Empowered by the Spirit: Living Boldly Every Day

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Commission: Go and Make Disciples

Jesus calls every believer to go into the world, empowered by His authority, to make disciples of all nations, baptizing them and teaching them to obey all He has commanded. This is not a suggestion but a command that comes with the promise of His presence with us always. The Holy Spirit is given to equip and empower ordinary people to live out this mission daily, not just on special occasions or in church settings. As followers of Jesus, we are called to live out our faith actively, trusting that He is with us in every step, and to let the world see the transformation He brings to our lives. [35:12]

Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”

Reflection: Who in your life or community is God prompting you to reach out to with the love and message of Jesus this week, and what is one step you can take today to begin that conversation or act of service?

Day 2: The Power and Presence of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit was poured out on Pentecost not for admiration, but to activate and empower believers for daily living and mission. This same Spirit fills ordinary people today, enabling them to do things beyond their natural abilities for the sake of God’s kingdom. The Spirit is not reserved for special days or events; it is meant to be active in every moment of our lives, guiding, strengthening, and equipping us to live for Jesus. When we surrender and are obedient, the Holy Spirit works through us in ways we could never imagine, making the impossible possible. [48:51]

Acts 2:1-4 (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.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you need to invite the Holy Spirit to empower you beyond your own abilities, and how can you surrender that area to Him today?

Day 3: Fanning the Flame: Living with Courage, Not Fear

God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-discipline. The Holy Spirit enables us to overcome timidity and fear, calling us to live courageously for Christ. Fear may visit, but it should not stay; instead, we are to fan into flame the gift of God within us through prayer, obedience, and faith. As we step out in faith, what once seemed overwhelming becomes manageable, and our courage grows as we see God’s faithfulness. The journey of faith is about moving forward, not digging ourselves deeper into fear, and trusting that God’s Spirit will sustain us. [59:54]

2 Timothy 1:6-7 (ESV)
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands, for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.

Reflection: What fear is holding you back from stepping into what God is calling you to do, and what is one prayer you can pray today to move forward in courage?

Day 4: A Contagious Church: Spirit-Filled Community

When believers are filled with the Holy Spirit and live out their faith authentically, the church becomes a contagious community that draws others in—not because of style or marketing, but because of genuine love, joy, and generosity. The early church grew as people noticed the difference in the lives of believers, seeing their sincerity, unity, and gladness. True spiritual substance, not just outward appearance, is what attracts others to Christ. As we live out our faith together, our lives become a testimony that points others to Jesus and invites them into the family of God. [01:05:45]

Acts 2:46-47 (ESV)
And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved.

Reflection: How can you intentionally show genuine love and hospitality to someone in your church or neighborhood this week, making your faith visible and inviting?

Day 5: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Purpose

God uses ordinary people who are willing to surrender and be obedient to His Spirit. No one is more special or more equipped than another; the Holy Spirit empowers all who follow Jesus to fulfill the purpose He has for them. The only thing that can keep us from being filled and used by God is our own unwillingness to surrender. When we take hold of both the sacrifice of Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to go into the world, love our neighbors, and spread the gospel. The call is for every believer to live a life on the go, full of courage, love, and contagious faith. [01:14:08]

Romans 12:1-2 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to surrender more fully to God’s purpose, and what practical step can you take today to offer yourself as a living sacrifice?

Sermon Summary

Today marks Pentecost Sunday, a day that commemorates the birth of the Church and the outpouring of the Holy Spirit upon ordinary people. This is not just a historical event to be admired or remembered on special occasions, but a living reality meant to empower every follower of Jesus in their daily lives. The Holy Spirit is not reserved for Sundays, holidays, or moments of crisis; rather, the Spirit is available to fill, guide, and embolden us every single day. Just as the early disciples were transformed from ordinary individuals into bold witnesses, so too are we called to live lives marked by the Spirit’s power, love, and self-discipline.

The call of Jesus in Matthew 28 is clear: “Go and make disciples of all nations.” This is not a suggestion, but a commission that is only possible through the ongoing presence and empowerment of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit is not a “fine china” to be brought out for special occasions, but the daily sustenance and fuel for our mission. Too often, we act as if we are running on empty, forgetting that we have access to the fullness of God’s Spirit at all times. The only thing that can keep us from being filled is our own unwillingness to surrender and obey.

Fear is a real and persistent challenge, but the Spirit of God does not make us timid. Instead, the Spirit gives us courage to step out, even when the obstacles seem overwhelming. Fear may visit, but it does not get to stay. As we fan into flame the gift of God within us, we find that what once seemed like a mile-wide ocean of fear is only an inch deep when we step out in faith. The early church grew not because of style or marketing, but because of substance—ordinary people filled with the Spirit, living contagious lives of joy, generosity, and purpose.

