Empowered by the Holy Spirit: Witnessing God's Goodness
Summary
### Summary
Today, we celebrate Pentecost, often considered the birthday of the church, marking the day the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, leading to Peter's sermon and the salvation of 3,000 people. This event signifies the Holy Spirit's role in empowering believers to fulfill their calling. As part of the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal fellowship, we recognize the importance of the Holy Spirit in our lives. Over the next four Sundays, we will explore the Holy Spirit's roles: empowering us to share our faith, giving us gifts to serve others, comforting us in hardship, and uniting us in Jesus' mission.
The Holy Spirit is not something to fear or find strange; it is God's presence within us. The gifts of the Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, wisdom, and discernment, are still active today. Every believer is called to be a minister of the gospel, not just the clergy. The Holy Spirit enables us to do things beyond our natural abilities, and we must trust in His work within us.
Pentecost is a continuation of God's plan, not an innovation. Jesus' resurrection and His appearances to the disciples for 40 days were to confirm His bodily resurrection and prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth.
The Holy Spirit's empowerment is not about feeling good on Sundays but about being witnesses of God's goodness everywhere. The Spirit's presence is constant, and we must pay attention to His work in our lives. The disciples' experience at Pentecost, with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire, was a fulfillment of God's promise and a sign of His presence. This event parallels the Sinai experience in Exodus, where God's presence was announced with thunder, lightning, and a loud trumpet blast.
The Holy Spirit's empowerment enables us to declare God's wonders in ways people can understand, breaking down language barriers and cultural differences. We are called to be witnesses, sharing our experiences with God. The Spirit helps us overcome fear and empowers us to speak boldly about God's goodness. We must seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment daily, not just for extraordinary experiences but for the power to witness effectively.
### Key Takeaways
1. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Share Our Faith: The Holy Spirit's primary role is to empower believers to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. This empowerment is not about feeling good but about having the courage and ability to share our faith in everyday situations. The Spirit helps us to speak in ways that others can understand and relate to, breaking down barriers and opening hearts to the gospel. [05:47]
2. The Gifts of the Spirit Are for Everyone: The gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, wisdom, and discernment, are available to all believers, not just the clergy. These gifts are meant to equip us for ministry and service in our daily lives. We must be open and ready to be used by the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will provide the gifts we need when we need them. [04:13]
3. The Holy Spirit Comforts Us in Hardship: One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to provide comfort and peace during times of hardship and uncertainty. This comfort is not limited to church services but is available in every aspect of our lives. The Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength and reassurance, reminding us that God is with us and working in our lives. [05:47]
4. The Holy Spirit Unites Us in Jesus' Mission: The Holy Spirit unites believers in the mission of Jesus, calling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its purpose. The Spirit helps us to overcome our differences and work together for the common goal of spreading the gospel and making disciples. [17:22]
5. We Must Seek the Holy Spirit's Empowerment Daily: Seeking the Holy Spirit's empowerment is a daily practice, not a one-time event. We need the Spirit's power to witness effectively and to live out our faith in a way that impacts others. This requires a willingness to wait on the Lord, to be open to His leading, and to trust that He will equip us for the tasks He has called us to. [38:09]
### YouTube Chapters
[0:00] - Welcome
[02:36] - Introduction to Pentecost
[04:13] - The Role of the Holy Spirit
[05:47] - The Holy Spirit in Everyday Life
[07:17] - Jesus' Resurrection and the Promise of the Holy Spirit
[08:55] - The Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[10:27] - The Kingdom of God and the Holy Spirit
[12:19] - Misconceptions About the End Times
[15:36] - The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Witness
[17:22] - Israel's Call to Be a Light to the Nations
[18:56] - Sharing Our Experience with God
[20:33] - The Holy Spirit's Presence in Our Lives
[21:56] - The Day of Pentecost
[23:36] - The Sinai Experience and Pentecost
[25:27] - God's Presence Announced
[26:51] - Israel's Call to Be Priests
[28:26] - The Holy Spirit Enables Proclamation
[30:05] - The Crowd's Reaction at Pentecost
[31:43] - Declaring God's Wonders
[33:13] - Witnessing in Everyday Life
[34:50] - The Holy Spirit in Unexpected Places
[36:13] - Overcoming Fear with the Holy Spirit
[38:09] - Seeking the Holy Spirit's Empowerment
[40:34] - The Purpose of Speaking in Tongues
[42:07] - Next Steps and Prayer
[45:11] - The Spirit's Work in Drawing People to Jesus
[46:29] - Closing Prayer
Study 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. Exodus 19:16-19 (NIV): "On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. Mount Sinai was covered with smoke because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him."
