Empowered by the Spirit: Unity Through Christ

Devotional

Day 1: Our Faith Must Rest in the Power of God, Not Human Wisdom

True faith is not built on persuasive words or impressive human wisdom, but on the demonstration of the Spirit and the power of God. When we rely on our own intellect or the charisma of leaders, we risk missing the supernatural work that only God can do in and through us. The church in Corinth struggled with division because they were drawn to eloquent teachers and cultural philosophies, but Paul reminded them—and us—that salvation and unity come from Christ alone. The simple gospel is enough, and it is through God’s Spirit that we are transformed and empowered to live boldly for Him. [31:19]

1 Corinthians 2:1-5 (ESV)
"And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God."

Reflection: In what area of your life are you tempted to rely on your own wisdom or the approval of others, rather than trusting in the power of God? How can you surrender that area to Him today?

Day 2: Unity in the Spirit Brings God’s Power and Revival

When believers are united in God’s Spirit, extraordinary things happen—not by human planning, but by God’s power. Across campuses and communities, when people gather simply to seek Jesus and proclaim the gospel, lives are changed and revival breaks out. This unity is not manufactured by programs or personalities, but by the Spirit working through surrendered hearts. As we share our testimonies and boldly proclaim Christ, we invite God’s Spirit to move in ways that far exceed our expectations, bringing healing, salvation, and transformation to our neighborhoods and nation. [41:56]

Acts 4:31 (ESV)
"And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."

Reflection: Who is one person or group you can pray for and reach out to this week, asking God to unite you with other believers in boldness and love to share the gospel?

Day 3: God’s Wisdom Is Revealed by the Spirit, Not the World

Worldly wisdom is temporary and cannot comprehend the things of God, but the Spirit reveals God’s hidden wisdom to those who love Him. While human knowledge fades, God’s Word and His plans endure forever. Through the Spirit, we are given understanding that surpasses what the world can offer, and we are invited to seek God’s perspective in every situation. This wisdom is not about being better than others, but about knowing Jesus and receiving the gift of eternal life and spiritual discernment that only He can give. [44:27]

1 Corinthians 2:6-10 (ESV)
"Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written, 'What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him'—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God."

Reflection: What is one decision or challenge you are facing where you need God’s wisdom rather than the world’s advice? Will you ask the Holy Spirit to reveal God’s perspective to you today?

Day 4: We Have the Mind of Christ Through the Spirit

Those who belong to Christ are given His Spirit, and with that comes the ability to understand and discern spiritual truths. The Spirit searches the depths of God and imparts understanding to us, so that we can know what God desires and freely gives. This is not something we achieve by effort, but a gift we receive by faith. With the mind of Christ, we are able to evaluate all things, love those who are difficult to love, and live with humility and courage in a world that often misunderstands us. [57:06]

1 Corinthians 2:12-16 (ESV)
"Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual. The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. 'For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?' But we have the mind of Christ."

Reflection: Is there someone in your life who is difficult to love or understand? How can you ask God to give you the mind of Christ toward them today?

Day 5: God’s Spirit Transforms Us and Unites Us in Mission

God calls us not just to be improved versions of ourselves, but to be new creations, transformed by His Spirit and united in His mission. As we seek God’s vision for our lives, our church, and our city, we are invited to pray bold prayers, trust Him for more, and step out in faith to serve and love others. The Spirit empowers us to see people as God sees them, to pray for revival, and to be part of what He is doing in our community and beyond. When we surrender to the Spirit’s leading, we become unstoppable in advancing God’s kingdom together. [01:11:11]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
"I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."

Reflection: What is one area of your life, church, or community where you sense God calling you to pray for transformation or to step out in faith? Will you commit to pray and act on that this week?

Sermon Summary

This week has been heavy for many, both personally and in our nation, and it’s in these moments that we are reminded of our deep need for God’s presence and power. We are not sustained by our own strength, wisdom, or ability, but by the Spirit of God who meets us in our weakness. As we gather, we bring our burdens, our sick, our hurting, and our divided nation before the Lord, trusting that He alone can bring healing, unity, and revival.

Turning to 1 Corinthians 2, we see Paul’s insistence that our faith must not rest in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God. The church in Corinth was tempted to elevate human leaders and philosophies, blending cultural wisdom with the gospel. But Paul reminds us that salvation is “Jesus plus nothing”—it is not our cleverness, eloquence, or human effort that saves, but Christ crucified and risen. The wisdom of this world, no matter how persuasive, is finite and ultimately powerless to save. Only the Spirit of God can reveal the hidden wisdom of God, and only through the Spirit can we truly understand and impart spiritual truth.

