Becoming Powerful
Series: Becoming….Transformed into His Image
Scripture: Philippians 2:13; Matthew 3:11-12; Acts 1:4-8; Romans 8:11

The __________________ life is one that ____________ on and ______________ into Spirit of God.
• Philippians 2:13
• The Spirit gives us two abilities:
• The ____________ to ______ what God has called you to do.
• The ________________ to act to ______________ the calling.
• Through the Holy Spirit, God works within us, ____________ our desires, ______________ our minds, and _____________ us to walk in His ways.
• Matthew 3:11-12
• Jesus comes to _____________ what is ___________ from what is not.

Baptism of the Holy Spirit brought three blessings to every waiting disciple (Acts 1:4-8):
• The personal _____________ ________________ of the Holy Spirit.
• hagios (hag-ee-os) - be dedicated or consecrated to the service of God
• 2 Corinthians 6:16
• The fire of the Spirit _______________ our hearts and ____________.
• It ___________________ them to _________________ the glory of God.

Our identity is not in our _________, it’s that we are ______________ of God and Christlike _____________ filled with the Holy Spirit!
• Romans 8:11

Start talking:
• Have you ever crammed for a test? How much of the information did you actually remember afterward?
• What’s a skill you’ve learned that required ongoing practice rather than a one-time effort?
• Why do you think people often try to change through willpower alone?

Start Thinking:
• Why is self-discipline alone insufficient for becoming a Christlike?
• According to Philippians 2:13, what two things does God provide for believers?
• What was the problem with the Old Covenant, and how does the New Covenant address it?
• What does it mean that God writes His law on our hearts?
• How does the imagery of the winnowing fork and fire help us understand the work of the Holy Spirit?
• What are some of the blessings that come through the baptism of the Holy Spirit?
• Why was heart purification more important than miraculous signs in Peter’s understanding of the Spirit’s work?
• What does it mean to live from your identity as a child of God rather than as a slave to sin?

Start Sharing:
• Have you ever experienced a time when you relied on your own strength and ended up frustrated?
• Where have you seen the Holy Spirit helping you grow or change?
• Is there an area of your life where you need to trust the Spirit's power more fully?
• What tends to keep you focused on your failures instead of God’s victory?
• How does knowing that the Holy Spirit lives within you change the way you view yourself?

Start Praying:
• Thank God for giving you the Holy Spirit as your Helper and Advocate.
• Ask the Holy Spirit to purify your heart and strengthen you to live victoriously.
• Pray for boldness to live and share your faith.

Start Doing:
• Begin each day this week by asking the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you.
• When faced with temptation or difficulty, pause and consciously rely on the Spirit instead of your own strength.
• Identify one area where you need victory and intentionally trust God's power to work in that area this week.