Life Group Guidelines

Guideline for 23 May 2013                 Empowered by Holy Spirit (for life, witness and worship)

Intro: What is so important about power? How does the power output of an engine affect what it is capable of? How is your life affected when you have no power/electricity?

Share some thoughts with the group.

Worship: How is worship affected by the power and presence of the Holy Spirit? What is worship like when He is very much present and in control? What is it like when people try to worship God without His presence and His power? One of the ways in which the Holy Spirit works is to help us bring glory to Jesus. This is very much in line with one of His key functions. Jesus stated clearly in John 16:14, “He will glorify Me”. As much as Holy Spirit is a huge help in prayer (Rom.8:26), so He is also in worship. As we co-operate with Him, we become the type of worshippers that are really pleasing to God (remember John 4:23?) Let’s ask for and expect His assistance as we worship God tonight. Don’t focus so much on the music and the words and the singing – focus on His help and His presence and His power!

Word: Let’s read Acts 2:1-13. This tells us the first events of the day of Pentecost. Jesus had promised that the Holy Spirit would come (Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8). This was an exciting day of fulfillment. The Holy Spirit would now give believers power to pray, to worship, to witness and to do good and bring healing and deliverance to people (see the example of Jesus mentioned in Acts 10:38). i) How has your life been impacted by the power of the Holy Spirit coming upon you? ii) In what areas do you still hunger for more of His empowerment? (Feedback and comments on this could become your ministry items towards the end of the evening.)

The Holy Spirit also works inwardly with us, bringing assurance of our standing in Christ as well as our status in eternity. Let’s read Romans 2:28,29, Romans 5:5 and Romans 8:9.

How have you experienced these aspects of the working of Holy Spirit in your life?

We have full assurance of our position as God’s sons and daughters as the Holy Spirit works within us. Let’s read Galatians 4:6,7 and 1 John 4:13. Our hearts have been changed forever.

Romans 8:14-17 is a summary that carries a glimpse of eternity too. Do you have this level of complete assurance? What would give it to you?

Let’s explore a little more about the Holy Spirit stirring up praise. Isaiah 61:1-3 is a comprehensive description of what the Holy Spirit would do through Jesus, the Messiah. Notice in v.3 that praise and giving God glory is on the list of what He does. In 2 Samuel 23:1,2 the psalmist David gives us the secret of His writing of worship music. Where did it come from? In Luke 10:21 the Holy Spirit stirs something in the heart of Jesus. How does the Holy Spirit inspire you to rejoice, praise, worship and glorify Him? (How does this work in a church service?)

Wrap-up: The Holy Spirit is our power source. Paul testified of this (Rom.15:18,19); Simon wanted to buy this (Acts 8:18,19). We have Him as a gift, the promise of Jesus! Pray for one another for more of Holy Spirit. Pray for more of Him in the areas you mentioned earlier.

Faith-at-home: Discuss ways that the power of the Holy Spirit could be more evident in your household. How could you respond differently in specific situations to give Him more opportunity to show His ability?