We are challenged to consider what message our lives repeat. Is it a clever one-liner, or is it the simple, powerful testimony of Jesus Christ and Him crucified? Our testimony is unique and irrefutable, and when we share it, we invite the Spirit to work in others’ lives. The stories of revival and bold faith on college campuses across the country are not the result of human strategy, but of God’s Spirit moving through ordinary people who simply proclaim Christ.

Paul’s words also remind us that the Spirit searches the depths of God and gives us understanding beyond human capacity. Those who are in Christ have received the Spirit, and with Him, the mind of Christ. This means we have access to God’s wisdom, discernment, and understanding for every situation. The natural person cannot grasp these things—they seem foolish—because they are spiritually discerned. But for those who are in Christ, we are called to unity, humility, and boldness, empowered by the Spirit to love, forgive, and serve as Jesus did.

As we reflect on our calling as a church and as individuals, we are invited to pray bold prayers, seek God’s vision, and trust that He will lead, equip, and unite us for His purposes. Let us not settle for human wisdom or comfort, but press into the Spirit’s power, knowing that God desires to do more than we can ask or imagine.

Key Takeaways

1. True Strength and Unity Flow from God’s Presence In times of personal and national hardship, our first response must be to seek God’s presence. All our energy, wisdom, and strength are gifts from Him, not products of our own effort. When we bring our burdens and the needs of others before the Lord, we invite His healing and unifying power to work in and through us. [16:41]
2. Faith Must Rest in God’s Power, Not Human Wisdom The temptation to rely on eloquence, clever arguments, or cultural philosophies is strong, but these are ultimately powerless to save or unite. Paul’s example is to know nothing except Christ and Him crucified, refusing to let the wisdom of the world dilute the gospel. Our faith is anchored in the demonstration of the Spirit’s power, not in persuasive words or personalities. [34:32]
3. The Spirit Reveals God’s Hidden Wisdom to Believers Worldly wisdom is finite and passing, but the Spirit imparts a wisdom that is eternal and transformative. This wisdom is not about intellectual superiority, but about knowing Jesus and receiving understanding that only the Spirit can give. As we grow in maturity, we are called to seek and share this spiritual wisdom, which is rooted in God’s Word and revealed by His Spirit. [44:27]
4. We Have the Mind of Christ Through the Spirit Those who are in Christ are given the Spirit, who searches the depths of God and imparts understanding. This means we have access to God’s thoughts, discernment, and guidance for every aspect of life. The natural mind cannot comprehend these things, but the spiritual person is able to judge rightly, love deeply, and live boldly because we share in the mind of Christ. [57:06]
5. The Cross is the Great Equalizer and the Source of Unity At the foot of the cross, all distinctions and pride are leveled. None of us are saved by our own merit, background, or theological precision, but by the grace of God in Christ. This truth empowers us to forgive, love, and serve even those who oppose or hurt us, and it calls us to unity with all who are in Christ, regardless of our differences. [63:13]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:41] - Entering God’s Presence in Prayer
[18:17] - Praying for Our Nation and Unity
[27:23] - The Power of Testimony
[30:37] - What Is Your One-Liner?
[31:19] - Christ Crucified: The Core Message
[34:32] - The Danger of Human Wisdom
[36:04] - Faith in God’s Power, Not Men
[37:14] - Boldness and the Work of the Spirit
[39:16] - Stories of Revival and God’s Power
[41:56] - God’s Heart for the Lost
[43:28] - The Spirit Reveals God’s Wisdom
[44:27] - The Enduring Word of God
[47:04] - The Gift of the Spirit
[57:06] - We Have the Mind of Christ
[63:13] - The Cross: Our Unity and Hope
[65:56] - God’s Calling and Vision for Our Church
[68:06] - Praying Bold Prayers for Our Church
[71:11] - Renewed Minds and Transformed Lives
[72:23] - Responding to God’s Call
[73:15] - Closing Prayer
[80:08] - Announcements and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

1 Corinthians 2:1-16 (ESV) —
> And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God.
>
> Yet among the mature we do impart wisdom, although it is not a wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are doomed to pass away. But we impart a secret and hidden wisdom of God, which God decreed before the ages for our glory. None of the rulers of this age understood this, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory. But, as it is written,
>
> “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard,
> nor the heart of man imagined,
> what God has prepared for those who love him”—
>
> these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. For who knows a person's thoughts except the spirit of that person, which is in him? So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who are spiritual.
>
> The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. The spiritual person judges all things, but is himself to be judged by no one. “For who has understood the mind of the Lord so as to instruct him?” But we have the mind of Christ.

