Empowered by the Spirit: Witnessing for Christ

Devotional

Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers Us to Be Witnesses

Jesus promised the Holy Spirit as a gift to His followers, not simply for personal experience, but so that they would be empowered to share the gospel with boldness and effectiveness. The Spirit’s presence is not about displaying a particular gift, but about equipping every believer to be a witness for Christ in their everyday lives, starting with those closest to them and reaching out to the ends of the earth. The power of the Holy Spirit is given so that the message of Jesus can be spread, regardless of our abilities or past experiences. [05:33]

Acts 1:4-5, 8 (ESV)
4 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; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
8 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: Who is one person in your “Jerusalem”—someone you see regularly—whom you can intentionally pray for and seek to share the love of Jesus with this week?

Day 2: The Church Is Born Through the Spirit’s Power

The birth of the church at Pentecost was marked by the outpouring of the Holy Spirit, resulting in bold proclamation, supernatural gifts, and thousands coming to faith. This same Spirit is available to all believers today, empowering the church to move beyond routine and legalism into a vibrant, Spirit-filled community that brings in the spiritual harvest. The Holy Spirit’s work is not limited to a single moment in history, but continues to equip and unite believers for the ongoing mission of making disciples. [08:42]

Acts 2:1-4, 14-18, 21, 41 (ESV)
1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance.
14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words. 15 For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day. 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”
21 And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.
41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Reflection: In what ways can you invite the Holy Spirit to move in your life and in our church community so that we see lives transformed and people coming to faith?

Day 3: The Spirit’s Filling Is Both Personal and Corporate

The filling of the Holy Spirit is meant for both individual believers and the gathered church, calling us to seek God personally and together for renewed power and boldness. When we pray for the Spirit’s filling, we are asking God to equip us for the work of the gospel, to refresh us when we are weary, and to unite us in purpose. Whether you feel strong or weak, God invites you to press in for more of His presence, both in your private devotion and as part of the church family, so that together we can reach the harvest. [24:18]

Ephesians 5:18-20 (ESV)
18 And do not get drunk with wine, for that is debauchery, but be filled with the Spirit, 19 addressing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart, 20 giving thanks always and for everything to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ,

Reflection: How can you intentionally seek a fresh filling of the Holy Spirit this week—both in your personal prayer time and by joining with others in prayer for our church’s mission?

Day 4: The Holy Spirit Gives Diverse Gifts for the Mission

The Holy Spirit gives a variety of gifts to believers—not just tongues, but also prophecy, faith, wisdom, and more—so that the church can be built up and equipped for the work of spreading the gospel. Every believer has a role to play, and no gift is insignificant; what matters is that we use what God has given us to point others to Jesus and serve the body of Christ. The supernatural gifts of the Spirit are not for personal boasting, but for the edification of the church and the fulfillment of the Great Commission. [27:25]

1 Corinthians 12:4-7, 11 (ESV)
4 Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; 5 and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; 6 and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. 7 To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.
11 All these are empowered by one and the same Spirit, who apportions to each one individually as he wills.

Reflection: What spiritual gift or passion has God placed in your life, and how can you use it this week to serve others and point them to Jesus?

Day 5: Ordinary People, Extraordinary Power

God delights in using ordinary, even imperfect people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes through the power of the Holy Spirit. No past failure, lack of confidence, or sense of inadequacy can disqualify you from being used by God; the Spirit is the difference-maker who empowers you to step out in faith and share the gospel. Trust that God has called and equipped you, and be willing to lay down your comfort and routine so that others can encounter Jesus through your witness. [30:51]

2 Corinthians 4:7 (ESV)
But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.

Reflection: What is one area where you feel ordinary or inadequate, and how can you trust the Holy Spirit to use you in that very place to make a difference for Christ?

Sermon Summary

The Holy Spirit is a gift given to every believer, not as a badge of spiritual achievement, but as the empowering presence of God to enable us to spread the gospel. From my own journey, I’ve seen how easy it is to get caught up in debates about spiritual gifts—especially tongues—and to miss the heart of what Jesus promised: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you, and you will be my witnesses.” The early church was born in the power of the Spirit, and that same power is available to us today, not just for personal edification, but for the mission of reaching the lost.

