Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living Boldly in Faith
Summary
In our current series, we are exploring the foundational beliefs of our faith, using the Apostles' Creed as a guide. This ancient statement of faith, crafted over 1,700 years ago, serves as a framework for understanding the core tenets of Christianity. Today, we focus on the Holy Spirit, the third person of the Trinity, whose role and presence have been subjects of much discussion and sometimes confusion within the church. Our focal passage is John 14, where Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit, describing Him as the Counselor, the Spirit of Truth, who will dwell within us, teaching and reminding us of Jesus' words.
The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our lives, offering personal fellowship and guidance. This divine presence ensures that we are never alone, even in our darkest valleys. The Spirit communicates with us, teaching and reminding us of God's truths, and providing peace that surpasses worldly understanding. This peace is a gift from Jesus, who left the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us after His ascension.
Moreover, the Holy Spirit is a renewing presence, transforming us from within. This transformation is evident in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. The Spirit empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, enabling us to live boldly and purposefully for God. This empowerment is not just for personal growth but also for the collective mission of the church, equipping us to be witnesses of the gospel in all areas of life.
The Holy Spirit is also an empowering force, enabling us to do what we could not do on our own. This empowerment is seen in the boldness of the apostles in Acts, who, once timid and fearful, became courageous proclaimers of the gospel. The Spirit enables us to overcome sin, live righteously, and serve others with the gifts He provides. As a church, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to accomplish God's will, trusting that He will equip us for every good work.
In this year of Jubilee, let us open ourselves to the Spirit's work, allowing Him to reset, renew, and repurpose our lives for God's glory. May we be convicted and empowered by the Holy Spirit to live out our faith boldly and faithfully, trusting in His presence and power in every aspect of our lives.
Key Takeaways:
1. The Holy Spirit as God's Presence: The Holy Spirit is God's presence in our lives, offering personal fellowship and guidance. This divine presence ensures that we are never alone, even in our darkest valleys. The Spirit communicates with us, teaching and reminding us of God's truths, and providing peace that surpasses worldly understanding. [05:59]
2. The Holy Spirit's Renewing Power: The Holy Spirit transforms us from within, evident in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This transformation empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, enabling us to live boldly and purposefully for God. [09:58]
3. Empowerment for Witnessing: The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of the gospel, equipping us to proclaim the good news in all areas of life. This empowerment is seen in the boldness of the apostles in Acts, who became courageous proclaimers of the gospel. [27:36]
4. Overcoming Sin and Living Righteously: The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sin and live righteously. He empowers us to give up vices and live a life exemplary of Jesus Christ, modeling Christ in our lives. [37:07]
5. The Church's Mission and the Holy Spirit: As a church, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to accomplish God's will. The Spirit equips us for every good work, enabling us to serve others with the gifts He provides. [40:21]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [05:59] - The Holy Spirit as Counselor
- [09:58] - Recognizing the Spirit's Presence
- [21:00] - Communication with God
- [23:35] - The Spirit's Renewing Power
- [27:36] - Empowerment for Witnessing
- [34:15] - Overcoming Sin
- [37:07] - Living Righteously
- [40:21] - The Church's Mission
- [43:11] - Gospel Conversations
- [45:54] - Extraordinary Work of the Spirit
- [54:00] - Call to Action
- [56:42] - Invitation to Faith
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
- John 14:15-27
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Observation Questions:
1. In John 14:16-17, Jesus promises the coming of the Holy Spirit. How does He describe the Holy Spirit's role and presence in the lives of believers? [05:59]
2. According to the sermon, what are some ways the Holy Spirit communicates with us and reminds us of God's truths? [21:00]
3. The sermon mentions the transformation evident in the fruits of the Spirit. What are these fruits, and how are they described in the sermon? [09:58]
4. How does the sermon illustrate the empowerment of the Holy Spirit through the example of the apostles in Acts? [27:36]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to be a "Counselor" or "Advocate" in the context of John 14:16? How might this role impact a believer's daily life? [05:59]
2. The sermon discusses the renewing power of the Holy Spirit. How does this renewal manifest in a believer's life, according to the sermon? [23:35]
3. In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit empowers believers to overcome sin and live righteously? [37:07]
4. How does the sermon describe the collective mission of the church in relation to the Holy Spirit's empowerment? [40:21]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt alone in a difficult situation. How might recognizing the Holy Spirit as God's presence in your life change your perspective in similar situations? [05:59]
2. Choose one aspect of the fruit of the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control) to focus on this month. What specific action could you take to cultivate it in your interactions with others? [09:58]
3. The sermon highlights the boldness of the apostles after receiving the Holy Spirit. Is there an area in your life where you feel timid or fearful? How can you rely on the Holy Spirit for boldness in that area? [27:36]
4. Consider a sin or habit you struggle with. How can you actively invite the Holy Spirit to empower you to overcome it? What practical steps can you take this week? [37:07]
5. The sermon emphasizes the church's mission and the Holy Spirit's role in it. How can you contribute to your church's mission by using the gifts the Holy Spirit has given you? [40:21]
6. Reflect on a recent decision or challenge. How can you be more attuned to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your decision-making process? [45:54]
7. Identify one person in your life who is curious about faith. How can you engage them in a spiritual conversation this week, relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and words? [43:11]
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit as Our Divine Companion
The Holy Spirit is described as God's presence in our lives, offering personal fellowship and guidance. This divine presence ensures that we are never alone, even in our darkest valleys. The Spirit communicates with us, teaching and reminding us of God's truths, and providing peace that surpasses worldly understanding. This peace is a gift from Jesus, who left the Holy Spirit to comfort and guide us after His ascension. The Holy Spirit is not just a distant force but a personal companion who walks with us daily, offering wisdom and comfort. [05:59]
John 14:16-17 (ESV): "And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees him nor knows him. You know him, for he dwells with you and will be in you."
Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to be more present in your daily routine, especially during moments of solitude or difficulty?
Day 2: Transformation Through the Spirit's Renewing Power
The Holy Spirit transforms us from within, evident in the fruits of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. This transformation empowers us to overcome our weaknesses, enabling us to live boldly and purposefully for God. The Spirit's renewing power is not just about personal growth but about becoming more like Christ in our character and actions. As we yield to the Spirit, we find ourselves being shaped into vessels of God's love and grace, impacting those around us. [09:58]
Titus 3:5-6 (ESV): "He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Reflection: Which fruit of the Spirit do you find most challenging to exhibit, and how can you actively seek the Spirit's help to cultivate it in your life today?
Day 3: Empowerment for Bold Witnessing
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of the gospel, equipping us to proclaim the good news in all areas of life. This empowerment is seen in the boldness of the apostles in Acts, who became courageous proclaimers of the gospel. The Spirit gives us the courage and words to share our faith, even in the face of opposition or fear. As we rely on the Spirit, we find ourselves stepping out in faith, sharing the hope of Christ with those around us, and living as testimonies of His transformative power. [27:36]
Acts 4:31 (ESV): "And when they had prayed, the place in which they were gathered together was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and continued to speak the word of God with boldness."
Reflection: Identify one person in your life who needs to hear the gospel. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide you in sharing your faith with them this week?
Day 4: Overcoming Sin and Living Righteously
The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome sin and live righteously. He empowers us to give up vices and live a life exemplary of Jesus Christ, modeling Christ in our lives. The Spirit's work in us is not just about avoiding sin but about actively pursuing righteousness and holiness. As we submit to the Spirit's leading, we find the strength to resist temptation and the desire to live in a way that honors God. This journey of sanctification is a daily process, requiring our cooperation and dependence on the Spirit. [37:07]
Galatians 5:16-17 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do."
Reflection: What is one specific sin or habit you struggle with, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to help you overcome it starting today?
Day 5: The Church's Mission and the Holy Spirit
As a church, we are called to rely on the Holy Spirit's power to accomplish God's will. The Spirit equips us for every good work, enabling us to serve others with the gifts He provides. The mission of the church is not just about individual growth but about collective impact, as we work together to advance God's kingdom. The Spirit unites us, empowers us, and sends us out to be the hands and feet of Jesus in the world, fulfilling the Great Commission with love and purpose. [40:21]
1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."
Reflection: How can you use your spiritual gifts to serve your church community and contribute to its mission this week?
Quotes
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All this I have spoken while still with you. But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you. My peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not be afraid. You heard me say, I am going away, and I am coming back to you. [00:06:00] (27 seconds)
When it comes to the love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, the self-control in their life, those fruits of the Spirit. It's not fruits of recognizing the Spirit or, or disciplines of the Spirit. It is the fruits of the Spirit. I think the evidential fruits of the Spirit in a believer's life is that you can see a change you can see a change possibly from who they once were it is an obvious recognition that something is different something is present in a believer's life. [00:09:58] (40 seconds)
So what Jesus says is is that that the holy spirit is to be recognized as God's presence in your life God's presence in your life is the holy spirit God is here in the form of the holy spirit in your life that means that whatever it is that you are going through God is going through it along with you that you and I would never you should we should never feel as if we should question God's presence when going through any sort of valley any sort of what is it the shadow of the valley of death any of any sort of thing of of that nature God is in you God is with you. [00:15:24] (48 seconds)
He says in verse 26 another thing in terms of this this the aspect of this personal fellowship that we uh that that we need to emphasize when it comes to the Holy Spirit verse 26 and he will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you so that means that the purpose of the Holy Spirit this fellowship with God is a conversation that is taking place between us and God where he is speaking into your life so you and I can never say or should never be able to say that I never hear from the Lord if God is with you and the reason for God the Holy Spirit of being with you is to teach you and remind you there is communication is taking place the issue is whether or not you recognize it it's not that it's not happening it is whether or not you recognize it. [00:17:33] (59 seconds)
This is the same person who, when they were in the boat and the waves began to crash against the boat and they were fearing for their lives, they woke up Jesus and said, don't you care? Aren't you afraid of what's happening? And he stood up and he says, you of little faith, peace be still. And the waters stopped. The waters were calmed. That is who Jesus left with the apostles and who Jesus gives in each of us. Someone in whom we can call upon even when the storms are raging in our lives and be able to say peace be still. [00:19:41] (43 seconds)
Jesus gave them the instructions of what they needed to do And yet they questioned those instructions But when the Holy Spirit fell on them They knew exactly what they were to do I said a few moments ago That one of the ways to see the realization of the Holy Spirit In a person's life is when you see the fruit of the Spirit Being present in their life What do we see here in Acts chapter 2 But we see a man who denied Jesus being able to stand before The city of Jerusalem and be able to proclaim Jesus. [00:27:52] (43 seconds)
That is something that only the Holy Spirit can do To a person whose life has been changed It is a renewing presence And that is it takes what is weak And it gives that person strength It takes that one who is timid And it gives that person boldness It takes the person who doesn't know how to speak in public And gives them the authority to stand in public It takes the person who does not have the know-how And gives that person the know-how For we recognize that when the Spirit is present And the Spirit is working And you see the Spirit's presence in a person's life You sit back in awe at who you knew that person once was like And who they are today. [00:28:35] (58 seconds)
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