Empowered by the Holy Spirit: A Call to Action
Summary
In my sermon, I began by inviting the congregation to stand in reverence for the Word of God as we read from Acts chapter two, verses one through twelve. I emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit's arrival on the day of Pentecost, highlighting the miraculous event where the disciples were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. This event was a fulfillment of Jesus' promise and a demonstration of God's power and presence among His people.
I then posed two critical questions: "What does this mean?" and "What shall we do?" To answer the first, I explained that the power of the Holy Spirit comes from outside of us, as evidenced by the sound from heaven like a mighty rushing wind. This power is not innate but received from God. Our culture often suggests that we can find truth within ourselves, but the Bible teaches that our problems are internal and the solution is external, coming from God.
I shared personal anecdotes about my children to illustrate our innate sinfulness and our need for the Holy Spirit's power. I also drew parallels between the Old Testament and the day of Pentecost, showing how God's presence has been associated with fire throughout biblical history. I explained that every believer becomes a "burning bush," indwelled by the Holy Spirit, which is a transformative and empowering presence.
I then addressed the second question, "What shall we do?" by referencing Peter's response in Acts chapter two, verses 36 through 39. Peter urged the people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. I encouraged the congregation to follow these steps: to repent, receive forgiveness, be baptized, and share the promise of the Holy Spirit with others.
I spoke about the importance of praying for revival and being open to the Holy Spirit's work, even though it may bring division before unity. I cautioned that we must discern and embrace the Spirit's movement, avoiding skepticism and embracing God's power to bring about change.
As I concluded, I invited the congregation to respond in prayer, whether for personal needs, to commit their lives to Jesus, or to pray for revival. I emphasized the sufficiency of God's grace and encouraged everyone to serve, highlighting opportunities like Vacation Bible School.
Finally, I reminded the church that as followers of Jesus, we are empowered by the Holy Spirit, loved by God, and sent out with His power to impact the world.
Key Takeaways:
1. The power of the Holy Spirit is not something we are born with but is a gift received from God. It comes from outside of us and is essential for overcoming our innate sinfulness. This power enables us to live transformed lives and to be witnesses for Christ. ([48:12])
2. The indwelling of the Holy Spirit makes every believer a "burning bush," a vessel for God's presence and glory. This indwelling assures us of our identity as children of God and empowers us to live out our faith with confidence and boldness. ([54:18])
3. Repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit are the steps Peter outlined for those seeking to respond to the gospel. This pattern remains the blueprint for us today, calling us to turn from sin, publicly affirm our faith, and live in the power of the Spirit. ([01:03:42])
4. Sharing the promise of the Holy Spirit with others is not just a personal benefit but a mandate. We are to be conduits of God's grace, extending the invitation of the gospel to our children and to all who are far off, fulfilling the Great Commission. ([01:06:14])
5. Praying for revival is a duty and a privilege. We must earnestly seek fresh outpourings of the Holy Spirit to awaken and empower the church for the task of world evangelism, remaining open to how God chooses to move among us. ([01:07:01])
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:1-12
- Acts 2:36-39
### Observation Questions
1. What miraculous event occurred on the day of Pentecost as described in Acts 2:1-4?
2. How did the crowd react to hearing the disciples speak in their own languages according to Acts 2:6-7?
3. What were the two critical questions posed in the sermon, and where in Acts 2 are these questions found? ([45:09])
4. What steps did Peter outline for those seeking to respond to the gospel in Acts 2:38-39?
### Interpretation Questions
1. What does it mean that the power of the Holy Spirit comes from outside of us, as explained in the sermon? ([48:12])
2. How does the concept of believers being "burning bushes" indwelled by the Holy Spirit impact our understanding of God's presence in our lives? ([54:18])
3. Why is it significant that the Holy Spirit was poured out on the day of Pentecost, and how does this event parallel the Old Testament Pentecost? ([01:01:43])
4. How does the sermon explain the importance of repentance, baptism, and receiving the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer? ([01:03:42])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt powerless. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own strength in similar situations? ([40:25])
2. The sermon mentioned that our culture often tells us to find truth within ourselves, but the Bible teaches that the solution comes from outside of us. How can you shift your mindset to seek God's truth and power in your daily life? ([48:53])
3. In what ways can you become a "burning bush," a vessel for God's presence and glory, in your community or workplace? ([54:18])
4. Peter urged the people to repent, be baptized, and receive the Holy Spirit. Have you taken these steps in your faith journey? If not, what is holding you back? ([01:03:42])
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of praying for revival. How can you incorporate prayers for revival into your daily prayer routine, and what specific areas of your life or community do you feel need revival? ([01:07:01])
6. How can you actively share the promise of the Holy Spirit with others, especially those who are far off or have not yet heard the gospel? ([01:06:14])
7. The sermon mentioned that revival can bring division before unity. How can you prepare your heart and mind to discern and embrace the Spirit's movement, even if it brings initial discomfort or division? ([01:07:41])
Devotional
Day 1: Gifted Power from Above
The Holy Spirit's power is a divine gift, not an inherent human trait. This power is bestowed upon believers from outside themselves, contrasting the cultural narrative that suggests truth and strength come from within. The arrival of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost was a clear sign of this external empowerment, as the disciples received the ability to speak in tongues, a gift they had not possessed before. This event marked the fulfillment of Jesus' promise and serves as a reminder that the solutions to our internal struggles are found in the divine intervention of God. The Holy Spirit's power is essential for overcoming sin and enables believers to live lives that reflect the transformative work of God. It is this power that equips Christians to be effective witnesses for Christ in a world that often promotes self-reliance over divine dependence. [48:12]
"And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:2-4 ESV)
Reflection: How can you daily acknowledge and rely on the Holy Spirit's power in your life instead of your own strength?
