Life Groups Discussion: The Power of God - Part 1

1. Icebreaker

1. When you were growing up, what did you think the Holy Spirit was — or did you even think about Him at all?

2. Has there been a moment in your faith where you realized there was more to the Christian life than what you were currently experiencing? What prompted that?

3. Pastor described four types of people in the room: seekers, rule-followers, stuck believers, and people on the mountaintop. Which one are you closest to right now?

2. The Member of the Trinity We Often Forget

1. Pastor said many people miss the fullness of God because they miss the fullness of God — meaning the Trinity is incomplete in how they experience it. How would you honestly describe your relationship with the Holy Spirit compared to your relationship with the Father and Jesus?

2. The Bible consistently refers to the Holy Spirit as Him, never it. Why does that distinction matter — and what changes when you relate to Him as a person rather than a force?

3. Jesus said it was actually to our advantage that He left, because it meant the Helper would come. Does that feel true in how you live? Why or why not?

3. What the Helper Actually Does

1. John 14:26 says the Holy Spirit teaches all things and brings to your remembrance what Jesus said. John 16:13 says He guides into all truth and tells you things to come. Which of those roles do you most need in your life right now?

2. Pastor used the illustration of a navigation app — present, on your phone, but useless unless you activate it, listen to it, and follow it. Where in your life have you been ignoring the directions?

3. 1 Corinthians 6:19 says your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit. What does it mean practically that He doesn't just visit you — He lives in you?

4. Power That Needs to Be Activated

1. Pastor said without the Holy Spirit's power being released, all we have is our willpower fighting our willpower — like arm wrestling ourselves. Where have you been trying to win battles in your own strength?

2. Acts 1:8 connects receiving power with being a witness. How does the presence and power of the Holy Spirit change the way you live for God beyond just your personal walk?

3. Luke 11:13 says the Father is eager to give the Holy Spirit to those who ask. What's held you back from simply asking?

5. Baptism of the Spirit — A Separate Event

1. In Acts 8, Acts 9, and Acts 19, people who were already saved had not yet received the Holy Spirit — and someone had to come pray over them. Did that surprise you? How does it challenge the idea that salvation and the fullness of the Spirit are the same event?

2. Paul — who wrote a third of the New Testament — walked up to a group of disciples and asked, "Did you receive the Holy Spirit when you believed?" Why do you think that question mattered so much to him?

3. Pastor shared that being filled with the Holy Spirit is what finally broke depression and fear of failure for him — after losing everything. What area of your life most needs that kind of power breakthrough right now?

6. Main Thesis & Action (Discipleship Focus) Core Idea: The Holy Spirit isn't a force or a feeling — He is a person, and He is already in you if you belong to Jesus. But power without activation is powerless. You don't drift into the fullness of God. You ask for it, surrender to it, and follow where He leads.

1. Would you say you are currently living in the power of the Holy Spirit — or are you saved but still operating mostly on your own strength?

2. Is there something specific you've been trying to overcome in your own power that you need to surrender to Him?

3. What is one step you will take this week?

   • Ask God to fill you with the Holy Spirit — simply, specifically, out loud

   • Identify where you've been ignoring His leading and take one step of obedience

   • Begin treating the Holy Spirit as a person — talk to Him, listen for Him

   • Ask someone to pray over you for the baptism of the Holy Spirit

   • Share with the group what you've been trying to carry alone