New City Churchs Summer 2012 Online Book Club

JI Packers Knowing God ~ Chapter 6: He Shall Testify Before reading: The teaching about God existing as The Trinity is central to the Christian faith. How would you explain this teaching to someone who is new to Christianity? In your day to day life, how aware are you of the role of the Spirit in your Christian life? Purpose: To understand the nature & importance of the work of the Holy Spirit Outline: I. II. III. IV. He Shall Testify Divine Yet Ignored The Importance of the Spirits Work Our Proper Response

Key Quotes: The heart of the Christian faith is the revealed mystery of the Trinitythe three-ness, the tri-personality of God. If, therefore, the ministry of Christ the comforter was important, the ministry of the Holy Spirit Comforter can scarcely be less important. If the work that Christ did matters to the Church the work that the Spirit does must matter also. The doctrine of the Holy Spirit is the Cinderella of Christian doctrines. Very few seem to be interested in it. The average Christian is in a complete fog as to what work the Holy Spirit does. It is an extraordinary thing that those who profess to care so much about Christ should know and care so little about the Holy Spirit. Surely something is amiss here. How can we justify neglecting the ministry of Christs appointed agent in this way. Is it not a hollow fraud to say that we honour Christ when we ignore, and by our ignoring dishonour, the one whom Christ has sent to us as His deputy, to take His place, and care for us on His behalf? Out we not to concern ourselves more about the Holy Spirit than we do? Reflection Questions: 1. Packer suggests that the doctrine of the Trinity is neglected both in the life of the church and in the life of the average Christian. Do you agree with him? Why or why not? 2. Jesus speaks about sending us another Comforter. What are some of the other translations of this word that Packer notes? What do these translations communicate? 3. How aware are you of the Spirits work in your life? What difference does it make (or should it make) to know that Christ has given you another Comforter like Himself to be with us?

4. In the last section (Our Response), Packer suggests some ways that we can honour the Spirit in with our
trust, in our life, and in our witness? Spend a few moments reflecting on this, and let this lead you into prayer & transformation.