Sermon Guide

4 Characteristics of a Spirit-Filled Church

February 8, 2026
Dr Allen Holmes
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A Spirit-filled church is not defined by hype or perfection, but by people who have encountered God and are being transformed together. In Acts 4–5, we see what naturally flows when the Holy Spirit is at work—bold proclamation, humble unity, generous living, and authentic holiness.

REVIEW: Proclamation driven by experience.

READ: Acts 4:31 –
“After they prayed, the place where they were meeting was shaken. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.”

DISCUSS: Why does real experience with God naturally lead to sharing our faith? How does your personal walk with Jesus shape what you talk about most?

REVIEW: Unity driven by humility.

READ: Acts 4:32a –
“All the believers were one in heart and mind.”

DISCUSS: What does humility look like in how we listen, serve, and follow Jesus together as a church?

REVIEW: Generosity driven by perspective.

READ: Acts 4:32b–35 –
“No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.”

DISCUSS: How does an eternal perspective change the way we view money and resources? What helps you move from scarcity thinking to trusting God’s provision?

REVIEW: Authenticity and holiness.

READ: Acts 5:3–4 –
“Ananias, how is it that Satan has so filled your heart that you have lied to the Holy Spirit… Didn’t it belong to you before it was sold?”

DISCUSS: Why is hypocrisy so damaging to spiritual growth and community? How does authenticity create space for healing and transformation?

ASK

Which of these characteristics is God inviting you to grow in right now—boldness, humility, generosity, or authenticity?

PRAY

Holy Spirit, we invite You to continue Your work among us. Shape our hearts, unite us around Jesus, free us to live generously, and give us the courage to walk in truth and holiness. Make us a people who reflect Your presence in every part of our lives. Amen.

INVITATION TO RESPOND

This week, take a clear step toward becoming a Spirit-filled people:

  • Speak from experience: Share one way God has been at work in your life with someone this week.
  • Choose humility: Practice listening before speaking and submitting your preferences for the good of the body.
  • Live generously: Identify a next step in giving—time, resources, or finances—and make a plan to act on it.
  • Walk authentically: Be honest with God and others about where you need healing or growth.
  • Commit to community: Join a group and allow yourself to be known, supported, and challenged.

A Spirit-filled church isn’t built by pretending—it’s formed when we encounter God, follow Jesus together, and allow the Holy Spirit to transform us from the inside out.

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