### Observation Questions
1. What significant event is celebrated on the day of Pentecost, and what happened to the disciples on this day? ([02:36])
2. According to the sermon, what are the four roles of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers? ([04:13])
3. How did the Holy Spirit manifest His presence among the disciples on the day of Pentecost? ([21:56])
4. What Old Testament event does the sermon compare to the day of Pentecost, and what were the signs of God's presence in that event? ([23:36])
### Interpretation Questions
1. How does the empowerment of the Holy Spirit help believers to share their faith effectively in everyday situations? ([05:47])
2. In what ways do the gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues and prophecy, equip believers for ministry and service? ([04:13])
3. How does the Holy Spirit provide comfort and peace during times of hardship and uncertainty, according to the sermon? ([05:47])
4. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit to unite believers in Jesus' mission, and why is this unity essential for the church? ([17:22])
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to share your faith. How did that experience impact you and those around you? ([05:47])
2. Have you ever experienced or witnessed the gifts of the Holy Spirit in action, such as speaking in tongues or prophecy? How did it affect your faith and understanding of God's work? ([04:13])
3. Think about a recent hardship or uncertain time in your life. How did you experience the Holy Spirit's comfort and peace during that period? ([05:47])
4. In what ways can you seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment daily to be a more effective witness for Jesus? What practical steps can you take to be more open to the Spirit's leading? ([38:09])
5. How can you contribute to the unity of your church in fulfilling Jesus' mission? Are there specific actions you can take to overcome differences and work together with others? ([17:22])
6. Identify one person in your life who does not know Jesus. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to help you share your faith with them in a way that they can understand and relate to? ([31:43])
7. What fears or obstacles do you face when it comes to witnessing about God's goodness? How can the Holy Spirit help you overcome these fears? ([36:13])
Devotional
Day 1: Empowered to Share Our Faith
The Holy Spirit's primary role is to empower believers to be witnesses of Jesus Christ. This empowerment is not about feeling good but about having the courage and ability to share our faith in everyday situations. The Spirit helps us to speak in ways that others can understand and relate to, breaking down barriers and opening hearts to the gospel. The disciples' experience at Pentecost, with the sound of a violent wind and tongues of fire, was a fulfillment of God's promise and a sign of His presence. This event parallels the Sinai experience in Exodus, where God's presence was announced with thunder, lightning, and a loud trumpet blast. The Holy Spirit's empowerment enables us to declare God's wonders in ways people can understand, breaking down language barriers and cultural differences. We are called to be witnesses, sharing our experiences with God. The Spirit helps us overcome fear and empowers us to speak boldly about God's goodness. We must seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment daily, not just for extraordinary experiences but for the power to witness effectively. [05:47]
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 recent conversation where you had the opportunity to share your faith. How can you rely on the Holy Spirit to guide your words and actions in future conversations?
Day 2: The Gifts of the Spirit Are for Everyone
The gifts of the Holy Spirit, such as speaking in tongues, prophecy, wisdom, and discernment, are available to all believers, not just the clergy. These gifts are meant to equip us for ministry and service in our daily lives. We must be open and ready to be used by the Holy Spirit, trusting that He will provide the gifts we need when we need them. The Holy Spirit is not something to fear or find strange; it is God's presence within us. The gifts of the Spirit are still active today, and every believer is called to be a minister of the gospel. The Holy Spirit enables us to do things beyond our natural abilities, and we must trust in His work within us. [04:13]
1 Corinthians 12:7-11 (ESV): "To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good. For to one is given through the Spirit the utterance of wisdom, and to another the utterance of knowledge according to the same Spirit, to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing by the one Spirit, to another the working of miracles, to another prophecy, to another the ability to distinguish between spirits, to another various kinds of tongues, to another the interpretation of tongues. All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills."
Reflection: Reflect on the spiritual gifts you believe God has given you. How can you use these gifts to serve others in your community this week?
Day 3: Comfort in Hardship
One of the roles of the Holy Spirit is to provide comfort and peace during times of hardship and uncertainty. This comfort is not limited to church services but is available in every aspect of our lives. The Spirit's presence is a constant source of strength and reassurance, reminding us that God is with us and working in our lives. Jesus' resurrection and His appearances to the disciples for 40 days were to confirm His bodily resurrection and prepare them for the coming of the Holy Spirit. Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit, who would empower them to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit's empowerment is not about feeling good on Sundays but about being witnesses of God's goodness everywhere. [05:47]
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: Think about a recent time of hardship in your life. How did you experience the Holy Spirit's comfort and peace during that time?
Day 4: United in Jesus' Mission
The Holy Spirit unites believers in the mission of Jesus, calling us to be witnesses to the ends of the earth. This unity is essential for the church to fulfill its purpose. The Spirit helps us to overcome our differences and work together for the common goal of spreading the gospel and making disciples. Pentecost is a continuation of God's plan, not an innovation. The Holy Spirit's presence is constant, and we must pay attention to His work in our lives. The disciples' experience at Pentecost was a fulfillment of God's promise and a sign of His presence. This event parallels the Sinai experience in Exodus, where God's presence was announced with thunder, lightning, and a loud trumpet blast. [17:22]
Ephesians 4:3-6 (ESV): "Eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were called to the one hope that belongs to your call—one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all."
