Embracing the Fullness of God's Power
Summary
### Summary
In the final week of the "Signature of God" series, we explored the concept of power as a divine brushstroke on the canvas of our lives. We began by reflecting on the previous weeks, which covered transformation, love, and freedom. Today, we delved into the idea that God has more in store for us than we often realize. Many of us settle for being "just enough" Christians, content with minimal spiritual growth. However, God offers us a continuous flow of blessings and power, akin to a spring of living water that never runs dry.
We examined the biblical foundation for this power, focusing on scriptures like Jeremiah 17:13 and John 7:38, which describe God as a spring of living water. This power is not from ourselves but is a part of who God is. We also discussed the importance of not missing out on the more that God has in store for us due to fear or complacency.
The sermon emphasized three key invitations to experience God's power: immersing ourselves into salvation and the church, water baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Each of these steps represents a deeper level of commitment and immersion into God's plan for our lives. We explored how these three baptisms are distinct yet interconnected, each offering a unique aspect of God's power and presence.
We concluded by challenging everyone to go all in with Jesus, His church, and the Holy Spirit. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of God's power and live lives that are not just spiritually secure but also vibrant and impactful. The invitation is clear: God has more in store for us, and it's up to us to dive in fully and embrace the power He offers.
### Key Takeaways
1. God Has More in Store for Us: Many Christians settle for a "just enough" faith, but God offers a continuous flow of blessings and power. This is akin to a spring of living water that never runs dry, as described in Jeremiah 17:13 and John 7:38. Embracing this mindset allows us to experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives. [02:38]
2. Three Invitations to Power: The three key invitations to experience God's power are immersing ourselves into salvation and the church, water baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Each step represents a deeper level of commitment and immersion into God's plan, offering unique aspects of His power and presence. [09:07]
3. Living by the Spirit: Living a life immersed by the Holy Spirit means letting the Spirit guide us, rather than our flesh. This involves constant reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, especially in challenging situations. It’s about letting the Spirit call the shots in our lives. [18:11]
4. The Importance of Public Declaration: Water baptism is a public declaration of our faith and an outward sign of our inward decision to follow Jesus. It symbolizes our commitment to God and His church, and it’s a powerful step in experiencing the more that God has in store for us. [13:12]
5. Going All In: To fully experience God's power, we must be willing to go all in with Jesus, His church, and the Holy Spirit. This involves giving up control and allowing God to lead us. By doing so, we can experience the fullness of His power and live lives that are not just spiritually secure but also vibrant and impactful. [26:38]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[01:15] - I Want the More That God Has in Store
[02:38] - Avoiding the "Just Enough" Christian Life
[04:02] - The Spring of Living Water
[05:35] - The Spirit Reveals God's Deep Secrets
[06:45] - Responding with God's Power
[07:42] - Paul's Understanding of Power
[09:07] - Three Invitations to Power
[10:12] - Immersing into Salvation and the Church
[12:24] - Immersing into Water Baptism
[15:17] - The Power of Public Declaration
[16:38] - Immersing into the Holy Spirit
[18:11] - Living by the Spirit
[24:16] - The Invitation to Salvation
[26:38] - Going All In
[31:11] - Asking for God's Power
[32:44] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Jeremiah 17:13 - "Lord, you are the hope of Israel; all who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water."
2. John 7:38 - "Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them."
3. 1 Corinthians 12:13 - "For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink."
### Observation Questions
1. According to Jeremiah 17:13, how is God described, and what happens to those who forsake Him?
2. In John 7:38, what promise does Jesus give to those who believe in Him?
3. What does 1 Corinthians 12:13 say about the unity of believers and the role of the Spirit in baptism?
4. The sermon mentioned three key invitations to experience God's power. What are these three invitations? [09:07]
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean for God to be a "spring of living water" as described in Jeremiah 17:13 and John 7:38? How does this imagery help us understand God's continuous blessings and power?
2. How does the concept of being baptized into one body by one Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:13) emphasize the importance of community and unity in the church?
