Walking in the Power of the Holy Spirit
In Pastor Ruth Mehring’s sermon titled P C W delivered on March 30, 2025, at Lighthouse Church, the focus was on the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers. The sermon explores the themes of power, creativity, and wisdom imparted by the Holy Spirit to enable Christians to live out their divine calling.
The Power of the Holy Spirit
The sermon begins with a reflection on the power that the Holy Spirit provides to believers. Pastor Mehring references Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit empowers us not just in words, but in action. This power is likened to the same mighty force that resurrected Jesus from the dead, as mentioned in Philippians 3:10. She challenges the congregation to consider whether they are truly walking in this power or merely talking about it.
Creativity Through the Holy Spirit
Pastor Mehring then transitions to the theme of creativity, highlighting that the Holy Spirit is a creative force that enables believers to accomplish tasks beyond their natural abilities. She references the creation account in Genesis 1, where the Spirit of God brooded over the waters, bringing forth life and order. This creativity is not limited to artistic endeavors but extends to all areas of life, including problem-solving and innovation.
Biblical Example: The Tabernacle Craftsman
A key illustration of divine creativity is found in Exodus 31:1-5, where God fills Bezalel with the Spirit to construct the Tabernacle. Pastor Mehring emphasizes that Bezalel was not a priest or king but a craftsman, yet God equipped him with wisdom and skill through the Holy Spirit. This example serves as a reminder that God can use anyone, regardless of their background, to fulfill His purposes.
Wisdom from the Holy Spirit
The final theme of wisdom is explored through the lens of the Holy Spirit's guidance. Pastor Mehring cites 1 Corinthians 4:20 to illustrate that the kingdom of God is not just about talk but living by God’s power. She encourages believers to seek the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in all areas of life, referencing 2 Corinthians 12:9 and Philippians 4:13, which assure believers of God’s strength in their weaknesses.
Application for Believers
Pastor Mehring concludes by urging the congregation to actively partner with the Holy Spirit. She encourages them to invite the Holy Spirit to brood over their lives, awakening creativity, wisdom, and power. The sermon challenges believers to move beyond their limitations and embrace the supernatural abilities that the Holy Spirit provides, as underscored in 2 Peter 1:3.
Study Guide: Power, Creativity, and Wisdom (P C W)
Reading
- Luke 24:49
- Acts 1:8
- Philippians 3:10
- Ephesians 1:19-20
- 1 Corinthians 4:20
- Genesis 1:1-2
- Exodus 31:1-5
- 2 Corinthians 12:9
- Philippians 4:13
- 2 Peter 1:3
Warm Up
Reflect on a time when you felt empowered to accomplish something beyond your usual capacity. What was the experience like?
How do you currently perceive the role of the Holy Spirit in your daily life?
Scripture Exploration
What does Luke 24:49 and Acts 1:8 say about the purpose of receiving power from the Holy Spirit?
In Genesis 1:1-2, how is the Holy Spirit depicted during creation? What can this tell us about His nature?
How does Exodus 31:1-5 illustrate the Holy Spirit’s role in empowering individuals for specific tasks?
Personal Reflection
Philippians 3:10 speaks of knowing Christ and the power of His resurrection. How does this understanding influence your faith journey?
Consider 1 Corinthians 4:20. How does living by God's power differ from mere talk in your spiritual life?
Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:9. How does recognizing your weaknesses allow God’s strength to manifest in your life?
Personal Application
How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in areas where you feel weak or inadequate?
Think of a community need or issue. How might the Holy Spirit inspire creative solutions through you?
Identify one action step you can take this week to rely more on the Holy Spirit’s wisdom in your decision-making.
Plan a way to share the message of God’s power, creativity, and wisdom with someone in your community. What approach will you take?
This guide is designed to deepen your understanding of the sermon's themes and help you apply its principles to your life. Reflect on each question thoughtfully and consider how you can integrate these insights into your daily walk with God.
Discussion Questions for Small Groups
Icebreaker: Share a recent moment where you felt empowered or inspired in your daily life.
Understanding Power: Pastor Ruth Mehring emphasized the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Reflect on Acts 1:8 and Luke 24:49. How does the promise of receiving power from the Holy Spirit challenge or encourage you in your current spiritual journey?
Walking in Power: The sermon highlighted the importance of living by God's power rather than just talking about it, as seen in 1 Corinthians 4:20. How can we shift from "a lot of talk" to "living by God's power" in our personal lives and as a church community?
Creative Partnership with God: Discuss how the Holy Spirit's role as a creative force in Genesis 1 and Exodus 31 can inspire us to seek creative solutions in our own lives. What areas in your life or work do you feel prompted to invite the Holy Spirit's creativity?
Overcoming Weaknesses: Reflect on 2 Corinthians 12:9, where God's strength is made perfect in our weakness. How can embracing our weaknesses lead to experiencing more of God's power and grace?
Practical Application: What are some practical steps you can take this week to invite the Holy Spirit's power, creativity, and wisdom into your daily routine? Consider areas like work, relationships, or personal challenges.
Community Impact: The sermon calls us to be "walking answers" in our community. How can our small group collectively respond to this call? What initiatives or acts of service can we undertake to demonstrate the power of the Holy Spirit in our community?
Personal Reflection: How does the sermon's message about the Holy Spirit's presence and power resonate with your personal faith journey? Share any insights or new perspectives you gained from the sermon.
