Our Perfect Guide

Illustration: Discuss the value of a tour guide on a trip.

— TENSION —

• Working with an expert guide helped to put me at ease. The information was invigorating.

• I actually began to feel like this wasn't just going to be manageable, but it would be enjoyable too.

• That would be impossible without someone to walk through the experience with me.

• The same is true for your life.

• Some of our experiences will inevitably be confusing and overwhelming.

• You need an expert guide to put your heart at ease. Here is the good news. God has given you an expert guide for your life -- the Holy Spirit.

• Let’s take a look at the first time Jesus announced the coming of the Holy Spirit to his disciples. We can find this exchange in the gospel of John.

• Why did Jesus ascend into heaven in the first place?

• Besides the fact that it sounds like fun, imagine what He could have accomplished if he stayed.

• After the resurrection, Jesus could have easily stuck around.

• He could have built a dozen temples in the first century, written some books in the tenth century, and live-streamed services in the twenty first century.

• He didn't do any of that. The Apostle John explains that Jesus thought it was better for Him to leave.

• Why? Because an Advocate was coming.

• The word "Advocate" translates to several different meanings in different translations of the Bible.

• In Greek, the word is parakletos, which means “one who is called for assistance."

• Some translations say "counselor." Others say "helper." Some say "Intercessor."

• Regardless of the English word used, this term is referring to the Holy Spirit's role as our guide.

• How on earth can Jesus confidently say that "it's good that I am going away?"

• It’s likely because Jesus, in his flesh, stayed in one place at a time.

• When Jesus was physically walking the earth, He could not be in both Jerusalem and Nazareth at the same time.

• However, the Holy Spirit can be everywhere all the time.

• The Spirit moves and ministers every second of every day in the lives of every believer on the face of the earth.

• From Carolina to Cambodia, the same Spirit is moving in people’s lives.

• Twenty-four hours a day.

• Seven days a week.

• 365 days a year.

• He is not limited by time, space, or language.

— TRANSITION —

• This is why Jesus was able to say, "whoever believes in me will do the works I have been doing, and they will do even greater things than these" (John 14:12).

• He's saying it in the context of quantity.

• You are part of that quantity.

• You are in the group of people who will do greater things than Jesus.

• So, how do we do it?

• Here’s two practical steps we can take.

 Read the Guidebook

• You know those guidebooks that tell you about the city you're visiting?

• As you flip through the pages, you're told where to go, what to say, and what to avoid.

• Most people would never visit a new place without a little planning.

• Failure to do so would set you up for frustration.

• Why do we try to navigate life without direction?

• God wrote you a guidebook that shows you how to work with people, avoid hurt, and grow in your faith.

• The Spirit, as your guide, will illuminate the word of God whenever you read it -- showing you exactly what you need to see.

• Trying to thrive in life without reading the Bible is like traveling to a foreign nation without doing any research ahead of time.

• Sure it's possible, but you might end up stranded or arrested.

• You need to be ready for the twists and turns of travel.

• You also need to be prepared for all the twists and turns of life.

• Read your Bible every day.

• Study it with your friends.

• Study books to help you understand it better.

• Let it light the way for you.

• Fortunately for all of us, we are not limited to the guidebook.

• We also have the perfect guide ready to lead us every step of the way.

• That’s the Holy Spirit.

Stay Close to Your Guide

• I am sure you played follow-the-leader as a kid. Well, the disciples embodied this game centuries before it became schoolyard entertainment.

• We tend to limit our context of disciples to the twelve men who partnered with Jesus on His journeys.

• Yes, they're an example of disciples, but the phenomenon of devotees closely following their Rabbi was quite common in the first century.

• Whenever a Jewish man wanted to become a rabbi's disciple, they would leave their families and follow their new leader.

• Every move was mirrored.

• They spent all their time together -- traveling down dirt paths, walking dozens of miles a day, hanging onto every word, and studying every teaching. • Intense, right?

• Early Jewish writing described the mission of a disciple as "to cover themselves in the dust of the rabbi's feet."

• It was their goal to be so close to their guide that they were getting dirty by the dust they kicked up.

• Eventually, their cloaks and feet all looked the same — dusty.

• If you're a neat freak, the idea of mutually dusty feet may make you a little uneasy. I get it, but let the wonder of this metaphor sink into your soul.

• When you closely follow someone, you start to look like them.

• When you closely follow Jesus, you should start to look like Him.

• You can't pick up the dust of your Rabbi when you're distant; it requires closeness.

• Intimacy is a necessity when following Jesus.

• How do we closely follow someone who hasn't walked the earth in two thousand years?

• That's where the Holy Spirit shows up.

• John was intentional when he called the Spirit our Parakletos.

• On the quest of life, you need a good guide. Fortunately, we have the best One imaginable.

• Through the closer-than-close presence of the Holy Spirit, you can follow God more intimately than the original twelve disciples.

• Every day, spend intentional time experiencing God's closeness.

• Worship wherever you are.

• Meditate on His Word.

• Be still. Listen for God.

• Pray for whatever is on your mind.

• As you walk in step with the Spirit, just like ancient disciples, you will start to look more like your Rabbi.

Landing

• God wants to do things in you and through you that are far beyond your best abilities and wildest dreams.

• It all starts with surrender to the Spirit's role as your guide.

• When you became a Christian, God installed an advocate, leader, counselor, and parakletos into your heart.

• Your only responsibility is to listen to His leadership, remain close, and enjoy the journey along the way.

TALK IT OUT

Go through these questions with your circle. Be honest. Be open. Talk through the tough stuff.

Ice Breaker: Introduce yourself and share this week’s highs and lows (the best part of your week and the lowest part of your week).

Q1: What did you learn about the Holy Spirit from this message?

Q2: How is the Holy Spirit like a guide?

Q3: How does the Spirit help us read the Bible?

Q4: How can you begin to rely on the Holy Spirit in your life?

READING PLAN

READ THESE PASSAGES IN ORDER EVERY DAY

Matthew 28:19

Mark 1:8

John 3:6

Ezekiel 36:26-27

Mark 13:9-11

Matthew 28:19-20

Luke 4:1

Do the following with each passage: 

ASK– God to connect with you here. In prayer, start by slowing down and inviting God to be present. Begin with focus and openness to see what God has for you today.

READ– the selected section of Scripture slowly. Take note of the words and phrases that intrigue you, reading them a second time if necessary.

REFLECT– on what grabs you. How does this passage personally relate to your own life and experiences?

RESPOND– to the Scripture. Speak directly to God about what’s on your mind and heart. Look for ways to live out what you’ve uncovered.