Week 8: God With Us
July 23 & 26, 2026
Immanuel - God with us
God has always desired to dwell with His people.
The blessing was always the Lord’s presence.
At Pentecost, God announced, “my dwelling place is my people.”
The Holy Spirit’s presence means we’re never alone.
His presence also brings His power.
The presence of the Holy Spirit brings spiritual gifts.
If it draws attention away from Jesus, it’s not of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit’s presence is permanent, but His filling is a daily invitation.
Talk to Him…listen to Him…and obey quickly.
[d]Group Questions
Read Exodus 33:12-17 together.
Moses tells God, “If your Presence does not go with us, do not send us up from here.”What does this reveal about what Moses valued most?
How can we unintentionally pursue God’s blessings more than God Himself?
What would it look like to prioritize His presence this week?
Read John 14:16-18 and Ephesians 5:18.
Jesus promises His Spirit will never leave us, yet Paul still commands believers to “be filled with the Spirit.”How do these passages fit together?
What practical habits help us become more aware of and surrendered to the Holy Spirit’s presence each day?
Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 and 1 Thessalonians 5:19-22.
Paul tells us not to quench the Spirit, but also to test everything.Why do we need both commands?
How can our group and our church remain open to the work of the Holy Spirit while staying firmly grounded in Scripture and centered on Jesus?
Prayer Prompt
Spend a few minutes praying through Ephesians 5:18 together. Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you afresh—not by giving you more of Him, but by allowing Him to have more of you. Pray for open hearts, quick obedience, greater sensitivity to His leading, and the courage to use whatever gifts He has given for the good of others and the glory of Christ.