Ever been in a power outage?
Depending on where you live, blackouts might be a rare or daily event. But we know that without electricity, some of the things within your home suddenly become useless. Your computer might be state-of-the-art, and your TV might have every channel going, but without a power source, these capabilities are completely irrelevant.
No Christian can accomplish anything for God without the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. He is the power source of our witness and ministry. He weaves our individual personalities, gifts, and passions together to form colorful and vibrant communities of faith that demonstrate the gospel in word and deed.
Yet, when we become used to guiding a group or participating in discussion, it can become so easy to stop relying upon the Spirit’s leading and trust instead in our own training, experience, or personal charisma.
Consider six ways your small group can remain “strengthened with power through his Spirit” (Acts 20:31) as you study God’s Word together, and grow into the calling He has for you.
1. Prayer
“…We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us…” (Rom. 8:26)
We know praying for one another is instrumental to seeing God’s growth, but perhaps you’ve found yourself overwhelmed about who or what to pray for. The good news is that no Christian has ever prayed alone; when you do not know how to pray, the Holy Spirit intercedes on your behalf; translating and transforming your wandering words and thoughts before the Lord.
When someone in your small group feels lost and weary, through the Holy Spirit’s power you can offer strength, support, and clarity through your loving prayers for them.
2. Presence
“…he will give you another advocate to help you…” (John 14:16)
No Christian has ever been without the Holy Spirit’s presence and help. This word ‘advocate’ can also be translated as “Comforter”, “Counselor”, “Friend”, “Helper”, or “One who is coming to stand by you.”
