Empowered by the Spirit: Living Out Spiritual Gifts

Devotional

Day 1: The Spirit's Empowerment of Jesus

Jesus performed His miracles and teachings through the power of the Holy Spirit, not merely by His divinity. This demonstrates that we, too, can live empowered by the Spirit to do God's work in the world. Jesus' dependence on the Holy Spirit is a model for us, showing that our human limitations can be transcended by the Spirit's power. The Holy Spirit's descent upon Jesus at His baptism marked the beginning of His Spirit-filled ministry, emphasizing that this empowerment is available to all believers.

The same Spirit that empowered Jesus is available to us today. This means that we can rely on the Holy Spirit to guide us, strengthen us, and enable us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love. By living in the Spirit's power, we can fulfill God's purposes in our lives and make a significant impact in the world. [24:32]

Isaiah 61:1-2 (ESV): "The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me, because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound; to proclaim the year of the Lord's favor, and the day of vengeance of our God; to comfort all who mourn."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need the Holy Spirit's empowerment? How can you invite the Spirit to guide and strengthen you today?

Day 2: The Continuation of Jesus' Work

The book of Acts shows that the Holy Spirit continued Jesus' work through His followers. This same Spirit now empowers us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love, extending Jesus' ministry to the ends of the earth. The Holy Spirit's presence in the early church was a continuation of Jesus' mission, demonstrating that His work did not end with His ascension but continues through us.

As believers, we are called to be active participants in this ongoing mission. The Holy Spirit equips us with the necessary gifts and abilities to serve others and spread the message of Jesus. By being open to the Spirit's leading, we can be effective instruments in God's hands, bringing hope, healing, and transformation to those around us. [35:13]

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: How can you be a witness for Jesus in your community? What specific actions can you take to extend His love and message to others today?

Day 3: Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Spiritual gifts are not limited to supernatural abilities but include all talents and skills that the Spirit animates and uses for God's purposes. These gifts are diverse and meant for the common good, emphasizing the Spirit's work in all areas of life. Paul’s use of the term "pneumatikos" (spirituals) highlights that these gifts are given to build up the body of Christ and serve the community.

Recognizing and utilizing our spiritual gifts is essential for the health and growth of the church. Each believer has a unique role to play, and the Holy Spirit empowers us to fulfill that role effectively. By understanding and embracing our gifts, we can contribute to the common good and support one another in our spiritual journeys. [39:39]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7 (ESV): "Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good."

Reflection: What spiritual gifts do you believe the Holy Spirit has given you? How can you use these gifts to serve and build up the body of Christ?

Day 4: Eagerly Desiring the Spirit's Gifts

We are encouraged to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit and to come to church with a heart ready to serve and bless others. This involves preparing our hearts and minds, seeking God's guidance, and being open to the Spirit's leading in our daily lives. By desiring and pursuing these gifts, we can be more effective in our ministry and service to others.

Eagerly desiring the Spirit's gifts means being proactive in our spiritual growth and development. It requires a willingness to step out in faith, take risks, and trust that the Holy Spirit will equip us for the tasks at hand. By cultivating a heart of service and a readiness to bless others, we can create a vibrant and dynamic church community that reflects the love and power of God. [57:18]

1 Corinthians 14:1 (ESV): "Pursue love, and earnestly desire the spiritual gifts, especially that you may prophesy."

Reflection: How can you prepare your heart and mind to be more open to the Spirit's leading? What steps can you take to eagerly desire and pursue the gifts of the Spirit?

Day 5: Living in the Spirit's Power

Jesus lived in dependence on the Holy Spirit to show us how to live in the Spirit's power. This means that we, too, can experience the Spirit's empowerment in our lives, enabling us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love. By following Jesus' example, we can learn to rely on the Holy Spirit in every aspect of our lives.

