We've Got Spirit: You've Got the Power

Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:12-19

Summary: Scripture is filled with descriptions of how followers of Jesus should talk, act, and treat other people.  Paul lays out a list of things that we're called to do in this text.  That's when we realize that there is no way that our lives will look like that if we don't have the power of the HS.


1.  Are you capable of accomplishing what God has called you to do on your own?  Why not?


2.  Here is a list of things that Paul lays out in 1 Thessalonians 5:12-18 that we should do for others and also in our lives:
a. Respect Others
b. Love Others
c. Challenge People to Grow
d. Encourage Others
e. Help Meet Needs
f. Be Patient With People
g. Treat People Fairly
h. Do Good to Other People
i. Rejoice in Everything
j. Pray Without Ceasing
k. Be Thankful in Everything

Do these things come naturally for you?  Which are the hardest for you?  Which are the easiest?  Will you ever be able to accomplish these in your life everyday without some help?  (So now we're learning our need for the power of the HS more and more).


3.  So how are you going to accomplish those things?  Paul gives us another great example in Ephesians 3 to instruct us on what steps we need to take in order to live the lives that God has called us to live.  Read Ephesians 3:14-21

vs 14-15 Approach God with humility.  Any time you ask for help, you are admitting that you can't do it on your own.  Are you willing to swallow your pride and seek God for help?

vs 16 Your power to accomplish God's plan comes from the Spirit.  What other areas of life are you looking towards to gain the power for life?  (ourselves, our money, our abilities and talents, our jobs, our experience, etc.)

vs 17-19 When you start to get tired of giving, serving, loving, forgiving, encouraging, and helping others, it's great refocus on Jesus and remind yourself of what he did for you.  Nothing helps you to keep going like being reminded of how much has been done and given to you already by Jesus!

vs 20 What does it mean that God can do abundantly more than we can ask or think?  Think of the absolute best solution to all of your problems, and Scripture says that God knows and can give you MUCH more and EVEN better than that!  What do you think about that?  (Wouldn't you rather lean on and trust in Him?)

vs 21 Why do we do all of this?  To bring God glory and get other people to Jesus.  That's the whole reason the HS wants to help and encourage and comfort and empower, so that more people can know Jesus.