Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Transforming Lives Together
Summary
### Summary
Today, we gather to celebrate the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. We begin by reflecting on the day of Pentecost, where all believers were united in one place, much like we are today. Suddenly, a sound from heaven, like a mighty windstorm, filled the house, and what appeared to be flames of fire settled on each of them. Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Spirit enabled them. This moment marked the beginning of a new era where the Holy Spirit was poured out on all people, not just a select few, empowering them to live out their faith boldly and authentically ([00:58]).
We continue by acknowledging the importance of gathering together, as the early believers did, to devote ourselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer. This communal life brought a deep sense of awe and many miraculous signs and wonders. They shared everything, sold possessions to help those in need, and worshiped together, praising God and enjoying the goodwill of all people. This spirit of unity and generosity is something we strive to emulate today ([02:08]).
As we move into a time of communion, we remember the sacrifice of Jesus. On the night He was betrayed, He took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and His people, an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me." As we partake in communion, we proclaim the Lord's death until He comes again, celebrating the new covenant that frees us from the old law and brings us into a restored relationship with God ([21:51]).
We then delve into the role of the Holy Spirit in our lives. The Holy Spirit helps us to be born again, transforming us from mere human existence into a new spiritual life. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process where the Spirit continually nudges, coaches, and corrects us, helping us to become more like Jesus. This lifelong journey of growth and renewal is essential for our spiritual development ([34:18]).
The Holy Spirit also gives us special abilities, or spiritual gifts, to empower us to live on mission for Jesus. These gifts are not just for a select few but are given to each of us to help one another and to build up the body of Christ. Whether it's the gift of healing, encouragement, or any other spiritual gift, we are called to use these gifts in community, supporting and uplifting each other as we walk in obedience to God's calling ([51:22]).
Finally, we are reminded that the Holy Spirit affirms our identity as children of God. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children, heirs of His glory, and part of His family. This assurance helps us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, we are encouraged to live out our faith boldly, using the gifts we've been given to make a difference in the world around us ([40:00]).
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Community and Mission: The day of Pentecost marked a significant shift where the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, empowering them to speak in different languages and live out their faith boldly. This empowerment is not just for individual benefit but for the building up of the community and the mission of the church. We are called to devote ourselves to teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, just as the early believers did ([00:58]).
2. Communion as a Reminder of the New Covenant: Communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant between God and His people. As we partake in the bread and the cup, we remember that our sins have been atoned for, and we have been reconciled to God. This act of remembrance helps us to live out our faith with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose ([21:51]).
3. The Holy Spirit Transforms Us: The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual transformation, helping us to be born again and continually renewing us to become more like Jesus. This process involves ongoing coaching, correction, and growth, emphasizing that our spiritual journey is a lifelong commitment to becoming more Christ-like ([34:18]).
4. Spiritual Gifts for Empowerment and Service: Each believer is given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to empower us for service and mission. These gifts are diverse and are meant to be used in community to support and build up one another. Recognizing and using our spiritual gifts is essential for living out our faith effectively and making a positive impact in the world ([51:22]).
5. Affirmation of Our Identity as God's Children: The Holy Spirit affirms our identity as children of God, giving us the assurance that we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. This affirmation helps us to stand firm in our faith and live out our identity with confidence, knowing that we are heirs of God's glory and part of His family ([40:00]).
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[00:58] - The Day of Pentecost
[02:08] - Gathering in Community
[21:51] - Communion: Remembering the New Covenant
[34:18] - The Holy Spirit Transforms Us
[40:00] - Affirmation of Our Identity as God's Children
[51:22] - Spiritual Gifts for Empowerment and Service
Study Guide
### Bible Study Discussion Guide
#### Bible Reading
1. 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."
2. 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 (NIV)
> "For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: The Lord Jesus, on the night he was betrayed, took bread, and when he had given thanks, he broke it and said, 'This is my body, which is for you; do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way, after supper he took the cup, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood; do this, whenever you drink it, in remembrance of me.' For whenever you eat this bread and drink this cup, you proclaim the Lord's death until he comes."
3. Romans 8:15-17 (NIV)
> "The Spirit you received does not make you slaves, so that you live in fear again; rather, the Spirit you received brought about your adoption to sonship. And by him we cry, 'Abba, Father.' The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children. Now if we are children, then we are heirs—heirs of God and co-heirs with Christ, if indeed we share in his sufferings in order that we may also share in his glory."
