Empowered by the Spirit: Bold Witnesses for Christ

Summary

The power and presence of the Holy Spirit is not just a historical event or a denominational label, but a living reality meant for every believer today. Pentecost, which originally marked the 50th day after Passover and the giving of the law, became in the New Testament the day when the Holy Spirit was poured out on the disciples, transforming them from fearful followers into bold witnesses. This outpouring was not reserved for a select few, but for a diverse group—men and women, young and old, educated and uneducated—demonstrating that God’s empowering presence is available to all who hunger and thirst for Him.

The Holy Spirit’s filling is not a one-time event, but an ongoing process. Just as a phone or a car is useless without power, so too is the Christian life without the continual infilling of the Spirit. The command in Ephesians 5:18 to “be filled with the Spirit” is a present, passive imperative—meaning we are to continually yield ourselves to the Spirit’s influence and control. This is not about getting more of the Spirit, but about the Spirit getting more of us, shaping our thoughts, words, and actions.

The purpose of Pentecost is not simply to give us spiritual experiences or feelings, but to empower us to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ with boldness and clarity. The early disciples, once timid and hiding, became courageous witnesses, declaring the gospel not just through their deeds, but with their words. The gospel is inherently verbal; it must be spoken, not just lived out quietly. Every believer is called to be a witness, to share the good news, and to invite others into the life-changing relationship with Jesus.

This calling is not reserved for pastors or evangelists, but for all who have received the Spirit. The Holy Spirit equips us to live holy lives, to proclaim Christ boldly, and to carry the fire of God into a world that desperately needs hope. In a time when darkness seems bold, the church must rise up in love, confidence, and Spirit-empowered boldness, declaring that there is a way to life and truth through Jesus Christ.

Key Takeaways

- The Holy Spirit’s power is available to every believer, not just a select few. Pentecost was a diverse gathering, showing that God’s empowering presence is for all who are open and hungry for Him, regardless of background or status. This inclusivity is a reminder that no one is disqualified from receiving God’s fullness. [05:57]

- Being filled with the Spirit is not a one-time event, but a continual process of yielding ourselves to God. The command to “be filled” is ongoing, requiring us to daily surrender and allow the Spirit to influence every part of our lives. This ongoing filling is what keeps our spiritual lives vibrant and effective. [15:30]

- The primary purpose of the Spirit’s empowerment is to make us bold witnesses for Jesus. The transformation from fear to courage in the early disciples was not about personal comfort, but about proclaiming Christ’s resurrection with authority and clarity. The Spirit gives us the courage to speak when silence would be easier. [16:50]

- The gospel must be proclaimed with words, not just deeds. While our actions should reflect Christ, the message of salvation is inherently verbal and must be spoken. Every believer is called to share the good news, not just through kindness, but through clear, vocal testimony of Jesus. [21:27]

- The Spirit’s filling is not for personal benefit alone, but to commission us for mission. We are called to carry the gospel with power and boldness, even in the face of opposition or discomfort. The true mark of Spirit-filled living is a willingness to witness, regardless of the cost, trusting God with the results. [26:24]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:40] - Introduction to Pentecost and the Holy Spirit
[04:07] - The History and Meaning of Pentecost
[05:57] - The Upper Room: Who Was There?
[07:20] - Pentecost: Power and Purpose for Today
[10:00] - The Transformation of the Disciples
[11:38] - The Promise of the Spirit for All
[12:58] - The Spirit’s Power vs. Spiritual Fumes
[13:49] - The Ongoing Filling of the Spirit
[15:30] - What It Means to Be Filled with the Spirit
[16:50] - Pentecost Empowers Us to Proclaim Christ
[18:18] - Boldness in Ordinary People
[20:04] - The Necessity of Verbal Witness
[21:27] - Every Believer Is a Preacher
[23:00] - The Call to Share Your Faith
[25:21] - The Spirit’s Filling: More Than a Feeling
[26:24] - Commissioned for Mission
[29:35] - Invitation to Salvation
[30:45] - Prayer of Surrender

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit

---

### Bible Reading

- Acts 1:8 – “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”
- Ephesians 5:18 – “Do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit.”
- Acts 2:1-4, 14-18, 37-39 (selected) – The coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and Peter’s explanation that the promise is for “you and your children and for all who are far off—for all whom the Lord our God will call.”

