Week of 11/15/26: Trust the Spirit’s Presence
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Abiding in LoveWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Trust the Spirit’s Presence
Sermon Text: Acts 15:22-29
Primary Reading: Acts 15-21
Secondary Reading: John 16 (Daily)
Memory Verses (Through November 28th): John 15:1–5 (ESV)
[1] “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser.
[2] Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does bear fruit he prunes, that it may bear more fruit.
[3] Already you are clean because of the word that I have spoken to you.
[4] Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me.
[5] I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing.
1 | Theme Reflection - “Trust the Spirit's Presence"
Theme Reflection — "Trust the Spirit's Presence"
The story of Acts 15–21 unfolds through transition and tension — Paul and Barnabas part ways, new leaders rise and the gospel travels into uncharted cities. The visible Jesus is gone, yet His presence fills every page. The Spirit is now the guiding companion — unseen, yet unmistakable.
In John 16, Jesus tells His disciples that His departure is for their advantage because the Helper will come. This is the paradox of faith: losing what is visible so that what is invisible might become real.
The Spirit convicts, comforts, and leads — not as a mere force, but as the very presence of Christ dwelling within His people.
To Be the Church — Trust the Spirit's Presence is to walk by faith, not sight; to listen more than to plan; and to believe that every faithful step, even in confusion, is guided by divine companionship. God's absence is never empty — it is the space where His Spirit moves.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - Listening Prayer
Practice of the Week — Listening Prayer
This week, practice Listening Prayer — slowing down to discern the Spirit's gentle promptings. Begin with silence. Breathe slowly. Ask, "Holy Spirit, what do You want me to notice today?" Then wait.
Do not force words or impressions. Let quiet itself become communion. When something rises — a person's name, a Scripture, a conviction, a comfort — write it down and test it against God's Word and character.
"Spirit of Truth, teach me to trust Your presence. Make me quick to listen, slow to speak, and ready to obey." Listening prayer trains the heart to rest in relationship rather than results.
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
Doctrinal Focus — The Person and Work of the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not an impersonal power but the third Person of the Trinity — co-eternal, co-equal, and co-glorious with the Father and the Son. He proceeds from the Father and the Son to apply Christ's finished work to the believer's life.
He convicts of sin, illuminates Scripture, gives spiritual gifts, and forms the Church into a dwelling place for God.
To trust the Spirit's presence is to depend on a real Person — the divine Counselor who comforts in sorrow, directs in confusion and empowers for witness. He does not compete with Christ's work; He makes it known. Through the Spirit, Christ is near in every moment and believers become participants in His mission and character.
5 | Missional Focus - Dependence Before Direction
Missional Focus — Dependence Before Direction
Mission without the Spirit becomes strategy. Mission with the Spirit becomes obedience. Before Paul moved to a new city, he listened. When doors closed, he waited. When the Spirit prompted, he went.
This week, choose one decision — large or small — and submit it to God in prayer before acting. Ask, "Spirit, what would bring You glory here?" Then obey the peace He gives.
Dependence is the Church's strategy. When we trust His presence, direction follows.
Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Readings:
1. How does the Spirit guide the Church in Acts 16 and 17?
2. What comforts or warnings from John 16 spoke most to you this week?
From the Sermon (Acts 15:22–29):
3. What does the Jerusalem Council's letter reveal about the Spirit's role in unity?
4. How does trusting the Spirit differ from seeking control?
From Personal Reflection:
5. Where do you find it hard to sense the Spirit's presence?
6. What practices help you listen rather than strive?
From Community Life:
7. How can our group grow in corporate dependence on the Spirit's leading in our decisions and service?
Questions for Children:
- Who did Jesus promise to send after He went back to heaven?
- What does the Holy Spirit help us do?
- Can you think of a time God helped you when you were afraid?
7 | Closing Prayer
Closing Prayer
Holy Spirit, Counselor and Comforter, teach us to trust Your presence more than our plans. Guide our steps, guard our hearts and fill our words with truth and grace. When we cannot see the way ahead, help us to remember that You are already there. Make us a Church that moves at Your pace — gentle, bold, and obedient. Amen.