Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Boldly in Faith
Summary
In today's message, we explored the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in the life of believers, drawing from Acts 13 and other scriptural references. We began by reflecting on the calling and sending out of Paul and Barnabas, emphasizing that the Holy Spirit is not reserved for a select few but is a gift to all believers. This divine presence empowers us to live out our faith boldly and humbly, providing the strength needed to share the good news of Jesus Christ in a world that can often be challenging.
The Holy Spirit is our source of power, enabling us to be effective witnesses for Christ. Without the Spirit, our words are just words, but with the Spirit, they become transformative, bringing life and truth to those who hear them. The Spirit also guides us, helping us discern truth and navigate the complexities of life. It directs our paths, ensuring that we are where we need to be and speaking when we need to speak.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit acts as our helper and advocate, reminding us of God's teachings and providing the words we need in moments of uncertainty. It comforts us, offering peace that surpasses understanding, especially in times of fear and anxiety. This comfort allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity.
As we prayed over the confirmation students today, we recognized that they, like all of us, are called to be the presence of God in their communities. The Holy Spirit equips them—and us—with the necessary gifts and fruits to fulfill this mission. Jesus emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit, stating that it is better for us to have the Spirit than His physical presence. This underscores the Spirit's role in empowering, guiding, helping, and comforting us as we live out our faith.
Key Takeaways:
1. Empowerment by the Holy Spirit: The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith with boldness and humility. It transforms our words into life-giving messages that can change lives. Without the Spirit, our efforts are in vain, but with it, we can accomplish extraordinary things for the sake of the Gospel. [30:56]
2. Guidance from the Holy Spirit: The Spirit guides us in discerning truth and understanding Scripture. It directs our paths, ensuring we are where God wants us to be. This guidance helps us navigate life's challenges, providing strength and peace in difficult situations. [33:48]
3. The Holy Spirit as Helper and Advocate: The Spirit reminds us of God's teachings and provides the words we need in moments of uncertainty. It enables us to speak with conviction and power, drawing others to Christ. This divine assistance is crucial in our daily walk with God. [36:43]
4. Comfort from the Holy Spirit: The Spirit offers peace that surpasses understanding, especially in times of fear and anxiety. This comfort allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. It is a reminder of God's presence and love in our lives. [40:22]
5. The Importance of the Holy Spirit: Jesus emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit, stating it is better for us to have the Spirit than His physical presence. The Spirit empowers, guides, helps, and comforts us, enabling us to fulfill our mission as believers. [45:00]
Youtube Chapters:
[0:00] - Welcome
[28:05] - The Call and Sending of Paul and Barnabas
[30:56] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
[33:48] - Guidance from the Holy Spirit
[36:43] - The Holy Spirit as Helper and Advocate
[38:46] - Comfort from the Holy Spirit
[40:22] - Peace in the Midst of Fear
[45:00] - The Importance of the Holy Spirit
[46:16] - The Role of Scripture and the Spirit
[46:59] - Transformation Through the Spirit
[47:56] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. Acts 13:2-3
2. 1 Corinthians 3:16
3. John 14:26
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#### Observation Questions
1. What specific event in Acts 13 marks the beginning of Paul and Barnabas's mission, and how is the Holy Spirit involved in this event? [28:05]
2. According to 1 Corinthians 3:16, what does Paul say about the presence of the Holy Spirit in believers?
3. In John 14:26, what role does Jesus say the Holy Spirit will play in the lives of believers?
4. How does the sermon describe the process of laying on of hands and its significance in the empowerment of believers? [30:56]
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#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the empowerment by the Holy Spirit enable believers to live out their faith with boldness and humility, according to the sermon? [30:56]
2. What does the sermon suggest about the importance of the Holy Spirit's guidance in discerning truth and understanding Scripture? [33:48]
3. In what ways does the Holy Spirit act as a helper and advocate for believers, as discussed in the sermon? [36:43]
4. How does the sermon explain the comfort provided by the Holy Spirit during times of fear and anxiety? [40:22]
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#### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to share your faith. What was the outcome, and how did it impact your spiritual journey? [30:56]
2. How can you actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily decision-making and understanding of Scripture? Consider setting a specific time for prayer or meditation each day. [33:48]
3. Think of a situation where you felt uncertain or anxious. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit as your helper and advocate in similar future situations? [36:43]
4. Identify a current fear or anxiety in your life. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to provide comfort and peace in this area? [40:22]
5. The sermon emphasizes the importance of the Holy Spirit over Jesus's physical presence. How does this perspective change your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life? [45:00]
6. Consider the gifts and fruits of the Holy Spirit mentioned in the sermon. Which one do you feel called to develop more in your life, and what steps can you take to cultivate it?
7. How can you be the presence of God in your community, as the confirmation students are called to be? Identify one specific action you can take this week to live out this calling. [45:00]
Devotional
I'm ready to provide the 5-day devotional based on the steps outlined. Here it is:
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Day 1: Empowered for Boldness and Humility
The Holy Spirit empowers believers to live out their faith with both boldness and humility. This divine empowerment transforms our words into life-giving messages that can change lives. Without the Spirit, our efforts are in vain, but with it, we can accomplish extraordinary things for the sake of the Gospel. The Spirit's presence in our lives enables us to speak with conviction and act with courage, even in the face of opposition. It is through this empowerment that we can truly reflect the love and truth of Jesus Christ to the world. [30:56]
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 situation where you need to speak or act with boldness and humility. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you in this situation today?
