Who is the Holy Spirit? - Session 1 (Holy Spirit Series)

We are thrilled to introduce our new Holy Spirit series. This series aims to deepen your child’s understanding and relationship with the Holy Spirit through engaging lessons, activities, and discussions.

We will launch a new session each Wednesday starting from 17 July 2024. Each session will be available for free download and will remain accessible on our website. Click here for series overview

Session 1: Who is the Holy Spirit?

Objective: Introduce your child to the Holy Spirit, explaining who He is, His role in the Trinity, and how we can have a personal relationship with Him.

Who is the Holy Spirit? (UK) pdf

Who is the Holy Spirit? (USA) pdf

Lesson Guide – Who is the Holy Spirit?

The Trinity in Action: Read Genesis 1:1-2, 26-27 from your child’s Bible. Explain that in the beginning, God created everything. The Bible says that the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters (Genesis 1:2) and that God said, “Let us make mankind in our image” (Genesis 1:26). Here, “us” shows the presence of the Trinity – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit working together in creation.

Next, read Matthew 3:16-17 together. Explain that this passage shows us the Trinity in a clear way. When Jesus was baptised, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the voice of God the Father spoke from heaven.

Another time we see the Trinity is in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19), where Jesus commands His disciples to baptise in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Spirit is God: Explain that the Holy Spirit is God, which means He shares all the attributes of God. The Holy Spirit is eternal, meaning He has always existed and will always exist (Genesis 1:2, John 14:16). He is all-powerful, having the power to do anything, including creating the world and bringing people to life spiritually (Job 33:4, Romans 8:11). The Holy Spirit is all-knowing, understanding the deepest thoughts of God and revealing God’s truth to us (1 Corinthians 2:10-11). He is everywhere, present with us no matter where we go (Psalm 139:7-8). The Holy Spirit is pure and holy, helping us to be holy and live in a way that pleases God (Romans 15:16, 1 Peter 1:2). Finally, He is the Spirit of truth, guiding us into all truth and helping us understand God’s Word (John 16:13).

Since the Holy Spirit is God, He deserves our worship and obedience. He has the power to help us, guide us, and transform us to be more like Jesus. We can trust Him completely because He is all-knowing, ever-present, and always truthful.

The Holy Spirit is a Person: Explain that the Holy Spirit is not just a force or an energy; He is a person. But what makes someone a person? Ask your child what makes someone a person and write down their answers. They might say things like having feelings, being able to talk, having a will, and being able to love. Explain that the Holy Spirit has all these characteristics. He can feel happy, sad, and even grieved (Ephesians 4:30). The Holy Spirit speaks to us and guides us (John 16:13). He makes decisions and has a purpose (1 Corinthians 12:11). He loves us and wants the best for us.

Personal Relationship: We can know the Holy Spirit and have a personal relationship with Him, just like we can with other people. Talk about ways we get to know people better. We spend time with them, talk to them, listen to them, and do things together.

Take a favourite treat and begin to eat it. Describe how delicious it is and ask your child if they would be content just hearing about how good it is. Explain that just like they want to taste the treat for themselves, they need to know the Holy Spirit personally, not just hear about Him. Jesus promised He would send the Holy Spirit to fill the lives of those who trust in Him.

Key Bible Verses: Read John 14:16-17 together. Explain that Jesus promises to send the Holy Spirit to be with us forever. Ask your child how they feel knowing they have a helper who is always with them.

Pray together. Thank God for sending the Holy Spirit and ask Him to help you and your child to understand and feel the Holy Spirit’s presence in your lives.