24/7 CoachesSýnishorn

RENEW 1

“Take off your former way of life, the old self that is corrupted by deceitful desires, to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, and to put on the new self, the one created according to God’s likeness in righteousness and purity of the truth.” —Ephesians 4:22-24

Coach, have you ever inherited a team that was stuck? They just couldn’t figure out the offense; they couldn’t figure out the system. Maybe the team didn’t have the chemistry necessary to gel. Or it could be that someone—a parent, a coach, or another player—was intentionally sabotaging what you were trying to build. You had to step up, step in, and bring a major change of direction to renew the entire program. In Jesus, God offers us a much-needed new direction, a new self, and a total renewal of all that is broken.

Key Scripture: Acts 1:4–15

Put yourself in the disciples’ shoes. They apprenticed under Jesus for three years, hopeful and expectant that He was the One they had been waiting for. Having their hopes completely dashed at his trial and crucifixion, they were utterly astounded to find that they did exactly what He had told them: rise from the dead! Luke tells us that Jesus appeared to the disciples for forty days following His resurrection, proving that He was back from the dead and speaking with them about the Kingdom. What a fantastic turn of events!

In verse 6, we see the disciples are now ready to get back to the original program: restoring the Kingdom, just as they had anticipated He would from the beginning. However, Jesus has other plans: wait and then go. Wait, for what? The Holy Spirit’s power. Only by this power will they be able to fulfill the mission. Jesus would extend His mission of restoration and renewal through His disciples, but first, they would have to wait.

• Have you ever had to wait in the wings for an assignment you knew was coming? What was that process like?
• Do you recall a time when you knew you needed to wait, but you went ahead anyway? What were the consequences?

Renewed in Power: Acts 2:1-13

After waiting together in Jerusalem, God fulfills an ancient promise: He pours out His Spirit, inaugurating the new covenant. The messianic work of Jesus in His life, death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of God has secured forgiveness of sins and reconciliation with God, not only for the Jewish people but for all nations. Jesus will continue His work of renewal and restoration by empowering His people through the Holy Spirit. The Spirit was at work sporadically in the lives of a select few in the old covenant, but now the Spirit is at work in every person who follows King Jesus, empowering them for holy living and a sacred mission.

• Have you experienced the renewing power of the Holy Spirit in your life? In your coaching?
• Where do you see the Spirit currently working in your life? How does He have you on a mission for Jesus?

New Power

“However, I have let you live for this purpose: to show you my power and to make my name known on the whole earth.” —Exodus 9:16

God empowers us to live for Him and help accomplish His mission. He wants to make His power manifest in our lives. Where are you currently struggling? Where do you need God to show up in power to bring renewal? Ask Him!