How to use these questions in a group
The Holy Spirit is a topic where sincere Christians hold different views, so a good discussion usually begins with the text rather than with conclusions. Choose one or two sections below, read the passages aloud, and let people answer from what they actually see in the verses. You do not need to cover every question. Three or four well-discussed questions are worth more than twenty rushed ones.
If your group includes people from different church backgrounds, say at the start that you will listen to one another and that the aim is to understand Scripture together, not to settle every disagreement in one evening.
Who the Holy Spirit is
Read John 14:16-17 and John 14:26 together. In these passages Jesus promises another Helper (the KJV says “Comforter”) who will be with his followers and teach them.
- What does Jesus say the Spirit will do?
- Why do you think Jesus calls the Spirit a Helper?
- Many Christians understand the Spirit to be a person, not an impersonal force. What in the text points that way (for example, that the Spirit teaches, speaks and can be grieved in Ephesians 4:30)?
- How would you explain the Holy Spirit to someone new to the faith?
The Spirit in the Old Testament and in Jesus’ life
The Spirit is present from the opening chapters of Scripture (Genesis 1:2). Look at how the Spirit empowers people for particular tasks, such as Bezalel for craftsmanship in Exodus 31:1-5, or the prophets who speak for God.
- How is the Spirit’s work in the Old Testament similar to, and different from, what we read in the New Testament?
- Read Luke 3:21-22 and Luke 4:1, 14. What role does the Spirit play at Jesus’ baptism and in the start of his ministry?
- What does it tell us that Jesus himself relied on the Spirit?
Pentecost and the early church
Read Acts 1:8 and Acts 2:1-13. Jesus says that his followers will “receive power” when the Holy Ghost comes upon them (KJV).
- What changes for the disciples between Acts 1 and Acts 2?
- What did the crowd notice and what did they ask?
- Why do you think the Spirit’s coming was connected to witnessing to others?
- How did the early believers live after Pentecost (Acts 2:42-47)?
What does it mean to receive the Holy Spirit?
This is a question where traditions differ, and it is worth saying so openly.
- Many Protestant and evangelical Christians understand that believers receive the Spirit when they come to faith, pointing to passages such as Ephesians 1:13-14 and Romans 8:9.
- Pentecostal and charismatic traditions often speak of a further experience, sometimes called baptism in the Holy Spirit, and point to passages in Acts such as Acts 8:14-17 and Acts 19:1-6.
- Catholic, Orthodox and some Anglican and Lutheran traditions connect the gift of the Spirit with baptism and chrismation or confirmation.
Questions to discuss:
- Which passages does each view rely on, and how does each handle the others?
- Read Romans 8:14-16. What evidence of the Spirit’s presence does Paul describe? (Our Romans 8:31-39 study questions continue this chapter.)
- Whatever our tradition, what does the Spirit’s presence look like in everyday life?
How to ask for the Holy Spirit
Jesus gives a simple picture in Luke 11:13: if earthly parents know how to give good gifts to their children, how much more will the heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit “to them that ask him” (KJV).
- What does this verse suggest about the attitude with which we ask?
- Is asking a one-time event, or something believers do repeatedly? Consider Ephesians 5:18, where Paul urges believers to be filled with the Spirit.
- What hinders us from asking? Fear, doubt, past experiences, or confusion?
- Many groups close by praying simply for greater openness to God. How might your group do that?
Verses about the power of the Holy Spirit
Some commonly used passages for discussion:
- Acts 1:8 - power to be witnesses.
- Romans 15:13 - hope by the power of the Holy Ghost.
- 1 Corinthians 2:4-5 - Paul’s preaching depended on the Spirit’s power rather than persuasive words (see lessons from 1 Corinthians 2).
- Ephesians 3:16 - being strengthened with might by the Spirit in the inner person.
- 2 Timothy 1:7 - God has given a spirit of power, love and a sound mind.
Questions: Is “power” in these verses mainly dramatic or mainly about steady strength and courage? What examples have you seen in ordinary life?
Gifts, fruit and ministry
The Spirit’s work is often described through gifts for serving others and fruit that shapes character. These companion studies may help a group go deeper:
- For character, see our Fruits of the Spirit Bible study for youth.
- For one particular gift, see the gift of administration in the Bible.
- For how Scripture describes passing on spiritual gifts and blessing, see examples of impartation in the Bible.
- For the Spirit’s work in sending people out, see missionary Bible verses and revival topics in the Bible.
- For leadership roles in the church, see Bible verses about elders and Bible verses about deacons.
Discussion: Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11. Who gives the gifts, and for what purpose? Why does Paul stress that there are different gifts but the same Spirit?
Questions for personal reflection and prayer
- Where in my life do I most need the Spirit’s help right now?
- Which quality in Galatians 5:22-23 do I most need to grow in?
- Do I tend to forget the Spirit in daily decisions? What might help me remember?
- If I could ask Jesus one question about the Spirit, what would it be? (Some people find it helpful to read the questions the disciples asked him in John 14 and 16 and notice his patient answers.)
Tips for leaders
- Keep the Bible open. Anchor each question in a passage.
- Invite quieter people to share, and avoid putting anyone on the spot about personal spiritual experiences.
- When disagreement appears, ask people to name the verses that shape their view, and thank them for explaining.
- If a question is beyond what the group can resolve, suggest talking with a pastor or elder from your own church.
- End with a short prayer asking for understanding and a willingness to follow what you have learned.