Empowered by Christ: Ordinary to Extraordinary

Devotional

Day 1: Ordinary People Transformed by Time with Jesus

Spending time with Jesus transforms ordinary lives into extraordinary testimonies of His power and presence. When Peter and John stood before the council, their boldness was not rooted in education or status, but in the unmistakable mark of having been with Jesus. No matter your background or past failures, the presence of Christ in your life is what sets you apart and empowers you to live out your calling. The world may see you as common, but God delights in using those who walk closely with Him to astonish and impact others for His kingdom. [01:10]

Acts 4:13 (ESV)
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

Reflection: In what practical way can you intentionally spend time with Jesus today so that His presence becomes evident in your words and actions?

Day 2: Anchored in the Word for True Growth

True discipleship is marked by a continual pursuit of learning and growing in the knowledge of God through His Word. The Scriptures are not just for those in ministry; they are the foundation for every believer, equipping us for every good work, providing correction, and keeping us grounded no matter our vocation. Without a daily anchoring in the Word, even the most gifted and passionate can drift away from truth. God calls us to be lifelong learners, seeking wisdom and guidance from His living Word so that we remain steadfast and fruitful in every season. [07:40]

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (ESV)
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need the correction or equipping of God’s Word, and how will you seek it out today?

Day 3: Progress Without Leaving the Teachings of Christ

God desires for us to make progress and be creative, but never at the expense of leaving the foundational teachings of Christ. Innovation, relevance, and ingenuity are gifts when they remain tethered to the truth of Scripture. The danger comes when we “run ahead” and detach from Christ’s teachings, mistaking progress for spiritual advancement. True progress in the faith is always upward—deeper into Christ—not outward into ideas that abandon His Word. Staying anchored in the teachings of Christ ensures that our growth is genuine and our impact lasting. [15:00]

2 John 1:8-9 (ESV)
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Reflection: Where are you tempted to “run ahead” of Christ’s teachings in your life or ministry, and how can you intentionally stay anchored in His truth?

Day 4: The Necessity of Christian Community

Belonging to a local, Bible-believing church is essential for spiritual health and protection. While personal study and online resources can be helpful, they cannot replace the accountability, encouragement, and spontaneous work of the Spirit that happens in the gathered body of Christ. The church is not just about what you receive, but also about what you give to others. Isolation leaves us vulnerable, but community keeps us in the fold, where we are both challenged and built up in faith. [22:42]

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

Reflection: How can you actively participate in your church community this week, both to receive encouragement and to offer it to someone else?

Day 5: Filling Your Mind with What Is True and Noble

God invites us to set our minds on things that are true, noble, and praiseworthy, allowing His Word to shape our thoughts and attitudes. While we are free to learn and explore many areas, our minds must be anchored in the knowledge of God to guard us from deception and spiritual drift. Intelligence alone cannot protect us from error; only the truth of God’s Word can. By meditating on what is excellent and putting it into practice, we experience God’s peace and harmony in our lives. [19:50]

Philippians 4:8-9 (ESV)
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.

Reflection: What is one thought or area of focus you need to surrender to God today so that your mind is filled with what is true and praiseworthy?

Sermon Summary

The story of Peter in Acts 4 reminds us that God delights in using ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. Peter, once a man who denied Christ, became a bold witness through the power of the Holy Spirit. What set him apart was not his education or background, but the fact that he had been with Jesus. This is the invitation for all of us: to spend time with Christ, allowing His presence to transform us from the inside out. The world may see us as common, but when we are anchored in Christ, we become vessels of His power and love.

A recurring theme throughout Scripture is the call to learn and grow in the knowledge of God. From Genesis to Revelation, we are urged to be lifelong learners, to seek wisdom, and to let God’s Word shape our lives. Proverbs, Isaiah, and the letters of Paul all echo this call: “Learn sense,” “Learn to do good,” “Increase in learning.” Discipleship is not a static state; it is a continual journey of being taught, corrected, and equipped by the living Word. Without this ongoing relationship with Scripture, we risk stagnation and spiritual drift.

God’s Word is not just for those in vocational ministry; it is the foundation for every believer, no matter their calling. Whether you are a homemaker, a teacher, or a businessperson, the Scriptures are meant to anchor your life and work. Like a helium balloon tied to a weight, our gifts and creativity must remain tethered to the truth of God’s Word. When we cut ourselves loose from this anchor, we risk being carried away by deception, pride, or the latest cultural trends.

