Welcome to this Come to Jesus Daily devotional where we are in our Summer Inspiration series. This week we’ve been considering the example of Jonathan and his armour bearer. Today, we see how those who are truly filled with the Spirit, will do courageous acts of faith.
To watch this devotional, follow the link below:
‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind..’ (2 Timothy 1:7)
This week, as we’ve reflected on the courage of Jonathan and His armour bearer; if we are to seek to imitate their faith, it’s vital we remember that God wants to give us courageous faith by the empowering of His Holy Spirit.
In today’s text we read that Christians have the Spirit of God, and He ‘does not make us timid’. ‘Timidity’, (deilía) means to be fearful and cowardly. Rather, He fills us with ‘power’. ‘Power’ (dýnamis) is about a supernatural power and ability. Like those first disciples, after the death of Christ, were transformed from fear and cowardice into a courageous band of witnesses, so The Holy Spirit wants to transform us! We read of the courage of their group:
‘They had Peter and John brought before them and began to question them: “By what power or what name did you do this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them: “Rulers and elders of the people! If we are being called to account today for an act of kindness shown to a man who was lame and are being asked how he was healed, then know this, you and all the people of Israel: It is by the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified but whom God raised from the dead, that this man stands before you healed.’ (Acts 4:7-10)
Peter and John are transformed into courageous men of God by the power of the Holy Spirit. Whether it’s speaking for Christ, praying for the sick, or any act of faith, it’s only possible by the leading and empowering of God.
Any hero of faith that we read about in the Bible has their roots in the power of God. To act without dependence on the power of God is pride and self-sufficiency. If we are to be like Jonathan and his armour bearer, let’s pray for the empowering of The Holy Spirit, of whom we are told,
‘For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind..’ (2 Timothy 1:7)
Community group notes and study
1. Notices
It might be good to begin with notices. Please share from this week’s Church News.
2. Icebreaker
How has God been speaking to you from His Word this week and how has this helped you?
3. Worship together
Let’s begin our time together by lifting our eyes and hearts to worship our great God. Perhaps you have readings and songs that you would like to use together. Let’s be open to the gifts that the Spirit wants to give in order to encourage one another.
4. Study and pray together
Our message on Sunday reflected on the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer. Against the odds, and in contrast to the passivity of his father and others, they are revealed as faithful and willing to serve God against the odds. Together, they ‘go over’ because they believe in the power and promises of God.
Please read 1 Samuel 14:1-14
Did God speak to you about anything specifically from Sunday’s message?
What would you say are the main teaching points of this passage?
14:6 - What truths inspired the faith of Jonathan and his young armour bearer?
14:6-7 - Why is partnership or community vital for this kind of faith? What does Hebrews 10:24 to 25 have to say on this subject?
Are there any specific ways that you need to ‘go over’ - take new steps of faith?
SIV - What does this story teach us about successful mission?
SIV - Do we have any stories of how we have ‘Served, Invested, and inVited’ recently?
SIV - Spend some time together talking and praying about who and how you are seeking to bring your community to Jesus.
Comments