Empowered by the Spirit: Living Out Our Calling

Devotional

Day 1: The Essential Empowerment of the Holy Spirit

The life of Jesus exemplifies the necessity of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for effective ministry. Before Jesus began His public ministry, He spent 30 years in relative obscurity. His baptism marked the beginning of His ministry, where the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, not as a mere formality but as a powerful infilling that equipped Him for the work ahead. This moment underscores the importance of the Holy Spirit's role in our lives. If Jesus, the sinless Son of God, needed the Holy Spirit's empowerment, how much more do we, as His followers, need to be filled with the Spirit to live out our calling with boldness and love? The Holy Spirit is not about creating spectacle or strangeness but about empowering us with boldness, love, and a deep passion for Christ. [00:47]

Luke 4:1-2 (ESV): "And Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan and was led by the Spirit in the wilderness for forty days, being tempted by the devil. And he ate nothing during those days. And when they were ended, he was hungry."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you feel you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment to step out in faith and fulfill your calling?

Day 2: Transformation Through the Spirit

The Holy Spirit's filling is transformative, changing our desires and actions to align more closely with God's will. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our hearts toward God. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives leads to a life marked by joy, love, and a desire to serve others. It helps us overcome struggles and live in a way that reflects Christ's character. Throughout church history, every significant leader and revivalist experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, which transformed their lives and ministries. This infilling is not just for the spiritually elite but is available to all believers who seek it earnestly. [09:31]

2 Corinthians 3:17-18 (ESV): "Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom. And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: What specific desires or actions in your life need transformation through the Holy Spirit, and how can you invite Him to begin this work today?

Day 3: Obedience and Baptism

Baptism is a step of obedience that symbolizes our commitment to Christ and opens the door for the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It's not about waiting until we have everything figured out or our lives are perfect. Instead, it's about taking that step of faith and allowing God to work in and through us. The act of baptism is a public declaration of our faith and a commitment to follow Christ. It signifies the beginning of a new life in Christ, where the Holy Spirit can begin His transformative work in us. [05:42]

Acts 2:38-39 (ESV): "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: If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back from taking this step of obedience? If you have, how can you renew your commitment to allow the Holy Spirit to work in your life?

Day 4: The Cost of Following Christ

Embracing the Holy Spirit's filling requires a willingness to embrace the cost of following Christ. This means stepping out in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ, to be a light in the world, and to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. Following Christ is not always easy, but the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and courage to persevere through trials and challenges. [11:40]

Matthew 16:24-25 (ESV): "Then Jesus told his disciples, 'If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.'"

Reflection: What is one area of your life where following Christ feels costly or challenging, and how can you rely on the Holy Spirit for strength and guidance in this area?

Day 5: Living as a Light

The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ, to be a light in the world, and to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. To be the light, we must be filled with the light. The presence of the Holy Spirit in our lives is transformative, leading to a life marked by joy, love, and a desire to serve others. It helps us overcome struggles and live in a way that reflects Christ's character. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our hearts toward God. [14:56]

Ephesians 5:8-10 (ESV): "For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light (for the fruit of light is found in all that is good and right and true), and try to discern what is pleasing to the Lord."

Reflection: How can you be a light in your community or workplace today, and what specific actions can you take to reflect Christ's love and character to those around you?

Sermon Summary

In reflecting on the life of Jesus, we see a profound example of preparation and empowerment through the Holy Spirit. Jesus spent 30 years in relative obscurity before His public ministry began, marked by His baptism and the Holy Spirit descending upon Him. This moment was not just a formality but a powerful infilling that equipped Him for the ministry ahead. If Jesus, the sinless Son of God, needed the Holy Spirit's empowerment, how much more do we, as His followers, need to be filled with the Spirit to live out our calling?

The Holy Spirit's role is not about creating spectacle or strangeness but about empowering us with boldness, love, and a deep passion for Christ. Throughout church history, every significant leader and revivalist experienced a profound encounter with the Holy Spirit, which transformed their lives and ministries. This infilling is not just for the spiritually elite but is available to all believers who seek it earnestly.

Baptism is a step of obedience that symbolizes our commitment to Christ and opens the door for the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It's not about waiting until we have everything figured out or our lives are perfect. Instead, it's about taking that step of faith and allowing God to work in and through us. The Holy Spirit's filling changes everything, from our desires to our actions, aligning us more closely with God's will.

The Holy Spirit's presence in our lives is transformative, leading to a life marked by joy, love, and a desire to serve others. It helps us overcome struggles and live in a way that reflects Christ's character. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our hearts toward God.

In seeking the Holy Spirit's filling, we must be willing to embrace the cost of following Christ. This means stepping out in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging. The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ, to be a light in the world, and to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives.

