Expecting God's Power Through Prayer and the Holy Spirit

 

Summary

In today's gathering, we explored the profound narrative of Acts chapter 12, where Peter's miraculous escape from prison serves as a powerful reminder of God's intervention and the role of prayer in our lives. As Peter was held captive, the church fervently prayed for his release, yet when he appeared at their door, they were caught off guard by the reality of their answered prayers. This story challenges us to not only pray but to expect God to move in our lives, to open the doors we have been knocking on, and to step out in faith when He does.

We delved into the nature and work of the Holy Spirit, emphasizing that He is not a mystical force or an abstract concept but a person who desires a relationship with us. The Holy Spirit is the breath of God, bringing life, order, and abundance into our lives. He is the helper, the enabler, and the one who empowers us to live holy and abundant lives. We are reminded that the Holy Spirit is sensitive and can be grieved or quenched by our actions, urging us to live in a way that honors His presence within us.

The sermon also addressed the current trend of deconstructing faith, particularly among young adults. While questioning and seeking understanding can lead to a stronger foundation, it is crucial that we reconstruct our faith on the infallible Word of God. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this process, guiding us into all truth and empowering us to live out our faith authentically.

As we concluded, we were invited to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, to allow Him to work in and through us, and to expect the supernatural in our lives. Whether it's breaking free from spiritual strongholds, experiencing healing, or witnessing miracles, the Holy Spirit is ready to move if we are willing to welcome Him and step out in faith.

Key Takeaways:

- Expectant Prayer: Like the early church praying for Peter, we must not only pray but also expect God to answer. Our faith should be active, ready to open the door when God moves in our lives. [14:47]

- Understanding the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not a mystical force but a person who desires a relationship with us. He is the breath of God, bringing life and abundance. We must seek to know Him intimately. [01:01:27]

- Deconstructing and Reconstructing Faith: While questioning our faith can lead to growth, it is vital to reconstruct it on the Word of God. The Holy Spirit guides us into truth, helping us build a strong foundation. [56:49]

- Living in Holiness: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy lives. We must be careful not to grieve or quench Him by our actions, but instead, live in a way that honors His presence within us. [01:21:11]

- Welcoming the Supernatural: We are encouraged to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us. By stepping out in faith, we can witness the supernatural and experience God's power in our lives. [01:37:12]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:45] - Opening Remarks and Prayer
- [02:30] - The Story of Peter's Imprisonment
- [05:15] - The Power of Expectant Prayer
- [10:00] - Encouragement to Open the Door
- [14:47] - Peter's Miraculous Escape
- [20:00] - The Nature of the Holy Spirit
- [25:30] - Deconstructing and Reconstructing Faith
- [30:00] - The Role of the Holy Spirit in Our Lives
- [35:33] - Spiritual Strongholds and Breakthrough
- [40:00] - Living in Holiness
- [45:00] - Welcoming the Supernatural
- [50:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation
- [55:00] - Final Blessing and Dismissal

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Acts 12:1-17
- John 15:26
- Ephesians 4:30

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Observation Questions:

1. In Acts 12, what was the church's reaction when Peter appeared at the door after his miraculous escape from prison? How does this reflect their level of expectation in prayer? [14:47]

2. According to the sermon, how is the Holy Spirit described in terms of His nature and role in our lives? [01:01:27]

3. What does the sermon suggest about the current trend of deconstructing faith, especially among young adults? How does it propose we should reconstruct our faith? [56:49]

4. How does the sermon describe the potential impact of quenching or grieving the Holy Spirit in our lives? [01:21:11]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. How does the story of Peter's escape challenge our understanding of expectant prayer? What does it mean to pray with expectation, and how might this change our approach to prayer? [14:47]

2. The sermon emphasizes the Holy Spirit as a person who desires a relationship with us. How does this understanding affect the way we interact with the Holy Spirit in our daily lives? [01:01:27]

3. In what ways can questioning and deconstructing faith lead to a stronger foundation, and how can the Holy Spirit guide us in reconstructing our faith on the Word of God? [56:49]

4. What are some practical ways we can avoid grieving or quenching the Holy Spirit, and how does this relate to living a holy life? [01:21:11]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a time when you prayed for something but were surprised when it was answered. How can you cultivate a mindset of expectant prayer in your current prayer life? [14:47]

2. The sermon describes the Holy Spirit as sensitive and capable of being grieved. Are there specific actions or attitudes in your life that might be grieving the Holy Spirit? How can you address these? [01:21:11]

3. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding you into all truth. How can you be more intentional about seeking His guidance in your daily decisions and faith journey? [01:01:27]

4. The sermon discusses the importance of reconstructing faith on the Word of God. What steps can you take to ensure your faith is grounded in Scripture, especially when faced with doubts or questions? [56:49]

5. How can you open your heart more fully to the Holy Spirit and welcome His supernatural work in your life? What specific areas of your life need His intervention and empowerment? [01:37:12]

6. Identify a spiritual stronghold or challenge you are currently facing. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you break free from it and experience breakthrough? [35:33]

7. The sermon encourages living in holiness. What practical changes can you make in your daily life to honor the Holy Spirit's presence within you and live a life that reflects His holiness? [01:21:11]

Devotional

Day 1: Expectant Faith in Prayer
In Acts chapter 12, the early church fervently prayed for Peter's release from prison, demonstrating the power of expectant prayer. Despite their earnest prayers, they were surprised when Peter appeared at their door, highlighting a common human tendency to doubt even as we pray. This narrative encourages believers to not only pray but to actively expect God to answer, cultivating a faith that is ready to embrace His interventions. When we pray with expectancy, we align our hearts with God's will, opening ourselves to the miraculous ways He can work in our lives. [14:47]

Acts 12:5-7 (ESV): "So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church. Now when Herod was about to bring him out, on that very night, Peter was sleeping between two soldiers, bound with two chains, and sentries before the door were guarding the prison. And behold, an angel of the Lord stood next to him, and a light shone in the cell. He struck Peter on the side and woke him, saying, 'Get up quickly.' And the chains fell off his hands."

