Scripture Reading
1 Peter 1:1-4:
“To those who through the righteousness of our God and Savior Jesus Christ have received a faith as precious as ours: 2 Grace and peace be yours in abundance through the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord. 3 His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. 4 Through these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through them you may participate in the divine nature, having escaped the corruption in the world caused by evil desires.” -2 Peter 1:1-4 (NIV)
Key Idea: God’s divine power enables us to do two things:
1. Live a Godly Life (What We Do)
2. Participate in the Divine Nature (What Lies Beneath the Surface)
Message Series: Three In One
- The goodness of God (last Sunday)
- The power of the Spirit
- The love of Jesus
The Power of the Spirit
Key Old Testament Word: “Ruach” (breath, wind, Spirit)
1. Gives Life
2. Calms Chaos
3. Transforms Hearts
4. Exerts Power
Blockbuster “Ruach” Moments:
1. The Creation of the World
2. Noah and the Flood
3. Crossing the Red Sea
4. Mighty Demonstrations of Power (Samson)
Key Point About the Spirit: The power of the Spirit is also at work deep beneath the surface of our lives, transforming our hearts into a better image of Jesus. This work of the Spirit is sometimes harder to see, but it’s just as important.
The Power to Transform our Hearts
(1) When King Saul is Anointed:
“The Spirit of the Lord will come powerfully upon you… and you will be changed into a different person.” -1 Samuel 10:6 (NIV)
Reflection Questions: What areas of your life need a fresh start? How can God’s Holy Spirit transform you into a better image of Jesus today?
(2) When Israel is Feeling Hopeless:
25 I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. 26 I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws.” -Ezekiel 36:25-27 (NIV)
(3) The Disciples Twelve ordinary men are empowered by the Spirit to be Jesus’ witnesses throughout the world (Acts 1:6-8)
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Paul Emphasizes the Power of the Spirit (Ephesians 3:14-21)
“14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God. 20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” -Ephesians 3:14-21 (NIV)
Application and Blessing
May the power of the Holy Spirit be with you.
May you trust in his power to live a godly life and cultivate a christ-like heart.
Invitation
- Receive the gift of salvation
- Recommit your life to Christ
- Pray for wisdom and guidance for the road ahead.
Church of the Week: Set Free Church.
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Questions? Contact Bryan: (609) 356-3147 or bfojtasek@westsidelife.org.