Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Obedience and Community
Summary
Today marks a celebration of the church’s birthday—Pentecost, the day the Holy Spirit was poured out and the church was born. The story of Pentecost is a reminder that God delights in using ordinary, unremarkable people to do extraordinary things. The first followers of Jesus were not powerful or influential; they were anxious, uncertain, and even afraid. Yet, by simply obeying Jesus’ command to wait in Jerusalem—despite not knowing what they were waiting for or why—they positioned themselves to receive the Holy Spirit. Their obedience, even when it didn’t make sense, opened the door for God to move in and through them, changing not only their lives but the course of history.
Obedience to Jesus is not always logical or comfortable. Sometimes it means waiting when we want to act, or stepping out when we’d rather stay safe. But it is in these moments of trust—when we align ourselves with Jesus’ words—that we become open to the transforming work of the Spirit. This is true both individually and as a community. The church is a beautiful, messy family where we remind each other of God’s goodness, encourage one another to keep following Jesus, and together experience the Spirit’s power in ways we never could alone.
Pentecost also confronts us with the reality of cynicism. Even as miracles unfolded, some in the crowd dismissed what God was doing, blinded by their skepticism. Cynicism is a poor tool for spiritual life; it cannot recognize or build anything of lasting value. Instead, we are invited to lay down our cynicism and open ourselves to the possibility of God’s wonders.
The call remains the same as it was on that first Pentecost: repent and be baptized. Repentance is not a one-time event but a continual turning away from lesser things and re-centering our lives on Jesus. Baptism is the public declaration of this new allegiance. When we take these steps, we receive forgiveness and the gift of the Holy Spirit—not as a formula, but as a miracle of God’s grace.
God stands ready to pour out His Spirit on all who are willing to step in, obey, and trust. The invitation is to join the ongoing story of lives forever changed by the Spirit—together, as a community, for the good of the world.
---
Key Takeaways
- Obedience Positions Us for Transformation
When we obey Jesus—even when it doesn’t make sense or feels risky—we place ourselves in the path of the Spirit’s transforming work. The disciples waited in Jerusalem, uncertain and vulnerable, but their obedience became the doorway for the Holy Spirit to move powerfully. Obedience is often the soil in which God plants His greatest miracles. [07:15]
- Community is Essential for Spiritual Growth
The journey of faith is not meant to be walked alone. In community, we remind each other of God’s promises, encourage perseverance, and help one another stay on the path of Jesus, especially when it’s difficult. The church’s beauty is found in its messiness, as imperfect people walk together, learning and growing in Christ. [12:12]
- The Holy Spirit Reveals the Wonders of God
The primary work of the Holy Spirit is to make the wonders of God known to us and through us. Whenever we experience God’s goodness, hope, or answered prayer, it is the Spirit at work. Our openness to the Spirit allows us to see and declare God’s wonders in ways that impact both our lives and the world around us. [16:57]
- Cynicism Blinds Us to God’s Work
A cynical heart is incapable of recognizing God’s miracles, even when they are right in front of us. Cynicism cannot build faith, hope, or love; it only tears down. We are invited to become skeptical of our own cynicism, to lay it down, and to open ourselves to the possibility that God is at work in ways we might not expect. [19:09]
- Repentance and Baptism Open Us to the Spirit’s Gifts
Repentance is a continual process of demoting lesser things and enthroning Jesus as Lord in our lives. Baptism is the public declaration of this new allegiance. These steps are not a formula to manipulate God, but a relational response that opens us to forgiveness and the ongoing, miraculous work of the Holy Spirit. [24:46]
---
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Baptism and Affirmation of Faith Invitation
[03:00] - Forever Changed: Series Introduction
[04:52] - The Messy and Beautiful History of the Church
[07:15] - Obedience in Uncertainty: Waiting in Jerusalem
[10:20] - Wrestling with God’s Nudges and Commands
[12:12] - The Power of Community Obedience
[13:52] - Stepping into the Messy Beauty of Church
[15:03] - The Spirit Falls: Pentecost in Acts 2
[16:57] - The Holy Spirit Reveals God’s Wonders
[18:20] - The Danger of Cynicism
[19:09] - Faith vs. Cynicism: Choosing to See God’s Work
[20:57] - Peter’s Boldness and the Birth of the Church
[22:11] - The Unlikely Triumph of the Church
[24:46] - Repentance, Baptism, and Receiving the Spirit
[28:29] - Miracles, Not Magic: The Relational Work of the Spirit
[30:49] - God’s Readiness to Reconcile All
[33:38] - Prayer for a Fresh Work of the Spirit
Study Guide
Small Group Bible Study Guide: Pentecost – Obedience, Community, and the Spirit’s Work
---
### Bible Reading
Acts 2:1-41
(The story of Pentecost, the coming of the Holy Spirit, Peter’s sermon, and the response of the crowd.)