3. The sermon challenges us to avoid being "just enough" Christians. What are some reasons people might settle for minimal spiritual growth? [02:38]
4. How do the three baptisms (salvation and the church, water baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit) each offer a unique aspect of God's power and presence? [09:07]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your current spiritual journey. Are you experiencing the "spring of living water" that never runs dry, or do you feel like you're settling for "just enough"? What steps can you take to dive deeper into God's continuous flow of blessings and power? [02:38]
2. The sermon emphasized the importance of public declaration through water baptism. If you haven't been baptized, what might be holding you back? If you have, how can you share your experience to encourage others? [13:12]
3. Living by the Spirit involves letting the Spirit guide us rather than our flesh. Can you identify a recent situation where you relied on your own strength instead of seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you change this approach in the future? [18:11]
4. The sermon invites us to go "all in" with Jesus, His church, and the Holy Spirit. What does "going all in" look like for you personally? Are there areas of your life where you need to give up control and allow God to lead? [26:38]
5. The sermon mentioned the fear of missing out (FOMO) on God's blessings. Do you experience this fear in your spiritual life? How can you shift your focus to ensure you don't miss out on the more that God has in store for you? [04:02]
6. How can you immerse yourself more fully into the life of the church? Are there specific relationships, ministries, or service opportunities you feel called to engage with more deeply? [11:33]
7. The sermon talked about the power of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives. What practical steps can you take this week to invite the Holy Spirit's power into your decisions, actions, and interactions with others? [18:11]
Devotional
### 5-Day Devotional
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Day 1: Embracing the Overflowing Blessings of God
Description:
Many Christians find themselves content with a "just enough" faith, where they settle for minimal spiritual growth and blessings. However, God offers a continuous flow of blessings and power, much like a spring of living water that never runs dry. This concept is rooted in scriptures such as Jeremiah 17:13 and John 7:38, which describe God as a source of living water. Embracing this mindset allows us to experience the fullness of God's plan for our lives, moving beyond complacency and into a life filled with divine abundance. [02:38]
Bible Passage:
"Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose trust is the Lord. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and is not anxious in the year of drought, for it does not cease to bear fruit." — Jeremiah 17:7-8 (ESV)
Reflection:
Think about an area in your life where you have settled for "just enough." How can you open yourself up to the continuous flow of God's blessings and power in that area today?
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Day 2: Immersing in God's Power through Commitment
Description:
Experiencing God's power involves immersing ourselves into salvation and the church, water baptism, and being filled with the Holy Spirit. Each of these steps represents a deeper level of commitment and immersion into God's plan for our lives. Salvation brings us into a relationship with God, water baptism is a public declaration of our faith, and being filled with the Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with boldness and guidance. These three baptisms are distinct yet interconnected, each offering a unique aspect of God's power and presence. [09:07]
Bible Passage:
"For in one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit." — 1 Corinthians 12:13 (ESV)
Reflection:
Which of the three invitations to power (salvation, water baptism, being filled with the Holy Spirit) do you feel called to deepen your commitment to? What steps can you take this week to immerse yourself more fully in that area?
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Day 3: Living a Spirit-Led Life
Description:
Living a life immersed by the Holy Spirit means allowing the Spirit to guide us rather than our flesh. This involves a constant reliance on the Holy Spirit for guidance, especially in challenging situations. It’s about letting the Spirit call the shots in our lives, leading us to make decisions that align with God's will. By living by the Spirit, we can navigate life's difficulties with divine wisdom and strength, experiencing the fullness of God's power in our daily lives. [18:11]
Bible Passage:
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do." — Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV)
Reflection:
Identify a recent situation where you relied on your own understanding rather than seeking the Holy Spirit's guidance. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to lead you in similar situations moving forward?
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Day 4: The Power of Public Declaration
Description:
Water baptism is a public declaration of our faith and an outward sign of our inward decision to follow Jesus. It symbolizes our commitment to God and His church, marking a significant step in our spiritual journey. This public act of obedience not only strengthens our faith but also serves as a powerful testimony to others. By embracing water baptism, we can experience the more that God has in store for us, stepping into a deeper relationship with Him and His community. [13:12]
Bible Passage:
"And now why do you wait? Rise and be baptized and wash away your sins, calling on his name." — Acts 22:16 (ESV)
Reflection:
If you have not yet been baptized, what is holding you back from making this public declaration of your faith? If you have been baptized, how can you share the significance of this step with someone who might be considering it?
---
Day 5: Going All In with Jesus
Description:
To fully experience God's power, we must be willing to go all in with Jesus, His church, and the Holy Spirit. This involves giving up control and allowing God to lead us in every aspect of our lives. By surrendering our plans and desires to Him, we can experience the fullness of His power, living lives that are not just spiritually secure but also vibrant and impactful. Going all in means committing wholeheartedly to God's will, trusting that He has more in store for us than we could ever imagine. [26:38]
Bible Passage:
"And he said to all, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will save it.'" — Luke 9:23-24 (ESV)
Reflection:
What is one area of your life where you find yourself holding back from surrendering to Jesus? What would surrendering this area to Him actually look like in terms of daily habits?
