Embracing God's Power Through Humility and Faith
Summary
### Summary
This morning, we delved into the power and significance of ministry time, particularly the moments after the sermon when we invite people to come forward for prayer. This practice is not just a ritual but a vital component of our church services, allowing us to fully present the good news of Christ through word, deed, and power. Drawing from Romans 15:17-19, we explored how Paul’s ministry was effective because it combined preaching, lifestyle, and the demonstration of God's power. We emphasized the importance of making space for God to move in our services, encouraging everyone to respond in faith and humility.
We discussed several key aspects of ministry time, starting with the power of humility. Humility requires us to set aside pride and stubbornness, acknowledging our need for God and others. This opens the door for God’s grace to flow into our lives. Next, we examined the power of agreement, highlighting how praying together in unity releases greater power and aligns us with God’s will. We also touched on the power of confession, stressing the importance of bringing our struggles into the light within a trusted community to find healing and freedom.
The power of laying on of hands was another focus, illustrating how this biblical practice imparts God’s tangible power for healing, blessing, and spiritual gifts. We also discussed the power of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that every believer has been given gifts to help and encourage one another. Finally, we looked at the power of faith, using the story of the woman who touched Jesus’ robe to illustrate how stepping out in faith can lead to miraculous breakthroughs.
In conclusion, we were reminded of the importance of responding to God in the moment, making space for His Spirit to move powerfully in our lives and services. This is not just about having a good service but about fully presenting the gospel and experiencing the transformative power of God.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power of Humility: Humility is essential for receiving God’s grace. When we set aside pride and stubbornness and acknowledge our need for God and others, we open the door for supernatural empowerment and miracles in our lives. Humility allows us to reconnect with God and experience His grace in profound ways. [07:02]
2. The Power of Agreement: Praying together in unity releases greater power and aligns us with God’s will. Jesus emphasized that where two or three gather in His name, He is present, and their prayers are powerful. This principle underscores the importance of community and relational harmony in our spiritual lives. [08:43]
3. The Power of Confession: Bringing our struggles into the light within a trusted community leads to healing and freedom. Confessing our sins to one another allows us to break free from cycles of toxic behavior and receive support and prayer from others, leading to spiritual and emotional healing. [13:31]
4. The Power of Laying on of Hands: This biblical practice imparts God’s tangible power for healing, blessing, and spiritual gifts. When we lay hands on others in prayer, we participate in a divine act that can lead to miraculous outcomes, demonstrating God’s power and presence. [16:38]
5. The Power of Faith: Stepping out in faith, even with a mustard seed-sized faith, can lead to miraculous breakthroughs. The story of the woman who touched Jesus’ robe illustrates that faith, no matter how small, can activate God’s power and bring about significant change in our lives. [25:46]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:23] - Introduction to Ministry Time
[02:32] - Paul's Ministry: Word, Deed, and Power
[03:27] - Making Space for God's Power
[04:32] - The Power of Humility
[07:52] - The Power of Agreement
[10:23] - Praying According to God's Will
[12:28] - The Power of Confession
[16:00] - The Power of Laying on of Hands
[20:06] - The Power of Spiritual Gifts
[25:02] - The Power of Faith
[30:23] - The Power of the Moment
[32:23] - Responding to God's Call
[33:57] - Making Space for Miracles
[35:54] - Invitation for Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Romans 15:17-19: "So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. Yet I dare not boast about anything except what Christ has done through me, bringing the Gentiles to God by my message and by the way I worked among them. They were convinced by the power of miraculous signs and wonders and by the power of God's Spirit. In this way, I have fully presented the good news of Christ."
2. 1 Peter 5:5-6: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you."