There is a tension between innovation and faithfulness. We are called to be creative, relevant, and even progressive in how we live out our faith, but never at the expense of the teachings of Christ. True progress is not moving beyond the foundation of Jesus, but building upward from it. The enemy is always at work, sending out deceivers and counterfeits, but our safeguard is to abide in the truth and remain in community with other believers.

Finally, we are reminded of the importance of gathering with the body of Christ. While podcasts and online resources can be helpful, they cannot replace the accountability, encouragement, and correction that come from being part of a local church. Sometimes, the word we most need is the one we least expect or desire to hear. In community, we are both built up and lovingly challenged, so that we might grow into the fullness of Christ.

Key Takeaways

1. Ordinary people become extraordinary when they spend time with Jesus. Peter’s transformation from a denier to a bold witness was not due to his own strength, but because he had been with Christ. The presence of Jesus in our lives is what sets us apart and empowers us to fulfill our calling, no matter our background or past failures. [02:32]
2. Lifelong learning is essential to discipleship. Scripture repeatedly calls us to “learn sense,” “increase in learning,” and “be taught by God.” When we stop seeking to grow in the knowledge of God, we may remain saved, but we cease to be true disciples. Ongoing engagement with God’s Word is the means by which we are warned, corrected, and equipped for every good work. [04:10]
3. Every believer, regardless of vocation, must be anchored in the Word. Our gifts, creativity, and ingenuity are meant to be exercised within the boundaries of Scripture. When we detach from the truth, we risk drifting into error or pride, no matter how talented or well-intentioned we may be. The Word of God is our safeguard and source of true equipping. [08:40]
4. True progress in the Christian life is not moving beyond the teachings of Christ, but building upon them. Innovation, relevance, and creativity are valuable, but only when they remain rooted in the foundation of Jesus. When we “run ahead” and leave the teachings of Christ behind, we lose the presence and power of God, no matter how impressive our efforts may seem. [15:00]
5. The local church is essential for spiritual health and growth. While personal study and online resources are helpful, they cannot replace the accountability, correction, and encouragement found in Christian community. Sometimes, the word we most need is the one we would not have chosen for ourselves, and it is in the context of the gathered body that God often speaks most powerfully and unexpectedly. [22:42]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:35] - Peter’s Transformation: From Denial to Boldness
[02:32] - The Call to Lifelong Learning
[04:10] - The Importance of Growing in Knowledge
[06:15] - Anchoring Our Lives in God’s Word
[08:40] - Equipping for Every Good Work
[10:20] - The Risk of Untethered Ingenuity
[12:51] - Walking in Truth and Love
[14:30] - Counterfeits and Deceivers in the World
[15:00] - Progress and Innovation: Staying Grounded
[17:45] - Building on the Foundation of Christ
[19:30] - The Dangers of Drifting from Scripture
[21:10] - The Blessing of Christian Community
[22:42] - The Necessity of the Local Church
[24:00] - Closing and Invitation to Deeper Study

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 4:13 — Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.

- 2 Timothy 3:16-17
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

- 2 John 1:8-9
Watch yourselves, so that you may not lose what we have worked for, but may win a full reward. Everyone who goes on ahead and does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. Whoever abides in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.

Observation Questions

In Acts 4:13, what was it about Peter and John that surprised the religious leaders? What did the leaders notice about them?
According to 2 Timothy 3:16-17, what are the different ways Scripture is useful in the life of a believer?
In 2 John 1:8-9, what warning does John give about “going on ahead” and not remaining in the teaching of Christ?
The sermon described Peter as someone who was once a denier of Christ but became bold. What was the key factor in his transformation? ([02:32])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the presence of Jesus made such a difference in Peter’s life, even though he was considered “ordinary” and “uneducated”? ([02:32])
The sermon says that discipleship is a continual journey of learning and being corrected by God’s Word. What might happen to a believer who stops seeking to grow in the knowledge of God? ([04:10])
What does it look like for someone to “run ahead” of the teachings of Christ, as described in 2 John? Why is this dangerous for individuals and churches? ([15:00])
The sermon compared our gifts and creativity to helium balloons that need to be anchored to God’s Word. What are some real-life examples of what happens when someone’s life or ministry is not anchored in Scripture? ([08:40])

