NOV 17, 2024

 

"Don't Stifle the Spirit"

DR. KEVIN UECKERT

LEAD PASTOR

 

 

THIS WEEK'S SCRIPTURE

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (CSB): 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

  • Do not stifle the Holy Spirit; be open to His work.
  • Daily spiritual practices are essential for maintaining a fertile heart.
  • Prophecy is a valuable gift for the church, but it must be tested against Scripture.
  • Engagement in biblical community strengthens our faith and readiness for Christ's return.
  • Expect and invite the Holy Spirit to work in and through you for the common good.

READ

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (CSB): 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

CONSIDER

  1. Regardless of your Biblical knowledge surrounding "stifling the Spirit", write a short definition of what you think it might be? 
  2.  Take a moment to be brutally honest with yourself: write down the things that you do almost every day.  (Whether it's watching TV, working out, scrolling Instagram, reading God's Word...whatever it is.)
  3. Circle the things that make you feel closer to God. 
  4. Underline the things that distract you from God or make you feel further away.  
  5. There's a good chance the things you underlined are tools of stifling the Spirit in your life.  

Next Steps: This week, commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day in prayer and Bible reading. Reflect on how this practice impacts your openness to the Holy Spirit's work in your life.

PRAY

Write out a prayer to God confessing the ways you see where you've stifled the Spirit. Then, spend time just sitting quietly, listening to the Lord. 

READ

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (CSB): 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

CONSIDER

Read this week's text aloud as a group. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together

  1. What is one thing that stuck out to you from Sunday?
  2. How would you describe stifling the Spirit?
  3. How can daily spiritual practices help keep our hearts fertile for God's Word?
  4. Have you ever experienced a moment where a sermon or conversation felt like it was meant just for you? Share your experience.
  5. Do you have an experience where you "tested" something spiritual against the Word of God?
  6. How can we encourage each other to be more open to the work of the Holy Spirit in our church community?
  7. What role does prophecy play in the church today, and how can we discern true prophetic words?
  8. In what ways can we actively participate in the church to foster a sense of biblical community?
  9. What steps can we take this week to ensure we are not quenching the Spirit in our personal lives?

Next Steps: This week, commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day in prayer and Bible reading. Reflect on how this practice impacts your openness to the Holy Spirit's work in your life.

PRAY

This week, spend some time talking about what's happening in you life, and then pray for one another. 

READ

1 Thessalonians 5:19–22 (CSB): 19 Don’t stifle the Spirit. 20 Don’t despise prophecies, 21 but test all things. Hold on to what is good. 22 Stay away from every kind of evil.

CONSIDER

Read this week's text aloud as a family. You might be tempted to skip this step, but it's the most crucial part of your time together

  1. What did you learn or notice from Sunday’s sermon that made you think differently about God or your faith?
    (Encourage family members to share their takeaways in simple terms.)
  2. What are some small things we can do every day to keep our hearts open and ready for God’s Word?
    (Discuss practical ways to incorporate prayer, Bible reading, or acts of kindness into daily routines.)
  3. Have you ever had a moment when something at church, like a sermon or prayer, felt like it was just for you? What was it, and how did it help you?
    (Share personal examples to encourage reflection and connection.)
  4. How can we as a family support each other in listening to the Holy Spirit and living out what God wants for us?
    (Brainstorm ways to hold each other accountable and foster spiritual growth together.)

Next Steps: This week, commit to spending at least 15 minutes each day in prayer and Bible reading. Reflect on how this practice impacts your openness to the Holy Spirit's work in your life.

PRAY

This week, spend some time talking about what's happening in you life, and then pray for one another.