Empowered for Mission: Encountering God's Presence

Summary

Today, we gathered with hearts full of expectation, seeking a fresh encounter with God and believing for miracles, transformation, and answers to prayer. As we stand at the close of a 21-day season of fasting and consecration, it’s clear that God has been moving powerfully among us, but the journey is not over. There is still more of His presence, more of His power, and more of His word to receive. We are reminded that God’s arms are always open, and He is ever ready to meet us, heal us, and empower us for the journey ahead.

Reflecting on Jesus’ example in Luke 4, we see that even He, though already full of the Spirit, entered a season of fasting and prayer before launching into His public ministry. This time of consecration didn’t give Him more of the Spirit, but it allowed Him to tap into the power that was already within Him. In the same way, our fasting and prayer awaken us to the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives, enabling us to move through life with greater Christlikeness, resilience, and purpose.

The “more” we seek from God is not just for personal satisfaction or spiritual highs. Just as a marathon runner carb-loads to endure the race ahead, we seek more of God to be equipped for the journey and mission He has set before us. This empowerment is not for self-indulgence but for service: to preach good news to the spiritually poor, to proclaim freedom to those in bondage, to open the eyes of the blind, and to set the oppressed free. We are set apart, anointed, and called to be agents of hope, freedom, and justice in a world that desperately needs it.

As we move forward, the challenge is to let the power and transformation we’ve received in this season shape how we show up in our families, workplaces, and communities. We are called to be different, to live out our faith authentically, and to be conduits of God’s love and power to those around us. The work God has begun in us is not finished; it continues as we step into the world, empowered by His Spirit, ready to do whatever He asks for the journey ahead.

Key Takeaways

- Expectation is the seedbed of encounter. Coming before God with open hearts and bold faith positions us to receive miracles, answers, and transformation. Even when circumstances seem impossible, God invites us to believe that He can do abundantly more than we ask or imagine, and to persist in prayer, trusting that the window of His favor is still open. [40:12]

- Fasting and consecration awaken us to the power already within. Like Jesus, who was full of the Spirit before His fast but emerged empowered for ministry, our seasons of consecration don’t give us “more” of God, but help us access and activate what He has already placed in us. The discipline of saying “no” to the flesh and “yes” to the Spirit brings forth remarkable transformation and spiritual victory. [01:01:22]

- The “more” is for mission, not just personal fulfillment. God empowers us so that we can serve others: to bring good news to the spiritually empty, to proclaim freedom to those in bondage, to open blind eyes, and to fight for the oppressed. Our anointing sets us apart not for privilege, but for purposeful engagement in the world’s pain and need. [01:19:05]

- Authentic spiritual empowerment changes how we show up in everyday life. When we are filled and led by the Spirit, we respond to challenges, temptations, and opportunities with Christlike character—showing grace under pressure, generosity in need, and wisdom in counsel. Our lives become living testimonies that open the eyes of others to the reality of Jesus at work in the world. [01:11:01]

- True freedom and justice flow from the gospel. The good news of Jesus levels the playing field, offering dignity, hope, and liberation to all, regardless of status or circumstance. We are called not only to experience this freedom ourselves, but to actively seek the freedom and flourishing of others, advocating for justice and being willing to pay the cost of love in action. [01:30:26]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[38:14] - Entering God’s Presence with Expectation
[41:41] - The Power of Fasting and Consecration
[43:00] - Bold Faith for Impossible Situations
[45:47] - Wrestling with Unbelief
[49:40] - Standing Firm on God’s Word
[51:05] - Jesus’ Custom: The Power of Spiritual Habits
[52:34] - The Anointing and Its Purpose
[53:45] - What Is the More For?
[58:58] - Jesus’ Fast: From Fullness to Power
[01:01:22] - Tapping Into What’s Already Within
[01:08:19] - Living Empowered: Moving Like Jesus
[01:15:19] - The Mission: Preaching, Freedom, and Sight
[01:19:05] - Set Apart for Others
[01:24:27] - Opening Eyes and Setting Captives Free
[01:30:26] - Justice, Dignity, and the Gospel
[01:44:47] - Baby Dedication and Blessing
[01:52:57] - Final Prayer and Dismissal

