Power as Grace: A Godly Perspective on Influence
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the concept of power and how it can be viewed from different perspectives. Reflecting on a personal anecdote about my six-year-old son's admiration for Spider-Man, we delved into the human yearning for power and the ability to do good. The world often views power in two ways: as a goal to be pursued relentlessly or as inherently corrupt and evil. However, God's perspective on power is different. Power, from God's viewpoint, is a means of grace—an avenue through which His unmerited goodness can be conveyed to others.
We discussed how the church, as the world's primary means of grace, should wield power to bring God's goodness to everyone, regardless of their faith. James, in his letter, calls Christians to a high level of personal godliness, emphasizing that our godliness can positively impact the world. We examined the context of James' writing, where wealth equated to power, and how this still holds true today. James acknowledges that individuals will experience both power and powerlessness in different areas of their lives.
We then looked at three tips from James on how to handle power in a godly manner. First, it's not bad to desire power, but obsessing over it can ruin us. Second, justice is a form of grace, and we must pursue it by maintaining high personal godliness. Lastly, when we fail, we should grieve, repent, and move forward. We concluded with a practical power assessment tool to help us recognize and use our influence effectively, encouraging us to be like Spider-Man in our own lives, using our power to bring grace and goodness to others.
### Key Takeaways
1. Yearning for Power and Doing Good: The human desire for power, akin to a child's admiration for superheroes, reflects our innate yearning to do good and make a difference. This desire doesn't diminish with age but transforms into a more complex form. Understanding this can help us channel our ambitions towards positive, godly actions. [35:41]
2. God's Perspective on Power: Unlike the world's view, which sees power either as a goal or as inherently corrupt, God's perspective is that power is a means of grace. This means that power should be used as an avenue to convey God's unmerited goodness to others, making it a tool for spreading His love and grace. [38:38]
3. Personal Godliness and Justice: James emphasizes that personal godliness is crucial for wielding power justly. High character and godliness protect us from abusing power and help us respond well in situations where we feel powerless. This personal godliness can lead to redemptive, just, and merciful actions, reflecting God's nature. [50:50]
4. Handling Failure with Grace: When we fail to handle power well, James advises us to grieve, repent, and move forward. This process involves humbly acknowledging our failures, grieving our sins, and choosing to see the world from God's perspective. Repentance is essential for aligning our actions with God's will and spreading His goodness. [58:58]
5. Practical Application of Power: Using a power assessment tool can help us recognize and harness our influence in various areas of our lives. By identifying what needs to be encouraged, fixed, or created, and understanding our skills, relationships, and platforms, we can effectively use our power to make a positive impact, much like Spider-Man. [01:00:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[35:41] - The World's View on Power
[37:09] - Power as Evil
[38:38] - God's Perspective on Power
[40:20] - The Church as a Means of Grace
[41:56] - James on Rich and Poor
[43:25] - Experiencing Power and Powerlessness
[45:00] - Tips for Handling Power
[46:28] - Ambition and Faith
[48:00] - Lust for Power
[49:42] - Justice as Grace
[50:50] - Personal Godliness
[52:17] - Neglecting Godly Character
[55:15] - Pursuing Justice
[57:18] - Handling Failure
[58:58] - Path to Repentance
[01:00:33] - Power Assessment Tool
[01:06:33] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. James 4:1-10
2. James 5:1-6
#### Observation Questions
1. According to James 4:1-3, what causes quarrels and fights among people? How does this relate to the desire for power? [46:28]
2. In James 5:1-6, what warnings does James give to the rich? How does this passage reflect the misuse of power? [53:46]
3. How does James describe the relationship between personal godliness and the pursuit of justice in James 4:4-10? [50:50]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the world's two perspectives on power? How do these perspectives differ from God's view? [37:09]
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the desire for power, as described in James 4:1-3, lead to negative behaviors and outcomes? What does this reveal about human nature? [46:28]
2. James 5:1-6 speaks harshly against the rich who misuse their power. How can this passage be applied to modern contexts where power and wealth are often intertwined? [53:46]
3. The sermon mentions that justice is a form of grace. How does personal godliness contribute to the pursuit of justice according to James 4:4-10? [50:50]
4. Reflecting on the sermon, how can the church act as a means of grace in a world that often views power as either a goal or inherently corrupt? [38:38]
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you desired power or influence. How did this desire impact your actions and relationships? How can you align your ambitions with godly principles? [46:28]