Observation Questions

According to Paul in 1 Corinthians 2, what did he choose to focus on when he preached to the Corinthians, and what did he intentionally avoid? ([30:37])
What does Paul say is the difference between the wisdom of this world and the wisdom that comes from God’s Spirit? ([44:27])
In the sermon, what examples were given of God moving powerfully through ordinary people, especially on college campuses? ([39:16])
What does Paul mean when he says, “we have the mind of Christ”? ([57:06])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Paul was so determined not to rely on “lofty speech or wisdom” but instead to focus on “Jesus Christ and him crucified”? What does this reveal about the foundation of Christian faith? ([30:37])
The sermon mentioned that the wisdom of the world is “finite and ultimately powerless to save.” In what ways do people today try to mix cultural wisdom with the gospel, and what are the dangers of this? ([34:32])
The pastor shared stories of revival and bold faith on college campuses. What do these stories suggest about the role of human strategy versus the work of the Holy Spirit in bringing about spiritual change? ([39:16])
Paul says believers have “the mind of Christ” through the Spirit. How might this shape the way Christians approach difficult situations, decisions, or relationships? ([57:06])

Application Questions

The sermon began by acknowledging the heaviness of the week for many people and our nation. When you face personal or national hardship, what is your first response? How can you make seeking God’s presence your starting point instead of relying on your own strength? ([16:41])
Paul warns against letting our faith rest in human wisdom or clever arguments. Are there areas in your life where you are tempted to trust in your own ability, intellect, or persuasive words rather than God’s power? What would it look like to shift your trust to God in those areas? ([34:32])
The pastor challenged everyone to write down their testimony and pray for opportunities to share it. Have you ever shared your story of faith with someone? What holds you back, and what is one step you could take this week to be more open about your faith? ([27:23])
The sermon described the Spirit as the one who reveals God’s wisdom and gives us understanding. Is there a situation in your life right now where you need God’s wisdom or discernment? How can you intentionally seek the Spirit’s guidance this week? ([44:27])
Paul says the cross is the great equalizer and the source of unity. Are there people in your life, or even in the church, that you struggle to forgive or love? How does remembering the cross help you move toward unity and humility with them? ([01:03:13])
The pastor shared a list of bold prayers and vision for the church. What is one bold prayer you can begin praying for your own life, your family, or our church? ([01:08:06])
The sermon ended with a call to not settle for comfort or human wisdom, but to press into the Spirit’s power. What is one area where you feel God is calling you to step out in faith, even if it feels risky or uncomfortable? ([01:11:11])

Sermon Clips

What is something that you say again and again and again? What is the message you share with your lips and with your life? Because Paul, the apostle Paul, he had one. Let me tell you about Jesus. Let me tell you about Jesus Christ and him crucified. [00:30:40]

Our faith cannot be in the wisdom of men. In Corinth, the Greek philosophy was in full form, right? There was an enticing, alluring, incredibly persuasive group of orators and philosophers who used eloquent words in the public square, right? And it was funneling its way into the church, and the church had become reliant on these human leaders. They were comparing them to one another. They were pledging allegiance to them as if their faith had come from men. [00:33:26]

We often say this phrase, that there's Jesus plus nothing, right, is salvation, right? And salvation comes only by God, not by God and the wisdom of men. We don't have to add anything extra to it. [00:34:48]

One day when we get to heaven we will not we will not enter in based on whether we were Arminian or Calvinist, post or pre -trib, if we believe the gifts continued or if they ceased, if we follow the teaching of Apollos or Cephas, if we were a part of this church or denomination or another one, this will be the only thing that matters. Did we put our faith in Jesus? Did we put our faith in Christ? Not who did we follow on this earth? [00:36:04]

Would you rather have a ministry or a life that is well respected, well sought after, praised by men, and applauded or accredited to finite wisdom, one without the assistance of God? Or would you rather have a ministry or life, one of unlimited, awesome, supernatural power, anointed, filled with God's presence and power in his Spirit? That's not a rhetorical question. That's a legit question for you to answer yourself. It's very serious. Paul chose the Spirit and the power, and you and I can too. [00:37:40]

Sometimes we're like, we can't do anything. There's no hope. Do something, right? Be bold in your faith, and they've been sharing Christ. They haven't seen anybody respond yet at CU campus in those ministries that I've heard of, but I want to show something to you. [00:39:16]

This is what God can do when we are united in God's spirit and God's power. It's not a work of men, it wasn't a work of the church. The church wasn't like, hey, let's, we have this really good idea, let's just do this. The kids were like, we're gonna go meet with Jesus, and we're gonna bring 1 ,000, 2 ,000, 8 ,000 of our closest friends. We just wanna get before the Lord. [00:41:13]