Application Questions

Peter’s boldness came from spending time with Jesus, not from his background or education. What are some practical ways you can spend more intentional time with Jesus this week? ([02:32])
The sermon emphasized lifelong learning in the Christian walk. Is there an area of your life where you have stopped growing or learning spiritually? What is one step you can take to re-engage with God’s Word? ([04:10])
Think about your job, family, or hobbies. How can you make sure these areas of your life are “anchored” to the truth of Scripture, rather than drifting with culture or personal opinion? ([08:40])
Have you ever felt tempted to “move beyond” the teachings of Christ in the name of being relevant or innovative? How can you balance creativity with faithfulness to Jesus’ teachings? ([15:00])
The sermon warned about the dangers of relying only on podcasts or online resources for spiritual growth. What are some unique benefits of being part of a local church community that you can’t get online? ([22:42])
Sometimes the word we most need is the one we least want to hear. Can you share a time when you received correction or encouragement from someone in your church community that helped you grow? ([22:42])
Is there a specific way you can encourage or support someone else in your church this week, knowing that community is essential for spiritual health? ([22:42])

Sermon Clips

All it takes for common people to be uncommon is to be with Jesus. All it takes for ordinary people like us to live extraordinary lives is that we spend time with Jesus and his very presence in our lives changes everything for us. [00:01:57]

When you and I stop learning, when we're not seeking to grow in the knowledge of God through his word, what happens to us is we don't cease being saved but we cease being disciples. [00:04:49]

We've got to have an ongoing relationship with God in his word where we are growing in grace and growing in the knowledge of God through his word—that's what makes us disciples. [00:05:02]

In the Word of God, this is where you get warned when something's ahead. If you'll be in his word, you will get warned—you'll get warned in your heart when something is awry and when we need to hold back on a situation. [00:05:33]

When we are in his word, when whatever our field is is tied down to his word, that when we're in his word we're getting correction. In other words, okay, okay, that I am on the wrong path here or man I need to turn that this way. [00:07:43]

If I'm not up in the scriptures, how do I know that I am not going astray in some area over here? When this thing starts going, I'm off road. I may not know it if I have not been in the scriptures. This is what's gonna keep me anchored down. [00:08:07]

If you are in Christ, this is how you're gonna be capable and equipped for every good work. This is incredibly important in what we're talking about because this is where the thing gets risky. [00:08:28]

If we're not anchored down in the word of God, I want you to picture then I'm just going to take scissors and I'm just going to cut this off right here. You know what will happen to us? We just go flying—just go flying. [00:09:00]

It's got to be anchored down. It's got to be anchored down. I have never seen a day come that I thought called for more deep focus on studying the scriptures. [00:09:41]

Would you be willing to come on in the word of God and study it diligently, study it hard, meditate over every single word, every single phrase, see concepts and phrases and sentences jump off that page and into your present reality as if they were written yesterday? [00:10:16]

We're not meant to be overwhelmed by this darkness, we're meant to be lights right in it. [00:10:34]

I have never in my life, I say to you, I have never had more confidence in the pure gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. [00:11:58]

Because his word is fresh and alive. That's the miracle of the scriptures. [00:12:39]

If they're not teaching the teachings of Christ, don't let them in. This is early church. Don't let them in into the house to preach and teach—we are grounded in Christ. [00:14:53]

When anybody progresses past the teachings of Christ, they have left the things of the faith in the truth of God's Word. [00:15:47]

If we've got churches that have gotten so innovative that they've left the teachings of Christ, the Spirit of God is not dwelling in that house. I need somebody to hear it doesn't matter how wonderful it is, it doesn't matter how great the graphics are, it doesn't matter how great the music is, if it is no longer abiding in the teachings of Christ then it has progressed further than is even in Christ. [00:17:58]

If this is the teachings of Christ right here, then yes I want to make progress and yes I want to grow but I'm doing it up this way. This is where our progress goes—not out that way where somehow we have gone way out into the middle of the atmosphere and we're not even tied down to the scriptures anymore. [00:19:43]

You and I have got to stay tied to the teachings of Christ. Everything else, everything else will prove false to us. We cannot possibly know a lie if we don't know the truth and so we can just be swept into something because it seems right, it feels right, it looks right and goodness knows it's fun but we're just moving further and further away. [00:20:04]

Intelligence does zero to guard us against depravity, zero to guard us against seduction, absolutely zero to guard us against all sorts of strongholds and being caught in the chains of some kind of fierce addiction. It does not—intelligence does nothing to guard us from that. It's the knowledge of God that guards us from that. [00:22:35]

We need the family of God. We need the people of God because it helps keep us in the fold where we're not just this sheep running out there, where the wolf can get to us. We need one another, and we need coming together in the body of Christ. [00:24:19]

Sometimes the word we most want to avoid would have been the very one that would have set us free—set us free because we didn't know it was coming, we didn't know to guard ourselves. [00:25:22]

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