Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living as Witnesses
Summary
In my sermon, I began by reflecting on the remarkable story of the early church, which despite facing enormous obstacles, such as intense hatred and persecution, thrived and spread the message of Jesus Christ. I emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit in guiding and empowering the church, acknowledging my past reluctance to preach about the Holy Spirit and expressing my desire to correct that error.
I discussed the significance of the Book of Acts, which is currently being studied by our church's women's group, and its relevance to what God is doing in the world today. I highlighted the continuity of Jesus' work through the Holy Spirit and the church's role in it. I shared my personal journey of faith, including my teenage years when I was reluctant to attend church, and my transformative experience at 17 when I fully committed my life to Christ.
I spoke about the three-fold relationship with the Holy Spirit: before conversion, when the Spirit convicts us of sin and righteousness; at conversion, when the Spirit comes to dwell within us; and beyond conversion, when we are baptized with or filled with the Holy Spirit. I shared my testimony of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which deepened my love for God and others and transformed my perspective on witnessing for Christ.
I addressed the Apostles' question to Jesus about restoring the kingdom to Israel, explaining that it was a reasonable question based on their understanding of the Old Testament promises. However, I pointed out that Jesus redirected their focus to the coming of the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses.
I concluded by inviting the congregation to seek the baptism of the Holy Spirit, to live out their faith as true witnesses of Christ, and to be ready for His return, which could happen at any time. I encouraged believers to trust God with the things they cannot control and to be obedient to what He has shown them to do.
Key Takeaways:
1. The early church's survival and growth, despite lacking human advantages, demonstrate God's power and the essential role of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit reveals the potential of the church when it operates under divine guidance and empowerment. This is a reminder that our strength comes not from human leaders or resources but from the Spirit of God who works within us. [08:03]
2. The study of the Book of Acts is providential for our church, as it aligns with God's current movements on Earth. The book acts as a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament, showing how Jesus' work continues through His followers. This encourages us to see ourselves as active participants in the ongoing story of God's redemptive plan. [09:25]
3. The three-fold relationship with the Holy Spirit is crucial for our spiritual journey. Before conversion, the Spirit convicts us; at conversion, He indwells us; and beyond conversion, He empowers us for witness. This progression underscores the transformative and empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in every stage of our Christian life. [13:05]
4. Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not just about speaking of Jesus but living out and embodying our beliefs, even to the point of martyrdom if necessary. This challenges us to examine whether our lives reflect the depth of our convictions and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. [40:43]
5. The question of when Jesus will return should not be our focus; instead, we should concentrate on being ready at all times through a life empowered by the Holy Spirit. This perspective helps us to live with a sense of urgency and purpose, knowing that our time to witness and serve is limited and precious. [22:46]
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:1-8
2. John 14:26
3. Romans 8:9-11
#### Observation Questions
1. What were the three stages of the relationship with the Holy Spirit mentioned in the sermon? ([13:05])
2. How did the early church manage to thrive despite facing intense persecution and lacking human advantages? ([08:03])
3. What was Jesus' response to the apostles' question about restoring the kingdom to Israel? ([22:46])
4. What role does the Holy Spirit play in the life of a believer according to the sermon? ([13:05])
#### Interpretation Questions
1. Why is the study of the Book of Acts considered providential for the church today? How does it relate to God's current movements on Earth? ([09:25])
2. How does the Holy Spirit empower believers to be witnesses for Christ, and what does this empowerment look like in practical terms? ([25:19])
3. What does it mean to be filled with the Holy Spirit beyond just speaking about Jesus? How does this affect one's daily life and actions? ([40:43])
4. Why is it important to focus on being ready for Jesus' return rather than speculating about the timing? ([22:46])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on your own journey with the Holy Spirit. Have you experienced the three stages mentioned in the sermon? If so, how have they impacted your faith and actions? ([13:05])
2. The early church thrived despite persecution and lack of resources. How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit rather than human resources in your own life and ministry? ([08:03])
3. Jesus redirected the apostles' focus from restoring the kingdom to receiving the Holy Spirit. Are there areas in your life where you need to shift your focus to what God is currently doing? ([22:46])
4. The sermon emphasized living out our faith as true witnesses of Christ. What are some practical ways you can embody your beliefs in your daily interactions, even in challenging situations? ([40:43])
5. The pastor shared his personal testimony of being filled with the Holy Spirit, which transformed his love for God and others. Have you had a similar experience? If not, what steps can you take to seek this deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? ([38:06])
6. The sermon encouraged believers to trust God with things they cannot control. Identify one area in your life where you struggle with control. How can you practice surrendering this to God this week? ([24:00])
7. The Holy Spirit produces fruit in our lives such as love, joy, peace, and patience. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit to focus on this month. What specific action can you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? ([13:43])
Devotional
Day 1: Divine Empowerment in the Church
The early church's survival and growth were not due to human ingenuity or strength but to the divine empowerment of the Holy Spirit. This same Spirit that raised Christ from the dead dwells within the church, guiding and fortifying believers against all adversities. The church today can take heart in knowing that its success does not rely on worldly measures but on the Spirit's power. This power is not just for overcoming external challenges but also for internal transformation, enabling believers to live out their faith with authenticity and courage.
