Summary
In this sermon, Pastor Chris discusses the church's value of being dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit. He begins by referencing Acts 2, which describes the early church community where believers shared everything, experienced miraculous signs, and lived in awe of God's presence. Pastor Chris contrasts this biblical model with modern culture's hedonistic approach that avoids pain and seeks pleasure. He emphasizes that following Jesus isn't about an easy life but about transformation through the Holy Spirit's power. The pastor shares personal stories about the power of prayer, including how consistent prayer led to salvation for several individuals. He concludes by inviting the congregation to write names of people they're praying for on notes to be placed in jars, committing as a church to pray for these individuals daily.
Intro Prayer
Heavenly Father, we come before You today with open hearts and minds. As we gather to discuss how we can be dependent on the power of Your Holy Spirit, we ask that You would speak clearly to each person here. Lord, help us to set aside our own agendas and expectations so that we might hear what You want to teach us today. May Your Spirit move among us, revealing the areas where we've been trying to live in our own strength rather than Yours. Guide our conversation and help us to apply Your truth to our lives. In Jesus' name, amen.
Ice Breaker
What's something you tried to do on your own that would have been much easier if you had asked for help?
Key Verses
Acts 2:43-44
1 Corinthians 2:1-5
Jeremiah 17:9
Proverbs 11:24-25
Questions
Pastor Chris mentioned that we are 'dependent on the power of the Holy Spirit.' What does this dependence look like in your daily life?
How have you experienced the tension between our culture's pursuit of pleasure/avoidance of pain and Jesus' teaching that 'in this world you will have trouble'?
The sermon highlighted how the early church in Acts 2 shared everything they had with one another. What barriers do you face in being that generous and open-handed with others?
Pastor Chris shared how looking inside ourselves for power and significance is ultimately empty. Have you experienced this in your own life? How so?
What's your reaction to the statement: 'When we pray, God does things that He doesn't do when we don't pray'?
The pastor shared stories about persistent prayer leading to salvation for several people. How has persistent prayer played a role in your own spiritual journey?
How might our small group become more dependent on the Holy Spirit's power rather than our own wisdom or abilities?
Who are you currently praying for to know Jesus? How can our group support you in that prayer?
Life Application
This week, identify one area of your life where you've been trying to succeed through your own power and wisdom rather than depending on the Holy Spirit. It might be a relationship, a work challenge, a personal struggle, or a ministry opportunity. Each day, spend at least 5 minutes in prayer specifically surrendering this area to God and asking for the Holy Spirit's power and guidance. Keep a simple journal of how God responds and what changes you notice in your approach to this situation. Come prepared next week to share how depending on the Holy Spirit rather than yourself made a difference.
Key Takeaways
Our culture promotes hedonism (seeking pleasure, avoiding pain), but Jesus promises we will have trouble in this world while offering His presence through it all.
Looking inside ourselves for power and significance leads to emptiness; true transformation comes through the Holy Spirit working in us.
When we pray consistently and persistently, God does things He doesn't do when we don't pray.
The early church was marked by generosity, daily prayer, and demonstrations of the Spirit's power - this should be our model today.
Building a community where we can be honest about our shortcomings and vulnerabilities requires the Holy Spirit's work in our lives.
Ending Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit who empowers us to live the life You've called us to. Forgive us for the times we've tried to live in our own strength, relying on our wisdom rather than Yours. We surrender anew to Your Spirit's work in our lives. Help us to be a praying people who consistently seek Your presence and power. Use us to demonstrate Your love and power to those around us who don't yet know You. May we be faithful in praying for those whose names we've shared today, believing that You desire their salvation even more than we do. Transform us into a community that reflects the beauty of that first church in Acts - generous, devoted to prayer, and experiencing Your presence daily. In Your powerful name we pray, amen.
