Embracing the Holy Spirit's Guidance in Our Lives
Summary
In today's message, we explored the profound role of the Holy Spirit in the life of the early church as depicted in the book of Acts. The Holy Spirit was not just a passive presence but an active guide, leading the apostles and early believers in their mission to spread the gospel. This divine guidance is a challenge to us today: to ask ourselves where the Holy Spirit is in our lives and in our church. The Holy Spirit's presence is not optional for believers; it is essential. Without the Spirit, we are not truly living as followers of Christ.
We reflected on the story of Achan from the Old Testament, which serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of having a testimony of God's work in our lives. The early church was characterized by testimonies of the Holy Spirit's leading, whether it was through miraculous healings, bold preaching, or sacrificial giving. This is a call for us to examine our own lives and ask when was the last time the Holy Spirit led us.
The narrative of Peter's miraculous escape from prison further illustrates the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intervention. While the church prayed fervently, God was already at work, orchestrating Peter's release. This story encourages us to trust in the power of prayer and to believe that God is always working, even when we cannot see it.
Finally, we looked at the church in Antioch, where the Holy Spirit initiated the first intentional missionary journey. This was a pivotal moment in church history, marking the beginning of a mission to spread the gospel beyond the Jewish community. It challenges us to be intentional in our witness, to see it as a privilege to share the gospel, and to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is essential for a true Christian life. Without His presence, we are not truly followers of Christ. We must ask ourselves regularly where the Holy Spirit is leading us and how He is working in our lives. [38:47]
- The story of Achan reminds us of the importance of obedience and having a testimony of God's work in our lives. Disobedience can have dire consequences, not just for us but for those around us. [44:18]
- Prayer is powerful, and God is always working, even when we cannot see it. The story of Peter's escape from prison shows us that while we pray, God is already orchestrating events for His glory. [01:08:15]
- The church in Antioch was the first to send out missionaries intentionally. This challenges us to be intentional in our witness and to see it as a privilege to share the gospel with others. [01:13:51]
- We must be sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading in our lives. This means being open to His guidance daily and allowing Him to direct our paths, whether in small or significant ways. [01:18:25]
Youtube Chapters:
- [0:00] - Welcome
- [37:23] - Introduction to Acts 12
- [38:47] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
- [40:04] - Old Testament Lessons
- [41:21] - The Story of Achan
- [42:46] - Consequences of Disobedience
- [44:18] - Testimonies of the Early Church
- [45:58] - The Power of Prayer
- [47:28] - Being Led by the Spirit
- [49:52] - Miracles and Salvation
- [51:17] - Serving and Giving
- [54:10] - Transformation Through the Spirit
- [55:49] - The Call to Serve
- [57:07] - Herod's Persecution
- [59:51] - Peter's Miraculous Escape
- [01:09:41] - The Church at Antioch
- [01:13:51] - The First Missionary Journey
- [01:18:25] - Sensitivity to the Spirit
- [01:22:49] - Invitation and Response
- [01:29:12] - Closing Remarks
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- Acts 12:1-17
- Joshua 7:1-26 (Story of Achan)
- Acts 13:1-3
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Observation Questions:
1. In Acts 12, what events led to Peter's miraculous escape from prison, and how did the church respond during this time? [57:07]
2. What was the significance of the Holy Spirit's role in the early church as described in the sermon? [38:47]
3. How did the story of Achan in Joshua 7 illustrate the consequences of disobedience and the importance of a testimony? [44:18]
4. What was the church in Antioch's role in the first intentional missionary journey, and how did the Holy Spirit guide this event? [01:13:51]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the story of Peter's escape from prison demonstrate the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intervention in the lives of believers? [01:08:15]
2. In what ways does the story of Achan serve as a warning about the consequences of disobedience and the importance of having a testimony of God's work in our lives? [44:18]
3. What does the intentional sending of missionaries from the church in Antioch teach us about the church's mission and the role of the Holy Spirit in guiding that mission? [01:13:51]