As we remember Christ’s sacrifice and the gift of the Spirit, we are challenged to leave this place not as we came, but as a people on the go—living courageously, loving boldly, and spreading the gospel in word and deed. The work of the Spirit is not finished; it continues in us as we surrender, obey, and go.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit is for everyday life, not just special occasions. Just as the early disciples were empowered to do what they could never do on their own, we are called to live daily in the Spirit’s power, not reserving His presence for Sundays or crises. The Spirit is our constant companion and source of strength, available whenever we surrender and ask. [35:12]
2. Ordinary people, when surrendered to God, become vessels for extraordinary works. The early church was not built on the talents of a few, but on the obedience of many who allowed the Spirit to work through them. Our qualifications are not what make us useful; it is our willingness to be filled and led by the Spirit that enables us to fulfill God’s purposes. [48:51]
3. Fear is a mile-wide ocean but only an inch deep; courage is fear that has said its prayers. The Spirit does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline. When we step out in faith, we discover that the obstacles we fear are often much smaller than they appear, and God’s presence enables us to walk through them. [60:47]
4. A Spirit-filled church is contagious because of its substance, not its style. The early church grew because people saw authentic joy, generosity, and love—not because of programs or marketing. When we live out the gospel genuinely, people notice the difference, and the church becomes a beacon that draws others to Christ. [65:45]
5. The fullness of the Spirit is available to all who follow Jesus, but it requires surrender and obedience. We have access to the “credit card” of God’s power, yet too often we run on empty by neglecting to draw near and be filled. The only barrier is our own reluctance; when we yield, God fills us and sends us out to be His witnesses in the world. [59:16]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[15:03] - Upcoming Events and Announcements
[27:45] - Community Prayer and Anointing
[30:17] - Prayers for Healing and Families
[35:12] - Pentecost: The Birth of the Church
[48:51] - Ordinary People, Extraordinary Power
[58:44] - The Spirit Does Not Make Us Timid
[59:16] - Fanning the Flame: Surrender and Obedience
[60:47] - Overcoming Fear with Courage
[64:37] - The Contagious Church
[65:45] - Substance Over Style
[68:46] - Living a Noticed, Spirit-Filled Life
[71:12] - The Call to Authenticity
[74:08] - Communion: Remembering Christ and the Spirit
[82:47] - Final Challenge: Go and Be the Church
[89:12] - Closing Prayer and Blessing
[89:52] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV) — > Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”

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 Timothy 1:6-7 (NIV) — > For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

Observation Questions

In Matthew 28:18-20, what specific instructions does Jesus give to his followers before he leaves them?
According to Acts 2:1-4, what happened to the disciples on the day of Pentecost? How did it change them?
In 2 Timothy 1:6-7, what does Paul say the Spirit gives us, and what does he say it does not give us?
The sermon compared the Holy Spirit to “fine china” that some people only use on special occasions. What does this illustration mean? [[35:12]]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus connects his command to “go and make disciples” with the promise of his presence “to the very end of the age”? How does the Holy Spirit make this possible? [[35:12]]
The sermon said the early disciples were “ordinary people” who became bold witnesses. What does this suggest about who can be used by God? [[48:51]]
Paul tells Timothy to “fan into flame the gift of God.” What does this mean for someone who feels spiritually empty or afraid? [[59:16]]
The pastor said, “Fear is a mile-wide ocean but only an inch deep.” How does this perspective change the way we face our fears as Christians? [[01:00:47]]

Application Questions

The sermon said the Holy Spirit is not just for Sundays or special moments, but for every day. Are there areas of your life where you tend to “put away” the Holy Spirit until you feel you really need him? What would it look like to invite the Spirit into your daily routines? [[35:12]]
The pastor used the example of having a “credit card” to fill up your car, but choosing to run on empty instead. Are there ways you have been “running on empty” spiritually, even though God’s power is available to you? What is one step you could take this week to “fill up”? [[48:51]]
The sermon said, “Ordinary people, when surrendered to God, become vessels for extraordinary works.” Is there something you feel unqualified for that God might be calling you to do? What would it look like to surrender that to God? [[48:51]]
Fear was described as “a mile-wide ocean but only an inch deep.” Can you think of a recent situation where fear held you back? What would it look like to step out in faith, trusting that God’s Spirit is with you? [[01:00:47]]
The early church was described as “contagious” because of their joy, generosity, and love—not their style or programs. What is one practical way you could show contagious joy or generosity this week? [[01:05:45]]
The sermon challenged us to “fan into flame” the gift of God through surrender and obedience. What is one area where you need to surrender or obey God more fully? How can the group pray for you in this? [[59:16]]
The pastor ended by saying, “Don’t let this series end today. Go. Be the church. On the go.” What is one way you can “go” and live out your faith this week—at home, at work, or in your neighborhood? [[01:22:47]]

