INTRO–‘Jesus Promises a Comforter’Read John 16:7, 12-13; & Acts 1:3-5

Seemingly much is known about God and Jesus, but little seems to be known about the Holy Spirit. Jesus referred to the Spirit as advocate and comforter and in John 16 promises to send this comforter to his followers. In fact Jesus says that his leaving and the comforter coming is a very good thing, both for you and the world.

• What do you know about the Holy Spirit? How have you truly experienced the Spirit in your life?


• Describe a time you were supernaturally comforted by God in a time of distress or need.

CHARACTERISTIC #1–‘The Comforter Brings Power’Read Acts 1:8; & Acts 2:4

There is something comforting about receiving power to live your life for God’s purposes. But the Spirit also promises to give you strength to keep going when the road gets rough, when your strength is gone, or even when all things look hopeless. However, you can only receive this power when you surrender your life to God and God fills you up. Even as followers of Jesus your spirit can be filled with many other things like fear, jealousy, low self esteem, etc. And like trying to fly a kite without wind you live your life without the Spirit’s power. However, the more you allow God to have the more power from the Spirit you will receive.

• Your spirit is often filled with things like fear, pride, jealousy, low self esteem, etc., what percentage of your spirit do you think is not filled with the Holy Spirit?


• Have you ever tried to serve God but under your own strength literally burned out? Explain.


• Since the Holy Spirit brings power to life, where do you need some power right now?

CHARACTERISTIC #2–‘The Comforter Bears Witness’Read John 16:13; Acts 2:1-3

The second comforting characteristic of the Holy Spirit is that the Spirit provides you with truth about your life, your future, your salvation, and your ultimate destiny with God. But words of assurance aren’t the only thing, the Holy Spirit also proves this testimony is true with demonstrations of power evidenced in totally changed lives, peace that passes all understanding, people loving their enemies, mended relationships and supernatural restoration of bodies, minds and spirits.

• How assured are you of your life right now? Are you comforted about your future with God?


• Where is there evidence of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life? What about in your group?


• How is God providing promise in your life right now? Do you stand on those promises or forget them?

CHARACTERISTIC #3–‘The Comforter Sends You Out’Read Acts 1:8; & Acts 2:4

Finally the comforter sends you to be a witness to world about the grace and love of Jesus Christ. Now that you have been comforted and empowered by the Holy Spirit, God sends you out to share this relationship with those around you who are still trapped in fear, sin, and ultimately death. And just as the first disciples were able to share the message of Jesus to many people of different nations, God will speak through you to those who are sent your way.

• Has God ever used you to bring the grace and good news of Christ’s love to someone else? What happened?


• What have you seen or experienced from God that you can now begin sharing to others in need?


• What do you need to take out of your life’s cup in order for the Holy Spirit to fill you more?