3. Matthew 18:19-20: "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Romans 15:17-19, what three components did Paul use to fully present the good news of Christ? ([02:32])
2. What does 1 Peter 5:5-6 say about the relationship between humility and grace? ([06:09])
3. In Matthew 18:19-20, what promise does Jesus give about the power of agreement in prayer? ([07:52])
4. What are some of the key aspects of ministry time discussed in the sermon? ([04:32])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does Paul's combination of preaching, lifestyle, and the demonstration of God's power in Romans 15:17-19 serve as a model for our own ministry efforts? ([02:32])
2. Why is humility essential for receiving God's grace, as mentioned in 1 Peter 5:5-6, and how does this principle apply to our daily lives? ([06:09])
3. What does the power of agreement in Matthew 18:19-20 reveal about the importance of community and unity in prayer? ([07:52])
4. How can the practice of laying on of hands, as discussed in the sermon, be a tangible way to impart God's power and blessings? ([16:38])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you struggled with pride or stubbornness. How did it affect your relationship with God and others? What steps can you take to cultivate humility in your life? ([05:23])
2. Think about a situation where you needed a breakthrough. How might praying in agreement with others have changed the outcome? Can you identify someone you can partner with in prayer this week? ([07:52])
3. Have you ever experienced the power of confession within a trusted community? How did it impact your spiritual and emotional well-being? What steps can you take to build such a community if you don't have one? ([13:31])
4. When was the last time you participated in the laying on of hands for prayer? How did it affect you or the person you prayed for? How can you incorporate this practice more into your spiritual life? ([16:38])
5. Reflect on the story of the woman who touched Jesus' robe. What is one area in your life where you need to step out in faith for a breakthrough? How can you take that step this week? ([25:46])
6. How can you make more space for God to move in your daily life and church services? What practical steps can you take to ensure you are fully presenting the gospel through word, deed, and power? ([03:27])
7. Identify a spiritual gift you believe God has given you. How can you use this gift to help and encourage others in your church community this week? ([20:06])
Devotional
Day 1: The Power of Humility
Humility is essential for receiving God’s grace. When we set aside pride and stubbornness and acknowledge our need for God and others, we open the door for supernatural empowerment and miracles in our lives. Humility allows us to reconnect with God and experience His grace in profound ways. This practice is not just about lowering ourselves but about positioning ourselves to receive from God. When we humble ourselves, we make room for God to work in and through us, leading to transformation and growth. [07:02]
James 4:6 (ESV): "But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'"
Reflection: Think of an area in your life where pride has been a barrier. How can you practice humility today to allow God's grace to flow more freely in that area?
Day 2: The Power of Agreement
Praying together in unity releases greater power and aligns us with God’s will. Jesus emphasized that where two or three gather in His name, He is present, and their prayers are powerful. This principle underscores the importance of community and relational harmony in our spiritual lives. When we come together in agreement, we amplify our prayers and create an environment where God’s power can be manifested more fully. Unity in prayer not only strengthens our faith but also brings us closer to God’s heart and purposes. [08:43]
Matthew 18:19-20 (ESV): "Again I say to you, if two of you agree on earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven. For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I among them."
Reflection: Identify someone you can pray with today. How can you come into agreement with them in prayer for a specific need or situation?
Day 3: The Power of Confession
Bringing our struggles into the light within a trusted community leads to healing and freedom. Confessing our sins to one another allows us to break free from cycles of toxic behavior and receive support and prayer from others, leading to spiritual and emotional healing. This practice is not about exposing ourselves to judgment but about finding a safe space where we can be honest and receive God’s grace through others. Confession helps us to confront our issues head-on and invites God’s healing power into our lives. [13:31]
James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
Reflection: Is there a struggle or sin you need to confess to a trusted friend or mentor? How can you take a step towards confession and healing today?
Day 4: The Power of Laying on of Hands
This biblical practice imparts God’s tangible power for healing, blessing, and spiritual gifts. When we lay hands on others in prayer, we participate in a divine act that can lead to miraculous outcomes, demonstrating God’s power and presence. This practice is a physical expression of faith and a conduit for God’s supernatural intervention. It serves as a reminder that God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things through His power. [16:38]
Acts 19:11-12 (ESV): "And God was doing extraordinary miracles by the hands of Paul, so that even handkerchiefs or aprons that had touched his skin were carried away to the sick, and their diseases left them and the evil spirits came out of them."
Reflection: Is there someone in your life who needs prayer for healing or a specific need? How can you offer to lay hands and pray for them today?
Day 5: The Power of Faith
Stepping out in faith, even with a mustard seed-sized faith, can lead to miraculous breakthroughs. The story of the woman who touched Jesus’ robe illustrates that faith, no matter how small, can activate God’s power and bring about significant change in our lives. Faith is not just about believing in God’s ability but also about taking action based on that belief. When we step out in faith, we create opportunities for God to move in ways that we might not have imagined. [25:46]
Mark 5:34 (ESV): "And he said to her, 'Daughter, your faith has made you well; go in peace, and be healed of your disease.'"