#### Observation Questions
1. What happened to the believers on the day of Pentecost according to Acts 2:1-4?
2. In 1 Corinthians 11:23-26, what are the two elements Jesus used during the Last Supper, and what do they represent?
3. According to Romans 8:15-17, what does the Spirit testify to our spirit about our identity?
#### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the event of Pentecost in Acts 2:1-4 illustrate the empowerment of the Holy Spirit for community and mission? ([00:58])
2. What is the significance of Jesus referring to the cup as the "new covenant" in 1 Corinthians 11:25, and how does this relate to our faith today? ([21:51])
3. Romans 8:15-17 speaks about the Spirit affirming our identity as God's children. How does this assurance impact our daily lives and faith journey? ([40:00])
#### Application Questions
1. Reflecting on the day of Pentecost, how can you seek to be more open to the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your daily life? ([00:58])
2. Communion is a reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant. How can you incorporate this act of remembrance into your personal spiritual practices? ([21:51])
3. The Holy Spirit transforms us to become more like Jesus. Identify one area in your life where you feel the need for transformation and discuss practical steps you can take to allow the Holy Spirit to work in that area. ([34:18])
4. Spiritual gifts are given to empower us for service. What spiritual gift do you believe you have, and how can you use it to serve your community or church? ([51:22])
5. The Holy Spirit affirms our identity as God's children. How does this truth help you face challenges and uncertainties in your life? ([40:00])
6. Think of a time when you felt the Holy Spirit nudging you towards a specific action or decision. How did you respond, and what was the outcome? ([34:18])
7. How can you foster a spirit of unity and generosity in your small group or church community, similar to the early believers in Acts 2:42-47? ([02:08])
Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Community and Mission
The day of Pentecost was a pivotal moment in the history of the church. On this day, the Holy Spirit was poured out on all believers, enabling them to speak in different languages and empowering them to live out their faith boldly. This event marked the beginning of a new era where the Holy Spirit was accessible to all, not just a select few. The early believers devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer, creating a strong sense of community and mission. This communal life brought about many miraculous signs and wonders, and their unity and generosity were evident as they shared everything and helped those in need. Today, we are called to emulate this spirit of unity and generosity, devoting ourselves to the same practices and living out our faith in community. [00:58]
Acts 2:42-44 (ESV): "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the sense of community and mission in your church? What specific actions can you take this week to foster unity and generosity among your fellow believers?
Day 2: Communion as a Reminder of the New Covenant
Communion is a powerful reminder of Jesus' sacrifice and the new covenant between God and His people. On the night He was betrayed, Jesus took bread, gave thanks, broke it, and said, "This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me." In the same way, He took the cup, saying, "This cup is the new covenant between God and His people, an agreement confirmed with my blood. Do this in remembrance of me." As we partake in communion, we remember that our sins have been atoned for, and we have been reconciled to God. This act of remembrance helps us to live out our faith with gratitude and a renewed sense of purpose. [21:51]
1 Corinthians 11:24-25 (ESV): "And when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, 'This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.' In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, saying, 'This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.'"
Reflection: As you prepare to take communion, reflect on the significance of Jesus' sacrifice. How does remembering His sacrifice impact your daily life and your relationship with God?
Day 3: The Holy Spirit Transforms Us
The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in our spiritual transformation, helping us to be born again and continually renewing us to become more like Jesus. This transformation is not just a one-time event but an ongoing process where the Spirit continually nudges, coaches, and corrects us. This lifelong journey of growth and renewal is essential for our spiritual development. The Holy Spirit helps us to move from mere human existence into a new spiritual life, guiding us to live out our faith authentically and boldly. [34:18]
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: In what areas of your life do you feel the Holy Spirit nudging you towards growth and renewal? How can you be more receptive to the Spirit's guidance in your daily walk with Christ?
Day 4: Spiritual Gifts for Empowerment and Service
Each believer is given spiritual gifts by the Holy Spirit to empower us for service and mission. These gifts are diverse and are meant to be used in community to support and build up one another. Whether it's the gift of healing, encouragement, or any other spiritual gift, we are called to use these gifts in community, supporting and uplifting each other as we walk in obedience to God's calling. Recognizing and using our spiritual gifts is essential for living out our faith effectively and making a positive impact in the world. [51:22]
1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV): "As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ."
Reflection: What spiritual gifts has the Holy Spirit given you? How can you use these gifts to serve and build up your church community this week?
Day 5: Affirmation of Our Identity as God's Children
The Holy Spirit affirms our identity as children of God, giving us the assurance that we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. The Spirit testifies with our spirit that we are God's children, heirs of His glory, and part of His family. This assurance helps us to stand firm in our faith, knowing that we are loved and accepted by our Heavenly Father. As we continue to grow in our relationship with God, we are encouraged to live out our faith boldly, using the gifts we've been given to make a difference in the world around us. [40:00]
Romans 8:16-17 (ESV): "The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him."
