Empowered by the Spirit: Embracing Transformation and Unity

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Disrupts and Empowers Us to Speak

The Holy Spirit does not always move in gentle or predictable ways; sometimes, His presence is disruptive, shaking us out of our comfort zones and compelling us to speak boldly about the wonders of God. Just as in Acts 2, when the Spirit arrived with a violent wind and tongues of fire, people from every nation heard the message in their own language, and thousands were drawn to Christ. The Spirit’s power is not limited to the past; He continues to move in unexpected ways, equipping ordinary people to declare God’s greatness and to be part of something far bigger than themselves. When you sense the Spirit stirring within you, trust that He is able to use your words and actions to reach others in ways you may never fully understand. [45:04]

Acts 2:1-11 (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. Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language? Parthians and Medes and Elamites and residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya belonging to Cyrene, and visitors from Rome, both Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabians—we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.”

Reflection: When was the last time you sensed the Spirit prompting you to speak or act in a way that felt disruptive or outside your comfort zone? How might you respond differently if you trusted the Spirit’s power to work through you today?

Day 2: The Spirit Redirects Us to Unfamiliar Paths

The Holy Spirit often leads us to places and people we never expected, giving us the courage and ability to do things we never thought possible. In the book of Acts, followers like Peter and Philip were moved to speak to new audiences and travel to foreign lands, spreading the gospel far beyond their original circles. The Spirit’s redirection is not always comfortable, but it is purposeful—opening doors for the message of Jesus to reach the ends of the earth. When you feel God nudging you toward something unfamiliar or challenging, remember that He equips those He calls, and your willingness to follow may have a greater impact than you can imagine. [47:29]

Acts 4:20 (ESV)
“For we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”

Reflection: Is there a new path, relationship, or opportunity that you sense God might be leading you toward, even if it feels uncomfortable or intimidating? What is one step you can take today to follow the Spirit’s leading?

Day 3: The Spirit Moves Us to Radical Hospitality

True hospitality goes beyond simply sharing a meal; it means welcoming others without judgment, trusting that God is at work in every person’s life. Like Ananias, who welcomed Saul despite his past, we are called to embrace those whom God brings into our lives, even when it feels risky or uncomfortable. The Spirit invites us to see people not just as they are, but as God sees them—works in progress with a story and a future. When we open our hearts and homes to others, we participate in the Spirit’s work of transformation, both in their lives and in our own. [48:43]

Acts 9:10-17 (ESV)
Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying, and he has seen in a vision a man named Ananias come in and lay his hands on him so that he might regain his sight.” But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem. And here he has authority from the chief priests to bind all who call on your name.” But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine to carry my name before the Gentiles and kings and the children of Israel. For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.”

Reflection: Who is someone in your life that you find difficult to welcome or trust? How can you show them Christlike hospitality this week, trusting that God is at work in their story?

Day 4: The Spirit Transforms Us Through Suffering and Perseverance

The journey of faith is not free from hardship, but the Holy Spirit is present with us in every trial, transforming us into the likeness of Jesus. Like Paul, who endured imprisonment, shipwreck, and danger, and like Corrie Ten Boom, who found hope and purpose even in a concentration camp, we are not alone in our suffering. The Spirit gives us the strength to endure, the courage to continue our mission, and the hope that God is using every circumstance to shape us for His glory. Even when we feel overwhelmed or abandoned, the Spirit is completing His work in us, making us holy and righteous in Christ. [50:00]

Romans 8:28-29 (ESV)
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.

Reflection: Think of a recent difficulty or season of suffering in your life. How might God be using this experience to transform you or to encourage someone else through your perseverance?

Day 5: The Spirit Unites Us in Mission and Community

The Holy Spirit moves us toward unity, breaking down barriers and bringing together people from different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. In the early church, Jews and Gentiles, prisoners and guards, strangers and friends found themselves sharing meals and hope in the midst of crisis. Paul’s confidence in God’s presence allowed him to encourage and lead others, even in the most desperate circumstances. When we remember our mission and focus on Jesus as our everything, the Spirit creates a community where all are welcome and all are needed. Let the Spirit move you to unity, to boldness, and to a renewed sense of purpose in the people and places God has placed before you. [01:03:28]

Ephesians 4:1-6 (ESV)
I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, 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: Where do you see division or disunity in your relationships, church, or community? What is one practical way you can pursue unity and encourage others to focus on Jesus as your shared foundation?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered to reflect on the powerful, disruptive, and transformative work of the Holy Spirit in our lives and in the life of the early church. From the outpouring at Pentecost to the journeys of Paul, the Spirit has always been at work, moving people beyond their comfort zones, breaking down barriers, and uniting believers in a common mission. The Spirit is not a passive presence; it is active, often unsettling, and always purposeful, leading us to places and people we might never have chosen on our own.