Living in the Spirit's power involves a daily commitment to seek God's presence, listen to His voice, and obey His leading. It requires a surrender of our own will and a willingness to be guided by the Spirit. As we cultivate this dependence on the Holy Spirit, we will see His power at work in and through us, transforming our lives and the lives of those around us. [28:25]

Galatians 5:16 (ESV): "But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh."

Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper dependence on the Holy Spirit in your daily life? How can you make space for the Spirit to work through you in acts of service, miracles, and love?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Today, we explored the profound connection between Jesus, the Holy Spirit, and the gifts of the Spirit as outlined in 1 Corinthians 12. We began by acknowledging the diverse spiritual journeys of our congregation, emphasizing that the Scriptures have been a source of guidance and inspiration for millennia. We then delved into Isaiah's prophecies, which foretold the coming of the Messiah, who would be anointed with the Spirit to bring justice, heal the brokenhearted, and proclaim freedom. This set the stage for understanding Jesus' ministry, which was empowered by the Holy Spirit.

We examined key moments in Jesus' life, such as His baptism, where the Holy Spirit descended upon Him, marking the beginning of His Spirit-filled ministry. This empowerment by the Spirit was not just for Jesus but is also available to all believers. Jesus' miracles and teachings were performed through the power of the Holy Spirit, demonstrating how we, too, can live in the Spirit's power.

We then transitioned to the book of Acts, where the Holy Spirit continued Jesus' work through His followers. The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead now empowers us, enabling us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love. This empowerment is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe in Jesus.

We discussed the concept of spiritual gifts, emphasizing that these are not just supernatural abilities but include all talents and skills that the Spirit animates and uses for God's purposes. Paul’s use of the term "pneumatikos" (spirituals) highlights that these gifts are diverse and meant for the common good. The Spirit's work is not confined to the church but extends to all areas of life, encouraging us to serve and build up the body of Christ.

Finally, we were challenged to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit and to come to church with a heart ready to serve and bless others. This involves preparing our hearts and minds, seeking God's guidance, and being open to the Spirit's leading in our daily lives.

###

Key Takeaways

1. The Spirit's Empowerment of Jesus: Jesus performed His miracles and teachings through the power of the Holy Spirit, not merely by His divinity. This demonstrates that we, too, can live empowered by the Spirit to do God's work in the world. [24:32]
2. The Continuation of Jesus' Work: The book of Acts shows that the Holy Spirit continued Jesus' work through His followers. This same Spirit now empowers us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love, extending Jesus' ministry to the ends of the earth. [35:13]
3. Understanding Spiritual Gifts: Spiritual gifts are not limited to supernatural abilities but include all talents and skills that the Spirit animates and uses for God's purposes. These gifts are diverse and meant for the common good, emphasizing the Spirit's work in all areas of life. [39:39]
4. Eagerly Desiring the Spirit's Gifts: We are encouraged to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit and to come to church with a heart ready to serve and bless others. This involves preparing our hearts and minds, seeking God's guidance, and being open to the Spirit's leading in our daily lives. [57:18]
5. Living in the Spirit's Power: Jesus lived in dependence on the Holy Spirit to show us how to live in the Spirit's power. This means that we, too, can experience the Spirit's empowerment in our lives, enabling us to perform works of service, miracles, and acts of love. [28:25]
### [28:25]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[16:17] - Reverence for Scripture
[17:29] - Prophecies of the Messiah
[18:34] - Spirit on the Messiah
[19:26] - Connection Between Messiah and Spirit
[20:06] - Jesus' Baptism and the Holy Spirit
[20:56] - Jesus' Ministry Begins
[21:33] - Jesus Fulfills Isaiah's Prophecy
[22:32] - Jesus' Mission and the Holy Spirit
[23:34] - Jesus' Miracles and the Spirit
[24:32] - Misunderstanding Jesus' Miracles
[25:21] - Jesus' Humanity and Divinity
[26:13] - Jesus' Dependence on the Spirit
[27:49] - Temptation in the Desert
[28:25] - Living in the Spirit's Power
[29:22] - Greater Works Through the Spirit
[30:03] - Quantity Over Quality
[30:51] - Acts and the Spirit's Empowerment
[31:25] - Luke's Second Act
[32:10] - Jesus' Work Continues
[32:55] - Waiting for the Spirit
[33:43] - Baptism of the Holy Spirit
[34:19] - Receiving the Spirit's Power
[35:13] - Acts as a Sequel to Luke
[35:43] - Jesus' Work Through His Followers
[36:49] - Understanding Spiritual Gifts
[37:44] - Pneumatikos: Spirituals
[38:39] - Activities of the Spirit
[39:39] - Misconceptions About Spiritual Gifts
[40:26] - Emphasis on the Spirit
[41:10] - Different Kinds of Gifts
[41:45] - Gifts, Services, and Workings
[42:25] - Natural Abilities and Spiritual Gifts
[43:12] - The Spirit's Work in All Areas
[44:03] - The Spirit's Empowerment of Natural Abilities
[45:14] - Leveraging Gifts for the Kingdom
[45:59] - Finding Your Place in the Body
[46:45] - Equipping the Saints for Ministry
[47:29] - Discovering Your Calling
[48:16] - Workings: Stuff the Spirit Does
[48:58] - Moments of the Spirit's Work
[49:34] - Misconceptions About Spiritual Gifts
[50:39] - The Spirit's Work Through Gifts, Services, and Workings
[51:25] - The Spirit's Diverse and Creative Work
[52:23] - Gifts for the Common Good
[53:11] - The Centrality of Love
[53:49] - Participatory and Collaborative Church
[54:20] - Preparing Our Hearts for Worship
[55:39] - Seeking God and Serving Others
[56:34] - Openness to the Spirit's Leading
[57:18] - Eagerly Desiring the Spirit's Gifts

