The Spirit Points to Jesus
Month 4: Is Jesus Really God? · Walking in the Spirit
Today's Scripture
Read together: John 15:26 & 1 Corinthians 12:3
26 When the Advocate comes, whom I will send to you from the Father—the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father—He will testify about Me. — John 15:26
3 Therefore I inform you that no one who is speaking by the Spirit of God says, “Jesus be cursed,” and no one can say, “Jesus is Lord,” except by the Holy Spirit. — 1 Corinthians 12:3
Memory Verse
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”— John 1:1 (BSB)
📖 Bible-in-a-Year (optional)
Today's reading: Genesis 48-50
Reading the whole Bible in a year — do this when you have extra time. (Around Day 95 of 365 — Jacob blesses his sons, and Joseph says, "God meant it for good.")The Heart of It
How do people ever come to believe Jesus is God? It's not just clever arguments or growing up in church. Jesus told His friends that when the Holy Spirit comes, "He will testify of Me" (). The Spirit's favorite job is to point away from Himself and toward Jesus. He is like a flashlight in the dark, shining on the one Person who matters most. Paul says it even more plainly. He says, "No one can say that Jesus is Lord except by the Holy Spirit" (). When your heart truly believes and confesses, "Jesus is Lord," that is the Holy Spirit at work inside you. He gently helps you see what your eyes alone could never figure out.
This is wonderful news for two reasons. First, it means you are never alone when you try to understand or defend your faith. God's own Spirit is your Helper. He opens your eyes and gives you the words. Second, it changes how we share Jesus with others. We can give the best reasons in the kindest way. But only the Holy Spirit can make a person's heart say "yes." So we don't argue people into the kingdom or push them around. We speak the truth in love and trust the Spirit to do the deep work. The Spirit never forces a heart. He woos and invites, and people can still say no. Our part is to be faithful and prayerful. The Spirit's part is to shine the light on Jesus. What a relief! We plant and water, but God gives the growth ().
Around the Table
The Holy Spirit is like a flashlight that helps us see how wonderful Jesus is! He helps our hearts say, "Jesus is God!"
Let's do it: Point your finger like a spotlight and say together, "Holy Spirit, help me see Jesus!"
Paul says no one can truly call Jesus "Lord" without the Holy Spirit's help. Believing isn't all up to our cleverness — God helps our hearts see.
Let's talk: If only the Spirit can change a heart, how should that change the way we talk to friends about Jesus?
The Spirit "testifies" of Jesus () and enables true confession (1 Cor. 12:3). We give reasons. The Spirit gives sight. He invites. He never forces.
Let's go deeper: How does trusting the Spirit's work take the pressure off you when sharing your faith? And how does it keep you from being pushy?
💬 Conversation Starter
Have you ever held a flashlight for someone fixing something in the dark? That's the Holy Spirit's job. He shines the light right on Jesus.
🛡️ Defending the Faith
We give reasons, but we don't change hearts. The Holy Spirit does. So we can share boldly and relax, because the results aren't on our shoulders. Defending the faith "with gentleness and respect" () means we speak truth kindly. Then we trust the Spirit to do what only He can.
For Dad · Go Deeper
It is easy for thoughtful Christian dads to slide into thinking apologetics is the whole battle. They imagine the right argument, delivered well enough, will convert. Scripture won't let us rest there. Reasons remove obstacles and answer honest objections. But it is the Holy Spirit who "testifies of" Christ and grants the sight to confess Him as Lord. This is the classic Pentecostal conviction that the Spirit is actively at work today, drawing people to Jesus. And it is the Arminian conviction that His grace can be received or resisted, never forced. Hold both. Study hard and give your kids real answers. And pray harder, asking the Spirit to open their eyes. Don't leverage your authority to manufacture a confession you cannot create. Lead them to the evidence. Then lead them in prayer. And trust the Helper to do the deep, kind work in their hearts.
Draws on: Robert Menzies, Empowered for Witness.
Let's Pray Together
"Holy Spirit, thank You for shining Your light on Jesus. Thank You for helping our hearts call Him Lord. Open our eyes. Give us the right words. And draw our friends to Him too. In Jesus' name, amen."
I give the reasons. The Holy Spirit gives the sight. So I can share Jesus boldly and gently.