Power and Authority

Published July 16, 2026
Power and Authority

Main Idea: There is more Available.

Are we willing to step out of the comfortable version of Christianity we have settled for and step into the fullness of what Jesus has made available through the power of the Holy Spirit?

Following Jesus was never meant to be limited to simply attending church, believing the right things, or staying comfortable. Jesus invites us into a life where His Spirit empowers us to carry His message and ministry into every area of our lives. The same Spirit that empowered the early church is available to us today—not just for pastors or ministry leaders, but for every follower of Jesus.

The invitation is simple: step out of the kiddie pool and discover the deeper waters of life with God.

Scripture Focus: Acts 1:8

“But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

Key Observations

  • The Spirit Gives Us Power for a Purpose

    Jesus promised the disciples they would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. The Greek word for power, dunamis, speaks of an ability beyond what we can accomplish on our own. But the Spirit’s power is not given simply for personal experience. It is given so we can become witnesses—people who display the reality of Jesus and His Kingdom everywhere we go. The Spirit empowers us to carry the message and ministry of Jesus.

  • Jesus Invites Us Into His Ministry

    Jesus did not just come to save people from sin; He came to reveal what life looks like when God’s Kingdom is present. Jesus preached the Kingdom of God, healed the sick, and brought freedom to people who were hurting. Then He invited His disciples to participate in that same mission. The Kingdom of God is not reserved for pastors, missionaries, or “spiritual” people. Everyone gets to participate.

  • Authority Comes From Identity

    Jesus began His ministry by first receiving His identity from the Father. Before Jesus performed miracles, preached sermons, or changed lives, the Father declared: “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 Our ministry flows from who we are in Christ—not from trying to earn our worth. We do not serve, love, or step out in faith to become valuable. We do those things because we already know we are loved and chosen by God.

  • Intimacy With God Expands Our Capacity

    Spiritual fruit is a result of spiritual intimacy. The goal is not simply learning techniques to see God move. The goal is to grow deeper in a relationship with Jesus. As we spend time with Him, our love for Him grows. As our love grows, our willingness to trust Him grows. The closer we are to the Source, the more we can carry out what He wants to do through us.

  • Faith Requires Risk

    Faith is not just believing something is true. Faith is acting on what we believe. A chair does not demonstrate its ability to hold us until we actually sit down. In the same way, faith grows when we step out and create opportunities for God to move. We are not responsible for the outcome. We are responsible for obedience.

Group Discussion

Addressing Traps and Gaps

  • The Comfort Trap

    Many of us can settle into a comfortable version of Christianity where we believe in Jesus but rarely need Him to move through us. Where do you find yourself most tempted to stay in the “kiddie pool” of faith instead of stepping into deeper waters?

  • The Identity Gap

    It is difficult to walk in spiritual authority when we have a distorted view of who God says we are. What identities or labels have you carried that do not line up with what God says about you?

  • The Fear Gap

    Stepping out in faith means there is always a risk that things may not go the way we expect. What fears keep you from taking spiritual risks or following where God is leading you?

Growing in Authority and Power

  • Rooted in Identity

    Jesus received His identity before He began His ministry. How would your life change if you truly believed you are loved, chosen, and adopted by God? How does united giving act as a mission to display God's sufficiency to a skeptical world?

  • Expanded Through Intimacy

    Our ability to walk in God’s power grows as our relationship with Him deepens. What practices help you grow closer to Jesus? What is one area where you could create more space for Him?

  • Unleashed Through Faith

    Faith grows when we take steps of obedience. What is one area of your everyday life where you sense God inviting you to take a step of faith?

Application: Ask. Wait. Obey

  • Ask: Invite the Holy Spirit to move in your life. Ask God to show you what is possible through Him.
  • Wait: Stay patient and continue seeking God. Spiritual growth often happens through persistence.
  • Obey: Respond when God gives direction. Take the step He puts in front of you.

The Christian life was never meant to be lived from a distance. God has invited us into partnership with Him.

Prayer Focus

  • A Hunger for More

    Ask God to increase your desire for His presence and help you move beyond a comfortable faith.A Revolution of Thanksgiving: Pray that our collective generosity would result in a vertical response of praise and thanksgiving to God from our community.

  • A True Identity

    Pray that God would replace false identities with the truth of who He says you are.

  • Courage to Step Out

    Ask the Holy Spirit for boldness to take risks and trust Him in everyday moments.

  • A Spirit-Empowered Church

    Pray that Waymaker would be a church marked by the power, presence, and activity of God.

Response Challenge

  • This week, practice Ask, Wait, Obey.

    Ask the Holy Spirit:
    “God, what are You inviting me into?”
    Create space to listen. Then take the next step He puts in front of you.
    Whether it is praying for someone, serving someone, joining community, sharing your faith, or simply trusting God in a new area—step out of the kiddie pool and into all that Jesus has made available.