Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Living with Certainty
Summary
### Summary
Welcome to this special day in God's house, Pentecost Sunday. Today, we celebrate not just a historical event but a living reality that empowers us through the Holy Spirit. As we gather, whether in this auditorium, other locations, or online, we are reminded that we serve a living, breathing God who presences Himself among us through His Spirit. This isn't just a feeling; it's a transformative power that enables us to live out the fruits of the Spirit—joy, peace, patience, kindness, and more.
Pentecost Sunday is significant because it marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth. This empowerment is not just for the apostles but for all believers. The Holy Spirit is a gift promised to us, and it is through His power that we can live out our faith with boldness and conviction. The book of Acts is full of miracles, and we are living in a time where God wants to unleash His miraculous power through us.
The Holy Spirit is not just a force but a person, the third person of the Trinity. When we say yes to Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us. This is not just a concept but a reality that transforms our lives. The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses, to live with power, and to glorify Jesus. This empowerment is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as it draws people to Jesus and reveals Him to them.
The day of Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the law. However, in the New Testament, it takes on a new meaning as the day the Holy Spirit was given to the church. This day marks the birth of the church as we know it, where the 120 gathered in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. This event signifies the transition from living under the law to living under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit.
The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with certainty. In a world full of uncertainty, the Holy Spirit provides us with the assurance that God is real and active in our lives. This certainty comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit personally, not just through secondhand information. When we live empowered by the Holy Spirit, we draw people to Jesus, reveal Him to others, and prophesy His power.
As we worship today, I encourage you to seek the Holy Spirit's presence in your life. If you need peace, joy, or hope, come forward for prayer. The Holy Spirit is here to meet your needs and empower you to live a life that glorifies Jesus. Let's move from a probability mindset to a certainty mindset, knowing that God is at work in our lives through the Holy Spirit.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses: The Holy Spirit is not just a force but a person who empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus. This empowerment is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as it draws people to Jesus and reveals Him to them. When we live empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can live out our faith with boldness and conviction. [41:17]
2. Pentecost Marks the Birth of the Church: Pentecost is significant because it marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth. This event signifies the transition from living under the law to living under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. The day of Pentecost was originally a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the law, but in the New Testament, it takes on a new meaning as the day the Holy Spirit was given to the church. [42:59]
3. Living with the Holy Spirit Brings Certainty: In a world full of uncertainty, the Holy Spirit provides us with the assurance that God is real and active in our lives. This certainty comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit personally, not just through secondhand information. When we live empowered by the Holy Spirit, we draw people to Jesus, reveal Him to others, and prophesy His power. [50:44]
4. The Holy Spirit is the Giver of Life and Truth: The Holy Spirit is the giver of life, the restorer of life, and the revealer of truth. He empowers us with guidance, giftings, calling, conviction, peace, and provision. The Holy Spirit operates through His presence, calling, and commissioning of us, and through amazing signs and wonders. When we identify with the death, life, and resurrection of Jesus, we gain the promised presence of the Holy Spirit. [55:46]
5. Experiencing the Holy Spirit Leads to Transformation: The Holy Spirit is not just a concept but a reality that transforms our lives. When we say yes to Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us. This transformation is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as it draws people to Jesus and reveals Him to them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with certainty, joy, peace, boldness, and courage. [01:09:26]
### YouTube Chapters
1. [0:00] - Welcome
2. [38:10] - Introduction to Pentecost Sunday
3. [41:17] - Empowerment by the Holy Spirit
4. [42:59] - Significance of Pentecost
5. [50:44] - Living with Certainty
6. [55:46] - The Holy Spirit's Role
7. [01:09:26] - Experiencing Transformation
8. [01:27:58] - Closing and Invitation to Worship
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:6-8 (NIV)
> "Then they gathered around him and asked him, 'Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?' He said to them: 'It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'"
2. Acts 2:1-4 (NIV)
> "When the day of Pentecost came, they were all together in one place. Suddenly a sound like the blowing of a violent wind came from heaven and filled the whole house where they were sitting. They saw what seemed to be tongues of fire that separated and came to rest on each of them. All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them."
3. Romans 15:13 (NIV)
> "May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit."
### Observation Questions
1. What event does Pentecost Sunday commemorate, and why is it significant for Christians today? [38:10]
2. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of receiving power from the Holy Spirit?