The day of Pentecost was not just a random event; it was the fulfillment of God’s promise and perfectly timed with the Jewish festival celebrating the harvest. This is a powerful picture: the Spirit comes to empower us for the harvest of souls. The gifts of the Spirit—whether tongues, prophecy, faith, or wisdom—are not for show, but for building up the church and equipping us to make disciples. We are called to be people of both the Word and the Spirit, holding truth and power together in balance.

It’s easy to get distracted by the world’s anxieties, by debates within the church, or by waiting for Jesus’ return, but the call remains: spread the gospel, make disciples, and focus on the harvest. The Holy Spirit’s power is not just for the extraordinary, but for ordinary people—people like you and me—who are willing to step out of comfort, die to self, and be witnesses in our own “Jerusalem, Judea, and Samaria.” The Spirit’s filling is both personal and corporate; we seek God for ourselves, but we also gather as a church to pray for boldness and for workers for the harvest.

No one is disqualified by past failures, lack of eloquence, or ordinariness. The Holy Spirit is the difference maker. God delights to use those who feel inadequate, and He gives us the power to be witnesses, not just to invite people to church, but to point them to Jesus Himself. Let’s pray for a fresh filling of the Spirit, so that we can go—together—into the world and share the good news.

Key Takeaways

1. The Holy Spirit Empowers Us for Mission, Not Just Experience The gift of the Holy Spirit is not primarily about personal spiritual experiences or specific manifestations like tongues. It is about being empowered to be witnesses for Jesus, to share the gospel boldly and effectively in our everyday lives. The Spirit’s presence is given so that we can participate in God’s mission to reach the lost, not just to enrich our own spiritual lives. [05:33]
2. Balance the Word and the Spirit for Healthy Discipleship Focusing solely on the Word can lead to legalism, while focusing only on the Spirit can lead to imbalance. True discipleship and church health come from holding both together—being rooted in Scripture and open to the Spirit’s power and gifts. This balance keeps us grounded and effective in fulfilling God’s purposes. [08:42]
3. The Harvest is Ready—Pray and Step Out as Workers Pentecost was a festival of harvest, and the Spirit’s coming on that day is a reminder that God’s heart is for the lost. We are called to pray for workers and to be those workers ourselves, stepping out of comfort and routine to engage with people in our proximity—our “Jerusalem”—and beyond. The Spirit gives us “dynamite” power to break through obstacles and fears. [15:44]
4. Witnessing Means Dying to Comfort and Self The original word for “witness” in Acts is the same as “martyr.” While most of us won’t be called to die physically for our faith, we are called to die to our comforts, fears, and reluctance. Sharing the gospel often means stepping out of what is familiar or safe, trusting the Spirit to use our ordinary lives for extraordinary impact. [17:43]
5. The Spirit’s Filling is for Everyone, and It’s Ongoing The promise of the Spirit is for all believers—regardless of age, background, or past failures. The early church prayed repeatedly for fresh fillings of the Spirit, recognizing their need for ongoing empowerment. Whether you feel weak, ordinary, or unqualified, the Spirit is given to you so that you can be a witness for Jesus right where you are.

** [24:18]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:18] - Personal Story: Sharing Faith and Spiritual Gifts
[02:29] - Experiences with Tongues and Authenticity
[05:33] - Jesus’ Promise: Power to Be Witnesses
[07:13] - Pentecost: The Spirit Falls and the Church is Born
[08:42] - The Church: People of the Word and Spirit
[11:09] - Discipleship Begins with the Lost
[14:02] - The Promise of the Spirit for All Generations
[15:44] - Pentecost and the Harvest
[17:43] - The Meaning of “Witness” and Dying to Self
[20:10] - Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria: Our Mission Fields
[21:35] - The Spirit’s Power for All People
[24:18] - The Spirit’s Filling: Personal and Corporate
[27:25] - The Gifts of the Spirit and Their Purpose
[28:37] - Empowered to Share the Gospel
[29:24] - Overcoming Excuses and Inadequacy
[32:01] - Prayer for Filling and Sending

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Acts 1:4-5, 8 (ESV) — > 4 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; 5 for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”
> 8 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.