You know, we are so often caught up with saying the right words about Jesus that we say nothing. The simple gospel is enough. Jesus loves you, he died for your sins, he died on a cross to pay for your sins. [00:41:36]

When we proclaim our testimony of what Jesus has done, we are inviting the spirit of God to work and move in someone's life and in God's power. [00:42:03]

There are people that are looking for God, and they wanna be used by him, people, men and women of peace, that we won't go talk to because it's Boulder, but instead, if we would just go and say, hey, we're here right now, as Rahab did whenever the spies came, they said, this is what Rahab said, we have heard of your God. We've heard of what God is doing, and we are freaking out. I wanna be on your team. I wanna be on your team. I wanna be with you. And because of her faith, Rahab is a woman of faith, Hebrews says that, because of her faith, she saved her and her whole family. [00:43:01]

Worldly wisdom will pass away because it is finite, right? It's incomplete, it has no power to save. [00:44:34]

Worldly wisdom cannot comprehend God's hidden wisdom because it is something only revealed by the spirit of God, and I would say it this way, by his indwelling spirit. [00:46:12]

We know someone that they don't know. We know Jesus. And our belief in him comes with a free gift that is eternal life and the gift of God's spirit. [00:47:09]

The Spirit of God knows everything that God knows he searches all the depths of God he understands all that God understands. [00:53:24]

We understand things freely given us by God because of that Spirit that indwells us we can have understanding. [00:53:35]

This means that we have Christ we have God inside of us those two kinds of men that Paul talks about in this part in the next part number one is a natural man one without the Spirit of God they are unsaved they cannot accept or understand spiritual truths because they seem foolish to them... and then the other side is the spiritual man one who has the Spirit of God one who is saved one who understands things freely given by God who imparts or another word is speaks and interprets or explains them to those who are spiritual. [00:54:05]

Paul says each of us know our own mind and we know our own thoughts we might even ask the question of God what is God thinking what is God desiring for this moment what is he planning what is what is he doing and Paul says we have the spirit who is from God the one who searches and comprehends God's thoughts 100%. The spirit knows all that God knows, and you and I were given God's spirit so that we might understand God and all he has given. [00:56:27]

Everything that God knows, we can know. We have the ability to know. It is possible, not always revealed to us. [00:57:23]

When I don't understand something in my life, I can go straight to God and I can ask him. The Bible says that he knows our need before we even ask. What a God. [00:57:36]

We have the mind of Christ. Those who are in Christ, those who have been saved, to place their faith in him, we have his mind. [00:58:54]

All that God knows, we can know. All that Christ thinks, we can think. It's very important that we remember that this is all through the spirit. [01:00:32]

That's why Paul preached the cross because it is the great equalizer all of us are equal at the foot of the cross there is no one good no one holy no one who loved God first no one who was righteous in their own eyes and in their own effort none that's why Jesus had to die and to preach a different gospel than that is to empty the cross of its power to say that Jesus didn't need to die he didn't have to save me I was good enough myself. [01:03:37]

In Christ you have a testimony of God's goodness you are saved by the power of God you are given the wisdom and understanding of God through the spirit and you have the mind of Christ you now have the ability to overcome sin in your life to share the gospel boldly to forgive those who hate you and persecute you and have hurt you badly to love those who are unlovely in your eyes to think and have godly humility and understand the times just like someone like Daniel in the Old Testament because of God's spirit that lives in you this you share in common with every believer every believer this church and every church where they proclaim the gospel we have unity in the spirit that only comes from God. [01:04:24]

There are people around you and I who are waiting for us to just tell them about Jesus as best as we can. We need to change the way we think about Boulder, Colorado, about our neighbors, about this nation. We need God to help us see people the way he does. [01:10:47]

There are things in our lives right now that need to change. There are things we need to ask God to help us by his spirit and with his mind to do. [01:11:06]

If you've never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, if you've never believed on him, it's really simple. The Bible says anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved. You just need to call out. You need to cry out. You need to confess your sin before the Lord, that he is a holy God and that you are not and that you have a need for him. You can do that this morning. [01:12:14]

For those of you that are filled with hate in your life for others, maybe other believers, maybe other people around you that you absolutely cannot stand, you need to ask God to give you a heart for them and the way to do that is to pray for them. Take them into the presence of the Lord and you'll take yourself as well and God will change you. Ask God to give you his mind and his spirit to love yourself, to love others, to love him. [01:12:33]

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