Walking in Power

Big Idea: The ministry of Jesus was different than anything people had seen. He spoke with clarity, accuracy, and authority when it came to the scriptures. His words were accompanied by the power of God as He healed the sick, cleansed the lepers, and even raised the dead! The Christianity of the New Testament is marked with power. In Acts chapter 5 we see the witness of the power of God at work in the ministry of the Apostles. People came from all around Jerusalem bringing the sick. They would lay them in the streets so that Peter’s shadow might fall across them. In Acts 19 verse 11 God gave Paul the ability to perform miracles as well. Cloths that he had touched were brought to the sick and they were healed! In John 14:12 Jesus told His disciples that even greater works than He had done they would do. When it comes to religion, there are a lot of people doing a lot of talking. For our words to make a difference we need to walk in the power of God. Do you see the power of God moving in and through your life? In this lesson we will answer two questions; What kind of power do we need? Where does this power come from?

Key Scriptures:

Romans 12:2 (ESV) “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect”.

1 Corinthians 4:20 (ESV) “For the kingdom of God does not consist in talk but in power”. 

Acts 1:8 (NLT) “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And You will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere- in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth”.

What kind of power do we need: 

• Transformational Power - The scripture in Romans 12 instructs us to not be conformed (molded from the outside) to the world around us but to be transformed (from the inside out). We need power that flows from the inside that flows out to the world around us as we minister. 
• Victory Power -  Victory power helps us overcome the temptations of the enemy. People notice when we don’t fall victim to the same traps that others do. Victory power also helps us to endure hard situations that we face in life. Instead of crumbling, we stand strong and it is a witness to those around us. 
• Miracle Power - We need power to walk in the supernatural. The world around us takes notice that there is something special about the Jesus you talk about when the gifts of the Spirit, signs and wonders, and the leading of the Holy Spirit is taking place.   

Discussion Question: Have you experienced the power of God as you ministered to someone? How can you know that God’s hand is upon you? Explain.

What the power is not:

• The Power Is Not In Religion -  The difference in Christianity and the other faiths of the world is that we are in a relationship with Jesus. Our heart’s desire is for our lives to be pleasing to Him. 
• The Power Is Not In The Rules - The world around us takes note of our following rules in our lives. However, the power of God in our lives is not a result of just sticking to the rules. 
• The Power Is Not In Traditions - Going to church consistently, celebrating the birth of Christ (Christmas), the death, burial and resurrection of Christ (Good Friday, Easter) – although good things, are also not keys to unlock the power of God. 
• The Power Is Not In The Talk - There is a vocabulary of Christianity that you can learn. You can even start using words like “hallelujah” but still be void of the power of God. You can study the scriptures and dig into deep philosophy but none of these are indicative of the power of God. 

Discussion Question: What is the difference in religion and relationship? Why is it that religion is not the answer? What is the difference between being conformed or being transformed?

The Power is in the Spirit:  

Jesus said in Acts 1:8 “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere - in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

• We Need To Know The Spirit -  Knowing the Holy Spirit means to prioritize our relationship with Him, spending time in His presence and communicating with Him through prayer. We should also be actively demonstrating His love to the world around us. The Apostle Paul counted everything else as worthless when compared to knowing Christ (Philippians 3:8-10).
• We Need To Obey The Spirit -  The only way that the Holy Spirit can move in your life is for you to actively obey Him. If we do not obey His nudge to witness, we will never win anyone to Christ. If we do not obey His nudge to pray, how will we see anyone healed? And if we do not obey His nudge to sow, how will we see Him multiply what we have?  

Discussion Question: In what way does being sensitive to the leading of the Holy Spirit help us live this Christian life, be an effective witness, and live a life of holiness?

Conclusion

How is your relationship with the Holy Spirit? Jesus promised to send His Spirit to be with us forever (John 14:16). It was never Jesus’ intention that we try to live this life without the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. If you have never received the baptism in the Holy Spirit, ask. Ask Jesus to baptize you with His Spirit. If you would like to know more about this wonderful gift, have a conversation with your Bgroup leader.