Fire and the Holy Spirit
Service link https://youtu.be/yriy695bogQ
Readings: 2 Timothy 1:1-10, Psalm 139:1-14, Luke 3:7-17
Bible Study Questions:
What stood out to you about Rev. Philip’s story about the Holy Spirit powerfully working in His life? Was there anything you question or struggle with?
Luke 3:7-17
How is Jesus and John’s baptism different? Why was John’s baptism an important starting place?
How does the fire that burns the cut down tree in vs. 9 and the chaff in vs. 17 related to the fire and Spirit we are baptised with?
What does it mean to be baptised with fire and the Holy Spirit?
Do we feel like we have been baptised in this way? If not, why do you think that is the case?
What does Psalm 139 tell us about the Holy Spirit’s presence?
2 Timothy 1:1-10
Vs. 6-7 What is the gift that Paul gave Timothy through the laying on of hands?
Why would Timothy need to rekindle or fan this?
How does Paul commend Timothy to help this flame? How could these things work together with the Holy Spirit to rekindle the fire?
Vs. 8 How does these characteristics of the Spirit relate to testimony, the gospel and Christian suffering?
Extra:
Luke 3:7-17
Vs 7 - Why does John call them a brood of vipers?
What is the wrath to come? Who warned them?
Vs. 8 - How are they fleeing? How does John tell them to flee from the wrath? Why is this important?
Why would they be tempted to use their lineage with Abraham to defend themselves from this wrath? Why doesn’t it?
Vs. 9 - Why would someone cut down a tree that doesn’t bear fruit?
What does this image of the axe ready at the roots say to you?
Vs. 10-14 - What is John pointing us to with these commands? How would these bear the fruit of repentance?
What do you think John’s command be for your life and work?
Vs. 15 Why were they excited for the messiah? Why do they think John might be him?
Vs. 16 How would they have understood this power? What about John?
Vs. 17 What is the purpose of this gather? What is the wheat and the chaff? Can we bear both?
2 Timothy 1:1-10
Vs. 1 How is Paul an apostle and for what? What does this tell us about our discipleship?
Vs. 2 What does Paul mean here by beloved and child?
What is grace, mercy and peace? How are they related?
Vs. 3 Why is Paul’s gratitude important?
How does he have a clear conscience?
Vs. 5 What is important about a sincere faith? Why is this important to passing it on? How might ours be more sincere?
Vs. 8 Why would Timothy be ashamed?
Vs. 9 What does it mean that God saved us not by our works, but by his purpose and grace? Why is this important?
How could this grace be given through Christ before ages began? What does this mean for history, us and creation?
Vs. 10 Why was it important that this grace and purpose be fully revealed and seen in Jesus Christ?
How has Jesus abolished death? What does that mean for us?
How has he brought life and immortality to light through the gospel? How can we know and see this?
