Empowered by the Spirit by Joyce Stork Opening Sing together "Come Holy Ghost, God and Lord" (LW 154, LBW 163, TLH 224) or "Spirit of the Living God" (The Other Song Book 195). Spirit Driven A friend used to have a recurring dream that she was a passenger in a car, driving down an unfamiliar road, never knowing where she would end up. Sometimes life feels that same way. It can seem like we are just going, without knowing where the road of life is leading or who is driving. But every person is driven by something. Some might be driven by a futile desire to obtain worldly goods, power, knowledge, or fame. Christians have the joy of being "driven" (guided and directed) by the Holy Spirit. I'm in the Car! Has the Holy Spirit come into your life? When? John 3:3-8 1 Corinthians 12:13 Ephesians 1:13 Acts 2:38 What road maps does God give you to understand the way to go? Exodus 20:1-17 Psalm 119:105 2 Timothy 3:16-17 If you believe Jesus is your Savior, what is your ultimate destination? Philippians 3:20-21 The Holy Spirit is Driving! Read the following and identify the Biblical character who was filled by the Spirit. What was God's purpose for each person? Exodus 31:1-5 Judges 6:11-16, 34-35 (skim chapter 7 for the outcome) 1 Samuel 16:1, 6-13 Isaiah 11:1-5, Matthew 3:16-17 As a child of God, filled with His Spirit, what do you see as His specific purpose for you? How has He guided you toward that purpose? What is God's ultimate purpose for all His children? Romans 8:28-30 The Spirit Fills Our Tanks! When we are empowered by the Spirit, our lives are changed. What are some of the results of these changes? Acts 1:8 Romans 8:1-2, 14-18 Galatians 5:16-18, 22-25 2 Timothy 1:7-8 Imagine Where We Can Go! The early Christian church is a model for us. Read Acts 2:42-47. To what four things was the church devoted? (v. 42) What was the result? (vv. 43-47a) What was the Spirit's purpose for them? (v. 47b) Can Christians today follow the example set by the early Christian church? How? What results could be expected? Hit the Road! Paul advises us on how we should live in the Spirit. Read Ephesians 5:15-20 and paraphrase his advice. Include as many points as you can. Verse 18 suggests that wine could fill us instead of the Spirit. What other worldly things might distract us? What better mindsets are given in vs.19-20? How can you keep your mind focused on things of the Spirit as you go through you days? Conclusion What a gift to live a life driven by the Holy Spirit! God invites us to come into His "car" and go for the ride of our lives. He has the road ahead mapped out for us and even knows where the twists and turns are. He promises to keep us safe. He urges us to go forward without fear, so let's step on it! Pray Together: Dear Father, I confess that I am often fearful of what lies ahead in my life here on earth. Forgive my doubts and give me confidence to trust Your will and purpose for my life. Send Your Spirit that I might be filled with joy to sing Your songs and filled with faith to share Your story. Lead me ever onward to the day when I and all believers shall see and praise You in glory. In Jesus name. Amen. Close by singing or reading "Let Us Ever Walk With Jesus" (LW 381, LBW 487, TLH 409) or "Jesus, Please Watch Over Us" (The Other Song Book 163). Joyce Stork is a member at Trinity Lutheran Church in Fremont, Nebraska, where she works with the youth. She and her husband, Kent, own a flower shop and grow African violets. They have two adult sons.