Day 2: Guided by Divine Wisdom
The Holy Spirit guides us in discerning truth and understanding Scripture. It directs our paths, ensuring we are where God wants us to be. This guidance helps us navigate life's challenges, providing strength and peace in difficult situations. By leaning on the Spirit's wisdom, we can make decisions that align with God's will and purpose for our lives. The Spirit's guidance is a constant reminder that we are not alone in our journey, and it equips us to face whatever comes our way with confidence and clarity. [33:48]
Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV): "Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths."
Reflection: Consider a decision you are currently facing. How can you seek the Holy Spirit's guidance to ensure your choice aligns with God's will?
Day 3: The Spirit as Helper and Advocate
The Holy Spirit acts as our helper and advocate, reminding us of God's teachings and providing the words we need in moments of uncertainty. It enables us to speak with conviction and power, drawing others to Christ. This divine assistance is crucial in our daily walk with God, as it helps us to remain steadfast in our faith and witness. The Spirit's role as our advocate means we are never alone in our struggles, and we can rely on its support to overcome any obstacles we encounter. [36:43]
John 14:26 (ESV): "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you."
Reflection: Think of a moment when you felt uncertain or lost for words. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to be your helper and advocate in similar situations today?
Day 4: Comforted by the Spirit's Peace
The Holy Spirit offers peace that surpasses understanding, especially in times of fear and anxiety. This comfort allows us to stand firm in our faith, even when faced with adversity. It is a reminder of God's presence and love in our lives, providing reassurance that we are never alone. The Spirit's peace is a powerful force that can calm our hearts and minds, enabling us to face challenges with courage and hope. [40:22]
Philippians 4:7 (ESV): "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: Identify a source of fear or anxiety in your life. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to bring you peace and comfort in this area today?
Day 5: The Essential Role of the Holy Spirit
Jesus emphasized the necessity of the Holy Spirit, stating it is better for us to have the Spirit than His physical presence. The Spirit empowers, guides, helps, and comforts us, enabling us to fulfill our mission as believers. This underscores the Spirit's vital role in our spiritual journey, as it equips us with the tools we need to live out our faith effectively. By embracing the Spirit's presence in our lives, we can experience a deeper connection with God and a greater impact in our communities. [45:00]
John 16:7 (ESV): "Nevertheless, I tell you the truth: it is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go, I will send him to you."
Reflection: Reflect on how the Holy Spirit has been active in your life. How can you become more aware of and responsive to the Spirit's presence and guidance in your daily walk with God?
Quotes
1. "The Holy Spirit is the source of power that all Christians need and that they rely on as we step into the world with the good news of Jesus Christ. It's a brutal world out there. Amen? Through the Holy Spirit, we receive the power to be faithful, to live out our faith, and to not do it with timidity, but with boldness. Not arrogantly, but humbly and powerfully. It is the Spirit of God that brings power and impact to the words that we share with others about Jesus." [30:56] (33 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit is the power we need to draw others into relationship with Jesus second the holy spirit is our guide the spirit helps people as we discern the truth right when we read scripture we call on the spirit for understanding and discernment i i think i pray that just about every time before i preach lord give us discernment help us understand what you're trying to say help us apply it to our day -to -day lives make scripture come alive alive, and not just in an academic sense, but in a real and powerful indwelling that I can step into the world knowing that God goes with me, is before me, and cleans up after me, because the Spirit is there." [33:48] (42 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Spirit helps us discern the truth and apply Scripture. It helps us discern what is good and what is godly, and then it gives us direction as we seek to honor God and go where God is leading us. You know, we see in Scripture where Paul wanted to go to various places, and it says things like this, but the Spirit wouldn't let him go. Or that the Spirit, like we heard today, called out and said, take for me Paul and Silas. I'm sending them." [36:43] (28 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit is at work in and on and through you, empowering us, guiding us, helping us, and finally, the Holy Spirit is our comforter. It's our comforter. One of my favorite verses in Scripture is Acts 9 .31, and it says this, so the church throughout, all Judea and Galilee and Samaria had peace and was being built up, and walking in the fear of the Lord and the comfort of the Holy Spirit, it multiplied." [40:22] (40 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The Holy Spirit empowers and guides as our help and our comfort and jesus knew the importance of the holy spirit so much so that in in john chapter 16 verse 7 jesus says this he said i'm going to tell you the truth this is jesus it's your it's to your advantage that i'm going to go away for if i didn't go away the helper the holy spirit will not come to you but if i go away i will send them to you can you imagine this is what jesus says it is more important for me that you have the holy spirit than yet than that you have my physical presence with you day in and day out." [45:00] (38 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
6. "If you don't have the Word of God, if you're not grounded in Scripture, if a church is not grounded on the Word of God, it doesn't have the Holy Spirit. It doesn't have the Holy Spirit because the Holy Spirit can't testify to lies. A church that is grounded on the Word of God has the Holy Spirit. See, without that, without the Word of God and without the Holy Spirit, what you've got is a club. Anybody need another club to join? But what about a transformation of a life? Gives you a purpose beyond what you could ever imagine, an eternal purpose." [46:59] (43 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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