Sermon Clips

But today is a day in the history of the church that represents the fire that fell down. This is Sunday. pentecost sunday uh the day in the church where the church really started right um it's where it happened where it started and so we've been going through this series um and and really talking about what does it mean to be empowered right empowered by the holy spirit living the mission of jesus what does that mean in our life and so i'd like to ask if you would open up your bibles with me you're going to be in matthew chapter 28 we're going to be over a couple different spots but we're going to start off in matthew 28 starting off in verse 18 when you find that if you would stand in honor of god's word the title of today's sermon is now we go all right we're empowered by the holy spirit we've been we've learned what the power of the holy spirit can do in the lives of the believers but it's something that we have to take into action. [00:44:08]

The holy spirit didn't come here for us to admire the holy spirit though right it came here to activate the people of god the holy spirit didn't come on that sunday right or on that pentecost sunday it didn't you know land on those people so that they could admire the holy spirit that it didn't come so that that that that that the holy spirit that they would look on it they would put it on a wall and say hey on this day the lord came the holy spirit rested on people and filled the lives of people so that they could live lives that were changed for jesus that this power was not one to be put aside that oh it's like the fine china we take it out on christmas and easter no it's something that we use every single day. [00:47:39]

Why do we as christians act that same sort of way when it comes to the holy spirit that the holy spirit's job in our lives is on special days well it's on sundays it's on wednesdays maybe if we go to church midweek it's it's at you know district assembly or it's at weddings or it's at funerals the holy spirit is for special events but it's not for our everyday life what we see in this moment in the scripture was that the lord rested on his people moving forward moving forward. [00:49:07]

That means that the holy spirit should be with us at all times active in our life at all times that it isn't a a power that is only used on easter and christmas on birthday parties right when we're dealing with certain family members amen right some family members need more holy spirit than others it's not just for those moments it's for every single moment in your life. [00:50:07]

The holy spirit still fills people today the same holy spirit that enabled them to do the gifts that they had right the talents that we see can do that in your life today the holy spirit fills ordinary people there was nothing super special about the 12 other than following jesus that's what made them special they follow jesus if you follow jesus you are the same you should be filled with the holy spirit and able to do the gifts and talents in things that you would have never imagined. [00:52:47]

If you're thinking to yourself well those people were special right Paul was able to do this and Peter was able to do that because they must have been special individuals no they were surrendered individuals to the Holy Spirit they surrendered to God that's what it means to be a people after God you're just an ordinary individual filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:54:16]

We are not praying for a new Pentecost because the original one was enough we are praying for obedience to the one already given sometimes we'll say like we need a fresh yes we need a touch of the Holy Spirit but enough Holy Spirit was poured out on that day 2000 plus years ago for all of us for the entirety of mankind right that it was more than enough we don't need a new Pentecost we need people the people of God ordinary individuals everyday people surrendering and being obedient to God that's what we're called to be. [00:54:44]

Sometimes we're running around and we're on empty and we're like well I mean I wish that I could get a fresh touch but you have access to it it's like your car's on empty but you have the credit card of the owner of Chevron right or fill in the blank whatever your favorite you know maybe you're a Shell person or a Hess person whatever gas station those Costco fans out there that only use Costco gas whatever your car's on empty you see the gas station you're like right there but you decide to drive on by on empty but in your pocket you have the credit card of the owner of the gas station then you run out of gas you're on the side of the road and you're complaining like man there's oil tycoons and they're ripping me off and this thing and the devil you know the devil caused this right you're complaining and making every excuse but in your pocket you had the credit card to fill the tank church that is what we do as Christians sometimes we're running on empty but we need to just let the Holy Spirit fill us we need to surrender to the Holy Spirit become obedient to the Holy Spirit church when you become obedient to God he will fill you he will fill you. [00:55:45]

There's no reason there's no excuse there's nothing that will stop you from being filled with the Holy Spirit except you if you are a follower of Jesus you believe Jesus Christ is your Lord and Savior you declare it with your mouth you declare it with your actions you have the credit card to refill that Holy Spirit you don't have to be running on empty as a Christian you have it just use it. [00:57:13]

For the spirit of God does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self -discipline. Power, love, and self -discipline. But I wanna point out something. The spirit of God does not make us timid. The spirit of God does not make us timid. The Holy Spirit, when it comes onto the people of God, it helps us to overcome fear because we're filled with his power. We're filled with the power of the Holy Spirit. [00:58:29]

If, as Christians, we are not grabbing hold of that power, we are gonna live in fear and live timid lives. The flames that God's spirit, right? The flames that are happening here, the flames of the Holy Spirit must be fanned. I remind you to fan into a flame the gift of God. It requires work from you. It requires surrender. It requires obedience. It requires the people of God to do their work. [00:59:09]