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Acts 1:8, what is the purpose of the power believers receive from the Holy Spirit?
2. In Ephesians 5:18, what does Paul command believers to do, and how is this different from a one-time event? [15:30]
3. Who was present in the upper room when the Holy Spirit was poured out at Pentecost, and why is this significant? [05:57]
4. What transformation took place in the disciples after they were filled with the Holy Spirit? [10:00]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon says the Holy Spirit’s power is available to every believer, not just a select few. Why do you think God chose to pour out His Spirit on such a diverse group at Pentecost? [05:57]
2. The command to “be filled with the Spirit” is described as a present, passive imperative. What does it mean for believers to continually yield themselves to the Spirit’s influence? [15:30]
3. The sermon emphasizes that the primary purpose of the Spirit’s empowerment is to make us bold witnesses for Jesus. Why is it important that the gospel is proclaimed with words, not just actions? [21:27]
4. The early disciples went from being fearful to being bold witnesses. What does this say about the role of the Holy Spirit in overcoming fear and giving courage? [16:50]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon compared living the Christian life without the Spirit’s power to having a phone with a dead battery. Are there areas in your life where you feel like you’re running on “spiritual fumes”? What would it look like to ask God for a fresh filling of the Spirit this week? [13:49]
2. Ephesians 5:18 says to “be filled with the Spirit” as an ongoing command. What are some practical ways you can daily yield yourself to the Holy Spirit’s influence—at home, at work, or in your relationships? [15:30]
3. The Holy Spirit’s power is for everyone who is open and hungry for God, regardless of background or status. Have you ever felt disqualified or unworthy to receive more of God? How does the story of Pentecost challenge that thinking? [05:57]
4. The sermon said the gospel must be spoken, not just lived out quietly. Is there someone in your life who needs to hear the good news of Jesus from you—not just see it in your actions? What’s one step you can take to share your faith with them this month? [21:27]
5. The Spirit’s filling is not just for personal benefit, but to commission us for mission. What fears or obstacles hold you back from being a bold witness for Jesus? How can you trust God to help you overcome them? [26:24]
6. The early church was marked by boldness in the face of opposition. In what ways can you or our group “rise up in love, confidence, and Spirit-empowered boldness” in today’s world? [26:24]
7. The sermon challenged us not to “die as a Christian having never shared your faith.” What would it look like for you to take that challenge seriously this year? Who is one person you can invite to church or share your story with? [23:00]

---

Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the Holy Spirit to fill each person afresh, to give boldness, love, and clarity in sharing Jesus, and to empower the group to live out the mission God has given.

Devotional

Day 1: The Power and Purpose of Pentecost
Pentecost is not just a historical event or a denominational label; it is the moment when God poured out His Spirit to empower believers with supernatural ability and boldness. Just as the disciples were transformed from fearful followers into courageous witnesses, so too are we invited to experience the ongoing power of the Holy Spirit in our lives. This power is not reserved for a select few but is available to every believer who hungers and thirsts for more of God, equipping us to fulfill our calling and purpose in a world that desperately needs hope. [07:20]

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: In what area of your life do you feel powerless or hesitant to step out in faith, and how can you invite the Holy Spirit to fill you with boldness and ability today?


Day 2: The Ongoing Call to Be Filled with the Spirit
Being filled with the Holy Spirit is not a one-time event but a continuous, daily process of yielding ourselves to God’s influence and control. Just as a phone or a car needs to be charged or powered to function, so too do we need to be continually filled with the Spirit to avoid running on spiritual fumes. This ongoing filling is a command, not a suggestion, and it is God’s desire that we live lives marked by spiritual fire, fruit, and readiness to be used for His purposes. [15:30]

Ephesians 5:18 (ESV)
"And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can make space in your daily routine to invite the Holy Spirit to fill and guide you afresh?


