Empowered by the Spirit: A Call to Community and Purpose
Summary
In this sermon, I discussed the importance of the Holy Spirit and obedience in accomplishing incredible things. I highlighted the message of the book of Acts, emphasizing the new power, purpose, and plan given to us. I also spoke about Peter's first salvation message, which was not a feel-good sermon but a call to repentance and baptism. I stressed the importance of being devoted to the apostles' teachings, fellowship, and community. I also touched on the life of Paul, who despite facing trials and persecution, remained steadfast in his purpose to testify to the gospel of the grace of God.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit plus our obedience can accomplish incredible things. [ 09:14]
- We are called to be devoted to the apostles' teachings and to fellowship. [ 14:12]
- We cannot follow Jesus in isolation; we were created for community. [ 15:13]
- Peter's first salvation message was a call to repentance and baptism. [ 11:37]
- Like Paul, we should remain steadfast in our purpose to testify to the gospel of the grace of God, regardless of the trials we face. [ 30:31]
Study Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Acts 1:8 #!!09:14!!#
2. Acts 2:1-4 #!!10:25!!#
3. Acts 2:42 #!!16:57!!#
Observation Questions:
1. What does Acts 1:8 tell us about the role of the Holy Spirit in the lives of believers?
2. In Acts 2:1-4, what significant event took place and how did it impact the early church?
3. What are the four key practices of the early church as described in Acts 2:42?
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the power of the Holy Spirit, as described in Acts 1:8, influence the actions and decisions of believers?
2. What does the event in Acts 2:1-4 reveal about the transformative power of the Holy Spirit?
3. How do the practices in Acts 2:42 reflect the priorities and values of the early church?
Application Questions:
1. How can you cultivate a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit in your daily life, as suggested by Acts 1:8?
2. Reflecting on Acts 2:1-4, how can you be more open to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in your life?
3. Considering the practices of the early church in Acts 2:42, which of these practices do you need to devote more time and energy to in your own life?
4. How can you foster a sense of community and fellowship within your own church or small group, as described in Acts 2:42?
5. How can you keep the sacrifice of Jesus at the forefront of your faith, as suggested by the reference to the breaking of bread in Acts 2:42?
Devotional
Day 1: Devotion to Christ's Teachings
Devotion to Christ's teachings is not a pick-and-choose affair. It requires a full commitment to the entirety of His teachings, even those that may seem politically incorrect or offensive. This devotion is a personal choice, not imposed by any external force. It involves studying the Word of God and being fully committed to it ([14:12]).
Bible Passage: 2 Timothy 2:15 - "Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth."
Reflection: Reflect on your level of devotion to Christ's teachings. Are there any teachings you struggle to accept or apply in your life?
Day 2: The Importance of Christian Community
Following Jesus cannot be done in isolation. We were created for community and fellowship with other believers. This community is not just about attending church services, but about genuine interaction and mutual support among believers ([15:50]).
Bible Passage: Hebrews 10:24-25 - "And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching."
Reflection: How are you actively participating in your Christian community? How can you deepen your involvement and support for fellow believers?
Day 3: Keeping Jesus's Sacrifice at the Center
Jesus's sacrifice must remain central in our faith. We must constantly be reminded that it is only because of His grace and sacrifice that we have salvation. The cross and the empty tomb should always be at the forefront of our faith ([16:57]).
Bible Passage: 1 Corinthians 2:2 - "For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified."
Reflection: How do you keep Jesus's sacrifice central in your daily life and faith practices?
Day 4: The Power of Prayer
Prayer is a crucial part of following Jesus. The Bible instructs us to pray without ceasing. Prayer is a powerful tool that connects us with God and strengthens our faith ([17:30]).
Bible Passage: 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 - "Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus."
Reflection: How is your prayer life? How can you make prayer a more integral part of your daily routine?
Day 5: Repentance and Baptism
Repentance and baptism are the first steps towards salvation. We must acknowledge our sins, turn away from them, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of our sins ([12:14]).
Bible Passage: Acts 3:19 - "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord."
Reflection: Reflect on your journey of repentance and baptism. How has this journey shaped your faith and relationship with God?
Quotes
1. "This idea of half in, half out, this idea of picking and choosing and saying well I like these things about Christianity, I like those things about Jesus but I don't like this other stuff because it's not politically correct and it's a little offensive and so I'm going to take the stuff I like and I'm going to leave the rest, that does not work. We have to be devoted." - 14:09
2. "You cannot follow Jesus in isolation. You were not designed to do life alone. You were created for community. You miss the community, you miss the fellowship, you miss the interaction with other believers where you bring your gift and they bring their gift and you work together to edify the body of Christ." - 14:09
3. "Paul was not shaken on his purpose in life. Paul got it. It doesn't matter what happens to me, my life isn't about me anymore. I went from this persecutor of Christians and of Jesus to now this is my life's work to be the messenger to be that special instrument that Jesus called me to be to preach the gospel to everyone." - 29:58
4. "If you want to know what it is you're supposed to do in life, you're supposed to testify to the gospel of the grace of God. That's what you're supposed to do in life. And Paul was willing to do that regardless of public opinion, regardless of what friends it would cost him along the way, regardless of what family members would turn their backs on him, regardless of how politically correct or incorrect the message was." - 29:58
5. "The persecution didn't slow them down, if anything it actually increased the spread and the speed of the Gospel even faster further. It's almost like God could use the tragedy in a strategic way that now these followers who are preaching the gospel in Jerusalem now all of a sudden they're preaching the gospel in a bunch of places and so it scatters them but doesn't silence them." - 18:54
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