4. How can the early church's reliance on the Holy Spirit challenge modern believers to evaluate their own spiritual lives and the presence of the Holy Spirit in their church? [38:47]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt the Holy Spirit leading you. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? How can you be more open to the Spirit's guidance in your daily life? [38:47]
2. The story of Achan highlights the importance of obedience. Are there areas in your life where you struggle with obedience to God? What steps can you take to align more closely with His will? [44:18]
3. Prayer played a crucial role in Peter's escape. How can you incorporate more intentional prayer into your life, especially in times of uncertainty or challenge? [01:08:15]
4. The church in Antioch was intentional in its mission. How can you be more intentional in sharing your faith with others? Identify one person you can reach out to this week. [01:13:51]
5. Consider the role of the Holy Spirit in your church. How can you and your small group encourage a greater sensitivity to the Spirit's leading in your congregation? [01:18:25]
6. The early church was characterized by testimonies of the Holy Spirit's work. When was the last time you shared a testimony of God's work in your life? How can you make sharing testimonies a regular practice? [45:58]
7. Reflect on the idea of being sent by the Holy Spirit. What is one specific way you can serve your community or church this month, and how can you seek the Spirit's guidance in this endeavor? [01:13:51]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit's Essential Role in Christian Life
The Holy Spirit is not merely an optional aspect of the Christian faith; it is essential for living a true Christian life. In the early church, as depicted in the book of Acts, the Holy Spirit was an active guide, leading the apostles and early believers in their mission to spread the gospel. This divine guidance challenges believers today to regularly ask themselves where the Holy Spirit is leading them and how He is working in their lives. Without the Spirit, one is not truly living as a follower of Christ. The presence of the Holy Spirit is a vital component of a believer's journey, providing direction, strength, and the ability to live out the teachings of Jesus. [38:47]
"And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you." (John 14:16-17, ESV)
Reflection: In what specific area of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit to guide you today?
Day 2: The Consequences of Disobedience and the Power of Testimony
The story of Achan from the Old Testament serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the importance of having a testimony of God's work in our lives. Disobedience can have dire consequences, not just for the individual but for those around them. The early church was characterized by testimonies of the Holy Spirit's leading, whether through miraculous healings, bold preaching, or sacrificial giving. This calls believers to examine their own lives and ask when was the last time the Holy Spirit led them. A life of obedience and testimony is a life that reflects God's work and presence. [44:18]
"But Samuel replied: 'Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord? To obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed is better than the fat of rams.'" (1 Samuel 15:22, ESV)
Reflection: Reflect on a recent decision where you chose your own way over God's. How can you seek His guidance and realign with His will today?
Day 3: The Power of Prayer and God's Unseen Work
The narrative of Peter's miraculous escape from prison illustrates the power of prayer and the Holy Spirit's intervention. While the church prayed fervently, God was already at work, orchestrating Peter's release. This story encourages believers to trust in the power of prayer and to believe that God is always working, even when they cannot see it. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects believers to God's will and His divine plan. It is a reminder that God is always present, working behind the scenes for His glory and the good of His people. [01:08:15]
"Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen." (Ephesians 3:20-21, ESV)
Reflection: Think of a situation where you feel powerless. How can you commit this to God in prayer and trust in His unseen work?
Day 4: Intentional Witness and the Privilege of Sharing the Gospel
The church in Antioch was the first to send out missionaries intentionally, marking a pivotal moment in church history. This challenges believers to be intentional in their witness and to see it as a privilege to share the gospel with others. The mission to spread the gospel beyond the Jewish community was initiated by the Holy Spirit, highlighting the importance of being sensitive to His leading. Believers are called to be active participants in God's mission, sharing the message of Christ with those around them and beyond. [01:13:51]
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth." (Acts 1:8, ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life that you can intentionally share the gospel with this week? How can you prepare for this opportunity?