Acts 2:1-5, 14-18, 39, 41 (ESV) — > 1 When the day of Pentecost arrived, they were all together in one place. 2 And suddenly there came from heaven a sound like a mighty rushing wind, and it filled the entire house where they were sitting. 3 And divided tongues as of fire appeared to them and rested on each one of them. 4 And they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit gave them utterance. 5 Now there were dwelling in Jerusalem Jews, devout men from every nation under heaven.
> 14 But Peter, standing with the eleven, lifted up his voice and addressed them: “Men of Judea and all who dwell in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and give ear to my words... 16 But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel: 17 ‘And in the last days it shall be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams; 18 even on my male servants and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.’”
> 39 “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.”
> 41 So those who received his word were baptized, and there were added that day about three thousand souls.

Observation Questions

What did Jesus say would happen when the Holy Spirit came upon the disciples? (Acts 1:8; [05:33])
On the day of Pentecost, what signs accompanied the coming of the Holy Spirit? (Acts 2:2-4; [07:13])
According to Peter’s sermon, who is the promise of the Holy Spirit for? (Acts 2:39; [14:02])
What was the immediate result in the community after the Holy Spirit was poured out? (Acts 2:41; [08:42])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus told the disciples to wait for the Holy Spirit before starting their mission? What does this say about the importance of the Spirit’s power in our lives? ([05:33])
The sermon mentioned that the gifts of the Spirit are not for show, but for building up the church and equipping us to make disciples. How does this challenge common ideas about spiritual gifts? ([27:25])
The word “witness” in Acts 1:8 is the same as “martyr.” What does this suggest about the kind of life Jesus calls his followers to live? ([17:43])
The early church prayed repeatedly for fresh fillings of the Spirit. Why might ongoing filling be necessary, and what does this reveal about the Christian life? ([24:18])

Application Questions

The sermon warned against getting distracted by debates about spiritual gifts or by waiting for Jesus’ return, instead of focusing on spreading the gospel. Are there any distractions in your life or in our church that keep you from the mission Jesus gave? What would it look like to refocus? ([11:09])
The Holy Spirit’s power is for ordinary people, not just “spiritual superstars.” Do you ever feel unqualified or too ordinary to be used by God? How does the promise of the Spirit encourage you? ([29:24])
The day of Pentecost was about the harvest. Who is in your “Jerusalem”—the people you see every day—who might need to hear about Jesus? What is one step you can take this week to be a witness to them? ([20:10])
The sermon said that witnessing means dying to comfort and self. What is one comfort or fear that holds you back from sharing your faith? How could you take a small step to “die to self” this week? ([17:43])
The early church prayed together for boldness and for workers for the harvest. How can our group pray specifically for each other to be filled with the Spirit and to have boldness in sharing the gospel? ([24:18])
The gifts of the Spirit are given to build up the church and help us make disciples. What gifts or abilities has God given you? How could you use them more intentionally for God’s mission? ([27:25])
The sermon encouraged us to seek a fresh filling of the Spirit, both personally and together. What would it look like for you to ask God for a fresh filling this week? How can we support each other in this? ([24:18])

Sermon Clips

Many of you, I'm sure, know this, but that word power, we get the word dynamite from, the Greek word dynamis, unamis. That's where we get dynamite. So we have dynamite power. Let's go! Let's blow stuff up! No, that's how God looks at us. He gives us power in the Holy Spirit so we can accomplish these things. [00:16:40] (21 seconds)

When it says that we are witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, the original meaning of witnesses of the Greek is the original meaning martyr, to be a martyr. And some of us, thankfully, all of us, thankfully here in America, likely we'll never have to be a witness to the point of death where our lives are on the line. But what if it was? What if your life was on the line? Will you be willing to share your faith? [00:17:43] (32 seconds)

The last thing I want to leave with you is that the filling of the Spirit is for sharing the gospel. I know we, I keep repeating this, but I want you to leave with that understanding. It's not just to have it and then to boast about it. Walk around like it's a thing to be proud of. It's for the purpose of sharing the gospel. [00:29:09] (23 seconds)

God always uses ordinary people. He actually prefers the misfits and the ones that mess up more as well. So don't ever think that God can't use you. You're too timid. Well, that's why he's given us the Holy Spirit. Okay? So that he can use us to spread the gospel. [00:31:30] (21 seconds)

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