Week of 4/5/26:Filled With Power
SUMMARY
Formation Theme: Be the Church - Filled with PowerWeekly Theme: Be the Church - Filled with Power
Sermon Text: Acts 7 : 54 – 60
Primary Reading: Acts 1 – 4
Secondary Reading: Romans 1 – 2
Memory Verses (Through May 2nd): Romans 8:2–6 (ESV)
[2] For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. [3] For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,
[4] in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.
[5] For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit.
[6] For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.
1 | Theme Reflection - “Filled with Power”
The story of the Church begins not with strength but with Spirit.
In Acts 1–4, the disciples wait, pray and are filled with power from on high.
What begins in an upper room spills into the streets - tongues of fire, voices of courage, lives made new. The same Spirit who hovered over creation now fills creation’s witnesses.
In Romans 1–2, Paul declares that the gospel itself is “the power of God for salvation.” Power is not found in eloquence or effort but in the presence of God within His people.
Stephen’s final moments (Acts 7:54–60) reveal the shape of that power - it looks like love under fire, forgiveness in suffering and glory seen through tears.
To Be the Church - Filled with Power is to live from divine presence, not human performance. The Spirit’s power is not given merely for comfort but courage, not to make us impressive to others, but to make Christ known more fully.
The story of the Church begins not with strength but with Spirit.
In Acts 1–4, the disciples wait, pray and are filled with power from on high.
What begins in an upper room spills into the streets - tongues of fire, voices of courage, lives made new. The same Spirit who hovered over creation now fills creation’s witnesses.
In Romans 1–2, Paul declares that the gospel itself is “the power of God for salvation.” Power is not found in eloquence or effort but in the presence of God within His people.
Stephen’s final moments (Acts 7:54–60) reveal the shape of that power - it looks like love under fire, forgiveness in suffering and glory seen through tears.
To Be the Church - Filled with Power is to live from divine presence, not human performance. The Spirit’s power is not given merely for comfort but courage, not to make us impressive to others, but to make Christ known more fully.
2 | Daily Reading Rhythm
3 | Practice of the Week - PRaying Boldly
Each day, before speaking or acting, whisper this prayer:
“Spirit of God, fill me again.”
Then take one small step of faith - speak encouragement, show mercy, share Christ.
Power is not stored; it’s spent in love.
By week’s end, journal one moment where you sensed courage not your own.
Each day, before speaking or acting, whisper this prayer:
“Spirit of God, fill me again.”
Then take one small step of faith - speak encouragement, show mercy, share Christ.
Power is not stored; it’s spent in love.
By week’s end, journal one moment where you sensed courage not your own.
4 | Doctrinal Focus - The Doctrine of The Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is the third Person of the Trinity - fully God, eternally active in creation, conviction and renewal.
He indwells believers, empowering them for witness and shaping them into Christ’s likeness.
The Spirit does not come and go like emotion; He abides to make us holy and useful.
To be “filled with the Spirit” is to live yielded - His power filling the space that surrender opens.
5 | Missional Focus - Power for Witness
The Spirit’s filling always moves outward.
In Acts 1:8, Jesus ties Spirit-power to mission: “You will receive power… and you will be my witnesses.”
Ask God this week to show you one person or place where His power might flow through your faithfulness.
Pray for boldness to speak, serve or intercede - believing that the same Spirit who raised Jesus still moves through you.
6 | Community Group Discussion Questions
From the Readings
From the Readings
- How do the disciples’ prayers in Acts 4 model dependence rather than self-confidence
- In what ways does Romans 1–2 redefine what true spiritual power looks like?
From the Sermon (Text — Acts 7 : 54 – 60)
- What does Stephen’s response to persecution reveal about the Spirit’s presence in suffering?
- How does God’s power enable forgiveness even toward those who oppose us?
From Personal Reflection
- When have you felt weak and yet seen God’s power at work through you?
- What would it look like for you to live more yielded to the Spirit’s leading this week?
From Community Life
- How can our group pray more specifically for one another to be “filled with power” for mission?
- What signs of the Spirit’s courage and compassion have you already seen among us?
Questions for Children
- Who gives the Church power to tell others about Jesus?
- What happened when the Holy Spirit came to the disciples?
- How did Stephen show God’s power, even when people were unkind to him?
- What can you pray when you feel afraid?
7 | Closing Prayer
Spirit of the Living God,
fall fresh on us.
Where we are timid, make us bold.
Where we are weary, renew our strength.
Where we are silent, give us words of grace.
Let Your power be known through our peace,
Your presence through our love,
and Your glory through our lives.
Fill us again, Lord - let Christ be seen in us.
Amen.