BIBLE SCHOOL EDITION – Nathan and Pastor Scott unpack what it really means to have faith in the Holy Spirit — not just the Holy Scriptures. The conversation explores how a Bible-only approach can lead to imbalance and self-directed legalism, while true freedom and relational depth come through walking with the Spirit daily.
— EPISODE CHAPTERS —
(00:00) Faith and the Holy Spirit
The discussion opens with Nathan reflecting on his early misconceptions about the Holy Spirit and how emphasizing Scripture over relationship left gaps in his spiritual life.
(16:27) Unhealthy Attachments to Scripture
The conversation shifts toward how believers can unknowingly idolize knowledge. Scott unpacks how the Spirit brings life where rigid interpretation can create distance.
(32:22) The Holy Spirit’s Role in Truth
Drawing from John 16, the episode explores how the Spirit doesn’t just teach truth—He embodies it—convicting hearts, glorifying Jesus, and guiding believers into deeper trust.
(55:03) Activation Steps
The episode closes with a challenge to invite the Spirit into everyday life—listening, responding, and learning to walk in dependence rather than control.
— EPISODE LINKS —
• The Freedom Booklet
— EPISODE NOTES —
THE HOLY SPIRIT’S RESPONSIBILITIES – Convict of Sin, Righteousness, & the Enemy’s Judgement
John 16.7-15; Convinced to Trust God: Romans 1.18-25; 14.23; Hebrews 11.6; Luke 14.26; Colossians 2.8-15; Convict of Sin: Deuteronomy 8.11-20; Romans 14.23; Galatians 2.16; 1 John 3.23; Convict of Righteousness: Acts 17.31; Romans 6.13; 8.5; Philippians 3.9; 1 Timothy 6.11; Convict or Judgement: John 9.39; 12.30-32; Luke 10.17-20; Colossians 2.8-15; Hebrews 2.14-18; Revelation 12.7-12
Conviction is the Holy Spirit’s voice revealing areas of our heart, mind, and life that are not fully trusting and submitting to God:
- Convict of Sin – Sin (or ungodliness) is simply our unwillingness to acknowledge, seek, trust, and thank God in our lives.
- Convict of Righteousness – Righteousness is right relational living empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill our God-given desires and needs.
- Conviction of Judgement – Jesus, when he died on the cross, disarmed and condemned the enemy along with his power.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
When is it difficult for you to agree with God that Jesus has defeated the enemy? How do you or could you trust the Holy Spirit to empower you in those difficult circumstances?
THE HOLY SPIRIT — Our Comforter & Helper
Acts 9.31; Romans 8.26; John 14.26
Our view of the Holy Spirit — especially as our comforter and helper — is often seen through the lens of our experience with our earthly mothers. The role and responsibility of our earthly mothers is to provide comfort, help (nurture), and teach. Our experience can cause us to polarize our view of Him — seeing Him as unnecessary, inaccessible, inaudible, impatient, or judgmental. Therefore, we will ignore His presence, support, and encouragement.
APPLICATION QUESTION(S):
What is the most encouraging AND discouraging thing your biological mother did or said to you growing up?
ACTIVATION STEPS
From this study, prayerfully walk through the following steps:
STEP #1 – RECOGNIZE DISTORTIONS (James 1.17)
Take time this week to reflect on how your experience with your earthly biological mother may have shaped your view of the Holy Spirit as helper, comforter, and encourager.
Ask the Holy Spirit: What distortions of Your character do I struggle with most?
STEP #2 – REDISCOVER HIS ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES (John 16.7-15)
Looking at the passage above, we must align our beliefs with the Holy Spirit’s Truth rather than interpret Him through our experiences — whether with our earthly mothers or unhealthy teachings of Him that we’ve been taught.
Ask the Holy Spirit: Which attributes of You do You want to restore in my heart this week?
STEP #3 – REORIENT TOWARD RELATIONSHIP (Galatians 5.22-25):
Take one practical step to engage the Holy Spirit as your caregiver, counselor, and comforter (not just as some impersonal power or force).
Ask the Holy Spirit: In what circumstance can I live as Your child today, receiving Your care, counsel, or comfort? How do I receive this?