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This 5-day devotional is designed to help you dive deeper into the themes of the sermon series and apply them to your daily life. May you experience the fullness of God's power as you commit to these reflections and actions.
Quotes
1. "I want the more that God has in store. Will you say it with me? I want the more that God has in store. I I want the more that God has in store. I want the more that God has in store. Oh, y'all did better than first service. Let's say it again. I want the more that God has in store. Here's the thing. This sounds like it might be an obvious thing that we would want, but a lot of times we don't. Because sometimes I think we're afraid. Sometimes I think we're, you know, we could be uninformed. But if I could just challenge you today, because I think many of us, we get into this habit of being a just enough Christian." [01:15] (35 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "All that we have is not all that God has. All that we have is not all that God has. All right. I love the way the Bible describes Jesus. And he also says this about himself. All right. Describes him as a spring of living water. All right. And a spring is a continuous water supply. It never runs out. Unless something crazy happens, it's never going to dry up. It keeps feeding itself. Jeremiah 17, 13 says, Lord, you are the hope of Israel. All who forsake you will be put to shame. Those who turn away from you will be written in the dust, because they have forsaken the Lord, the spring of living water." [02:38] (60 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Here's the thing. More than anything else, I want to be able to respond to this world and the things happening around us, not in my own power. Not in my own power. But I want God's power alive in me and helping me in every area of my life. Because I need it. Because I cannot do this in my own power. You cannot do this in your own power. And last week we talked about Holy Spirit power. We talked about asking for his help. And I think we have to constantly remind ourselves to ask him for his help and to ask him for his power. We have to do it all the time." [06:45] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "Immerse myself into salvation in the church. Here's the thing. Many people don't realize this, but the Bible actually describes the moment we say yes to Jesus and salvation, it describes it as being baptized or immersed into the church. Let's look at it. 1 Corinthians 12, 13. But we have all been baptized into one body by one spirit. And we all share the same spirit. So when you say just yes to Jesus, you're not just saying yes to him, but you're saying yes to his family. You're saying yes to the church. And if it weren't true, then why has the church been meeting for 2,000 years? Because we're one body. We're the family of God." [10:12] (45 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Water baptism is a separate baptism on purpose. All right? Because water baptism does not save you. Water baptism doesn't save you. All right? Only believing in Jesus. All right? We talked about this last week. Only believing in Jesus saves you. Ephesians 2, 8, 9, it says, God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can't take credit for this. It is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done. So none of us can boast about it. You know, there's some religions and there's some denominations that teach that you have to be baptized in order to be saved. But that's not true." [13:53] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "Immerse myself into the Holy Spirit. So here's the thing. This one is unique and it's different than the other ones. The first baptism, saying yes to Jesus and his church, is all about eternity. This is about having the power to live now. The power to live now. So here's the thing. I know when I bring up the Holy Spirit, some of you are already nervous. Let me just reassure you, nothing freaky or heebie-jeebie is going to happen. Okay? It's about... I want to calm you by... I want to calm you by saying this, all right? That's not the case. Because the Holy Spirit is all about when I live a life immersed by the Holy Spirit, it means that the Spirit is in control. It's not my flesh. The Spirit is in control." [17:24] (48 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "You have the power to do it. You have the power to go forward. You have the power to live this life. It is available to you. But I guess we have to. We have to ask ourselves the question whether we're going to grow up in our faith. Are we going to launch? Y'all ever seen that movie Failure to Launch? You got to get out of the house. You got to launch. You got to grow up. And I want to finish by challenging you to go all in. Go all in with Jesus. Go all in with his church. Go all in the power of the Holy Spirit." [23:01] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
8. "God is inviting you to the power you and I need, not just for eternity, but for living on this earth. So how do we get this power? How do we get it? You ask for it. It's that simple. You ask for it. You ask for the power. Holy Spirit, fill me. Holy Spirit, give me power. Holy Spirit, help me to walk in step with the Spirit. Because all that we have is not all that God has. Like I said, it's a river that will never run dry. He has something constantly for you. And it's called life and freedom and power. Ask Him. Ask Him to fill you. Ask Him to give you power." [31:11] (52 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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