Reflection: How can you contribute to the unity of your church community in fulfilling Jesus' mission? What specific actions can you take to promote unity and collaboration?
Day 5: Seeking the Holy Spirit's Empowerment Daily
Seeking the Holy Spirit's empowerment is a daily practice, not a one-time event. We need the Spirit's power to witness effectively and to live out our faith in a way that impacts others. This requires a willingness to wait on the Lord, to be open to His leading, and to trust that He will equip us for the tasks He has called us to. The Holy Spirit's empowerment enables us to declare God's wonders in ways people can understand, breaking down language barriers and cultural differences. We are called to be witnesses, sharing our experiences with God. The Spirit helps us overcome fear and empowers us to speak boldly about God's goodness. [38:09]
Galatians 5:25 (ESV): "If we live by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: What steps can you take today to seek the Holy Spirit's empowerment in your life? How can you make this a daily practice?
Quotes
### Quotes for Outreach
1. "Today is Pentecost, and Pentecost is often considered the birthday of the church. This is the day that the Holy Spirit filled the disciples, and Peter preached, and 3,000 people were saved that day. It's an amazing day in church history. And a part of Pentecost as well is this infilling of the Holy Spirit, this baptism, as Jesus calls it, of the Holy Spirit. And the purpose for the Holy Spirit's baptism is to empower disciples to do the work that we are called to do." (42 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in our lives. And if you are a follower of Jesus, the Holy Spirit dwells in you. The gifts of the Spirit are alive in the church today. We believe that. We believe that gifts like speaking in tongues, like what happens in Acts 2, we'll talk about that. Gifts of prophecy, gifts of wisdom, gifts of service and discernment, all of these different gifts that are listed in the Bible where the Lord empowers people to do his work. That's still happening." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "The Holy Spirit can do things in our lives that we can't do in our own strength. And we want to trust that the Holy Spirit is working in all of us. And so during this series, we're going to focus on four things. Four things. The first one, and this is today, the Holy Spirit, the roles of the Holy Spirit in the Christian life. First, empowers us to share our faith. The second one is gives us gifts to serve others. The third one is to comfort us in times of hardship and uncertainty. And the fourth is to unite us in the mission of Jesus." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Spirit of God is always working and always speaking. The question is, are we paying attention? Are we paying attention? And so my hope in today is not just to say, like, well, you got to come to church and have a Holy Spirit encounter, but to say, no, go everywhere and have a Holy Spirit encounter. It's awesome. The Spirit is with you and active and working among us all the time." (33 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "Jesus, He died, and He didn't stay that way. Three days later, He rose again. And He appeared to the disciples for 40 days, as Luke tells us here in the opening chapter of Acts. And why did Jesus do this? Why did He do this? Why did He stick around for 40 days? Well, part of it, I think, was just to show them that He was really real. That Jesus, His resurrection wasn't just some kind of spiritual entity, but He had a body. Jesus was imbodily resurrected." (37 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
### Quotes for Members
1. "The Holy Spirit's power is not dependent upon our feelings. So the Spirit is always working. The Spirit is always moving. And the, you know, I talk to folks after service and I love talking to you people, to you all after service. And, and, you know, there's times where you, we have these moments, where we have a sense of the presence of God among us, you know, and that's, that's wonderful. And the truth is though, that this presence of God is always among us. He's always with us. Are we paying attention even when we don't feel it?" (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
2. "The nation of Israel was called to be these representatives, these priests, these mediators to the world. And throughout Scripture, we see failure again and again. And so now, Jesus, through his ministry, through his death and resurrection, he is making it possible for these disciples to step into that role as priests, as mediators of God's word for the nations. And so, at Pentecost, instead of the Spirit resting on a few people, like when we read through the Old Testament, we see the Spirit of God resting and filling priests, kings, prophets, a few people at a time. But at Pentecost, what's happening is for all of these disciples, they're all having this experience." (55 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
3. "Jesus told his disciples they would be his witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, to the ends of the earth. In this moment, these disciples are not being used by God to break down complex theological truths. They're not being used by God to give an unassailable argument in defense of the Christian gospel. What are they doing? They are praising God in the languages of the nations. They are being witnesses of God's goodness and glory, even though they don't know how they are doing it." (46 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
4. "The Holy Spirit helps us to overcome our fear. And I love what the Apostle Paul says to his protege Timothy in 2 Timothy 1, verses 6 through 7. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid or afraid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. The Spirit of God gives us power, love, and self-discipline. And we need the Spirit to do the work that God is calling us to do. We need the Spirit to empower us to be the witnesses that God wants us to be." (47 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
5. "The goal as we seek the Holy Spirit is not to glorify ourselves. It's not just to have really great encounters of power and, like, feelings of emotions. What we need the Holy Spirit for today in May of 2024 is the same thing the disciples needed the Holy Spirit for in May of 33. To witness. We need power from the Spirit of God to bear witness of the goodness of God to the world that's full of people that God loves." (61 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)
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