Skip to content

Add your phone number?

Optional. Nothing is sent unless you choose it.
The Historic Faith
Sign in

Jumpstarter 5 of 10

Ideas to help restart your discussion
The Holy Spirit  /  Nature and Character of the Holy Spirit  /  Discussion Questions
All Questions
Question 5
The 381 creed calls the Spirit “the Lord and Giver of life,” and Chuck ties that to Genesis 2:7, Ezekiel 37, John 6:63, Romans 8:11, and “the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life”; in what ways have you been tempted to pursue “letter” (information, rules, correct positions) without expecting the Spirit to actually *animate* obedience, holiness, and resurrection hope?
Another way to ask: Where are you tempted to chase Bible facts, rules, or being “right,” without expecting the Spirit to actually bring real obedience, holiness, and hope of resurrection?

Direct Answer Based on Chuck Pike’s teaching, the temptation is to treat Christianity as correct content (“letter”) while failing to expect the Spirit to actively give life—new birth, present obedience, and even future resurrection. The transcript pushes us to see the Spirit not as an add-on but as the One who truly “animates” God’s work in us.

Support from Transcript:

  • The creed’s phrase “Lord and giver of life” is supported from Scripture, not just tradition.
  • Genesis 2:7: God “breathed into… Adam, the breath of life,” linking spirit/breath to life.
  • Ezekiel 37 vividly pictures breath/wind/Spirit entering dead bodies so “they lived,” showing the Spirit as life-giver.
  • John 6:63: Jesus says, “It is the Spirit who gives life. The flesh profits nothing.”
  • Romans 8:11: the Spirit who raised Jesus “will also give life to your mortal bodies,” grounding resurrection hope in the Spirit.
  • 2 Corinthians 3:6: “The letter kills, but the Spirit gives life,” warning against lifeless religion.
Discussion Follow-ups Where do you feel spiritually “dry bones”—lots of structure but little life? What would it mean to pray and act as if the Spirit truly gives life?

Jumpstarter 5 of 10
Back Questions Next