RiverStone Rhythms - Episode 20

Episode 20: Walking in the Power of the Spirit

What does it mean to be led by the Spirit? Many believers understand discipleship as following Jesus' teachings, but Jesus also promised that we would receive power from the Holy Spirit to live out our calling. In this episode, we explore how walking in the Spirit transforms our daily lives and equips us for the work of the kingdom. Through Scripture, we will examine the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding, empowering, and gifting believers for ministry and mission.

Episode Highlights:

Reflection on Last Week’s Theme – A brief look back at Episode 19’s discussion on the rhythms of discipleship. How does formation lead us to dependence on the Holy Spirit?

The Promise of the Spirit – Jesus promised that His followers would receive power when the Holy Spirit came upon them. What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit?

* Acts 1:8 – "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses..."

* John 14:16-17 – The Spirit as our Helper and Teacher.

* Matthew 3:11 – "He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire."

* Luke 11:13 – "How much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask Him!"

Walking in the Spirit – The Christian life is not meant to be lived in our own strength but through the guidance and power of the Holy Spirit. How can we cultivate daily dependence on the Spirit?

* Romans 8:14 – "For those who are led by the Spirit of God are the children of God."

* Galatians 5:16-25 – The contrast between living by the flesh and bearing the fruit of the Spirit.

* Matthew 4:1 – "Then Jesus was led by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil."

* Luke 4:14 – "Jesus returned to Galilee in the power of the Spirit, and news about Him spread."

Spiritual Gifts: Empowered for Mission – The Spirit equips each believer with unique gifts to serve the body of Christ and advance the kingdom. What are these gifts, and how do we discern and steward them?

* 1 Corinthians 12:4-11 – "There are different kinds of gifts, but the same Spirit distributes them."

* Ephesians 4:11-13 – Gifts given to build up the Church.

* 1 Peter 4:10 – "Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others."

* Matthew 10:20 – "For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you."

* Luke 12:12 – "For the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say."

Overcoming Barriers to Walking in the Spirit – Why do many struggle to live Spirit-empowered lives? We examine four common challenges:

* Self-Reliance – Trusting in our own strength instead of yielding to the Spirit.

* Lack of Awareness – Many Christians do not realize the Spirit’s active role in their lives.

* Fear and Doubt – Hesitancy to step out in faith due to uncertainty about how the Spirit works.

* Cultural Distractions – The noise of life drowns out the voice of the Spirit.

A Practical Challenge for This Week – How can we grow in sensitivity to the Holy Spirit’s leading? This week, we challenge listeners to:

* Set aside intentional time to listen and pray, asking the Spirit for direction.

* Step out in faith by using a spiritual gift (serving, encouraging, teaching, interceding, etc.).

* Meditate on Scripture that speaks about the work of the Holy Spirit.

Reflection Questions:

* How have you experienced the Holy Spirit’s guidance in your life?

* What is one way you can grow in walking by the Spirit this week?

* Have you identified your spiritual gifts? How can you use them to serve others?

We invite you to journal about your experience, reflect on what resonates with you, and share your thoughts in the comments or community discussion. As we continue this journey, let’s commit to being Spirit-led disciples who walk in God’s power.

If you’re following along with Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer, we encourage you to reflect on how dependence on the Spirit is a key part of spiritual formation.

Be sure to subscribe and stay connected for future episodes as we continue exploring what it means to follow Jesus in the everyday moments of life.

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