Day 2: Transformed to Carry His Flame
Believers are transformed into vessels of God's presence, akin to the burning bush that Moses encountered, which burned with fire but was not consumed. This indwelling of the Holy Spirit is a profound mystery that assures Christians of their identity as God's children and empowers them to live out their faith with confidence and boldness. The transformative presence of the Holy Spirit is not just for personal edification but also serves as a beacon of God's glory to the world. As vessels of the Holy Spirit, believers are called to reflect God's love and truth in their daily lives, impacting those around them with the gospel's life-changing power. This indwelling is a continuous source of strength and guidance, enabling Christians to navigate life's challenges with divine wisdom and courage. [54:18]
"Do you not know that you are God's temple and that God's Spirit dwells in you?" (1 Corinthians 3:16 ESV)
Reflection: In what ways can you live more consciously as a "burning bush," openly displaying God's presence in your life?
Day 3: Steps to a Spirit-Filled Life
The path to a spirit-filled life, as outlined by Peter, begins with repentance, continues through baptism, and culminates in the reception of the Holy Spirit. This blueprint remains relevant for believers today, calling for a heartfelt turning away from sin, a public declaration of faith through baptism, and a life lived in the dynamic power of the Holy Spirit. Repentance is not a one-time act but a continuous posture of humility and recognition of one's need for God's grace. Baptism serves as an outward symbol of an inward transformation, signifying the believer's identification with Christ's death and resurrection. Receiving the Holy Spirit is an ongoing experience that empowers Christians to live out the gospel with authenticity and passion. [01:03:42]
"Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit." (Acts 2:38 ESV)
Reflection: What steps can you take today to deepen your repentance and live more fully in the power of the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Mandate to Share the Spirit's Promise
The gift of the Holy Spirit is not merely for personal benefit but carries with it a mandate to be shared with others. As conduits of God's grace, believers are entrusted with the responsibility of extending the invitation of the gospel to their children, friends, and even to those who seem far off. This sharing of the Spirit's promise is an integral part of fulfilling the Great Commission, as Christians are called to make disciples of all nations. The Holy Spirit equips believers with the boldness and wisdom necessary to communicate the gospel effectively, breaking down barriers and drawing others into the family of God. This mandate is a privilege that allows believers to participate in God's redemptive work in the world, offering hope and transformation to those who are seeking truth. [01:06:14]
"And Peter said to them, 'The promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.'" (Acts 2:39 ESV)
Reflection: Who is one person in your life with whom you can share the promise of the Holy Spirit this week?
Day 5: Praying for Revival and Spiritual Awakening
Praying for revival is both a duty and a privilege for believers, who are called to seek a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit to awaken and empower the church. This prayer for revival is not a passive wish but an active pursuit of God's presence and power in the community of faith. Revival often precedes unity, as it can shake the status quo and challenge complacency within the church. Believers must remain open to how God chooses to move, discerning the Spirit's work and embracing the changes it brings. The pursuit of revival is rooted in a desire to see the church strengthened and the gospel advanced throughout the world. It is a prayer that aligns with God's heart for restoration and transformation, inviting His kingdom to come in power and glory. [01:07:01]
"Will you not revive us again, that your people may rejoice in you? Show us your steadfast love, O Lord, and grant us your salvation." (Psalm 85:6-7 ESV)
Reflection: How can you actively participate in praying for revival in your church and community today?
Quotes
"I know that there are people in our church family, in our community right now that just feel absolutely powerless. Maybe you're one of them in this place this morning. If you don't feel that way right now, it's likely that you felt powerless at some point in your life. But what we're gonna look at today is just a beautiful example and a depiction of great power, of great power." [40:25]
"By nature, we are self-centered beings. Because of this, we oftentimes think that we can find power in ourselves. That we have this willpower. That's all we need. But really, when we think this way, it leads to powerlessness. So let me ask you this again. Do you feel powerless in this place? It's likely that you're relying on your own strength and relying on your own power." [51:24]
"The power of the Holy Spirit lives within you. In Jesus Christ, when you place your faith in Jesus, you are indwelled by the Holy Spirit, and it lives within you. ... And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit. One prominent way that we see God's glory, one prominent way that we see the presence of God represented in the Old Testament is one of fire." [52:34]
"Every believer, every person who places his or her faith in Jesus Christ, that they are now a burning bush. The glory of God, the presence of God is now available when you place your faith in Jesus. ... It's not just on the apostles. It's not just on the super religious or the extra spiritual, but rather it rested on all of those there who placed their faith in Jesus." [54:18]
"Repent means turn away from your sins. Receive forgiveness, place your faith in Jesus, and then the promised Holy Spirit will indwell you and you will be empowered. ... If you're in this place, if you're watching online, get baptized. Be obedient to the call on your life." [01:05:42]
"God has moved in extraordinary ways in the history of the Christian church, and he has poured out his spirit in what I would call fresh, new, uncustomary, and dramatic ways, and these times have often been called times of revival or awakening or reformation, and Pentecost was the first of these great outpourings." [01:07:01]
"Whenever revival comes, whenever the Holy Spirit is poured out in extraordinary ways, division often happens first in Christian community. Some people genuinely inquire as to what's happening, and they test all things rightly, and they hold fast to what is good, but others will stand outside and mock." [01:07:41]
"The power of the Holy Spirit comes from outside of you. ... Our culture tells you that your problems come from outside of you and that you can find your truth inside of you. However, the Bible teaches that the problem is inside of you and that the solution actually comes from outside of you." [48:12]
"The Holy Spirit is the source through which the gospel of Jesus Christ moves. ... The power of the Holy Spirit though, through God's sovereignty and how he chooses, works through his people to advance this universal message. And it all starts right here in Acts chapter two." [58:40]
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