3. Describe the events that took place on the day of Pentecost as recorded in Acts 2:1-4.
4. How does Romans 15:13 describe the impact of the Holy Spirit on a believer's life?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus emphasized the importance of the Holy Spirit's power for being His witnesses in Acts 1:8? [41:17]
2. How does the transformation from living under the law to living under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit affect a believer's daily life? [42:59]
3. In what ways does experiencing the Holy Spirit personally provide certainty in a believer's faith, as opposed to relying on secondhand information? [49:52]
4. How does the Holy Spirit's role as the giver of life and truth manifest in the life of a believer? [55:46]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit. How did it impact your actions and interactions with others? [41:17]
2. The sermon mentioned moving from a probability mindset to a certainty mindset. What steps can you take to experience the Holy Spirit more personally and move towards certainty in your faith? [49:52]
3. How can you actively seek the presence of the Holy Spirit in your daily life, especially when you need peace, joy, or hope? [50:44]
4. Think of a situation where you need guidance or provision. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that specific area? [55:46]
5. The sermon emphasized the importance of being witnesses of Jesus. Identify one person in your life who needs to hear about Jesus. How can you share your faith with them this week? [41:17]
6. How can you cultivate the fruits of the Spirit (joy, peace, patience, kindness, etc.) in your interactions with others this week? Be specific about one fruit you want to focus on. [38:10]
7. The sermon encouraged believers to come forward for prayer if they need the Holy Spirit's presence. Is there a specific area in your life where you need prayer? How can your small group support you in this? [50:44]
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered to Witness
The Holy Spirit empowers us to be witnesses of Jesus, not just for our benefit but to draw others to Him. This empowerment allows us to live out our faith with boldness and conviction. The Holy Spirit is not merely a force but a person who lives within us, guiding and strengthening us to share the gospel. When we live empowered by the Holy Spirit, we can effectively reveal Jesus to others and demonstrate His love and power in our lives. This empowerment is a gift that transforms us and enables us to impact the world around us. [41:17]
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 one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to empower you to share your faith with them this week?
Day 2: Pentecost and the Birth of the Church
Pentecost marks the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to be witnesses of Jesus to the ends of the earth. This event signifies the transition from living under the law to living under the grace and power of the Holy Spirit. Originally a Jewish festival celebrating the giving of the law, Pentecost takes on new meaning in the New Testament as the day the Holy Spirit was given to the church. This day marks the birth of the church as we know it, where the 120 gathered in the upper room were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues. [42:59]
Acts 2:1-4 (ESV): "When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 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."
Reflection: Reflect on the significance of Pentecost in your own life. How does understanding the birth of the church through the Holy Spirit's empowerment change the way you view your role in the church today?
Day 3: Living with Certainty
In a world full of uncertainty, the Holy Spirit provides us with the assurance that God is real and active in our lives. This certainty comes from experiencing the Holy Spirit personally, not just through secondhand information. When we live empowered by the Holy Spirit, we draw people to Jesus, reveal Him to others, and prophesy His power. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that God is at work in and through us. The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives brings a sense of certainty and peace that transcends the uncertainties of the world. [50:44]
Romans 8:16 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God."
Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel uncertain? How can you seek the Holy Spirit's assurance and presence to bring certainty and peace to those areas today?
Day 4: The Holy Spirit as the Giver of Life and Truth
The Holy Spirit is the giver of life, the restorer of life, and the revealer of truth. He empowers us with guidance, giftings, calling, conviction, peace, and provision. The Holy Spirit operates through His presence, calling, and commissioning of us, and through amazing signs and wonders. When we identify with the death, life, and resurrection of Jesus, we gain the promised presence of the Holy Spirit. This presence transforms us and equips us to live out our faith with power and purpose. [55:46]
John 16:13 (ESV): "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come."
Reflection: How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's guidance in your daily life? What steps can you take to align yourself more closely with His leading and truth?
Day 5: Experiencing Transformation through the Holy Spirit
The Holy Spirit is not just a concept but a reality that transforms our lives. When we say yes to Jesus, we receive the Holy Spirit, who lives inside us. This transformation is not just for our benefit but for the benefit of others, as it draws people to Jesus and reveals Him to them. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live out our faith with certainty, joy, peace, boldness, and courage. This transformation is a testament to the power of the Holy Spirit working within us, enabling us to live lives that glorify Jesus and impact those around us. [01:09:26]
2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."
