Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Boldly Living Our Faith
Summary
### Summary
Today, we explored the transformative power of the Holy Spirit and the call to live out our faith boldly, as exemplified in Acts 13 and 14. Reflecting on my recent vacation and the connections made with other pastors, I emphasized that each of us is here for a divine purpose. The Holy Spirit, often misunderstood and feared, is our comforter, guide, and source of power. We delved into the early church's experiences, particularly Paul and Barnabas, who were called by the Holy Spirit to spread the gospel despite facing significant opposition and hardships.
We discussed the importance of stepping out of our comfort zones and allowing God to change us to be more like Him. This transformation requires self-discipline, honesty, and a commitment to growing in our relationship with God. The early church leaders, while worshiping and fasting, received clear guidance from the Holy Spirit, leading to the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journey. This journey was marked by both miraculous signs and severe persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their mission.
The sermon challenged us to evaluate our own spiritual lives: Are we spending time with God daily? Are we growing in His love, power, freedom, and word? Are we willing to go out and witness for Him, even when it’s difficult? The call to action is clear: we must know God intimately, grow in our faith, and go out to share the gospel, trusting that God will guide and empower us.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit is not something to be feared but embraced as our comforter, guide, and source of power. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we become natural witnesses of Jesus in every aspect of our lives, from our workplaces to our homes. [39:37]
2. Stepping Out in Faith: God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and be transformed into His likeness. This requires us to confront our fears and be willing to change, even when it’s uncomfortable. True transformation happens when we are honest about where we are and commit to growing in our relationship with God. [41:03]
3. The Importance of Community and Encouragement: Just as the early church leaders encouraged and prayed for one another, we too need to be in community, calling out the gifts and callings we see in each other. This mutual encouragement helps us stay focused on our mission and strengthens our resolve to follow God’s guidance. [47:08]
4. Perseverance in the Face of Opposition: Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. Their perseverance, despite being chased out of towns and even stoned, is a powerful reminder that following God’s call often involves hardships, but we must keep going, trusting in His strength and guidance. [58:27]
5. Living Out Our Faith Daily: Knowing God, growing in our faith, and going out to share the gospel are not just Sunday activities but daily commitments. We are called to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, continually seeking God’s guidance and being open to His transformative power. [01:02:33]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[38:06] - Purpose of Gathering
[38:45] - Holy Spirit's Role
[39:37] - Attributes of the Holy Spirit
[40:24] - Witnessing Everywhere
[41:03] - Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
[41:48] - Identity and Calling
[42:34] - Power of Prayer
[43:16] - Early Church Worship
[45:05] - Focused Worship
[46:24] - Paul's Calling
[47:08] - Submitting to the Spirit
[49:21] - First Missionary Journey
[50:14] - Facing Opposition
[52:18] - Standing Against Evil
[53:29] - Preaching in Turkey
[55:06] - Jealousy and Opposition
[56:59] - Joy in Persecution
[57:48] - Perseverance in Ministry
[59:12] - Miraculous Healings
[01:01:01] - Strengthening Believers
[01:02:33] - Knowing, Growing, and Going
[01:09:00] - Prayer and Commitment
[01:10:10] - Church Announcements
[01:11:26] - Closing and Fellowship
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:2-3 (NIV) - "While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them.' So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off."
2. Acts 14:21-22 (NIV) - "They preached the gospel in that city and won a large number of disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the disciples and encouraging them to remain true to the faith. 'We must go through many hardships to enter the kingdom of God,' they said."
#### Observation Questions
1. What roles does the Holy Spirit play according to Acts 13:2-3 and the sermon? ([39:37])
2. How did Paul and Barnabas respond to the opposition they faced during their missionary journey? ([58:27])
3. What activities were the early church leaders engaged in when they received guidance from the Holy Spirit? ([43:16])
4. What was the reaction of the governor when he witnessed the power of God through Paul and Barnabas? ([52:18])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the Holy Spirit often misunderstood and feared, and how can believers embrace the Holy Spirit as their comforter and guide? ([39:37])
2. What does it mean to step out of our comfort zones in faith, and why is this important for spiritual growth? ([41:03])
3. How does mutual encouragement within a community help believers stay focused on their mission? ([47:08])
4. What can we learn from Paul and Barnabas' perseverance in the face of severe opposition and hardships? ([58:27])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your daily spiritual practices. Are you spending time with God daily? If not, what changes can you make to prioritize this time? ([47:08])
2. Think about a recent situation where you felt called to step out in faith but hesitated. What fears held you back, and how can you confront them with God's help? ([41:03])
3. In what ways can you encourage and support others in your small group or church community to recognize and act on their spiritual gifts and callings? ([47:08])
4. Have you experienced opposition or hardship while trying to live out your faith? How did you respond, and what can you learn from Paul and Barnabas' example of perseverance? ([58:27])
5. Identify one area in your life where you need to rely more on the Holy Spirit's power and guidance. What steps can you take this week to invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area? ([39:37])
6. How can you integrate witnessing for Jesus into your daily routine, whether at work, home, or in social settings? ([40:24])
7. Reflect on a time when you felt the joy of the Lord despite difficult circumstances. How can you cultivate and maintain that joy in your current situation? ([56:59])
Devotional
Day 1: Embracing the Holy Spirit's Power and Presence
The Holy Spirit is often misunderstood and feared, but it is essential to embrace Him as our comforter, guide, and source of power. When we allow the Holy Spirit to work in us, we become natural witnesses of Jesus in every aspect of our lives, from our workplaces to our homes. The early church experienced this transformative power, and it enabled them to spread the gospel with boldness and conviction. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of those around us. We are called to be vessels of His love, power, and truth, impacting the world for Christ. [39:37]
Acts 1:8 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: Think of a specific area in your life where you have been hesitant to allow the Holy Spirit to work. How can you invite Him into that area today and trust Him to guide and empower you?
