Episode 019: Teaching Children about the Holy Spirit

Children's Ministry Seminar

EPISODE 019: TEACHING CHILDREN ABOUT THE HOLY SPIRIT

by Steve Karges

Podcast Release: October 26, 2022

In Ephesians 1:13 (ESV), we read, “In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”

When you teach the boys and girls in your children’s ministry about the Holy Spirit, it is vital that you teach them from the Scripture alone. This is not the time or place for you to share your own stories or personal experiences. The Triune God has said everything He wants us to know about the Holy Spirit in the Bible. We must faithfully teach children what the Bible says about the Holy Spirit without our interpretation and then trust the Holy Spirit to guide them to the truth about Himself (John 16:13; I John 2:27).

The following is simply an introduction to the Holy Spirit, as the Holy Spirit can be found throughout the Bible.

The Holy Spirit, also known as the Holy Ghost in the King James Translation of the Bible, is God (Acts 5:3-4). He is the third person of the Triune God; God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit. One God in three persons. The Bible tells us that the Holy Spirit is equal to and One with God the Father and God the Son (Matthew 28:19; 2 Corinthians 13:14).

Now take your kids on a walk through Scripture to reveal some of what it says about the Holy Spirit.

• The Holy Spirit is the Creator (Genesis 1:1-2; Job 33:4).
• The Holy Spirit played a role in the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:20).
• The Holy Spirit appeared as a dove at the baptism of Jesus (Matthew 3:16).
• The Holy Spirit raised Jesus from the dead (Romans 8:11).
• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of Truth (John 15:26, 16:13; I John 5:6).
• The Holy Spirit is our Helper (John 14:16-17, 26; 15:26).
• The Holy Spirit is our Teacher (John 14:26).

The Triune God sent the Holy Spirit (Acts 2:1-41), whom Jesus had promised before His return to Heaven (John 16:7-8). The importance of the Holy Spirit being sent was twofold. First, God sent the Holy Spirit to guide believers into all truth (John 16:13). Second, through the ministry of the Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ would be exalted (John 16:14).

The Holy Spirit plays a role in every believer’s regeneration (I Corinthians 6:11; I Timothy 3:16). When a person believes in Jesus as their Savior and Lord, they immediately receive the Holy Spirit, who takes up residence inside the believer (Ephesians 1:13-14). So, the gift of salvation and the gift of the Holy Spirit are both imparted to a believer at the moment they place their faith in Christ and are justified by God.

The Scripture is clear; every true Christian has the Holy Spirit. If a person claims to be a Christian but does not have the indwelling Holy Spirit, they are not a true follower of Christ. That person is a false Christian (Romans 8:9).

The Bible also reveals how the Holy Spirit displays His power in every believer.

• The Holy Spirit sanctifies the believer. (Romans 15:16; I Corinthians 6:11)
• The Holy Spirit strengthens the believer. (Ephesians 3:16)
• The Holy Spirit gives the believer boldness. (Micah 3:8; Acts 6:5,10; 2 Timothy 1:6-7)
• The Holy Spirit helps the believer in prayer. (Romans 8:26)
• The Holy Spirit enables the believer to abound in hope. (Romans 15:13)
• The Holy Spirit qualifies the believer for ministry. (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8)

It is important to note that one thing the Holy Spirit never does is tempt a believer to sin (James 1:13).

Remind the kids in your children’s ministry that there is only one Triune God, but there are many evil spirits that Satan sends out to deceive people. The Scripture clearly tells us how to distinguish the Holy Spirit's true work from the lies of evil spirits. Here is how:

1) The Holy Spirit exalts the true Jesus (I John 4:2-3).

2) The Holy Spirit opposes Satan’s interests (I John 4:4-5, I John 2:15; Matthew 12:25-28). 

3) The Holy Spirit points people to the Scriptures (I John 4:6, Isaiah 8:16, 20).

4) The Holy Spirit elevates truth (I John 2:27,4:6).

5) The Holy Spirit’s work results in love for God and others (I John 4:8,19-21).

Warn the children in your church not to be fooled by evil spirits. Teach them how to test the spirits so they know the difference between the Holy Spirit and evil spirits (I John 4:1-6).

FOR YOUR MINISTRY TOOLBOX

First, take some time to read and study all of the Bible verses listed in the Show Notes, as I did not mention each one. If your podcast provider does not offer the Show Notes, you can find them on our website at www.cmikids.com