Study Guide

Small Group Bible Study Guide: Empowered for the Journey

---

### Bible Reading

Luke 4:14-21 (ESV)
> And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all.
> And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written,
> “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,
> because he has anointed me
> to proclaim good news to the poor.
> He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives
> and recovering of sight to the blind,
> to set at liberty those who are oppressed,
> to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.”
> And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

---

### Observation Questions

1. According to Luke 4:14-21, what specific things did Jesus say he was anointed to do?
2. In the sermon, what was the significance of Jesus fasting and praying before starting his public ministry? [[58:58]]
3. What does the pastor mean when he says, “the more is for mission, not just personal fulfillment”? [[53:45]]
4. How does the sermon describe the difference between being “full of the Spirit” and “walking in the power of the Spirit”? [[58:58]]

---

### Interpretation Questions

1. Why do you think Jesus, who was already “full of the Spirit,” still chose to fast and pray before beginning his ministry? What does this suggest about spiritual preparation? [[58:58]]
2. The pastor compares spiritual empowerment to a marathon runner “carb-loading” before a race. What does this analogy reveal about the purpose of seeking “more” of God? [[53:45]]
3. The sermon says that the “more” we receive from God is meant to equip us to serve others, not just ourselves. How does this challenge common ideas about spiritual growth? [[53:45]]
4. According to the sermon, how does authentic spiritual empowerment change the way we respond to everyday situations and people? [[01:11:01]]

---

### Application Questions

1. The sermon says, “Expectation is the seedbed of encounter.” When was the last time you came to God with real expectation? What would it look like for you to approach God with bold faith this week? [[40:12]]
2. Fasting and consecration are described as ways to “tap into the power already within.” Have you ever experienced a season where saying “no” to your flesh helped you grow spiritually? What is one area where you sense God calling you to greater discipline right now? [[01:01:22]]
3. The “more” is for mission, not just personal fulfillment. Who in your life right now is “spiritually poor” or “in bondage” and needs to hear good news or experience freedom? What is one step you can take to serve or reach out to them this week? [[01:19:05]]
4. The pastor said, “When we are filled and led by the Spirit, we respond to challenges, temptations, and opportunities with Christlike character.” Think of a recent situation where you reacted in your own strength instead of the Spirit’s power. How could you respond differently next time? [[01:11:01]]
5. The sermon challenges us to be “agents of hope, freedom, and justice.” Is there an injustice or need in your community that you feel burdened about? What is one practical way you could get involved or advocate for someone this month? [[01:30:26]]
6. The pastor used the example of the Underground Railroad to describe helping others find freedom. Who is someone you know who feels “stuck” or “oppressed”? How can you walk alongside them or pray for their breakthrough? [[01:22:09]]
7. After a season of spiritual growth, the real test is how we “show up” in our families, workplaces, and communities. What is one specific way you want to live differently this week as a result of what God has done in you during this season? [[01:11:01]]

---

Close in prayer, asking God to empower each person to live out their calling as agents of hope, freedom, and justice in the world.

Devotional

Day 1: Empowered by the Spirit for the Journey Ahead
The journey of faith requires more than our own strength; it demands the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. Just as Jesus emerged from His season of fasting and prayer “in the power of the Spirit,” we too are called to seek God’s presence and power to sustain us for what lies ahead. When we consecrate ourselves—through prayer, fasting, and immersing ourselves in God’s Word—we tap into the Spirit already within us, enabling us to face challenges, resist temptation, and walk in victory. This empowerment is not about receiving something new, but about activating what God has already placed inside us, so we can move through life with a Christlike boldness and resilience. [58:58]

Luke 4:14-21 (ESV)
And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit to Galilee, and a report about him went out through all the surrounding country. And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified by all. And he came to Nazareth, where he had been brought up. And as was his custom, he went to the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and he stood up to read. And the scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to him. He unrolled the scroll and found the place where it was written, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” And he rolled up the scroll and gave it back to the attendant and sat down. And the eyes of all in the synagogue were fixed on him. And he began to say to them, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to rely less on your own strength and more on the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit? How can you intentionally seek His power today?