Day 5: Sensitivity to the Holy Spirit's Leading
Being sensitive to the Holy Spirit's leading means being open to His guidance daily and allowing Him to direct one's paths, whether in small or significant ways. The early church was characterized by a deep sensitivity to the Spirit's leading, resulting in bold actions and transformative outcomes. Believers today are encouraged to cultivate a relationship with the Holy Spirit, seeking His guidance in every aspect of their lives. This involves being attentive to His voice, responsive to His promptings, and willing to follow His direction, trusting that He knows the best path forward. [01:18:25]
"For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God." (Romans 8:14, ESV)
Reflection: What is one decision you are facing where you need to seek the Holy Spirit's guidance? How can you create space to listen for His direction today?
Quotes
1. "When's the last time the Holy Spirit of God led you personally? Those are important questions because here's what I'm coming to terms with through this study of the book of Acts. It's really where it all began and really why we're there. And I think why the Holy Spirit even led us there is it's a challenge to the church today. Where's the Holy Spirit in the church today? And I would say that, well, well, we're Baptist, we're not, we're not really, we're not really Holy Spirit people. Well, let me tell you something, friend, if you're not Holy Spirit people, you're not saved. Jesus said if you don't have my Spirit, you're not mine." [38:47] (39 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "What's the Holy Spirit done in your life lately? This is challenging, folks, and I think it's supposed to be that way. I don't want to just bring you all in here and I'll sing some songs and let's feel good about each other. I'm going to pat you on the head and we're going to walk out of here still doing the same things we've always done. We need to be challenged to say what are we doing to be in line with the Holy Spirit of God as a church and as believers." [47:28] (23 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit should be leading us. We're sent by the Spirit of God. You were sent by the Spirit of God right here to Rome, Georgia. You were sent by the Spirit of God right here, right here to number two commerce court. And the last thing I share in this, and I'm done, is they were sensitive to the Holy Spirit. They were always sensitive to the Holy Spirit. Again, it brings me back to my first question that I asked you in the very beginning. Look at me. I'm about to wrap it up. Please hear me. When's the last time the Holy Spirit spoke to you?" [01:17:04] (30 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The very reason that you're sitting in this room today is somewhere in your life, somewhere in this moment, or maybe today for the first time ever, God's interrupted your life because he's on a mission for you. Does that mean anything to anybody? Does it mean anything to you to know the God of heaven is on mission in your behalf? Well, that does something for me, that I'm not in this by myself. I'm not in it just with you. We're in this with God. We're in this with the Holy Spirit, and he's got the power, to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we could ever ask or think." [01:15:27] (36 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "If you're a believer, if you're a follower of Jesus, listen to me, if the Holy Spirit of God lives within you, you're called to go intentionally and carry the good news of the gospel to the people around you, your family, your friends, your neighbors, the people at work, where you live, work, study, shop, and play. God's called us to do that. That's not just for them. That new thing that he's done, he's sending them out by the Holy Spirit." [01:13:51] (27 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "The church throughout the book of Acts, every chapter, there's a testimony of God doing something. When Barnabas gives the money to the church that he sold the piece of property, you see God leading that. The next chapter, you see Ananias and Sapphira trying to imitate that but without the Holy Spirit, and it costs them their life as well. Throughout every chapter, I made a note of some things. I mean, last week we talked about how the Holy Spirit opens the door and open the doors to Samaria, open the door to the Ethiopian, open the door to Cornelius's house. Everything in this book is about being led by the Holy Spirit." [45:58] (41 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
7. "The Holy Spirit of God brought you here this morning to challenge our hearts again as a church to say, we must serve God. We must serve the community. We must share. Jesus, last thing Jesus said is go into all the world and make disciples. You know where all the world is? Floyd County in Rome, Georgia. And boy, do we need it. You know it. I know it. We need it." [55:49] (26 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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