The Gift

Nikki Jones

Sunday Morning’s message 12th of October 2025

citywestchurch YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWBm23vnaB0

Leaders note: This study is a guide—use it flexibly. Adapt the questions and follow the flow of your group. Keep it simple, keep it fun, and create space for God to move as you grow together.

The Perfect Plan

Luke 11:13 (NIV) “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!”

Jesus didn’t just leave us with a mission—He equipped us with a gift: the Holy Spirit. God’s heart is not one of reluctance but of generosity. Jesus used the example of earthly parents to show that if imperfect humans love to bless their children, how much more does our perfect Heavenly Father delight to give the best gift of all—His very own Spirit. The Holy Spirit is not a reward for the spiritual elite, but a gift freely given to all who ask.

This truth reminds us that God’s desire is not merely to improve our lives but to transform them by His presence. The Holy Spirit brings power, wisdom, comfort, and intimacy with God. When we ask for the Spirit, we are really inviting God Himself to fill and lead us. The promise is simple and sure—He will give the Holy Spirit to those who ask.

Discus:

• What does this verse reveal about God’s heart as a Father?

• Why do you think Jesus refers to the Holy Spirit as a “gift”?

• What difference does it make to know the Spirit is available to anyone who asks?

  
  

Holy Spirit: The Advocate

John 14:15–21 (NIV)“If you love me, keep my commands. And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you.I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live. On that day you will realise that I am in my Father, and you are in me, and I am in you. Whoever has my commands and keeps them is the one who loves me. The one who loves me will be loved by my Father, and I too will love them and show myself to them.”

When Jesus promised “another Advocate,” He revealed that the Holy Spirit would continue His own ministry on earth. The Spirit is personal—He speaks, leads, teaches, and comforts. He is also permanent, remaining with believers forever. The word “Advocate” paints a picture of one who comes alongside to help, defend, or encourage. Jesus knew His followers would need guidance and strength to live faithfully in a broken world, so He sent His Spirit to ensure they would never be alone.

This passage reassures us of God’s ongoing presence. Even when Jesus was no longer physically among His disciples, the Spirit would continue His work within them. The Spirit defends us against condemnation, strengthens us in weakness, and reminds us of who we are in Christ. Through the Spirit, the life of Jesus is continually made real in us.

Discuss:

• How do you experience the Holy Spirit advocating in your life?

• What comfort does it bring to know the Spirit will be with you forever?

• How does understanding the Spirit as your Advocate change the way you face challenges?

The Intercessor in Weakness

Romans 8:26–27 (NIV) “In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God.”

We often come to God burdened, confused, or unsure how to pray. Paul tells us that in those very moments, the Holy Spirit steps in to help. He doesn’t just inspire our prayers—He joins in them, interceding on our behalf with deep, wordless groans. This shows the depth of His compassion and His intimate knowledge of our hearts. The Spirit prays for us perfectly, even when we are too weary or broken to form words.

This truth brings enormous comfort. We are not left to figure out life or prayer on our own. The Spirit bridges the gap between our weakness and God’s perfect will. He aligns our desires with heaven’s purposes and ensures our prayers reach the Father’s heart exactly as they should. Our part is simply to yield—to allow the Spirit to work in and through us, trusting that He knows what we need before we do.

Discuss:

• Have you ever experienced a time when you couldn’t find the words to pray? What did you do?

• How does it change your view of prayer knowing the Holy Spirit intercedes for you??

• What might it look like to rely more fully on the Spirit’s help in prayer?

  
  

The Abundant Anointing

Titus 3:4–7 (NIV) “But when the kindness and love of God our Saviour appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Saviour, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.”

God’s work of salvation is more than forgiveness—it is renewal. Through the Holy Spirit, we are washed, reborn, and made new. The Spirit does not come sparingly or reluctantly but is “poured out generously” upon us. This language of abundance shows that God gives without holding back. The Holy Spirit restores what sin has damaged and continually renews our hearts and minds so that we can live in the freedom of grace.

As heirs of eternal life, we now live as people marked by the Spirit’s presence and power. His anointing is not a one-time event but an ongoing flow of life and transformation. Walking in the Spirit means daily surrendering to His renewing work—allowing Him to shape our desires, attitudes, and actions to reflect Christ. The more we yield, the more we experience His abundance.

Discuss:

• What does “renewal by the Holy Spirit” mean for your life right now?

• How does the image of God pouring out His Spirit generously affect your view of His character?

• How can you walk in the confidence of someone who has been anointed?

  
  

Reflection & Application

• Where do you need the Holy Spirit most right now: as Advocate, Intercessor, or Renewer?

• Take time this week to intentionally ask the Father for more of the Spirit’s presence in your life.

Reflection prompt: In your journal or phone notes, write a prayer asking for the Holy Spirit’s help in a specific area of your life.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit. Thank You that we are not alone. You have given us a Helper, an Advocate, a Comforter. Help us become more aware of Your Spirit’s presence every day. Renew us, fill us, and guide us into all truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.