More Spirit, More Problems?
Message Listening Guide
Review: In Acts 1:8, Jesus told his followers they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. But, so far, ministry has only taken place in Jerusalem. After Stephen’s death, persecution scatters the church out of Jerusalem and what looks like a setback becomes part of Jesus’s mission.
Acts 8:1–13 - More Spirit means more mercy
Philip goes to Samaria, where deep ethnic and historical tensions divided Jews and Samaritans. But Jesus had already prepared the way by showing mercy to Samaritans (John 4), and now the Holy Spirit empowers Philip to do miracles, signs and to proclaim the Good News to “those people.”
Acts 8:14–17 - More Spirit means more ministry
When the apostles hear that Samaria has received the Word, they send Peter and John to lay their hands on the believers. This unusual delay in receiving the Spirit is not a formula for all time. Instead, God is ensuring the apostles recognize and participate in the inclusion of Samaritan believers. There is not a Jewish church and a Samaritan church—there is one Spirit-filled family of God.
Acts 8:18–25 - More Spirit means more surrender
Simon wants the power of the Spirit for control and personal gain. Peter rebukes him because the Holy Spirit is not power to be purchased or used for ourselves. The Spirit is God’s gift, received with humility and surrender. On the way back to Jerusalem, Peter and John preach in many Samaritan villages; Philip’s mission has become their mission.
The Point: The Spirit’s ministry to us is meant to become the Spirit’s ministry through us.
Application: Ask for more of the Spirit.
- Ask: Ask the Father to give you more of His Holy Spirit.
- Surrender: Where are you resisting, grieving, or ignoring the Spirit?
- Connect: The Spirit makes individual believers into one family; disconnecting from a church family dampens His work.
Connection Group Conversation Guide
Get-to-Know-You Question: Share your name with the group and the answer to the question: What is one small thing that makes you feel weirdly powerful: a full tank of gas, a clean inbox, a sharp knife, a label maker, a good cup of coffee, something else?
Opening Question: When you picture someone being "full of the Holy Spirit," what does that look like to you? Where did that image come from?
Pray: Update prayer requests and being your time together in prayer.
Announcement: Serves Day is coming up on May 17th! This is a chance to demonstrate the love and care of Jesus in our actions. Sign up online or at the Info table to help.
Review: Sunday’s message looked at Acts 8:1–25, where persecution scattered the church out of Jerusalem and into Samaria. What looked like a setback became part of the fulfillment of Jesus’s mission as the Holy Spirit worked through Philip, welcomed Samaritan believers into the family of God, and exposed the magician Simon’s desire to use spiritual power for personal gain. The main idea was: the Spirit’s ministry to us is meant to become the Spirit’s ministry through us.
Discuss: What stood out to you most from Sunday’s message?
Discuss: The Samaritans were people many Jews would have avoided or distrusted. What are some groups or kinds of people Christians today may be tempted to avoid or keep at a distance?
Read: Have someone read Acts 8:14–25.
Discuss: Jews and Samaritans had centuries of bad blood — conquest, desecration, mutual contempt. Knowing that, what does it cost Philip to go to Samaria, and what does his willingness tell us about what the Spirit produces in people?
Discuss: Simon wanted spiritual power in a way that still served his old desires for control, status, and self-benefit. What are some subtle ways Christians can use the Holy Spirit for their own ends?
Discuss: The challenge from the message is that most of us want guidance, comfort, and encouragement (the Spirit’s work to us), but not many of us want boldness, mercy to outsiders, or empowerment for ministry (the Spirit’s work through us). Where in your daily life — work, relationships, family — do you find yourself most tempted to treat God's gifts as tools for your own comfort or control?
Discuss: Why is surrender such an important part of being filled with the Spirit?
Discuss: The Holy Spirit often leads us toward people or situations we'd prefer to avoid. Is there someone or somewhere in your life right now that you suspect the Spirit is nudging you toward, but you've been going around instead of through?
Pray: Share prayer requests and close in prayer, asking the Holy Spirit to lead us and fill us.