2. James 5:1-6 warns against the misuse of wealth and power. Are there areas in your life where you might be misusing your influence? How can you correct this? [53:46]
3. The sermon suggests using a power assessment tool to recognize and harness your influence. What areas of your life could benefit from this assessment, and what steps can you take to use your power for good? [01:00:33]
4. When you experience powerlessness, how do you typically respond? How can you adopt a more godly approach in these situations, reflecting Jesus' example of grace and humility? [50:50]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of grieving and repenting when we fail to handle power well. Can you identify a recent failure in this area? What steps will you take to grieve, repent, and move forward? [58:58]
6. Think about your current spheres of influence (work, family, community). How can you use your power to bring unmerited goodness and grace to those around you, much like Spider-Man? [01:04:48]
7. The sermon mentions the church's role as a means of grace. How can your small group collectively act to bring God's goodness to your community, especially to those who may reject the church? [40:20]
Devotional
Day 1: Yearning for Power and Doing Good
The human desire for power, akin to a child's admiration for superheroes, reflects our innate yearning to do good and make a difference. This desire doesn't diminish with age but transforms into a more complex form. Understanding this can help us channel our ambitions towards positive, godly actions. [35:41]
As we grow older, our childhood dreams of being superheroes may fade, but the underlying desire to make a positive impact remains. This yearning for power is not inherently bad; it is a reflection of our God-given potential to influence the world for good. However, it is crucial to recognize that this power should be channeled towards godly actions and not self-serving ambitions. By aligning our desires with God's will, we can use our influence to bring about positive change and reflect His love and grace to those around us.
Consider how you can use your unique gifts and talents to serve others and make a difference in your community. Whether it's through acts of kindness, volunteering, or simply being a source of encouragement, your actions can have a profound impact. Remember, the power to do good is not limited to grand gestures; even small acts of love and compassion can make a significant difference in someone's life.
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen."
Reflection: Think of one specific way you can use your unique gifts to serve someone in your community today. How can you channel your desire to make a difference into a godly action?
Day 2: God's Perspective on Power
Unlike the world's view, which sees power either as a goal or as inherently corrupt, God's perspective is that power is a means of grace. This means that power should be used as an avenue to convey God's unmerited goodness to others, making it a tool for spreading His love and grace. [38:38]
The world often views power through a lens of ambition and corruption, seeing it either as a goal to be relentlessly pursued or as something inherently evil. However, from God's perspective, power is a means of grace—a tool to convey His unmerited goodness to others. This divine viewpoint transforms our understanding of power, encouraging us to use it not for personal gain but as a way to spread God's love and grace.
When we wield power with a godly mindset, we become conduits of His grace, bringing hope, healing, and encouragement to those around us. This perspective challenges us to rethink our ambitions and align them with God's purposes. Instead of seeking power for selfish reasons, we are called to use our influence to uplift others and reflect God's character in our actions.
2 Corinthians 12:9 (ESV): "But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me."
Reflection: Reflect on an area of your life where you have influence. How can you use this influence to convey God's grace and goodness to others today?
Day 3: Personal Godliness and Justice
James emphasizes that personal godliness is crucial for wielding power justly. High character and godliness protect us from abusing power and help us respond well in situations where we feel powerless. This personal godliness can lead to redemptive, just, and merciful actions, reflecting God's nature. [50:50]
James, in his letter, underscores the importance of personal godliness as a foundation for wielding power justly. High character and godliness act as safeguards against the abuse of power, ensuring that our actions align with God's will. When we cultivate personal godliness, we are better equipped to respond with grace and wisdom, even in situations where we feel powerless.
This emphasis on godliness calls us to a higher standard of living, one that reflects God's nature in our actions. By pursuing personal godliness, we can engage in redemptive, just, and merciful actions that bring about positive change in the world. Our commitment to godliness not only impacts our own lives but also serves as a testimony to others of God's transformative power.
Micah 6:8 (ESV): "He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?"
Reflection: Consider an area of your life where you have the opportunity to exercise power. How can you ensure that your actions in this area reflect personal godliness and justice?
