Each week, as we leave our corporate worship, we claim and remember that we go in and with the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Love of God the Father, and the presence and power of the Holy Spirit.  Last week we talked about what we mean when we think about the “presence” of the Holy Spirit, God literally living in us as our Advocate, Comforter, Counselor, and Teacher.

Today, then, we turn our focus on the Holy Spirit towards His power.  There is a wide array of concepts and thoughts that come to mind when we talk about the Holy Spirit’s power.  We may range from a sort of Star Wars “force” type concept to images of Pentecostal worship services, from speaking in tongues to cessationist views that none of this exists anymore.  Scripture has much to say on this subject, bringing clarity on living each day in the power of the Holy Spirit.

Questions to take home:

What are some of your initial thoughts about the “power” of the Holy Spirit?  How were those notions confirmed or challenged by the Scripture passages in today’s message?  In what ways will this lead to a greater awareness of the Holy Spirit’s work in your life?
Read Galatians 5:13-26.  What does this passage have to say about living in the power of the Holy Spirit?  What is your gut reaction to this passage as part of a conversation about the Holy Spirit’s power?  How do you feel this passage is speaking to you today?
Read 1 Corinthians 2. What does this passage have to say about the power of the Holy Spirit in Paul’s life and ministry?  Reading this, how would you expect to see the Holy Spirit’s work in your own life and faith journey?

The Power to...

Believe - 1 Thessalonians 1:4

Hope - Ephesians 1:17-20; Romans 15:13

Trust - John 16:7

Peace - Romans 8:6

Live - Romans 8:9-13

Obey - Galatians 5:16-26

Know the Love of God - Ephesians 3:16-20

Understand Scripture - Luke 24:45-49

Witness - Luke 12:12, Romans 15:17-21