Stop Ghosting the Holy Ghost – Summer at Journey Church 2025 – Pastor James Hilton

Romans 8:6 and 2 Corinthians 13:14

There are times when our faith feels drained, even though we know we’re not alone—God’s Spirit is with us. So why do we still feel distant or dry? Recognizing that tension can lead to deeper renewal and spiritual clarity. This week, we will explore how to stop settling for a distant religion and begin living truly connected to the Holy Spirit.

  1. In the sermon, Pastor James talked about how many Christians acknowledge the Holy Spirit but don’t truly know Him personally. What stood out to you most from this topic? Were there any points about the Holy Spirit that surprised you or challenged your previous understanding?
  2. Read Romans 8:4-5. Paul is saying that what controls your mind controls your life. You can’t live Spirit-filled if your mind is flesh-filled. How can this passage help us understand the battle between our sinful nature and spiritual growth?
  3. Read Romans 8:6. The word “governed” means ruled, directed, or dominated. When your mind is governed by the Spirit—when you wake up aware of Him, surrender to Him, and walk with Him—something changes. What does it mean to have your mind “governed by the Spirit” versus “governed by the flesh”?
  4. You can’t live the life God wants for you without the Spirit. He is not optional, not extra, not weird—He is essential. What are some ways we might treat the Holy Spirit as optional instead of essential in our daily lives? Why do you think some believers hesitate to fully embrace the role of the Holy Spirit? How can we change that mindset?
  5. Read John 16:7. “But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. How would you explain this verse to someone if they asked you what it means?”
  6. Read John 14:16. 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. In this passage, the word “another” means “another of the same kind.” What is Jesus saying here?
  7. Read John 14:17. 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.” Jesus says it is good that I go to the cross because when I do, the presence of God will not just be with you, NO, it is better, the presence of God will live in you! The Spirit is the permanent, indwelling presence of the living God. Why can the world not accept the Holy Spirit? What does it mean that the Spirit “lives with you and will be in you”? How is that different from God’s presence in the Old Testament?
  8. Do you live with an awareness that God’s Spirit actually dwells in you? How might that change the way you think, speak, or act? Are there any areas of your life where you’ve been living as if God is far away, even though His Spirit lives in you?
  9. Read 2 Corinthians 13:14. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you all.” Paul is saying: You were saved by the grace of the Son. That grace was poured out because of the love of the Father. And now, you get to walk every day in the communion of the Holy Spirit—God not just with you, but in you. What does this mean to you?
  10. Pastor James outlined three key truths about the Holy Spirit:
  • He’s a Person to Know.  John 16:13 (NIV) “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears.” The Spirit speaks! That means He has a voice. He’s not silent. He’s not distant. He speaks clearly, powerfully, and specifically into your life.
  • He Moved in to Stay. Ephesians 1:13-14 (NIV): “When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance…” Some of us treat the Holy Spirit like He’s a guest who only shows up when we’re on our best behavior. Like if we pray hard enough, worship loud enough, or go a few days without messing up, then maybe—just maybe—He’ll show up again. But hear me: He didn’t move in because you were good enough, and He’s not moving out because you messed up. His presence in your life isn’t based on your performance. It’s based on His promise.
  • He Wants to Be Pursued. Galatians 5:25 “Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”The Holy Spirit is a gentleman. He will never force himself on you.

How would you explain each of these points in your own words?

  1. Pastor James said, “Some of us have handed the Holy Spirit the keys to the house, but we’ve locked certain doors.”Are there areas of your life you’ve been reluctant to give the Holy Spirit full access to? What makes those areas difficult to surrender?