Empowered by God: Faithfulness, Obedience, and Transformation

The supernatural work of God is not just a story from the early church—it’s a living reality for every believer today. God’s power is not limited by our circumstances, our failures, or even death itself. We see this in the miraculous healing of Jerry, who was medically dead for 30 minutes, and in the ongoing testimony of changed lives among us. The book of Acts reminds us that the same Spirit who filled the apostles and empowered their witness is at work in us, calling us to be continually filled, because we “leak” and need His presence daily.

The early church was marked by both power and purity. God’s holiness was established, even through the sobering judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, reminding us that revival comes not just through more love or power, but through deeper confession and repentance. When the church is purified, God’s power is manifest, and authentic witness draws people to Christ. The world may scoff at brokenness, but God cherishes a humble, contrite heart. True transformation comes when we surrender our old ways and invite God to make us new.

God’s supernatural activity is not confined to dramatic miracles; it’s seen in the daily obedience of His people. The apostles were told by an angel to “go, stand, and speak”—a call that echoes to us today. We are to act promptly when God leads, to stand firm in our identity and authority in Christ, and to speak the words He gives us, trusting that the Holy Spirit will supply what we need. Obedience may bring opposition, misunderstanding, or even suffering, but it also brings joy and the privilege of being counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name.

Civil disobedience, when required by faithfulness to God’s commands, is not rebellion but obedience to a higher authority. Throughout history, God’s people have had to choose between obeying God or men, and the call remains for us to stand firm, even as the world grows increasingly hostile to the gospel. Yet, the church’s mission is unstoppable when it is of God—no human opposition can overthrow His purposes.

Ultimately, our lives are to be marked by faithfulness, gratitude, and remembrance of Christ’s sacrifice. As we take communion, we remember that Jesus endured the cross for the joy set before Him—our redemption. May we, too, find joy in obedience, in suffering for His name, and in the hope of being with Him forever.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The Supernatural Power and Purity of God’s People God’s supernatural work is not just about miracles, but about the ongoing transformation of our hearts. When the church pursues purity through confession and repentance, God’s power is released in authentic ways that draw others to Christ. Revival is not sustained by emotional highs, but by a deep, ongoing surrender to God’s refining work. [07:03]
• 2. Obedience: Go, Stand, Speak—Now, Not Later God’s instructions are often simple but urgent: go where He sends, stand firm in your identity, and speak the truth He gives. Procrastination is a subtle enemy of faith; delayed obedience is disobedience. When God prompts us—whether to reconcile, to witness, or to serve—we must act promptly, trusting that His timing is perfect and His Spirit will equip us. [21:13]
• 3. Standing Firm in the Face of Opposition Faithfulness to Christ will inevitably bring resistance from the world, sometimes even from those closest to us. The apostles’ example shows that we must obey God rather than men, even when it costs us relationships, reputation, or comfort. True courage is not the absence of fear, but the resolve to stand in the authority of Christ, knowing He is with us and will use our witness for His glory. [37:01]
• 4. The Unstoppable Purpose of God Human opposition cannot thwart what God has ordained. Even when the church is marginalized, persecuted, or diminished in number, God’s purposes continue. Our role is not to measure success by numbers or popularity, but by faithfulness to the mission—trusting that if our work is of God, it cannot be overthrown, and that He will accomplish His will through us. [46:59]
• 5. Joy in Suffering and the Power of Remembrance Suffering for Christ is not a mark of failure, but of faithfulness. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for His name, finding joy in obedience and in the hope of eternal reward. Communion reminds us of Christ’s faithfulness unto death and calls us to live with gratitude, courage, and a longing for the day we will be with Him.
  
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Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:48] - The Supernatural Work of God
• [03:22] - Power and Purity in the Early Church
• [04:25] - The Authority of Jesus’ Name
• [07:03] - Confession, Repentance, and Revival
• [12:46] - Signs, Wonders, and Authentic Witness
• [19:54] - Personal Testimony: Obedience and God’s Timing
• [21:13] - Go, Stand, Speak: The Call to Action
• [23:24] - Standing Before Opposition
• [26:55] - The Holy Spirit Gives Words
• [28:59] - Transformation and Spiritual Growth
• [30:49] - Feeding Yourself on God’s Word
• [33:10] - Changed Lives and the World’s Response
• [35:38] - The World’s Accusations and God’s Truth
• [37:01] - Obeying God Rather Than Men
• [40:21] - Civil Disobedience in Scripture
• [42:12] - When to Submit, When to Resist
• [43:24] - God’s Faithfulness to Israel
• [46:59] - The Unstoppable Work of God
• [56:01] - Communion, Celebration, and Closing

Bible Reading

Acts 5:12-42 (ESV) — (You may want to read the whole passage together, or focus on these key sections: verses 12-16, 17-32, and 33-42.)

Observation Questions

1. What were some of the supernatural things God did in the early church, according to Acts 5 and the sermon?
2. How did the church respond to the judgment of Ananias and Sapphira, and what effect did it have on those outside the church?
3. What specific instructions did the angel give to the apostles after freeing them from prison?
4. How did the apostles react after being beaten and commanded not to speak in the name of Jesus?

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says, “We leak. We need to be continually filled.” What does it mean for believers to be “continually filled” with the Holy Spirit, and why is this important?
2. Why does the sermon emphasize that revival comes not just through more love or power, but through deeper confession and repentance? How does this relate to the story of Ananias and Sapphira?
3. The angel told the apostles to “go, stand, and speak.” What does this three-part command reveal about the kind of obedience God desires from His people?
4. The apostles said, “We must obey God rather than men.” In what situations might this principle apply today, and what are the risks and rewards of such obedience?

Application Questions

1. The sermon shared a story about Jerry being healed after being medically dead for 30 minutes. Have you ever witnessed or experienced something you would call a supernatural work of God? How did it affect your faith or the faith of those around you?
2. The early church was marked by both power and purity. Is there an area in your life where you need to confess or repent in order to experience more of God’s power? What is holding you back from being honest with God or others?
3. The angel’s command was urgent: “Go, stand, speak—now, not later.” Is there something God has been prompting you to do that you’ve been putting off? What would it look like to obey Him promptly this week?
4. The apostles stood firm in the face of opposition, even when it cost them comfort and relationships. Is there a situation in your life where you feel pressure to compromise your faith or values? How can you stand firm in Christ’s authority?
5. The sermon talked about civil disobedience—obeying God rather than men when the two are in conflict. Have you ever faced a situation where following Jesus meant going against what others expected or even what was “allowed”? How did you respond, or how do you think you would respond?
6. The apostles rejoiced that they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus’ name. How do you usually respond to suffering or opposition because of your faith? What would it look like to find joy in obedience, even when it’s hard?
7. Communion is a time to remember Christ’s sacrifice and faithfulness. How can you make gratitude and remembrance a regular part of your walk with Jesus, not just during communion but in daily life?