Reflection: Think of a specific situation where you need God's intervention. How can you pray with expectancy and prepare your heart to recognize and embrace His answer?


Day 2: Knowing the Holy Spirit Personally
The Holy Spirit is not an abstract force but a personal being who desires a relationship with us. He is the breath of God, bringing life, order, and abundance into our lives. Understanding the Holy Spirit as a person who empowers and guides us is crucial for living a life that honors His presence. By seeking to know Him intimately, we open ourselves to His transformative work, allowing Him to lead us into a deeper understanding of God's truth and purpose for our lives. [01:01:27]

John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."

Reflection: Reflect on your current relationship with the Holy Spirit. What steps can you take today to deepen your understanding and connection with Him as a personal guide and helper?


Day 3: Reconstructing Faith on God's Word
In a time when many are deconstructing their faith, it is essential to reconstruct it on the infallible Word of God. Questioning and seeking understanding can lead to a stronger foundation, but it must be rooted in Scripture. The Holy Spirit plays a vital role in this process, guiding us into all truth and helping us build a faith that is authentic and resilient. By anchoring our beliefs in God's Word, we ensure that our faith can withstand the challenges and doubts that may arise. [56:49]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV): "All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work."

Reflection: Identify an area of your faith that you have questioned or struggled with. How can you seek guidance from the Holy Spirit and Scripture to reconstruct a solid foundation in this area?


Day 4: Living a Life that Honors the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live holy and abundant lives, but He is sensitive and can be grieved or quenched by our actions. Living in a way that honors His presence within us requires intentionality and awareness of how our choices impact our relationship with Him. By striving to live in holiness, we create an environment where the Holy Spirit can thrive, enabling us to experience the fullness of His power and guidance in our lives. [01:21:11]

Ephesians 4:30-32 (ESV): "And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."

Reflection: Consider your daily actions and attitudes. What specific changes can you make to ensure you are living in a way that honors the Holy Spirit's presence in your life?


Day 5: Embracing the Supernatural Work of the Holy Spirit
We are encouraged to open our hearts to the Holy Spirit, allowing Him to work in and through us. By stepping out in faith, we can witness the supernatural and experience God's power in our lives. Whether it's breaking free from spiritual strongholds, experiencing healing, or witnessing miracles, the Holy Spirit is ready to move if we are willing to welcome Him. Embracing the supernatural requires a willingness to trust in God's power and to act in faith, even when the path is uncertain. [01:37:12]

1 Corinthians 2:9-10 (ESV): "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: Think of an area in your life where you desire to see God's supernatural work. How can you step out in faith today to invite the Holy Spirit to move in that situation?

Quotes

Peter thought he was having a dream, but when it came to him that it was reality that the angel of the Lord had spoken. And when he did, the chains fell off and all the gates began to open up and they began to walk by all of the guards unrestricted. [00:11:20] (16 seconds)


They were praying, but they were not expecting. So I wonder today, if you're ready to open the door and let God do what he wants to do in your life. You've been praying. Peter shows up at the door and he just wants to come on in. [00:14:47] (20 seconds)


But regardless of what you have or have not gone through, doesn't change the fact that he's still Jehovah Jireh, that he's still Jehovah Shalom, that he's still El Shaddai, that he's still the almighty, all -powerful, all -knowing God. [00:35:56] (21 seconds)


Because the word of God says that by faith, when we speak to the mountain, it shall be cast thou into the... So when I sing that song, I sing it this way, Jay. How dare you... mountain hold back what God wants to do in my life. [00:37:11] (17 seconds)


The Holy Spirit is not a message, although he comes to reveal messages from heaven. The Holy Spirit is not a thought, although he is soft and tender towards us like a dove. The Holy Spirit is not the wind, although he moves like the wind, unseen but making visible manifestations on physical, emotional, and spiritual environments. [01:02:08] (23 seconds)


The results of what I had said are often dead church services, carnal Christianity, powerlessness, countless prayers, jealousy of others, generational curses in the home, family deterioration, broken relationships, increasing addictions, and mental health crisis abounding and the more. [01:10:32] (30 seconds)


To grieve the Holy Spirit is to displease, resist, and sadden God. Ephesians 4 and 30. To quench the Holy Spirit is to extinguish, to resist, or snuff out, or to cut off the source of the power. That's what? That's what happens in church too often. [01:21:25] (15 seconds)


If you're here today, I'm not asking you if you're lost. I'm not asking if you're in vile sin. I'm just saying if the Holy Spirit's not working in your life, and you're not drinking from the fountain of life, and you're not eating from the bread of life, the manna, the table of the Lord, can I invite you today? [01:43:59] (21 seconds)


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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?