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What does 1 Corinthians 12:1-11 say about the distribution of spiritual gifts? How are these gifts intended to be used? ([16:17])
According to Isaiah 42:1, what role does the Spirit play in the life and mission of the Messiah?
In Luke 3:21-22, what significant event marks the beginning of Jesus' ministry, and how is the Holy Spirit involved? ([20:06])
How does the sermon describe the relationship between Jesus' miracles and the Holy Spirit? ([24:32])

Interpretation Questions

How does understanding that Jesus performed miracles through the power of the Holy Spirit, rather than solely by His divinity, change our perception of His ministry? ([24:32])
What implications does the continuation of Jesus' work through His followers, as described in Acts, have for modern believers? ([35:13])
How can the concept of "pneumatikos" (spirituals) broaden our understanding of spiritual gifts beyond just supernatural abilities? ([37:44])
Why is it important for believers to eagerly desire the gifts of the Spirit, and how should this desire manifest in their daily lives? ([57:18])

Application Questions

Reflect on a time when you felt empowered by the Holy Spirit to perform an act of service, love, or a miracle. How did this experience impact your faith and understanding of spiritual gifts? ([24:32])
In what ways can you actively seek to continue Jesus' work in your community, as the early followers did in the book of Acts? ([35:13])
Identify a natural talent or skill you possess. How can you invite the Holy Spirit to animate and use this gift for God's purposes? ([39:39])
How can you prepare your heart and mind to be more open to the Spirit's leading in your daily life and when you come to church? ([54:20])
Think about the different kinds of gifts, services, and workings mentioned in 1 Corinthians 12. Which of these do you feel most drawn to, and how can you develop this area to serve the body of Christ? ([41:10])
How can you cultivate a posture of eagerness and readiness to serve and bless others in your church community? What practical steps can you take this week to live this out? ([57:18])
Reflect on the sermon’s challenge to come to church with a heart ready to serve. What specific actions can you take to ensure you are spiritually prepared for worship and fellowship? ([55:39])

