John 15:
“When the Advocate comes… the Spirit of truth… he will testify about me.” — John 15:26
The Holy Spirit’s role is always to point back to Jesus. He:
● Convicts the world of sin
● Reveals truth
● Directs hearts toward Christ
● Brings glory to Him
So when John the Baptist speaks of being baptized with the Holy Spirit, he is ultimately describing an immersion into God Himself.
Being Led by the Spirit
Paul writes in Romans:
“For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God.” — Romans 8:14–17
To be led by the Spirit is to live in relationship with God rather than in fear. The Spirit confirms that we belong to Him and reassures us of our identity as His children.
Through the Holy Spirit, we learn to recognize God’s voice. He guides us in every area of life and can speak in many ways — through Scripture, circumstances, dreams, visions, and even everyday moments.
As God’s children, it is not only possible to hear Him — it is our privilege.
Living the Abundant Life
Jesus promises in John 10:10 that He came so we may have life “to the full.” Walking with the Holy Spirit is key to experiencing that abundance.
Without His guidance, the Christian life can begin to feel routine or even stagnant. But when we actively listen, follow His prompting, and remain open to His work, our faith becomes vibrant and deeply personal.
The Holy Spirit invites us into a life that is not merely lived on the natural level, but one that is enriched by the supernatural presence of God.
Final Thought
From hovering over the waters at creation to dwelling within believers today, the Holy Spirit has always been at work. He empowers, guides, comforts, and transforms us.
When we learn to follow His leading, we don’t just practice Christianity — we experience the fullness of life God always intended.
Part 2
SESSION 2 – GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT (25 MINUTES)
Theme: God empowers ordinary believers to reveal an extraordinary Jesus.
SERMON MANUSCRIPT / TEACHING FLOW
Introduction (3 minutes)
The Christian life was never meant to be lived in human strength alone. Jesus didn’t just save us — He empowered us.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are not spiritual decorations. They are divine tools given so the Church can function, grow, and impact the world.
Without the gifts, the Church becomes a meeting place. With the gifts, the Church becomes a movement.
WHY DO WE NEED THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT?
1. For the Common Good & Building the Church (5 minutes)
1 Corinthians 12:7 (NKJV)
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to each one for the profit of all.”
The gifts are: Not about personal status Not about spiritual elitism
Always about people
1 Corinthians 14:12 (NKJV) “Seek to excel in those that build up the church.”
Ephesians 4:11–12 The goal is maturity, strength, and effectiveness.
👉 Key point: If the gifts are not building people, we’re missing the point.
2. For Empowerment in Mission & Witnessing (4 minutes)
Acts 1:8 (NKJV) “You shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you…”
Power is not for hype — it’s for harvest.
1 Corinthians 2:4–5
Paul trusted the demonstration of power so faith would rest on God, not personality.
👉 Key point: Miracles open hearts. Power confirms the message.
3. For Serving One Another (3 minutes)
1 Peter 4:10 (NKJV) “Minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.”
Spiritual gifts are grace in action.
When you operate in your gift: Someone is encouraged Someone is healed Someone encounters Jesus
4. For Strength, Guidance & Prayer (3 minutes)
2 Timothy 1:6–7. “Stir up the gift of God which is in you…”
Gifts can be: Ignored. Neglected Or fanned into flame
Romans 8:26. The Spirit helps us when words fall short.
👉 Key point: The Holy Spirit doesn’t replace weakness — He empowers us in it.
5. For Understanding & Spiritual Maturity (2 minutes)
1 Corinthians 2:12. The Spirit reveals what God has freely given. The gifts help us: Hear God clearly Discern truth from error
Grow into maturity
ARE THE GIFTS FOR EVERY BELIEVER? (2 minutes)
Yes.
1 Corinthians 12:7 — “given to each one” Not everyone operates in the same gift all the time, but everyone is invited to be available. The Holy Spirit distributes — but we position ourselves.
WHAT ARE THE GIFTS OF THE HOLY SPIRIT? (5 minutes)
1 Corinthians 12:7–11 (NKJV)
Revelation Gifts (Hear / See)
Word of Wisdom. Word of Knowledge. Discerning of Spirits
Power Gifts (Do)
Gift of Faith. Gifts of Healings. Working of Miracles
Inspiration Gifts (Speak)
Prophecy. Different Kinds of Tongues. Interpretation of Tongues
👉 Important: These are manifestations, not titles. You don’t own a gift — the Spirit moves through you.
WHY ARE WE ENCOURAGED TO OPERATE IN THEM? (3 minutes)
1. Because Love Needs Expression
1 Corinthians 13 is surrounded by chapters on gifts.
Love without power can be sincere but limited. Power without love can be dangerous. God wants both.
2. Because the Bible Commands Desire
1 Corinthians 14:1 (NKJV) “Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts…”
3. Because the World Needs a Living Gospel
The gifts make Jesus visible today.
CONCLUSION (2 minutes)
The Holy Spirit is not distant. The gifts are not rare. The invitation is open.
Be:
Available
Hungry
Bold
End with a short activation prayer:
“Holy Spirit, I make myself available.
Use me for the profit of others.
I desire Your gifts. In Jesus’ name.”
