Discussion Questions For Chapters 1 – 5
The Book: “Breath of God” by Rev. Dave Pivonka
Chapter 1 (pg 9)
What does it mean to you to have a personal relationship with the Holy Spirit?
God is a person, which means all 3 ‘persons’ of the Trinity are indeed that- persons. They’re relatable. In fact, each person of the Trinity deeply desires a personal relationship with you. The Holy Spirit is probably the hardest person to relate to because of how we tend to think of Him. Jesus had a body and we can imagine what he looked like, we can read some of His words, and there’s a lot written about Him by those who knew Him. The Father is written about throughout the entire Bible. We can read some of what He said to His people, His conversations with The Son, and even His title reveals something about Him- He’s a father. The Holy Spirit, however, doesn’t have a human body, is quoted in Scripture, but He is talked about and we do know a lot about Him. In fact, He’s probably talked about the most. He’s the “Counselor” sent to help build us up. The Advocate who intercedes for us. The Convicter of Sin, and The Seal of God’s Love upon us. He’s with us, always.
Chapter 2 (pg 22)
“What old testament gift of the Holy Spirit do you most desire, and why?”
- Wisdom: a gift that pertains to the heart and mind. “Wisdom helps us perceive the realities of our faith and makes our faith more real. Wisdom enlightens our understanding of God and aids us in appropriating God’s way of life for us.”
- Understanding: “Allows us to perceive the deeper realities of our faith. On one level we are able to hear about His love, but the gift of understanding moves us from a mere intellectual understanding to a way of knowing this reality that changes our lives.”
- Counsel: “Gives us graced insight into the movements of God in our lives. The gift of counsel allows us clarity as we move forward in discerning God’s will and direction in our life.”
- Fortitude: “…allows us to move forward in doing what is right and good. Often times we know [by the gift of counsel] what we should do but lack the power [Fortitude] to do it. This gift provides the grace necessary to boldly speak, or be silent, and act when necessary.”
- Knowledge: This “helps us see things the way God sees them. It casts light on matters of faith and aids in our belief and understanding.
- Piety: This “gift spurs us on to worship God for His greatness. With the gift of piety we receive a desire to serve the Lord not only out of duty, but out of a deep love and reverence for God.
- Fear of The Lord: This gift is not really what it sounds like. “God is madly in love with us and we need not fear Him like we fear the dark. Rather, fear of the Lord is connected to the virtue of hope. We are fully aware that no matter what happens God is faithful and He will never leave us. Fear of the Lord enables us to have a confidence in God’s love for us and a deep desire never to offend that love.”
Chapter 3 (pg 36)
What might be some blocks in your life that inhibit your receiving the Holy Spirit?
Sin is what separates us from God.
“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.“
This is why Jesus sacrificed Himself on the cross for us, to bridge the gap between man and God. To bring us into Him, as He is in The Father.
“Do you not believe that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own authority, but the Father who dwells in me does his works.”
What sin is Jesus trying to heal you of that’s causing a blockage in your relationship with God?
Chapter 4 (pg 48)
Being specific, what fruits, both good and bad, are most abundant in your life?
Fruits of The Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23)
- Love
- Joy
- Peace
- Patience
- Kindness
- Generosity
- Faithfulness
- Gentleness
- Self-Control
- Chastity
- Modesty
- Goodness
Fruits of The Flesh (Galatians 5:19-21)
- Immorality
- Impurity
- Licentiousness
- Idolatry
- Sorcery
- Hatred
- Rivalry
- Jealousy
- Outbursts of Fury
- Acts of Selfishness
- Dissensions
- Factions
- Envy
- Drinking Bouts
- Orgies
- “…and the like”
Chapter 5 (pg 60)
Is your faith life lived more “out there” or in a locked room?
“Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.“
Do you share your faith, or keep it to your self? This is a hard question to be honest about. We all go back and forth, feeling bold and then afraid. I think this aspect of our faith waxes and wants based upon our relationship with God. Obviously, we want to be bold [Fortitude] all the time, but in order to do that we must first discern [Knowledge + Counsel] why we’re responding in or out of fear.
What has been your personal experience of Pentecost?
Did you attend the Pentecost Prayer Service at St. Patrick? Have you had a time where you felt the Holy Spirit blast you with power? Pray on this one, let the Holy Spirit help you answer this question.
When you’re done, take some time to pray to all 3 persons of The Trinity, ask them to affirm the gifts they gave you, and how they reflect your personal relationship with God.
Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of your faithful.
And kindle in them the fire of your love.
Send forth your Spirit and they shall be created.
And you will renew the face of the earth.Lord, by the light of the Holy Spirit you have taught the hearts of your faithful.
In the same Spirit help us to relish what is right and always rejoice in your consolation.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.Amen.