"…and Stephen, full of grace and power, was doing great wonders and signs among the people." (Acts 6:8 ESV)
Reflection: How can you rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in your daily struggles and less on your own strength? [08:03]
Day 2: Active Participants in God's Story
The Book of Acts serves as a bridge between the life of Jesus and the life of the church, showing how the baton of God's redemptive work is passed to His followers. Believers are not mere spectators but active participants in the unfolding story of God's kingdom. As the church studies Acts, it is reminded that the same Spirit who empowered the early disciples is at work today, calling each member to engage in the mission with purpose and passion.
"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: In what ways can you actively participate in the mission of the church to continue the story of Acts in your community? [09:25]
Day 3: The Transformative Journey with the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit's role in a believer's life is multifaceted: convicting of sin before conversion, indwelling at the moment of faith, and empowering for service thereafter. This journey reflects a deepening relationship with God, where each stage brings about transformation and growth. The indwelling Spirit reshapes desires, priorities, and actions, aligning them with God's will and equipping believers to be effective witnesses to the world.
"And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance." (Acts 2:4 ESV)
Reflection: Can you identify a recent moment when you felt the Holy Spirit convicting, guiding, or empowering you in your spiritual journey? [13:05]
Day 4: Embodied Faith Through the Spirit
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not merely about professing faith but about embodying it in every aspect of life. The Spirit's filling leads to a profound love for God and others, transforming not just beliefs but behaviors. This transformation is so radical that it may even lead to martyrdom. The call is to live a life that is so aligned with Christ that others can see His love and power through our actions.
"And the disciples were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit." (Acts 13:52 ESV)
Reflection: How does your life currently reflect the transformative power of the Holy Spirit, and what changes might you need to make to embody your faith more fully? [40:43]
Day 5: Readiness for Christ's Return
The anticipation of Christ's return should not lead to idle speculation but to active readiness. Living a life empowered by the Holy Spirit ensures that believers are prepared for the Lord's coming at any moment. This readiness is not marked by fear but by a life of faithful service, witnessing, and a heart that seeks to please God in all things. The urgency of the mission is balanced with trust in God's sovereignty and timing.
"Therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect." (Matthew 24:44 ESV)
Reflection: What does being ready for Christ's return look like in your daily life, and how can you cultivate a lifestyle of readiness through the Holy Spirit? [22:46]
Quotes
1. "The book of Acts provides a bridge for the writing of the New Testament without the book of Acts we would look and say who's that Paul fella where did he come from why did he get to write so much of the Bible we'd be so the book of Acts is a bridge between the Gospels and the rest of the New Testament." [06:02]
2. "Jesus knew that they really could do nothing effective for the kingdom of God until the Holy Spirit came the word says until the father sends you the gift he promised that is the holy spirit we're going to talk about him in a minute but I want to tell you about the Holy Spirit that's the gift that God promised he promised that all his children the Holy Spirit." [13:05]
3. "A witness is one who not only proclaims what he believes he lives what he believes he is what he believes and he believes it so strongly that if necessary he will die for what he believes that's what the word's talking about when Jesus says after you receive my spirit you will be my witness." [41:35]
4. "I fell so much in love with God and with people I used to be before that happened the best judge who could be saved and who couldn't I could look at a person and say I ain't going to look at none of y'all there's no hope for that one well that one right there I think he can be saved okay I man I started looking at everybody every single person in this I've ever seen since that time happened they're either lost or they're saved." [39:17]
5. "Jesus said the father alone has the time and theor has the authority set those dates and times and they're not for you to know don't speculate on when Jesus is coming back just know that he is and it could be he could come for you to day he could come for you today." [22:46]
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