God the Holy Spirit, Mentor's Guide, MG14

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G O D T H E H O L Y S P I R I T

The Spirit’s work of sealing reminds us that our salvation is still yet to come (future) since it is not completely achieve until Christ returns and rules over a new heaven and a new earth. The witness of the Spirit describes the assurance given by the Spirit that we have been sealed and truly belong to Christ. Now is the time for you to discuss with your fellow students your questions about spiritual gifts, the indwelling of the Spirit, and the work of the Spirit in sealing and sanctifying those who belong to Christ. What particular questions do you have in light of the material you have just studied? Maybe some of the questions below might help you form your own, more specific and critical questions. * Can true ministry occur that does not involve the use of spiritual gifts? Why or why not? * What is the role of the pastor(s) in helping a person discover and use their spiritual gifts? * Have disagreements arisen in your congregation about spiritual gifts? How were these disagreements resolved? * How do we avoid giving the impression that certain spiritual gifts (for example, miracles or teaching) automatically mean that the person who has them is spiritually mature? * What hope does a theology of spiritual gifts give to a person who is uneducated or impoverished? * Should specific spiritual gifts be sought by a person? If so, on what basis? If not, why not? * What are the implications of the Spirit’s indwelling for individual believers? In what ways should our congregations recognize, celebrate, and respond to the presence of the Holy Spirit among us? * What is the proper response to a member of a congregation who is habitually involved in a particular sin? Does the type of sin make any difference in formulating a response? Does the person’s attitude and demeanor make any difference? Why or why not?

Student Application and Implications

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