Courage is fear that has said its prayers. You're going to get afraid. There's going to be moments where you have fear. Right? It's going to happen. But the people of God are called not to walk in fear, but to walk in power and courage, found through the power of the Holy Spirit. [01:00:12]

Fear is a mile -wide ocean, but an inch deep. So you look at it, and it looks so overwhelming. You look at it, and you're like, I can't walk a mile. That water is so deep. I can't swim a mile. It looks like it's deep. It looks so deep. It's the ocean. It looks so scary. But as soon as you take a step out into it, you realize, whoa, this is an inch deep. Oh, I can walk this. [01:00:40]

If you're living in fear at all times, I want to challenge you to take hold of the courage of the Lord. I get that anxiety is a thing, and I get that fear is a thing, and I'm not saying that there's not moments where you don't feel fear. I'm not saying that. But we can't live in that fear. The people of God cannot live in it. Fear may visit. We should live in fear. Fear may come, right? We feel it and it visits us. But what we do next matters. And so fear may visit us, but it doesn't get to stay. [01:02:28]

How do we combat fear, right? We speak the truth. We live the gospel. We fan the flame. The more that we put into that fire that is the Christian life, the more that we put into the fire that is the Holy Spirit in us, the stronger that power becomes, the easier it is to move forward in that power. Where the fears that once overwhelmed your life no longer overwhelm your life. That through prayer, that fear has been transformed into courage. [01:04:04]

The Holy Spirit creates a contagious church. That when the people of God are filled with the Holy Spirit and they're on the go, that makes the church that is contagious. Contagious in a good way. That the people of God become contagious. The early church didn't grow because of marketing. They didn't, right? I don't, Peter wasn't on Instagram. He wasn't grabbing his phone. He was like, you know, hey fam, we just preached a sermon and 3 ,000 people just came to Christ. That wasn't, he didn't do that, right? [01:05:06]

The early church didn't grow because of marketing. They grew because they were full of joy, generosity, and spirit -led purpose. They were contagious because they truly loved the Lord. And when the Lord said give, when the Lord said do whatever it was, they were obedient to the Holy Spirit. When God's people live a spirit -filled life, others take notice. They notice. [01:06:06]

When you have an honest relationship with Christ, and you have contagious Christianity, people will take notice. They will ask themselves the questions, what is that person? There's something different about them. And sometimes what they do is, right, because they take notice, you're contagious, you attract them. They want to be around you because they know that there's something different about you. [01:09:05]

Francis Chan says this. He goes, the early church didn't have buildings or budgets, but they had the Holy Spirit. And that was enough. And we use that. Why am I saying that? Right? Often we'll say, well, if we were, if we want to be a contagious church, we need three members on staff. We need to paint the building. We need to do this. We need to do that. We need to do this. Pastor, I need you to give me X, Y, Z. They didn't have that in the early church. They had authentic people, ordinary people filled with the Holy Spirit, proudly proclaiming the gospel message. [01:09:34]

To truly grow a church deeper into the Lord, to truly grow into our community requires ordinary individuals filled with the Holy Spirit, doing the work of the Holy Spirit, being obedient. That's what it is. And so, what do we learn from that moment, right? That the Spirit -filled church is attractive not because of style, but because of substance. Not because of style, but because of substance. [01:10:23]

For us to be contagious Christians, to live a life that is fully filled with the Spirit, right? The church, we need to be a church that is, has substance, that we're digging into the word, that people's lives are being changed. The people of God has lives being changed. Yes, yes, yes. we have to do it that's what it means to be a follower of jesus right to be a follower of god we have to truly take hold of the words that he gave us to live out the words that he gave us we can't just continue to proclaim one thing and do another. [01:11:58]

If the lord's called you to the purpose he will equip you for the purpose you got the credit card in your pockets it's there. [01:13:40]

Pentecost we received the holy spirit the spirit of the risen christ through the remembrance of christ right the sacrifice that he made and through the power of the holy spirit we are empowered it's through both that we are empowered we have to take hold of the sacrifice but then we also have to take hold of the holy spirit they work together the holy spirit only works through the power of christ the holy spirit only comes to the people of jesus of christ to the christian to those that follow jesus. [01:14:58]

My desire is as you pray as you take a few moments to hear from god that as he speaks to you in new and bold ways that you take hold of it that you take heed to his voice and do the things that he's calling you to that you be filled with his spirit and become the contagious church he's called you to to not live in fear to live in courage to understand that jesus is for all people for every nation. [01:16:26]

I have one more challenge for you before we leave. Don't let this series end today. Launch. Go. Be the church. On the go. Go and do the work that the Lord has for you. Don't this just be a six -week time period where I learned a bunch about the Holy Spirit in my life and then I don't go do the work that God has for us. Fan the flame of love for your neighbor. Preach the gospel message. Live it unafraid. [01:28:32]

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