We considered how the Spirit redirected the early disciples, sending them to unfamiliar places and empowering them to speak boldly about Jesus. The Spirit’s movement is not just about miraculous events but about everyday acts of hospitality, love, and unity. Ananias’s willingness to welcome Paul, despite his fears, reminds us that God is always working in the lives of those around us, often in ways we cannot see or understand. Our call is to trust God’s work in others and to extend grace and welcome, even when it feels risky.

Transformation is at the heart of the Spirit’s work. Through suffering, perseverance, and community, we are being shaped into the image of Christ. The Spirit enables us to endure hardship, not just to survive but to be changed—made holy and righteous, ready to meet Jesus face to face. This transformation is not for us alone; it is for the sake of unity, so that together we can reflect the love and mission of Jesus to the world.

We also looked at the stories of Paul and Corrie Ten Boom, both of whom faced unimaginable hardship yet never lost sight of their mission. Even in the darkest circumstances, the Spirit gave them courage, hope, and the ability to love and forgive. Paul’s confidence in God’s presence allowed him to lead and encourage others, even as a prisoner on a sinking ship. Corrie Ten Boom’s story of forgiveness in the face of cruelty shows the Spirit’s power to free us from bitterness and to use even our suffering for God’s purposes.

Ultimately, the Spirit calls us to remember our mission: to make disciples, to love our neighbors, and to trust that God will use our lives, gifts, and circumstances to bring the message of Jesus to the ends of the earth. All we must do is let the Spirit move us.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit is disruptive and powerful, often moving us out of our comfort zones and into situations where we must rely on God’s strength rather than our own. This disruption is not chaos but a divine reordering, making space for God’s purposes to unfold in unexpected ways. When we allow the Spirit to move, we find ourselves speaking and acting with a boldness that can only come from God. [45:04]
2. The Spirit redirects our paths, leading us to places and people we might never have chosen. Like Philip and Ananias, we are called to trust that God’s plans are bigger than our own understanding, and that obedience may open doors for the gospel in ways we cannot foresee. Our willingness to follow the Spirit’s lead can have ripple effects far beyond what we imagine. [47:29]
3. Hospitality, as moved by the Spirit, is more than a social nicety; it is a spiritual discipline that recognizes God’s work in every person we encounter. True hospitality means loving others without judgment, trusting that God is at work in their lives, and being open to the possibility that the person before us may be used by God in extraordinary ways. This kind of love creates space for transformation and healing. [48:43]
4. The Spirit’s work is fundamentally transformative, shaping us through suffering, perseverance, and community into the likeness of Christ. This transformation is not just about personal improvement but about becoming holy, righteous, and ready to reflect Jesus to the world. Even in our loneliest or hardest moments, the Spirit is present, completing the work of making us new. [50:00]
5. Unity is a hallmark of the Spirit’s movement, breaking down barriers that divide us and calling us to be of one mind in Christ. The early church’s unity was not the result of agreement on every issue but of a shared devotion to Jesus as their everything. The Spirit empowers us to move beyond our stubbornness and divisions, so that together we can embody the love and mission of Christ in a fractured world. [51:17]
** [51:17]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:45] - ASU Campus Ministry Update
[02:10] - Opening Prayer
[03:30] - Introduction to the Holy Spirit Series
[05:00] - The Disruptive Power of the Spirit
[08:15] - The Spirit Redirects Our Paths
[11:00] - Hospitality and the Work of the Spirit
[14:00] - Transformation Through the Spirit
[16:00] - The Spirit Unites, Not Divides
[18:00] - Paul’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Days
[21:00] - Corrie Ten Boom: Mission in Suffering
[25:00] - Paul’s Confidence in God’s Presence
[28:00] - Communion in the Midst of Crisis
[31:00] - Shipwreck and Opportunity
[33:00] - Remembering Our Mission
[36:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 2:1-13 (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.
> Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven. And at this sound the multitude came together, and they were bewildered, because each one was hearing them speak in his own language. And they were amazed and astonished, saying, “Are not all these who are speaking Galileans? And how is it that we hear, each of us in his own native language?... we hear them telling in our own tongues the mighty works of God.” And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?”

Acts 9:10-19 (ESV) — > Now there was a disciple at Damascus named Ananias. The Lord said to him in a vision, “Ananias.” And he said, “Here I am, Lord.” And the Lord said to him, “Rise and go to the street called Straight, and at the house of Judas look for a man of Tarsus named Saul, for behold, he is praying... But Ananias answered, “Lord, I have heard from many about this man, how much evil he has done to your saints at Jerusalem... But the Lord said to him, “Go, for he is a chosen instrument of mine...” So Ananias departed and entered the house. And laying his hands on him he said, “Brother Saul, the Lord Jesus who appeared to you on the road by which you came has sent me so that you may regain your sight and be filled with the Holy Spirit.” ... And taking food, he was strengthened.

