1. Empowered 2 Act Lesson 1: Empowered by God’s Word Empowerment is not found from within a person, but rather from God and His Word. Being empowered means seeking God’s commands and glorifying Him in our decisions.

2. Providing the Foundation Take a look at these pictures. Rank these people according to their power.

3. Goals Real strength comes from God. Real strength comes from God. God’s Word provides direction. God’s Word provides direction. Motive must be focused on glorifying God. Motive must be focused on glorifying God. God’s plan for your life is the best. God’s plan for your life is the best. God provides forgiveness when we fail. God provides forgiveness when we fail.

4. Discussion What do the following book titles have in common: Lose Thirty Pounds in Two Weeks, How to Meet Your Perfect Match, Six Steps to Becoming a Millionaire, and Organizing Your Life for Success?

5. Discussion Why are self-help guides so popular today? Why are self-help guides so popular today?

6. Discussion What methods are incorporated by advertisers to convince you that you need to buy their products? What methods are incorporated by advertisers to convince you that you need to buy their products?

7. Discussion What does the word “empowered” mean to you? What does the word “empowered” mean to you?

8. Discussion In many cases, the world tells you that you have the power within you, but you need to find it and release it. Once you have gained control over that ability, you have been empowered. What are the truths and lies about this process? In many cases, the world tells you that you have the power within you, but you need to find it and release it. Once you have gained control over that ability, you have been empowered. What are the truths and lies about this process?

9. Discussion How is God’s empowerment different than a humanistic empowerment? How is God’s empowerment different than a humanistic empowerment?

10. Discussion Compare and contrast these two statements: Compare and contrast these two statements: A. God helps those who help themselves. A. God helps those who help themselves. B. God has determined the course for our lives so we can’t do anything about it anyway. B. God has determined the course for our lives so we can’t do anything about it anyway.

11. Discussion Is the concept of God empowering me just another way of saying I have no freedom because God wants me to obey His laws? Is the concept of God empowering me just another way of saying I have no freedom because God wants me to obey His laws?

12. Discussion At times, I feel a lot of pressure to do sinful things. How is God’s empowerment going to help me avoid certain temptations? At times, I feel a lot of pressure to do sinful things. How is God’s empowerment going to help me avoid certain temptations?

13. Activity: Empowerment Partner Pick an “Empowerment Partner” who shares encouragement from God’s Word with you. Make a point to keep each other focused on glorifying God in your actions.