Day 2: The Spirit Within—Tapping Into Resurrection Power
The same Spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in every believer, offering us access to resurrection power for daily living. Too often, we forget the magnitude of what God has deposited within us, letting our spiritual “batteries” sit unused. But when we fast, pray, and pursue God, we plug into that power, allowing the Spirit to transform our responses, attitudes, and actions. This is not about becoming someone else, but about letting the Spirit bring out the best of Christ in us, so that we show up to life’s challenges with supernatural peace, love, and self-control. [01:01:22]

Romans 8:11 (ESV)
If the Spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, he who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through his Spirit who dwells in you.

Reflection: In what practical way can you “plug in” to the Spirit’s power today—perhaps by pausing to pray, resisting a temptation, or choosing to respond with grace instead of frustration?

Day 3: Set Apart and Anointed for a Purpose
God has set you apart and anointed you for a unique mission in the world. Just as Jesus was anointed to proclaim good news and bring freedom, every believer carries a spiritual anointing that marks them as different—called to live with purpose, discernment, and boldness. This anointing is not about superiority, but about being equipped to serve, love, and bring hope to those around you. Remember, you are not just another face in the crowd; you are set apart by God to make a difference wherever He places you. [01:18:13]

1 John 2:20 (ESV)
But you have been anointed by the Holy One, and you all have knowledge.

Reflection: Where in your daily routine do you sense God calling you to live differently or to step out in faith as someone set apart for His purposes?

Day 4: Bringing Freedom and Good News to the Spiritually Poor
The “more” God gives us is not just for ourselves—it’s so we can bring freedom and good news to those who are spiritually empty, bound, or blind. There are people all around us who are searching for meaning, trapped in cycles they can’t break, or unable to see the hope that Jesus offers. As those empowered by the Spirit, we are called to be like conductors on the Underground Railroad—pointing the way to freedom, praying for others, and sharing the life-changing message of Jesus. Our mission is to help open eyes, break chains, and proclaim that true satisfaction and liberty are found in Christ alone. [01:22:09]

Isaiah 61:1 (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.

Reflection: Who in your life is struggling with spiritual emptiness or bondage? How can you intentionally reach out to them this week with prayer, encouragement, or a word of hope?

Day 5: Living as Agents of Justice and Dignity
Empowerment by the Spirit compels us to stand up for those who are oppressed and to affirm the dignity of every person, regardless of their status or circumstance. The gospel levels the playing field, declaring that all are valued and loved by God. As followers of Jesus, we are called not only to recognize our own freedom in Christ but also to advocate for others, to fight against injustice, and to remind the downtrodden of their worth. This means showing up in our communities as agents of change, willing to act even when it costs us something, and always pointing people to the hope and equality found in Jesus. [01:30:26]

Ephesians 2:8-9 (ESV)
For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

Reflection: Is there a situation of injustice or oppression around you—at work, in your neighborhood, or in your city—where God may be calling you to speak up, serve, or advocate for someone else’s dignity this week?

Quotes

If God could bring you from where he's brought you from, surely he can take you where you need to be. [00:40:43]

Do not be moved by what you see, hear, and feel, but stand steadfast on the word of God. Do not, do not be moved by what you see, by what you hear, and by what you feel. Only be moved by what the word of God has to say about you and your life and what God wants to do in and through that. [00:50:00]

If anybody had a reason not to go to church, it was Jesus. Why would Jesus need to show up to the synagogue when he is the living word? What you, what you, what you going to teach Jesus when he is the word himself? But as was his custom, he showed up at the synagogue on the Sabbath. [00:51:52]

The more of Jesus, the more of God, the more of his presence, the more of his word is what you're going to need to be able to have the stamina and the energy and the strength and the power, everybody say power, for the journey that lies ahead. [00:58:15]

Whenever you decide to turn over the plate and tell your flesh no, something remarkable begins to happen when you begin to build up the spirit man and you are pouring your heart out to the Lord in prayer and you are consuming copious amounts of God's Word and you are seeking after him with a zeal and a tenacity and a passion that you don't normally have, that means something remarkable is happening in you. [01:01:57]

The reason that you are doing that is because God is doing something remarkable in you in this time of consequence even if you did not do the fast but you are convicted because you missed it that conviction is evidence that God is trying to do something remarkable in you. [01:03:04]

The remarkable thing taking place y 'all it allows us but catch this this is what what's happening for Jesus it allowed him to tap into the spirit that was already in him he didn't get any more spirit when he was in the desert no no no no no but when he comes out of this time of consecration and this victory over the adversary this standing on the word of God he's tapping into what is already there. [01:03:44]