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "You may even have some big question marks, like why are we still taking cues from this ancient book? These letters and accounts and songs and poems, and that's okay. You're welcome here. We're really glad you're here. And you're sitting next to a lot of other folks who are all over the spectrum of deep faith and doubt. People who are filled with questions and people who are just in a season of such joy-filled hope and certainty." (36 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Isaiah 42 is a chapter amongst many in the Old Testament that are anticipating Jesus Christ. They are anticipating Messiah, the one who's going to put the world back together. And wrestling with what that Messiah will look like and do. It's prophecy. You get these pictures and snapshots of what's about to come. Speaking about the Messiah, through Isaiah, we read, Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight. I will put my spirit on him, and he will bring justice to the nations." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Jesus lives in dependence on the Holy Spirit to show us how to live in the power of the spirit. John 14. This is the teaching on the Holy Spirit. Verse 12. Jesus says, anyone who has faith in me. How many of you have faith in Jesus? Believe in Jesus. Cool. A lot of you. This applies to you. You ready? Jesus says, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. What's he been doing? All this stuff, right? Healing the sick. Prophecy. Caring for the poor. Being with the broken. Downcast. Even casting out demons. Right?" (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The Holy Spirit is here to move forward the work of Jesus in the world through gifts. What are you good at? What are you passionate about? What do you like to do? Through services. Where are you called to serve? Where is your spot in the story of God? And then lastly, through workings. Through the Holy Spirit moments, for lack of a better word. When God's spirit shows up. And moves." (23 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "The point of the gifts is not the gift. The point of the gifts is to borrow from Paul's language in another place is fruit. The Meaning something coming to life. He says the common good. In other places he says to build up the body. To push forward. Again the story of Jesus. The question is not what can the spirit do in you. The better question is what can the spirit do through you." (25 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "It seems that most folks, and I would say I at times have been one of them, you just sort of naturally default to think Jesus does miracles and healings and feeds thousands of people all because he's God. Now, let me say a few things. The Orthodox understanding, the faithful reading of the Scriptures, it's been uniform throughout the way of the movement of the Jesus, of the movement of the way of Jesus, is that Jesus is both fully God and fully what? Full. Fully human." (32 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "Paul simply says, what are your gifts? It's a really broad word in English. If someone says, what are your gifts? Someone is like, oh, she really has a gift. And it's a really broad word in the Bible. It's not a technical term. When you look at somebody and you're like, oh, he or she is really, really good at that. You would say, oh, that person really has a gift. Oh, you're really gifted. It's used in the same way in the scriptures." (24 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "The spirit reshapes, you can say it like this, almost like the topography of your personality. Remakes you. Takes your gifts and talents and abilities. And animating them and empowering them to serve the story of Jesus. So it's so important that we see that Paul's point here is not that you have one of seven gifts and then go take an inventory and a test and that will somehow lock in what your gifts are. Paul's point is whatever gift you have, if it's prophecy or if it's plumbing, whatever gift you have, prophecy or plumbing, whatever gift you have, leverage that gift for the kingdom of God. Open that gift up to the Holy Spirit. And the spirit will take that gift and animate it." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The reason you have apostles, prophets, evangelists, teachers. The reason why certain people are placed in certain places within the church is to equip the saints for ministry. People who do ministry are what? Ministers. People who do ministry are ministers. So it's important that we figure out what is our place within the life of the body. Lots of you aren't in your place. And we'll get into that again in the next couple weeks. How do we sort out? Where am I supposed? Where am I supposed to serve? And what am I supposed to lean into within the church body and outside of it?" (34 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "What would it look like for us to seek God to prepare our hearts to get ready to come and worship and pray and be together? God, what do you want to give through me to the people? The community. The things I'm thinking about aren't is the sermon good or not? But who am I going to bless? How am I going to serve? What if the mindset was like God, I know I got some things that are latent in me that you want to unlock. And I want to go after that. I'm not content with my relationship with you. If it's true that I can like speak with you and walk in your way and know your love in more palpable, direct and real ways." (45 seconds)(Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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