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to step out in faith? What specific action can you take today to demonstrate your trust in God’s power and promises?
Quotes
1. "So in church, we come and we have an amazing time of worship, and that's important. And we have announcements, which are important, I guess, very important. And then we have the message, which is really important. We open up the word of God and we get encouraged. And we can do those and then just go and have coffee and think it's a good service. But there is a component, which is making space for the power of God." [02:32] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "Most weeks when people come forward and respond to prayer, there are breakthroughs and miracles. But just imagine if a lot more of us responded to God in faith. We just didn't sit back and say, well, that was a great message. But actually, God, you're moving on my heart. I need to take action. And then to see God move in your life as a result. I'm all for that. Are you guys all for that?" [04:32] (21 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When we respond, as the Holy Spirit moves on our heart, and this works out. And in anywhere, obviously, in life, but specifically as we open the word of God, faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God. And as we respond in humility, saying, I don't care what people think about me. I just want to go for God. I want to reconnect with God. I want to re-surrender my life with God. I need a breakthrough in my life. I'm going to humble myself and ask for prayer. Grace comes into your life. Supernatural empowerment from the Lord will enter into your life. Life right at that moment." [07:02] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "So while our prayers are powerful, just me praying to God or you praying to God, this verse shows without any shadow of a doubt that something more, greater, more power is released when we pray together in community. Where two or more gather. The power of agreement is incredible. I don't know why that is other than God is in the community and he's worked it out that way. As we come together." [08:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "So we confess our sins to God to find forgiveness because only Jesus can forgive us our sins. It's only the blood of Jesus. But we confess our sins to each other to find healing. And to find freedom, because all of you know, because you are all humans, just like me, sometimes we can get trapped into a cycle of toxic thinking or toxic speaking or toxic behavior. And that traps us. We start to go into that track of behavior in our lives. And we find it incredibly difficult to break that. We know it's sin. We know it's not honoring of God, but we just can't get out of that alone." [13:31] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Many times when I pray for someone, my hands will just get super hot like, wow, I feel like fire's almost going to come out of them like the human torch or something. But like that, it's again, it's like indicative. I think it's just an evidence of God's power. I remember one young man and I was praying for him, like with my hand on his shoulder and then he started to react demonically and we took him aside with another leader and myself. And every time I tried to place my hand on his shoulder, he was like, whack my hand away. He didn't want me to put my hand on his shoulder. So again, demons don't like it when we follow the word of God and power and faith." [17:27] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "So this is not just the staff. This is the staff and the ministry team and the governance team and the elders. This is everyone. Every single one of us has been given this spiritual gift. I believe personally being baptized in the Holy Spirit is the launch pad to start moving in the gifts of the spirit, but this is everyone and it's not for like, if you're just sitting by yourself and not ever interacting or encouraging or praying for, for people, this is never going to happen. You'll be, you'll be sitting on that spiritual gift that God has given you to be a gift to others for the rest of your life." [20:50] (31 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "Could it be that why we don't see amazing things happen on Sundays is because perhaps we aren't, we haven't positioned ourselves like the woman desperate for a breakthrough in our lives, that we are just content to be a crowd around Jesus, but we haven't got that heart. It's like the young, or the lady had of just by putting everything on the line, I'm stepping out in faith. I don't care what people think about me or how they judge me. I want a healing. I want a breakthrough in my life. I'm coming up front to receive prayer. It's the power of faith. Your faith has made you well." [26:39] (34 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
9. "When we hold on to truth, despite the mystery, a huge grace, huge depth, huge maturity comes into your life, which cannot be produced any other way than when you go through hard times. That is the only way. And you know how a few weeks ago I talked about encouragement? When you are facing a huge battle in your life and you get to speak to someone who has gone through pretty much the same thing as you, but they've come out the other end and they've seen the mercy and the goodness of God, when they encourage you, man, that encouragement is like gold. It can change your life." [29:13] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
10. "I believe there is always a window of grace available to respond to God when He asks us to respond. Again, it's another power of the ministry time. Hebrews 3, verse 15 says, Remember what it says. Today, when you hear His voice, don't harden your hearts. It's just stand up. It'll be great. Thank you. Mark 16, 17 to 20. This is the last verse and then we're done. When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honour at God's right hand. And the disciples went everywhere and preached and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they had said, like what they had preached, by many miraculous signs." [32:23] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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