FACING FAILURES AND HANDLING SUCCESSES Passed The Test, Missed The Lab – Part 5 11/2/2024 But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and remind you of everything I have told you. John 14:26 ESV Handling Failures with the Guidance of the Holy Spirit Facing Rejection: The Holy Spirit as Comforter If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.  If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. John 15:18-20 ESV The Holy Spirit comforts us in moments of rejection, reminding us of our worth in God’s eyes. Enduring Mockery: The Holy Spirit as Strengthener Now when they heard these things they were enraged, and they ground their teeth at him. But he, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. And he said, “Behold, I see the heavens opened, and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God.” But they cried out with a loud voice and stopped their ears and rushed together at him. Then they cast him out of the city and stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. And as they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.” And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” And when he had said this, he fell asleep. Acts 7:54-60 ESV • The Spirit strengthens us to endure trials without losing heart, reminding us that our identity is in Christ, not in others’ opinions. Overcoming “Cancellation”: The Holy Spirit as Sustainer We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair;  persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed; 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 ESV When the world “cancels” us, the Holy Spirit sustains us, reminding us that our value and calling are from God. Handling Success with the Holy Spirit’s Wisdom Staying Humble in Success: Joseph’s Example Joseph answered Pharaoh, “It is not in me; God will give Pharaoh a favourable answer.”. Genesis 41:16 ESV The Holy Spirit keeps us grounded, reminding us that every success is ultimately God’s work in our lives. Avoiding the Trap of Pride: Paul’s Caution What do you have that you did not receive? 1 Corinthians 4:7 ESV Through the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we can avoid allowing success to become our identity and instead use it to serve and honor God. Living in Contentment with the Help of the Holy Spirit I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances… I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Philippians 4:11-13 ESV The Holy Spirit teaches us contentment, giving us peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances. Talk About It 1. When I face rejection or disappointment, how often do I turn to the Holy Spirit for comfort and guidance? 2. How has the Holy Spirit strengthened me to endure criticism or moments of feeling “canceled” by others? 3. In times of success, do I allow the Holy Spirit to guide my response, staying humble and giving God the credit? 4. Do I rely on the Holy Spirit to remind me of my identity in Christ rather than in my achievements or failures? 5. How can I invite the Holy Spirit more deeply into my life to help me live with contentment regardless of my circumstances?