Romans chapter 8 verse 11 reminds us at the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you did y 'all catch that or I need to read it again JT did y 'all catch it you think you caught it but I want to read it again anyway so you're supposed to say no J come on man the spirit of him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you trip off that for a second the spirit of the living God that wrote God Jesus out the grave dwells in me. [01:04:18]

This is what happens when you fast and when you pray. The power that's already in you gets tapped into. And then, watch this, you start to move around different. Because it was always in you. It was always in you. [01:08:05]

But to me, the most important thing of fasting and prayer comes from being empowered by the Spirit to move around our lives more like Jesus. That we are so empowered by the Spirit of God that we move around more like Jesus. [01:08:37]

So when we say, I want more of God, what we're saying is, I want to go deeper. I want more of his presence for the purpose of empowerment by the spirit of God. [01:11:03]

When you fast and pray, when someone asks you to do something sacrificial, you don't come up with excuses why you can't do it because your yes is already on the altar. You say yes even before you know what it is. That's what happens when you are fasted and empowered. You just show up different. [01:13:05]

When you're empowered by the Spirit, you find joy and pleasure in the things of God, not things that are sinful and enslave us. I don't want to do that. I don't want to be around that. I don't want to. I don't want that. [01:14:02]

Instead of hiding my faith because I know my lifestyle don't align with my faith, I'm now saying I'm not going to hide my faith. I'm going to change my lifestyle. [01:14:38]

Fasting and consecration allow us to show up in the world with more power and more Christ -likeness. [01:14:53]

You, my brother or sister, are set apart by God. You are different than the rest of the crowd. Not that you're any better than the rest of the crowd. You will be on the same plane with the rest of the crowd, but you're different from the rest of the crowd. [01:18:06]

Blessed are those happy is the one that recognizes their spiritual emptiness. Their spiritual emptiness. The people are saying, I have played musical beds and I'm still not happy. I have drank this whole fifth of vodka. And after the hangover is gone, I'm still not happy. I just got a great bonus check and I've spent it all on myself and I am still not happy. There has to be something more to this life that won't give me a hangover, won't give me an STD. There's got to be something more to this life. And here are you to say, yes, there is. [01:19:33]

The good news is, yes, your spiritual emptiness can only be satisfied by a relationship with God through Jesus Christ. And for the spiritually empty, that is great news. [01:20:30]

You've been called to the modern -day Underground Railroad. You've been called to proclaim freedom to the captives. There are people all around you and me that are enslaved by a variety of things that they cannot shake free from, that they cannot break loose from. And here you are on your job saying, I see that thing, and they're confiding in you that this thing has a hold on them. You see it. Maybe it's their finances. Maybe it's their sex life. Maybe it's their whatever it happens to be. And you see it and you're saying, guess what, guess what, guess what? There's a way to freedom. [01:22:29]

What will open people's eyes to the reality of Jesus at work in the world is when they see Jesus at work in your life. They'll say, wait a minute, you actually do what they said to do from the pulpit on Sunday? Like, you really do that? Like, because I'm a Christian, too, and I don't do that. Like, I don't try to do what the Word of God says to do. I don't try. But you really try? What? You're celibate? Girl, and you cute. Like, bro, you celibate? Like, for real? Like, yeah, because that's what the Bible says. I'm not married, so, yeah, that's what the Bible says. You do what the Bible says? Well, I try. Really? There's people out here that are doing what the Bible says? You give 10 % and you all right? Yeah, I'm all right. [01:27:17]

When you move about your life trying to be a disciple, you're not going to be perfect, but as you're trying to grow in your faith and grow as a disciple, people see you and say, wait a minute, that's what a real Christian looks like. That's evidence that Jesus is at work. [01:28:53]

If you are in Christ you are free you are dignified you are somebody worth the son of God giving his life for and shedding his blood for so you are not oppressed. [01:33:21]

We take what we've gotten in this time and we show up Monday morning different we show up with a different mission a different assignment a different mindset with power that we've tapped into ready to do whatever it is that Jesus needs us to do for the journey that lies ahead. [01:34:32]

Chatbot

What is the purpose of seeking more of God?

How does the Spirit empower Jesus' ministry?

Why did Jesus regularly attend the synagogue?