---
### Observation Questions
1. What were the disciples doing together in Jerusalem before the Holy Spirit came? What specific instructions had Jesus given them? ([07:15])
2. When the Holy Spirit arrived, what visible and audible signs did the disciples and the crowd experience? ([15:03])
3. How did the crowd react to the disciples speaking in different languages? What were some of the different responses? ([16:57])
4. According to Peter’s sermon, what did he tell the people to do in response to the message about Jesus? ([24:46])
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait in Jerusalem, even though it was risky and they didn’t know what would happen? What does this say about the role of obedience in the Christian life? ([07:15])
2. The sermon describes the church as a “beautiful, messy family.” Why is community so important for spiritual growth, especially when following Jesus feels difficult or confusing? ([12:12])
3. The crowd included both people who were amazed and people who were cynical. What does the sermon suggest about the dangers of cynicism in our spiritual lives? ([19:09])
4. Peter calls the people to “repent and be baptized.” According to the sermon, what does repentance really mean, and why is it described as an ongoing process rather than a one-time event? ([24:46])
---
### Application Questions
1. Is there an area in your life right now where you sense God nudging you to obey, even if it doesn’t make sense or feels uncomfortable? What would it look like to take a step of obedience this week? ([10:20])
2. The disciples waited together and encouraged each other to keep following Jesus. Who in your life helps you stay on the path of faith? How can you be that kind of encouragement to someone else in your community? ([12:12])
3. The sermon challenges us to “step into the beautiful, messy thing called the church.” Are you on the margins of Christian community, or are you engaged? What is one practical way you could step further in this season? ([13:52])
4. The Holy Spirit’s main work is to reveal the wonders of God. When was the last time you recognized God’s goodness or answered prayer in your life? How can you stay open to seeing and sharing God’s wonders? ([16:57])
5. Cynicism is described as a “useless tool” for spiritual life. Are there areas where cynicism or skepticism is keeping you from seeing God at work? What would it look like to “lay down” your cynicism and open yourself to God’s possibilities? ([19:09])
6. Repentance is about continually turning away from lesser things and re-centering on Jesus. Is there something in your life that has become too important or distracting? What would it look like to “demote” that thing and put Jesus first this week? ([24:46])
7. Baptism is a public declaration of new allegiance to Jesus. If you have not been baptized, is this a step you are considering? If you have, how can you continue to live out your commitment in visible ways? ([24:46])
---
Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Invite the group to pray for a fresh work of the Holy Spirit in their lives and in the church, asking for courage to obey, openness to community, and hearts that are free from cynicism.
Devotional
Day 1: Obedience Positions Us for the Spirit’s Work
When we obey the words of Jesus—even when it doesn’t make sense, even when we don’t know what we’re waiting for or what the outcome will be—we place ourselves in the perfect position for God’s Spirit to move in us and through us. The first disciples waited in Jerusalem, as Jesus commanded, despite the risks and uncertainty, and because of their obedience, they were present to receive the Holy Spirit in a way that changed them and the world forever. Obedience is not always about understanding every detail; it’s about trusting the One who calls us and being open to His transforming work. [07:40]
Acts 1:4-5 (ESV)
And while staying with them he ordered them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
Reflection: Is there a specific command or nudge from Jesus you’ve been resisting because it doesn’t make sense? What would it look like to take one step of obedience today, trusting Him with the outcome?
Day 2: The Holy Spirit Reveals the Wonders of God
The Holy Spirit’s role is to reveal the wonders of God in ways we can understand and experience—whether through answered prayer, a sense of God’s goodness, or a fresh encounter with Scripture. When the Spirit fell at Pentecost, people from many nations heard the wonders of God declared in their own languages, making God’s greatness accessible and real to each of them. Whenever you sense God’s goodness, hope, or love, you are experiencing the Spirit at work, drawing you deeper into the reality of who God is. [16:57]
Acts 2:1-4, 11 (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. … we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.
Reflection: When was the last time you sensed the wonder or goodness of God in your life? How might you invite the Holy Spirit to reveal more of God’s wonders to you today?
Day 3: Repentance and Baptism Open Us to God’s Forgiveness and Spirit
Repentance is not just a one-time event but an ongoing turning away from lesser things and turning toward Jesus as Lord. Baptism is the public declaration of this new allegiance, a visible sign of God’s forgiveness and the beginning of a Spirit-filled life. When we repent and are baptized, we open ourselves to the forgiveness of sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit, who empowers us to live changed lives. [24:46]
Acts 2:36-39 (ESV)
“Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.”
Reflection: Is there something in your life that needs to be demoted or surrendered so that Jesus can truly be Lord? What step of repentance or public declaration (like baptism) might God be inviting you to take?
Day 4: Community Strengthens Our Walk and Positions Us for God’s Power
Following Jesus was never meant to be a solo journey; it is in community that we remind each other of God’s goodness, encourage one another to keep going, and help each other obey even when it’s hard. The early church experienced the Spirit’s power together because they obeyed together, prayed together, and supported one another. Stepping into the “beautiful, messy” community of the church is often where we find the strength to persevere and the joy of seeing God work in and through us. [13:52]
Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV)
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Reflection: Are you on the margins of Christian community, or are you stepping in? What is one way you can more fully engage with your church family this week to encourage or be encouraged?
Day 5: Repenting of Cynicism Opens Us to God’s Miracles
Cynicism is a barrier that blinds us to the miracles God is doing right in front of us; it is incapable of building anything good or seeing God at work. The Pentecost story reminds us that even in the face of miracles, some will scoff and miss what God is doing. Jesus invites us to lay down our cynicism, to become “cynical of our cynicism,” and to open ourselves to faith, hope, and love—so we don’t miss the wonders God wants to do in and through us. [19:09]
Mark 9:24 (ESV)
Immediately the father of the child cried out and said, “I believe; help my unbelief!”
Reflection: Where has cynicism crept into your heart and kept you from seeing God at work? What would it look like to leave your cynicism behind today and ask God for a fresh openness to His miracles?
Quotes
Chatbot
-
I'm an AI bot trained specifically on the sermon from Jun 08, 2025. Do you have any questions about it?