Reflection: How does knowing that you are a child of God impact your daily life and decisions? What steps can you take to live out your identity as God's child more boldly and confidently?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Have you ever had somebody misquote this Bible verse when something was falling off the rails in your life and a Christian try and placate you with like, God just works in mysterious ways. Have you ever had anybody misquote this verse? Oh, God just works in mysterious ways. In other words, figure it out. Actually, this verse, God works in different ways or mysterious ways, is connected to the same God by the power of the Holy Spirit who's working out the gifts that He's given us so that we can live on mission for Christ. That's actually what this verse is about." [54:34]
2. "The Holy Spirit gives me special abilities. Power ups. Right? Right? You drive over those little boxes on Mario Kart. Boom, you got special abilities. Did you know that the Holy Spirit has already given you special abilities? Chris says yes. Did you know that? Come on, 14 year old in the room. Did you know the Holy Spirit, you've surrendered your life to Jesus. Did you know the Holy Spirit's given you special abilities? Special gifts? Power ups? Whatever you want to call it. The Bible calls them gifts. Spiritual gifts." [51:54]
3. "You know, social media, reels, trends, you know, there's this one comedian that makes fun of Christian things and he's always making fun of the phrase Daddy God. Fair enough. It's a little uncomfortable. You know, I don't, I haven't yet, I'll put it, I'll word it that way. I haven't yet in my prayer life, you know, had a moment where I'm like, Daddy God. I haven't, I haven't, but I do call Him Father. I do call Him Father, and I call Him Father in the most sacred, intimate, holy kind of way." [37:57]
4. "You know, thank God for my 18-year-old daughter. I'm only saying her name today because she doesn't have much money right now and she needs five bucks from her dad. And you know, she's 18, almost 19. To let my sin nature control me anymore. I choose to let the Holy Spirit. Oh shoot, I had a bad moment where my sin nature reared its ugly head. I had a moment of weakness and temptation and thank you Jesus, I don't have to stay here or get stuck here or get caught here. I'm going to continue to pursue the Spirit, continue to grow in the Spirit, continue to be dominated by the Holy Spirit, continue to let my sinful nature not control my mind but let the Spirit control my mind leading me to life, leading me to peace." [49:48]
5. "The Holy Spirit helps us to be born again. In John chapter 3, here's the first stop. Everybody out. Here we go. There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. And one dark evening, he came to speak with Jesus. Rabbi, we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you. And Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, Nicodemus, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. What do you mean?" [34:18]
### Quotes for Members
1. "Guess what? So all of us who have had the veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord and the Lord, who is the Spirit, makes us more and more like Jesus as we're changed into His glorious image. The Holy Spirit not only helps us to be born again, but the Holy Spirit transforms us. There's a deep, ongoing work, inner work of the Spirit that nudges us and coaches us and corrects us and transforms us bit by steady bit more and more into the image of Jesus Christ." [46:13]
2. "A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other. To one person, the Spirit gives the ability to give wise advice. To another, the same Spirit gives a message of special knowledge. The same Spirit gives great faith to another. To someone else, that one Spirit gives the gift of healing. He gives one person the power to perform miracles. Another, the ability to prophesy. Someone else, the ability to discern whether a message is from the Spirit of God or from another Spirit. To another person is given the ability to speak in unknown languages. While another is given the ability to interpret what's being said. It is the one and the only Spirit who distributes all these gifts and He alone decides which gift each person should have." [55:06]
3. "You belong to family. There is a direct operation of the Holy Spirit on our human spirit. The content of that testimony is that we're God's children. Never ever believe the lie that you're a slave in heaven's kingdom. Never ever believe the lie that somehow other people qualify to be called a daughter or a son, but somehow you're left out because of your past or your mistakes. Never ever give in to the deceit or the temptation or the lie of the enemy that would say, hey, I know what's really going on. You're not as in as so and so. No, no, no, no. The Holy Spirit fills up your human spirit and affirms who you really are." [41:01]
4. "Pentecost, all the believers were meeting together in one place, kind of like we are today. Meeting together here, meeting together from home, online. And suddenly there was a sound from heaven, like the roaring of a mighty windstorm, and it filled the house where they were sitting. Then what looked like flames or tongues of fire appeared and settled on each of them. And everyone was filled. Can you just say everyone? Everyone. That includes you. You. Everyone was filled with the Holy Spirit and began speaking in other languages as the Holy Spirit gave them this ability." [00:58]
5. "The Holy Spirit produces specific fruit. This kind of fruit in our lives. Love. Not lust. Not infatuation. Love. Joy. Not happiness. Not enjoyment. Real joy. Peace. Patience. Oh, Holy Spirit, could you help transform a bit more patience in my life today? Kindness. Goodness. Faithfulness. Gentleness. Self-control. There's no law against these things. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to the cross. Crucified them there." [47:13]
6. "The Holy Spirit gives us gifts to empower us to live on mission for Jesus. 1 Corinthians 12. Now, dear brothers and sisters, regarding your question about the special abilities. Did you know you have special abilities? It's like the best video game ever. Right? You know, you remember when you were a kid and you play a video game? I didn't even play Street Fighter. I'm dating myself. But like, you know, if you could figure out the character's special abilities, you dominated. Right? You dominated. You dominated. Hey, whatever works for you. That works for me when I'm like, ooh." [51:22]
7. "The Holy Spirit helps us to be born again. In John chapter 3, here's the first stop. Everybody out. Here we go. There was a man named Nicodemus, a Jewish religious leader who was a Pharisee. And one dark evening, he came to speak with Jesus. Rabbi, we all know that God has sent you to teach us. Your miraculous signs are evidence that God is with you. And Jesus replied, I tell you the truth, Nicodemus, unless you are born again, you cannot see the kingdom of God. What do you mean?" [34:18]
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