Day 2: Stepping Out in Faith and Transformation
God calls us to step out of our comfort zones and be transformed into His likeness. This requires us to confront our fears and be willing to change, even when it’s uncomfortable. True transformation happens when we are honest about where we are and commit to growing in our relationship with God. The early church leaders, while worshiping and fasting, received clear guidance from the Holy Spirit, leading to the commissioning of Paul and Barnabas for their missionary journey. This journey was marked by both miraculous signs and severe persecution, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. [41:03]
Romans 12:2 (ESV): "Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect."
Reflection: Identify one fear or comfort zone that is holding you back from fully following God’s call. What steps can you take today to confront this fear and allow God to transform you?
Day 3: The Importance of Community and Encouragement
Just as the early church leaders encouraged and prayed for one another, we too need to be in community, calling out the gifts and callings we see in each other. This mutual encouragement helps us stay focused on our mission and strengthens our resolve to follow God’s guidance. Being part of a supportive community allows us to grow in our faith and be held accountable in our spiritual journey. It is through these relationships that we can experience the fullness of God's love and purpose for our lives. [47:08]
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: Think of someone in your church community who has encouraged you in your faith. How can you reach out to them today to express your gratitude and offer encouragement in return?
Day 4: Perseverance in the Face of Opposition
Paul and Barnabas faced significant opposition, yet they remained steadfast in their mission. Their perseverance, despite being chased out of towns and even stoned, is a powerful reminder that following God’s call often involves hardships, but we must keep going, trusting in His strength and guidance. The early church's experiences teach us that perseverance is crucial in our spiritual journey. We must rely on God's strength and remain committed to our mission, even when faced with challenges and opposition. [58:27]
2 Corinthians 4:8-9 (ESV): "We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed; perplexed, but not driven to despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed."
Reflection: Reflect on a recent challenge or opposition you have faced in your spiritual journey. How can you draw strength from God and remain steadfast in your mission despite these difficulties?
Day 5: Living Out Our Faith Daily
Knowing God, growing in our faith, and going out to share the gospel are not just Sunday activities but daily commitments. We are called to live out our faith in every aspect of our lives, continually seeking God’s guidance and being open to His transformative power. This daily commitment requires intentionality and a willingness to be led by the Holy Spirit in all that we do. By living out our faith daily, we become witnesses of God's love and power to those around us, making a lasting impact for His kingdom. [01:02:33]
Colossians 3:17 (ESV): "And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
Reflection: Consider your daily routine and interactions. How can you intentionally incorporate your faith into these moments, allowing God to use you as a witness of His love and power?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "But I want to tell you this morning that you were here for a reason and I think sometimes we come to church and we're like, why am I coming? What's going on? I don't even know that. I want to be here. It doesn't seem like very many people are here, but the Holy Spirit is here." [38:06] (15 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit is defined as a comforter. The Holy Spirit is defined as a gentleman. The Holy Spirit is defined as a guide. The Holy Spirit has all these incredible attributes that the enemy doesn't want us to have. And the Holy Spirit brings power into our lives." [39:37] (16 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "God, change me so that I can witness for you in my actions. So I can witness for you in my words. We're going to have to be self-disciplined so that we're in the word of God, not just to say we're in it, but so that we're growing in that relationship. We're going to have to start being really honest about where we're at." [41:03] (20 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The joy of the Lord is your strength. That's what the Bible says. They travel and the same thing happens. It's the same story again. They preach. Jews and Greeks believe. Jews turn to some others against Paul and Bartimaeus. Exact same story. You ever been doing what Jesus says to do and it just seems like everywhere you go, people are against you." [57:48] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Chains fall. Fear bow. Lives are healed. Hope is found. Here now. Jesus, you change everything. Chains fall. Fear bow. lives are healed hope is found right here right now because Jesus changed everything." [01:08:08] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "We cannot be a church that just comes on Sunday mornings and maybe has a small group a week and goes, that's how it is. That's just how life is. We are going to have to step out of some of our fear and start going, okay, God, change me to be like you. That's scary for me, God. Because I kind of like who I am right now and I'm kind of comfortable, but change me to be like you." [41:03] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "I believe that life is too short for us not to spend time with God to say, God, what do you want me to do? And it's more than coming here and just sitting here on Sunday morning. Now, I love you. And I love seeing you. And I want you here. I want more here. But what I really desire for us, for us, is that we're spending time with God daily going, God, what do you have for me?" [47:08] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Are you submitting yourself to his guidance? There was a call upon their lives and people called it out on them. Guys, we have to be around each other, encouraging one another, calling the things out of people we see, calling them into what the destiny is they have. We live in a world that wears us out, that gains our focus on the other things. And we need each other sometimes to say, hey, there's a calling on you. There's an anointing on you. Don't lose that." [48:16] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "They encouraged them to continue in the faith, reminding them that we must suffer many hardships to enter the kingdom of God. Hey, guys, I don't know. I'm guessing he still has wounds from being stoned. Hey, there's a lot of hardships to face. Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord in whom they had put their trust." [01:01:01] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Do you know him in his power? No. Most of the world thinks of Christians as these weak, sick, puny, yeah, okay, well, we're just going to love everybody, and we're just going to be picked on. No, there is a power in the gospel of Christ. There is a power. And when is the last time you received that power and stepped out in that power?" [01:03:37] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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