Forgotten God / week 7

1. If you could create the perfect church, what would it look like it? [How would it be run? How would people act, reach out, worship, pray, and so on?]

Now consider this question: Could the prefect church be accomplished through human talent and strength? Or would it require the power of the Holy Spirit? Why?

2. Consider your involvement in church life. In what ways do we tend to rely on natural talent as we strive to fulfill the church's mission?

>Watch the video for session 7 now on RightNow Media or YouTube.

3. Think about the tractor illustration. Do you see yourself/your church pushing or pulling the "tractor" an inch at a time? If so, in what ways?

Read 1 Corinthians 1:26-2:5

4. How does Paul describe human effort as compared to the power of God?

5. According to this passage, why is it so important to rely on the power of the Spirit? See [especially 2:5]

6. Think about the way you minister to the people around you. Can you say along with Paul , "My speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God" [1 Cor. 2:4-5]? Why or why not?

7. Have you ever witnessed a person manifesting the fruit of the Spirit to a supernatural degree? How did God show His power through that person?

8. What would it look like for you to cultivate a relationship with the Spirit, allowing Him to transform you, rather than simply trying harder on your own?

9. Have you ever walked away from a ministry opportunity because it would take you beyond your natural talents? In what areas would you need the Spirit to empower you in a situation like that?

10. Do you believe the Spirit would "come through" for you in that type of situation? Why or why not?

11. Allow yourself to dream for a minute. What would it look like if every Christian in your community fully submitted themselves to the Spirit's leading?

12. What practical steps can you take right now to pursue the Spirit and live in dependence on Him?

13. As we end this study, spend more time than usual in prayer. Pray that the Spirit would radically transform your life from the inside out. Pray that your life will never be the same.