Acts 27:21-26, 33-36 (ESV) — > Since they had been without food for a long time, Paul stood up among them and said, “Men, you should have listened to me and not have set sail from Crete and incurred this injury and loss. Yet now I urge you to take heart, for there will be no loss of life among you, but only of the ship. For this very night there stood before me an angel of the God to whom I belong and whom I worship, and he said, ‘Do not be afraid, Paul; you must stand before Caesar. And behold, God has granted you all those who sail with you.’ So take heart, men, for I have faith in God that it will be exactly as I have been told...
> As day was about to dawn, Paul urged them all to take some food, saying, “Today is the fourteenth day that you have continued in suspense and without food, having taken nothing. Therefore I urge you to take some food. For it will give you strength, for not a hair is to perish from the head of any of you.” And when he had said these things, he took bread, and giving thanks to God in the presence of all he broke it and began to eat. Then they all were encouraged and ate some food themselves.

Observation Questions

In Acts 2, what was the reaction of the crowd when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples and they began to speak in other languages?
How did Ananias respond when God told him to go to Saul (Paul), and what did he do despite his fears? ([48:43])
During the storm in Acts 27, what message did Paul receive from God, and how did he encourage those on the ship? ([59:30])
According to the sermon, what are some ways the Holy Spirit disrupted the lives of early believers? ([45:04])

Interpretation Questions

What does the crowd’s amazement and confusion at Pentecost tell us about the nature of the Holy Spirit’s work?
Why do you think God chose to use Ananias, someone who was afraid of Saul, to welcome him into the community? What does this say about God’s way of working through people? ([48:43])
How did Paul’s confidence in God’s presence affect the people around him during the shipwreck? What does this reveal about the impact of faith in difficult circumstances? ([59:30])
The sermon describes the Spirit as “disruptive” and “transformative.” In what ways might this disruption be necessary for spiritual growth and unity? ([45:04])

Application Questions

The Holy Spirit often moves us out of our comfort zones. Can you think of a time when you felt God nudging you to do something uncomfortable or unexpected? How did you respond? ([45:04])
Ananias welcomed Paul even though it felt risky. Is there someone in your life right now whom you find difficult to welcome or trust? What would it look like to extend hospitality or grace to them this week? ([48:43])
The Spirit’s work is not just about big miracles but also about everyday acts of love and unity. What is one small, practical way you can show hospitality or kindness to someone in your community this week? ([48:43])
Paul and Corrie Ten Boom both faced suffering but stayed focused on their mission. When you go through hard times, what helps you remember your purpose or calling? Is there a practice or habit you could adopt to help you stay focused on God’s mission during tough seasons? ([57:08])
The sermon says the Spirit transforms us through suffering, perseverance, and community. Is there a hardship you are facing right now that you can invite the Spirit to use for your growth? How might you see this situation differently if you believed God was using it to shape you? ([50:00])
Unity is a hallmark of the Spirit’s movement. Are there any divisions or disagreements in your life or church that you sense the Spirit is calling you to help heal? What is one step you could take toward unity this week? ([51:17])
The Spirit calls us to remember our mission: to make disciples and love our neighbors. Who is one person you can intentionally reach out to this week to share the love or message of Jesus? ([53:52])

Sermon Clips

The Holy Spirit will oftentimes redirect you to walk paths you may not have considered traveling. So many times in Acts, we see people that are moved to speak about the things. They have to speak about the things that they've heard and that they've seen. [00:46:26] (18 seconds) #SpiritLeadsUnseenPaths

Sometimes the best hospitality is loving someone for who they are, knowing that God is at work in their life. In fact, if you think about it, the Spirit is working in the lives and hearts of everyone we come into contact with. [00:47:49] (17 seconds) #HospitalityInSpirit

God is willing to trust you with the person in front of you. And none of us really know just how far somebody has come in their spiritual journey. And we still don't know how much farther they have yet to go. [00:48:49] (15 seconds) #TrustTheJourneyWithin

The Spirit will move us to endure difficulty and suffering. And this is what's amazing is that along the way, we will be transformed. And not just, we're not just going to be better. We're going to be transformed into the image of Jesus. [00:49:49] (17 seconds) #EndureAndTransform

Whenever we are feeling like we're alone on the journey, we need to remember we are not. The Spirit is right there with us, completing His work in us. So that when we come face to face with Jesus, we will be transformed. We will be changed. We will be righteous. And we will be holy. [00:50:07] (18 seconds) #NeverAloneInSpirit

The Spirit moves us to unite rather than divide. I mean, look what the Spirit did in the midst of that early church filled with Jews and Gentiles. Those early believers didn't agree on everything, but they were of one mind and had everything in common. [00:51:43] (17 seconds) #OneMindOneSpirit

We find ourself in the middle of circumstances that we didn't cause, surrounded by people we didn't really want to be with. Sometimes some of these people we don't really even like or know. What is your focus in the middle of those circumstances? [00:56:38] (21 seconds) #FocusAmidstChaos

Paul gets bit by a poisonous snake trying to just help people start a fire for everyone else this could have been the final straw but for Paul it was simply another opportunity to share the gospel to make connections to show Jesus's love to people. [01:04:28] (20 seconds) #OpportunityInAdversity

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