Key Takeaways

1. The Necessity of the Holy Spirit: Jesus' ministry began with the Holy Spirit descending upon Him, highlighting the necessity of the Spirit's empowerment for effective ministry. If Jesus needed this, how much more do we need the Holy Spirit to live out our calling with boldness and love? [00:47]
2. Transformation Through the Spirit: The Holy Spirit's filling transforms our desires and actions, aligning us with God's will. This transformation is not about achieving perfection but about the direction of our hearts toward God. [09:31]
3. Obedience and Baptism: Baptism is a step of obedience that symbolizes our commitment to Christ and opens the door for the Holy Spirit's work in our lives. It's not about waiting for perfection but taking a step of faith. [05:42]
4. The Cost of Following Christ: Embracing the Holy Spirit's filling requires a willingness to embrace the cost of following Christ. This means stepping out in obedience, even when it's uncomfortable or challenging. [11:40]
5. Living as a Light: The Holy Spirit empowers us to live boldly for Christ, to be a light in the world, and to fulfill the unique calling God has placed on our lives. To be the light, we must be filled with the light. [14:56]
** [14:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:25] - Jesus' Early Years
[00:47] - The Holy Spirit's Empowerment
[01:21] - Historical Examples of Spirit-Filled Leaders
[02:32] - Jesus' Baptism
[03:54] - The Significance of Baptism
[04:38] - The Power of the Holy Spirit
[05:14] - The Trinity Revealed
[05:42] - Obedience and Baptism
[06:30] - Personal Experience with the Holy Spirit
[07:17] - Transformation Through the Spirit
[08:04] - The Struggle and Repentance
[09:18] - The Holy Spirit's Role in Our Lives
[10:22] - The Impact of the Holy Spirit
[11:40] - The Cost of Following Christ
[14:56] - Living as a Light

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:

Matthew 3:13-17
Acts 10:38

Observation Questions:

What significant event marked the beginning of Jesus' public ministry, and how was the Holy Spirit involved in this event? [02:32]
According to the sermon, what role does the Holy Spirit play in the lives of historical church leaders and revivalists? [01:48]
How does the sermon describe the relationship between baptism and the Holy Spirit's work in a believer's life? [05:42]
What does the sermon suggest about the necessity of the Holy Spirit's empowerment for effective ministry? [00:47]

Interpretation Questions:

How does the sermon interpret Jesus' baptism as a step of obedience, and what implications does this have for believers today? [03:54]
In what ways does the sermon suggest that the Holy Spirit's filling transforms a believer's desires and actions? [09:31]
What does the sermon imply about the cost of following Christ and the role of the Holy Spirit in empowering believers to embrace this cost? [11:40]
How does the sermon describe the impact of the Holy Spirit on a believer's ability to live as a light in the world? [14:56]

Application Questions:

Reflect on your own life: Have you experienced a moment where you felt the Holy Spirit's empowerment? If not, what steps can you take to seek this experience earnestly? [06:30]
Baptism is described as a step of obedience. If you haven't been baptized, what might be holding you back, and how can you overcome these obstacles? [05:42]
The sermon emphasizes the transformation of desires and actions through the Holy Spirit. Identify one area in your life where you desire transformation. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to work in that area? [09:31]
Consider the cost of following Christ as described in the sermon. What is one specific area where you feel challenged to step out in obedience, even if it's uncomfortable? [11:40]
The sermon talks about living as a light in the world. What is one practical way you can be a light in your community or workplace this week? [14:56]
Reflect on the historical examples of Spirit-filled leaders mentioned in the sermon. How can their experiences inspire you to seek a deeper relationship with the Holy Spirit? [01:48]
The sermon suggests that the Holy Spirit's presence leads to joy, love, and a desire to serve others. Identify one person in your life who could benefit from your service this week. How can you serve them in a way that reflects Christ's love? [10:10]

Sermon Clips

Jesus went 30 years in obscurity, nothing not much 12 years old he was stayed in Jerusalem he was listening and asking questions nothing at 17 didn't he didn't he do something 1819 I mean I don't know about you but if you just sit and ponder that he's born nothing until the light is turned on and the Holy Spirit descends upon him at his baptism that word upon his EPI in the Greek it's an overflowing overfilling coming upon Jesus Christ so if the Holy Spirit had to come upon Jesus Christ in order for him to begin as ministry how much more do you need to be filled with the Holy Spirit of God now that should be amens across it from every single row in this place right because that's the greatest need in the church today I'm not talking about weirdness I'm talking about power I'm not talking about being awed I'm talking about being bold having a love for Christ [00:14:31]