Day 4: Handling Failure with Grace
When we fail to handle power well, James advises us to grieve, repent, and move forward. This process involves humbly acknowledging our failures, grieving our sins, and choosing to see the world from God's perspective. Repentance is essential for aligning our actions with God's will and spreading His goodness. [58:58]
Failure is an inevitable part of life, and how we handle it can significantly impact our spiritual growth. James advises that when we fail to handle power well, we should grieve, repent, and move forward. This process begins with humbly acknowledging our failures and grieving our sins, recognizing the ways in which we have fallen short of God's standards.
Repentance is a crucial step in this journey, as it involves turning away from our sinful actions and choosing to see the world from God's perspective. By aligning our actions with God's will, we can experience His forgiveness and grace, allowing us to move forward with renewed purpose. This process of handling failure with grace not only restores our relationship with God but also empowers us to spread His goodness to others.
Psalm 51:17 (ESV): "The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise."
Reflection: Think of a recent failure in your life. How can you humbly acknowledge this failure, grieve your sin, and seek God's perspective to move forward with grace?
Day 5: Practical Application of Power
Using a power assessment tool can help us recognize and harness our influence in various areas of our lives. By identifying what needs to be encouraged, fixed, or created, and understanding our skills, relationships, and platforms, we can effectively use our power to make a positive impact, much like Spider-Man. [01:00:33]
Recognizing and harnessing our influence is essential for making a positive impact in the world. A practical power assessment tool can help us identify areas where we can encourage, fix, or create positive change. By understanding our unique skills, relationships, and platforms, we can strategically use our power to bring about God's goodness in various aspects of our lives.
This approach encourages us to be intentional about how we use our influence, much like Spider-Man, who uses his powers for the greater good. By assessing our areas of influence and taking deliberate actions, we can make a meaningful difference in our communities and beyond. This practical application of power aligns with God's call for us to be stewards of His grace, using our abilities to serve others and reflect His love.
Romans 12:6-8 (ESV): "Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness."
Reflection: Take a moment to assess your areas of influence. What specific actions can you take today to encourage, fix, or create positive change in these areas? How can you use your unique skills and relationships to make a meaningful impact?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "We yearn to have the power to do good, to make a change, to be able to do something. Spider-Man has this saying, you know, with great power comes great responsibility. Today we're going to talk about power and power is just the capacity to influence others or events." [35:41] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The world's kind of got these two viewpoints that power's the goal or it's evil and we should stay away from it. So what's God's perspective? How does God view power? Well, God's perspective is that power is a means of grace." [38:38] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Power is a means of grace means that how we wield our power that we have in this life, the influence that we have ought to bring unmerited experience of God's goodness to every single person around us, whether they're part of the church or not." [40:20] (18 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "A desire for power is not bad, but when the desire for power overshadows everything else in your life, it's pretty much assured that any power that you do obtain you will abuse it in some way. So instead of obsessing over the accumulation of power, let's put it in its proper place as a means of grace." [49:42] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Imagine what you could do if you decided to use your power, the influence you have in your life, to bring grace to other people, to recognize and harness your influence to bring goodness to the lives of those. Imagine what you could do if you just decided to be Spider-Man." [01:04:48] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "James calls Christians to personal godliness to a high level of personal godliness but he's writing to the church as a whole. He addresses it to all Christians the church collectively because the church when the church is holding itself personally to high level of godliness he's saying that if we're going to be affected by the miracles of godliness then the entire world is going to be affected by that." [40:20] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "James recognizes that individuals that he's writing to because he's writing to Christians individuals that he's writing to are going to experience both power and powerlessness. They will have power in some instances and they will not and others." [41:56] (14 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "When one is godly, those who have power and are godly, they're going to wield the power that they have in redemptive, just, and merciful ways, just as God the Father in His complete, powerful existence, who has sought to save us from the evil of God. Sovereignty over all things, He acts for all people for their good." [52:17] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "If you have power in your life, in any area of life, at work, at home, with friends, online, with our culture, if you hold power over others, you better be honoring them in just and merciful and gracious, godly ways. Pursuing justice so that all people may have unmerited experiences of God's goodness, whether they're part of our church or not, even if it's not really necessarily your problem." [55:15] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Failing doesn't disqualify you from God's grace, but it also doesn't give you a free pass. Just ignore it. Here in chapter four, in these verses, we see a path toward repentance. And repentance is the only way, the way that we can have godly action in our life. It's only through repentance, which is turning away from those bad actions and going toward godly actions." [58:58] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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