Day 3: Boldness to Proclaim Christ
The Holy Spirit empowers ordinary people with extraordinary boldness to proclaim the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The early disciples, once fearful and hidden, became bold witnesses who spoke the gospel with unshakable authority, not relying on education or status but on the Spirit’s power. This same boldness is available to us, calling us to move beyond just living good lives to actually speaking the good news of Jesus to those around us, trusting that God will use our words and our witness. [18:18]

Acts 4:33 (ESV)
"And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all."

Reflection: Who is one person in your life that needs to hear the hope of Jesus, and how can you step out in boldness to share your faith with them this week?


Day 4: Every Believer Is Called to Witness
Sharing the gospel is not just the job of pastors or preachers; every believer is called to be a witness of Jesus Christ. The Bible makes it clear that proclaiming the good news is a responsibility for all who have received it, and we are challenged not to go through life without ever sharing our faith. God does not require us to save anyone—He simply asks us to be faithful witnesses, leaving the results to Him. [23:00]

Romans 10:14 (ESV)
"How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching?"

Reflection: What is one step you can take today to intentionally share your faith—whether through a conversation, an invitation, or a testimony—with someone who does not yet know Jesus?


Day 5: The Transforming Power of Surrendering to Christ
True assurance of salvation and transformation comes not from religious activity but from a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, marked by repentance and surrender. God desires that we know we have eternal life, and He invites us to continually return to Him, no matter how far we may have drifted. When we surrender our lives afresh to Jesus, He promises to transform us from the inside out, filling us with His Spirit and empowering us to live for Him every day. [30:45]

1 John 5:13 (ESV)
"I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God that you may know that you have eternal life."

Reflection: Is there an area of your life you need to surrender or recommit to Jesus today, trusting Him to transform and fill you anew with His Spirit?

Quotes

Pentecost wasn't just this moment in history. It was a divine outpouring that launched a movement. A supernatural encounter that still has what is power and purpose for us today. You may not hear that in many churches, but we will forever preach that here. It still has power and purpose for us today. [00:07:05] (00:00:22 seconds) Edit Clip

Pentecost is heaven's charging station. It's where God's people are filled and ignited and released with his supernatural power and boldness. Can somebody say boldness? Boldness—you know, that's not a natural personality trait, but it is a direct result, watch this, of being filled with the Holy Spirit supernaturally. [00:08:27] (00:00:23 seconds) Edit Clip

Acts 2:39. Watch this. This is a promise for you today. For the promise of the Holy Spirit is for you, speaking to them, and your children. Okay, that was their children. And for all who are far away, including the Gentiles... And 2,000 years later, this applies, I believe, to us today. This promise hasn't gone away. This promise hasn't ceased. You hear that a lot. That's passed away. This promise is available to us, to those that hunger and thirst for it. [00:12:19] (00:00:56 seconds) Edit Clip

In one sense, being filled with the Spirit isn't about getting, in one sense, more of the Spirit, which there's a, it's a subsequent experience, but about the Holy Spirit getting more of you. Okay? Controlling your thoughts and actions, words, and attitudes. [00:16:01] (00:00:16 seconds) Edit Clip

The Holy Spirit didn't come to make them feel good, okay? He came to send them out with power to be witnesses. They didn't whisper the gospel. They thundered it with unshakable authority. Amen? [00:18:06] (00:00:17 seconds) Edit Clip

Here's a model to live by. Ready? Don't die as a Christian having never shared your faith. Now, just keep looking straight forward at me. Yeah. That's a good challenge. Pastor, wow, that seems... That's a good challenge. When you get to heaven, there should be at least one person there. [00:23:46] (00:00:24 seconds) Edit Clip