Main Thought
Christians are meant to be like Christ. Jesus Christ empowered people! He empowered people when He walked the earth, and continues to do so through His Holy Spirit. Jesus empowers us confidently. This is striking because no one is more aware of our failures and flaws than Jesus. Yet our victory in Him is secure, which gives us the confidence we need to try, fail, and “grow as we go.” Jesus empowers us supernaturally. We aren’t limited by our natural abilities. We’re supported by God’s supernatural power. Our efforts for God can be even greater than we expect. Finally, Jesus empowers us immediately. Anyone can be a witness who tells others about what Jesus has done for them.
Main Passages
21 Jesus said to them again, “Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.” 22 And when he had said this, he breathed on them and said to them, “Receive the Holy Spirit…”
- John 20:21
8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”
- Acts 1:8
17 And Ananias went his way and entered the house; and laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you came, has sent me that you may receive your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” 18 Immediately there fell from his eyes something like scales, and he received his sight at once; and he arose and was baptized. 19 So when he had received food, he was strengthened. Then Saul spent some days with the disciples at Damascus. 20 Immediately he preached the Christ in the synagogues, that He is the Son of God. 21 Then all who heard were amazed, and said, “Is this not he who destroyed those who called on this name in Jerusalem, and has come here for that purpose, so that he might bring them bound to the chief priests?” 22 But Saul increased all the more in strength, and confounded the Jews who dwelt in Damascus, proving that this Jesus is the Christ.
- Acts 9:17-22
Discussion Questions
Which of the three main points (Jesus empowers us confidently, supernaturally, and immediately) excites you the most?
Which of those three things challenges you the most?
How can you step out in faith and obedience in a way that challenges you, based on this discussion?