Isaiah 6:1-8, Matthew 20:26-28, Galatians 5:13

1. Getting to the wilderness

We are driven by the Spirit into the wilderness by:

A major life transition

Trauma or personal crisis

Moral struggle

Si Smiths video shown in sermon, youtube.com/watch?v=O5bfxGNMY9c

2. In the wilderness, we encounter a deep lesson on authentic lament.

Lament is a form of praise

Lament guides us in tenderness with God

Attachment Theories

Secure Attachment

Anxious-avoidant attachment

Anxious ambivalent attachment

3. Victory in the Wilderness

Discussion Questions

1. Share a time that you were in the wilderness. Were you led or driven?

2. How did your circumstances affect your relationship with God?

3. What is your experience with lament?

4. Read through a selection of laments from the Psalms (Psalm 3, 4, 13, 12, 22, 44, and Psalm 74). Use them for guidance to write your own personal lament.

5. What are your go-to verses to combat the devils attacks?

6. How do you see the devil affecting leaders? Devote time to pray for global leaders.

7. Why is todays story especially applicable to you?

Empowered: The Journey of Living in the Spirit Drink. Be Filled. Repeat.

John 7:37-39 & Ephesians 5:15-20

How Do We Drink?

Hebrews 10:22-25

We draw near to God with sincerity and with faith that He hears us.

We get our hearts and bodies washed up regularly with confession and forgiveness.

We hold on to hope in Gods faithfulness even when life looks hopeless.

We thoughtfully encourage one another towards love and good deeds.

We keep meeting together for prayer and the study of Gods Word.

Philippians 4:8-9

Meditate and focus on things that are true, pure and right.

Watch other mature believers and imitate the actions that reflect the life and heart of Jesus

What Does It Mean To Be Filled?

Ephesians 5:15-20

As wine influences a persons perception in many ways, live under the influence of Holy Spirit.

Under the influence of Holy Spirit, we will receive the wisdom we need to address the tension and evil of our days.

Under the influence of Holy Spirit, we will understand the will of God.

UndertheinfluenceofHolySpirit,wewillbeledtoapplyScriptureandsongs with regularity in our lives.

Have you ever sensed a nudging from Holy Spirit to do something, like calling a person out of the blue, or writing an encouraging note? Share your experience with a friend.

Have you ever experienced a moment where you felt divine protection, peace, provision, or a boldness to do something unusual? Did you recognize that to be the work of Holy Spirit in your life?

Is there a way that you want to draw closer to God in obedience and experience Holy Spirit more frequently in your life? Express your hearts desire in prayer to God.

Ephesians 1:13-14; Acts 2:38-39; Romans 8:9-11

Terry Okken is Ordinated today

We launch our new series entitled Empowered: The Journey of Living in the Spirit, with an Epiphany sermon. We will discover how the same Spirit that guided the Three Wise Men continues to guide us today to glorify the Lord Jesus.

Used politically, the term Father expresses the power of a leader to give life, sustain life, and guide the life of a nation into the future. Christ and his Kingdom is the fulfillment of the divine title Everlasting Father. Colossians 1:13-20

The foundational source of this Fatherhood and all its implications is based on the nature of God. God is love; 1 John 4:7-16.

Questions for Reflection

How would you rate yourself as an employee of the Kingdom? Do people encounter the peace, justice, and righteousness of Christ in you?

What is one or two words you would use to describe your experience of God as father? Ask the Holy Spirit if he would like to communicate another aspect of the fatherhood of God in your life.

Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV

Isaiah 9:2-7 ESV

He Will Be Called... Mighty God