Reflection: Reflect on a specific area of your life where you have experienced transformation through the Holy Spirit. How can you continue to allow the Holy Spirit to work in and through you to bring about further transformation?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "When we experience it for yourself, it always leads to certainty. We have a generation of believers who live with a probability. Right. In Christianity. Chances are, you and I live on more secondhand information than we do personal revelation. Because there's this podcast and that podcast. There's this church and there's that church. There's this friend and there's that friend. And we can, if we're not careful, hoover up all the information in the world in one click of a Google search button. And live with a probably it would have happened. But when we go into all the world, because there's not a certainty, there's not a confidence. And so, therefore, we're trying to convince someone that Jesus is legit. That Christianity is the answer. But because we park our faith at what other people have experienced, we don't live certain ourselves." [51:25]
2. "Experience always leads to certainty. What I'm certain of is that I know the Holy Spirit wants to move in our lives today. In our locations today. And I love the fact that an encounter with Holy Spirit doesn't leave you worse off. It only leaves you better. Right. In fact, you discover that a life living full of Holy Spirit actually gives you the ability to have certainty that in every season and in every situation, you and I can live with hope, with joy, and with peace." [53:41]
3. "The Holy Spirit is not just a force. He is a person. The third person of the Trinity. And I would say. And remind us today. He is God in every way. And whatever campus you may be at. I want you to capture the reality." [54:56]
4. "The Holy Spirit is the giver of life. The Holy Spirit is the restorer of life. The Holy Spirit is the revealer of truth. The truth is, I would say, that the Holy Spirit empowers guidance and giftings in your life. Empowers calling. And conviction in your life. And empowers peace and provision in your life. The way the Holy Spirit operates is through his presence. His calling and commissioning of us. And through amazing signs and wonders. And as I said earlier, when we identify with the death, life, resurrection of Jesus. Not only do we gain salvation for our sins. But we gain the promised presence of Holy Spirit." [55:46]
5. "When we live full of the power and the presence of Holy Spirit. Let me put it this way. It's the difference between having. Having a one-off encounter where you said yes to Jesus. And living a following life where we see the signs and the wonders of Jesus in our every day. As he not only presences himself in our atmosphere. But in and through our life." [56:42]
### Quotes for Members
1. "We draw people to Jesus when we live empowered by the Spirit. Think about it. 120 people. Read your Bible in Acts. Very quickly becomes 3000. Which then becomes 5000. And the list goes on. Now I don't know about you. But that's pretty good church strategy growth. You can't argue with the reality. That because the presence of God. Holy Spirit was present. 120 became 3000. Which became 5000. And the birthing of the church. What we know it today. Billions of people discover. The wonder of Jesus. Why? Because of the empowerment and the power of Holy Spirit." [01:00:32]
2. "We now reveal Jesus to people. Talks about wind. And then Acts 2 talks about fire. And you got to understand the context of fire in the Bible. Is actually a symbolism for God's holy presence. If you've been in church. You may have heard the story about Moses in the burning bush. You may have read about the Israelites in the wilderness. And they were what? Led by pillars of fire. The God is as much interested at being incredibly amazing. Supernaturally speaking to draw people in. As he is wanting people to recognize. And reveal himself through fire. Hebrews talks about the fact that God's a consuming fire. And I don't know if you've ever sat around a fire lately. But it is all consuming. Because it draws you to a place of wanting to watch it. The fire of God marks us as believers. And I believe it refers to you and I. As needing to be hot. Not lukewarm Christians. In this day. In this age. In this generation. The call is one that you and I need to not sit on the fence. But either be in. Or be out." [01:01:52]
3. "The power of Holy Spirit. That allows us to prophesy the power of Jesus. And so we're going to worship. For an extended period today. Right across life. And in fact. I have it on my heart that if you. Are yet to discover the power. The very presence of Holy Spirit in your life. Then I would love in a moment. For you to be bold enough to come. Up to one of our altars. And someone would love to lay a hand on you and pray. Maybe you need peace. You need joy. You need hope. It's all lost. We just read. That the God of all hope. But it's through what? Experience. It's through application. It's not a second hand informative decision. This is a personal revelation. That I'm going after. What God has for me." [01:06:32]
4. "If you want certainty. In your faith. In the day and age. That we live in today. Then I want to encourage. That it will come. Via experiencing. Your faith. When you engage. With Holy Spirit. Certainty. Will be your reality. Yes joy. Yes peace. Yes boldness. Courage. All those things. But you will live knowing. That God isn't just a God. Who's up there. And a great idea. That makes me feel better. But He is alive. He is well. He is present. He is living. And no longer do I have to live. In a probability. Christianity. I can live in a certainty. Because of the experience. Of the experience. Outpouring. Of His presence." [01:09:26]
5. "When we live. Empowered by the Holy Spirit. We draw people to Jesus. We now reveal Jesus to people. And as the teams across life join me. Finally. We now prophesy the power of Jesus. Wind. Acts 2 then talks about fire. And then talks about tongues. The way we outwork. Or the way we release the power of Jesus. Is through our speech. It's actually the proclamation of God's power. And God's word. That provides evidence. That the Holy Spirit is working through us. This is why it's challenging when. Someone wants to challenge your faith. Because you're not sure what you should or you shouldn't say. Right? There is a. A enemy at play that wants you. Just to keep your Christianity to yourself. Just be okay with being drawn. To Jesus. It's me and Jesus. And everyone else is over here. But we understand. That not only is there a drawing in. Not only is there a revealing. But now there is a decision moment. To proclaim. This is why the Bible says. I am not ashamed. Of the gospel of Christ. Why? Because it is the thing. That changes everything." [01:04:00]
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