“Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock”

Matthew 7:24

THE CONTEXT OF THE POWERHOUSE THEME

We will study what it takes to become a POWERHOUSE. Jesus describes two houses in Matthew 7:23-24. It is essential to recognize that Jesus is not comparing good people to bad people here. He’s comparing religious people to true disciples. Both look like Christians on the outside, but one has internalized the teaching of Christ from the inside out so that their actions conform to the character of the Kingdom. They carry the power of God. The other has tried to “appear Godly” from the outside in, but their heart is far from God because although they have heard the teachings of Christ, they have not obeyed by the power of the Holy Spirit. These people are not empowered to be witnesses for Christ, according to Acts 1:8. The purpose of the powerhouse is to be a witness. We will focus on the kingdom's principles that will enable us to become POWERHOUSES.

Part 1: What Are You Building?

Matthew 7:24-27

“Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.Though the rain comes in torrents and the floodwaters rise and the winds beat against that house, it won’t collapse because it is built on bedrock. But anyone who hears my teaching and doesn’t obey it is foolish, like a person who builds a house on sand. When the rains and floods come and the winds beat against that house, it will collapse with a mighty crash.”

DEFINING POWER

In scripture, A POWERHOUSE is an individual who hears the word of God & obeys. This individual lives according to the kingdom principles taught and exemplified by Jesus in The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 - 7). Therefore, they are equipped to build the kingdom of God. The dictionary defines power as the capacity or ability to direct or influence the behavior of others or the course of events. In the Bible, power is defined as divine ability. A powerhouse doesn’t rely on their own strength, their ability comes from God. Therefore, during JRML, power will be defined as an uncommon ability given to common people to do uncommon things for the glory of God.

CHARACTERISTICS OF A POWERHOUSE

Jesus is the archetype of the powerhouse that God is building us into

  1. Resilience/Staying Power: A POWERHOUSE is not easily shaken because what is keeping them is greater than them. They experience what other people in the world experience but they are fortified because they have power. **Jesus’ power was revealed through the resilience of his priesthood. (Jeremiah 17:7-8; John 16:33, Hebrews 10:35-39, 1 Corinthians 4:20)

  2. Wisdom: A POWERHOUSE understands the times and the seasons. They know when to be public and exert energy and when to retreat and recharge. A POWERHOUSE is always learning, growing, and evolving so they can last. Jesus’ power was revealed through the wisdom of his prophecy. (Proverbs 24:3-6, 1 Corinthians 1:18-25, 1 Corinthians 2:6:16, Isaiah 11:1-2, Revelation 19:10)

  3. Influence: A POWERHOUSE impacts other people, organizations, and systems around them because they produce results. Jesus began a movement that changed the world, yet his influence wasn’t forceful. He had real authority, so he didn’t need to talk about it. His work spoke for itself. Jesus’ power was revealed through the influence of his kingship. (Matthew 13:34, John 4, John 8:28, Ephesians 4:1-18)

Next steps

  1. Read the Sermon on the Mount in Matthew 5-7 with this question in mind: What does true power look like?

  2. Read Acts 1:8 and pray: Lord, reveal the purpose of your power in my life

‘Powerhouse: Built to Last’ bible study