Kootenai Church: Adult Sunday School - Walk By the Spirit

Jesus returns to his hometown of Nazareth twice, and in both instances, His teaching is rejected. This reality demonstrates that despite Jesus' powerful proclamation of the gospel of the kingdom, the minds and hearts of unbelievers will remain closed unless the Holy Spirit regenerates them. Observing Jesus' persistence in preaching the gospel helps us learn how to speak the gospel truth to our friends, family, neighbors, a...

The Gospels provide us the opportunity to encounter not only the humanity of Jesus but also the responses to His humanity from those who encountered and joined Him in his early public ministry. As we observe the words and actions of John the Baptist, Jesus' first disciples, and his mother, Mary, as recorded by Luke and John, we see two righteous responses to Jesus' humanity - humble questions and faith-filled expectations....

In his letter to the Philippian church, Paul challenges them to have the same mind as Christ Jesus. How is this possible? This lesson focuses on how Paul commends Christ-like humility as critical to church unity. It points us to Jesus' humanity as the example of humility that believers are to embrace as we battle selfishness and guard the unity of Jesus' body—the church. 

Application Questions

1. How highly do you regar...

In this sermon, Simon Pranaitis explores 1 Peter 2:21 and how Jesus' example of suffering provides a pattern for believers to follow in their trials. Pranaitis explains that just as Jesus endured unjust treatment and hostility without sinning, Christians are called to bear up under suffering while entrusting themselves to God patiently. By studying Jesus' fully human life and example of suffering, believers can find encour...

The book of Hebrews counsels us to come to God for grace in times of need through the ministry of Jesus, our great High Priest, who can sympathize with us in our weaknesses. But, was he really tested in all things as we are? Is His humanity genuine? When tested, how did He respond? Examining the Gospel account of Jesus' temptation in the wilderness helps us answer these questions. It directs us toward how we should learn t...

The Gospel accounts of Jesus' response to John's call to be baptized alongside His Jewish countrymen highlight His faithful obedience to the word of God through the power of the Spirit. In His baptism, we see God the Father's approval of His faithfulness and the provision of the Holy Spirit to prepare Him for His ministry of gospel proclamation. Meditating on these episodes motivates us to entrust ourselves to the power of...

In Isaiah 42 and 49, the first two "Servant Songs," we see two primary goals of Jesus as the Messiah that motivate and encourage Him to overcome difficulties. Jesus' mission involved overcoming obstacles to bring God’s justice and salvation to the nations. Jesus' strength and perseverance were rooted in the Spirit, enabling Him to confront injustice without despair and bring the light of salvation to Israel and the world.

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The relationship between Jesus and the Holy Spirit reveals how being full of the Spirit enabled Christ's earthly ministry. Through Isaiah's prophecies, we see how being full of the Spirit equipped Jesus with divine wisdom, understanding, and counsel. This Spirit-empowered life demonstrated God's personal nature and commitment to dwell among His people, ultimately fulfilling ancient promises through the incarnation.

Applicat...

Christ empowers sanctification through His perfect humanity, as explored in Hebrews 2:5-18. Simon Pranaitis examines four powerful incentives for believers to persist in their spiritual growth: Christ's redemption of our right to rule, His suffering for our holiness, His victory over Satan, and His role as our High Priest. Understanding how Christ empowers sanctification gives Christians the motivation and means to pursue ...

Growing in wise obedience is a crucial aspect of Christian life, exemplified by Jesus' own journey of growth and obedience. This lesson explores how Jesus increased in wisdom through the power of the Holy Spirit, providing a model for believers to follow. By examining Luke 2:40-52, we gain insights into Christ's authentic humanity and His dependency on the Spirit for growth and obedience.

Simon Pranaitis explores ten compelling reasons for studying Jesus's humanity. He emphasizes how this study glorifies Christ, deepens our relationships with the Trinity, strengthens church unity, and enhances our spiritual growth. Pranaitis highlights that studying Jesus's humanity is essential for understanding the gospel, fighting sin, and improving biblical interpretation. This sermon provides a foundation for a deeper ...