Finding God in the Ordinary

I Believe in the Holy Spirit

Scripture References

Primary text

• Acts 2
• 1 Corinthians 3:16
• John 14

Other references

• Genesis 1
• Genesis 2
• John 1:14
• Revelation 21
• Revelation 22
• Ephesians 2
• Romans 15
• John 16
• Galatians 5:16
• Acts 1:8
• John 20

Overview

Week 3 of the Apostles’ Creed series centers on the line “I believe in the Holy Spirit.” Pastor Tim shows that the Spirit is not an optional mystery but the very presence and power of God living inside every believer. By tracing the Bible’s “temple” theme, he argues that followers of Jesus are now God’s dwelling place, equipped by the Spirit to be sent into the world with comfort, guidance, and power.

Context

• The message follows teachings on God the Father and Jesus the Son.
• Many Christians admit the Spirit feels “fuzzy,” creating an under-developed part of their spiritual life—much like Tim’s injured shoulder that hurt because only the front muscles were strong.

Main Points

The Holy Spirit is God and a Person

• Third Person of the Trinity—fully God, fully personal, not a vague force.
• Conceived Jesus (Creed line: “conceived by the Holy Spirit”) and now indwells believers (“I believe in the Holy Spirit”).
• To live as God’s people we need God’s power, which the Spirit supplies.

The Bible-long Temple Theme

• Creation – Eden: Genesis 1–2 picture the garden as the first temple where God walks with humanity.
• Tabernacle & Temple: Israel’s tent, then Solomon’s building, served as the visible presence of God among the community—the place where heaven and earth meet.
• Jesus: John 1:14 — “the Word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us,” the clearest living temple.
• Believers: 1 Corinthians 3:16—every Christian is now a temple; God’s Spirit lives inside.
• New Creation: Revelation 21–22 contains no separate temple because God dwells fully with His people.
  Illustration: The Spirit’s constant movement is like wind (ruach). He’s always up to something and now does it through us.

Roles of the Holy Spirit in Us

• Comforts (John 14) — brings peace even when circumstances rage.
• Encourages (Romans 15) — fills with joy, peace, hope.
• Intercedes — prays when we don’t know how.
• Convicts (John 16) — of sin, righteousness, judgment.
• Teaches & Guides (John 14; Galatians 5:16) — leads daily.
• Empowers for witness and service (Acts 1:8).
• Builds us brick-by-brick into Jesus’ likeness (Ephesians 2).

Creating Space to Hear the Spirit

• Story: Tim’s lost AirPods only beeped when he stopped rushing and listened—same with hearing God.
• Practical rhythm Tim follows:
  • Daily Bible reading (Spirit-inspired word).
  • Quiet chair time: devotional reading, thanks, intercession, praying through the Spirit’s roles, ending with the question, “God, what do You want me to do today?”
  • Then he gets up knowing the Spirit leaves the chair with him.
• Growth requires discomfort: “You can be comfortable or you can grow, but you can’t have both.”

Sent People Filled with the Spirit

• John 20:19-22 — Jesus breathes on disciples, “As the Father has sent Me, I am sending you…receive the Holy Spirit.”
• Wherever you step—work, school, oncology floor—God’s presence arrives because He is in you.
• The Spirit doesn’t need our permission but invites our participation. Our daily prayer:

  “Holy Spirit, dwell in me, work on me, move through me. What do You want me to do today?”

Key Truths

• The Holy Spirit makes the impossible possible and now lives inside every believer.
• God’s lifelong desire is to dwell with His people; Christians are His present-day temples.
• Spiritual imbalance—strong on Father and Son, weak on Spirit—causes pain and powerlessness.
• The Spirit continually comforts, convicts, teaches, guides, and empowers us toward Christ-likeness.
• Hearing the Spirit requires intentional space and a willingness to embrace discomfort for growth.

Response

• Acknowledge the Spirit’s presence each morning; ask, “What do You want me to do today?”
• Schedule unhurried time to read Scripture, pray, and listen.
• Yield to conviction promptly—repent and, if needed, seek forgiveness from others.
• Step into your workplace, classroom, or home as God’s living temple, ready to serve.
• Invite others to encounter Jesus, especially during upcoming Easter services.

Closing

Pastor Tim called believers to raise a hand in surrender, stepping into the discomfort of daily Spirit-led living. He reminded seekers that God’s ultimate goal is to dwell with them too, offering new life through Jesus’ death and resurrection. One simple question frames our mission:

“God, what do You want me to do today?”

Prayer

Tim thanked God for indwelling His people, asked for courage to obey the Spirit’s leading, and invited those far from Christ to trust Jesus for forgiveness and new life.

Resources

• The Bible Project
• N. T. Wright