All of these leaders that we read about all of them had a powerful experience with the Holy Spirit you will not find anybody at all of church history who did not have a moment of crisis where they were broken before God filled with the spirit and now we hear from them you will not find anybody who didn't have that they just going through life casually Christianity is kind of boring there's nothing there because the power the light is not turned on yet so Jesus goes from obscurity to notoriety with within days possibly [00:110.909]

Baptism is a step of obedience once he was baptized he came up out of the water and the Holy Spirit descended upon him and we read throughout acts 2 the Holy Spirit came upon them it's just over well it's like when if you've ever said that phrases I don't know what came upon me I don't know what came over me it's it's this this in Dumon of power if I could sum it all up I mean this is so critical guys you got to get this we will not know about the mighty things of God we will not have hearts of prayer hearts of worship see people healed and set free and deliver know what God's will is unless we're filled with his spirit [00:257.7]

I gotta wait till I get my life straight that'll never happen never happened I I did it when I was younger but I had to do it again in two thousand things eighteen years ago in Lancaster and I believe that's when my guy started to call me to the ministry that step of obedience but I kept saying no no and I was still struggling in my life with things I was still struggling with alcohol for example I was still struggling with things and there's there's things that are always just struggle to you know those things right there always open that door for me again oh I gotta wait till I get my life cleaned up is what people say no you don't if you believe in Christ get baptized and you'll be amazed at what that step of obedience can't produce [00:344.219]

When the Holy Spirit fills you everything changes this this I hated to read if you're I hate you asked my mom I hated to read a part of those dyslexia and different things and still hard to read but I hated to read now I love to read thousands of books since I was filled with the spirit I don't think I read one book when I wasn't the Bible comes alive at Lila now I know what he's talking about now I know now it's what is that David that the bones you have broken may rejoice created me a clean heart renew a right spirit within me God now I know what that means I can't get enough of this because it's few food to the dying soul see everything changes [00:434.17]

The Holy Spirit comes in the world goes out but the big deception is well then you should be perfect Shane no no my in-laws are here just ask them my wives here just asked them I'm just and it's not about perfection it's not about perfection but it's worth the direction of the heart back to the things of God so have you been filled with the spirit emptied of self and if I'm irritating or challenging you that's a good indication you need what I'm talking about and all you have to say is Lord I want that I want to be filled with imagine what we're praying for a Lord Lord fill me with your spirit get rid of the spirit of Shane Idleman get rid of the carnal nature and Lord fill me with who you are so the nature of Christ is now in you [00:553.569]

We all or many people want a painless Pentecost what he meant by that is we want the fruit of the Spirit but not the obedience we want to be filled with God's Spirit but we don't want the pain right for baptism for example I want the water at 85 I want to have my like seconds close I want two towels in a comfy cozy blanket I want all but see they would just go they didn't they would just go down to the Jordan River John would you baptize me 55° come out I don't care I'm let's see sometime at some point Christ has to cost you something the cost of following him there's a cost there has to be a cost but we want the painless Pentecost [00:659.47]

Without this in Dumon of power there may have been no miracles no authority no going to the cross because it's a Holy Spirit that gave him the boldness to do these things and I don't know quite how this works fully man yet fully God all we know is what is taught in the Bible a cross reference acts 10:38 God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power who went about doing good and healing all those who were oppressed by the devil for God was with him it's interesting Jesus it says God the Father anointed Jesus with the Holy Spirit anointing right we use that word sometimes you hear that we're oh here it goes again anointing you know anointing just means touched of God [00:760.21]

There might be a calling on your life but not yet anointing God might want you to do something but the power is not there yet that the connection with God in this area and obedience and being filled with the Spirit are always related obedience it's a word to churches don't want to talk about right we don't want oh here he goes again on the obedience trip but it's a wonderful thing it's obedience that I'm gonna read a scripture here does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying the Lord to obey is better than sacrifice see a lot of times we sacrifice but we don't obey so when we obey the filling of the Spirit is possible [00:840.909]

To be the light in the Masumi most of you want to be the light in your workplace right want to be the light at home you want to be the light jesus said you shall be a light on a hill you shall be the the light the salt that doesn't lose its savour but to be the light we must be filled with the light to be the light you must be filled with the light and I'll conclude this about the Holy Spirit deal moody said this and his day remember deal moody I don't know if many of you know but 150 years ago he was that God used him in a mighty way he was talking about Bible teachers of his day he said they are good teachers they are wonderful teachers but why will they not see that the baptism of the Holy Ghost is just one touch that they themselves need [00:890.589]

There are many people they're good Christians they're good Christians they're good people they're good people they go to church regularly but I can't they see that the one thing they are lacking is this mighty and Dumon of power this mighty filling of the Holy Spirit they just they don't see that [00:940.089]

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