Empowered for Mission: The Spirit's Role in Unity

Devotional

Day 1: The Mission of God: Go, But Wait for the Spirit

God’s mission for the world is carried out through His people, the church, but before we can go out and fulfill this mission, Jesus instructs us to wait for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This waiting is not passive, but an active anticipation of God’s supernatural work in and through us, equipping us to be His witnesses and to live out His calling in a way that is not possible by our own strength. The mission never changes, but we must be filled with the Spirit to truly participate in God’s redemptive work. [04:22]

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: Where in your life do you sense God calling you to “go,” and how might you intentionally wait on the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment before stepping out?

Day 2: Pentecost: God’s Spirit Writes His Law on Our Hearts

Pentecost is not just a historical festival, but a powerful reminder that God desires restored relationship with His people, and now, through the Holy Spirit, He writes His law not on tablets of stone but on our hearts. This means that following God is no longer about external rules, but about an internal transformation where the Spirit empowers us to live out God’s ways from the inside out. The Spirit’s presence is a gift that enables us to walk in obedience, to know God personally, and to experience His renewing work in our lives. [17:07]

2 Corinthians 3:3 (ESV)
And you show that you are a letter from Christ delivered by us, written not with ink but with the Spirit of the living God, not on tablets of stone but on tablets of human hearts.

Reflection: In what area of your life do you most need the Spirit to write God’s truth on your heart, transforming you from the inside out?

Day 3: Unity in Diversity: The Spirit Reverses Babel

The outpouring of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost brought together a diverse group of people in unity, reversing the division and confusion of Babel and showing that God’s desire is for His people to be united across all differences. True unity is not uniformity, but a Spirit-empowered harmony where people of different backgrounds, languages, and cultures are brought together as one body in Christ. This unity is both a sign and a tool for God’s mission, demonstrating to the world the reconciling power of the gospel. [21:14]

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: Who in your church or community is different from you, and how can you take a step toward deeper unity and fellowship with them today?

Day 4: The Spirit Empowers Us for Mission Together

The Holy Spirit not only restores our relationship with God but also empowers us to love one another and to go out together on God’s mission, making us a visible outpost of the kingdom in our community. Our unity and love for each other are not just for our own benefit, but are meant to be a witness to the world of God’s transforming power. Even when it seems like the enemy is winning or the church is losing ground, the Spirit’s presence assures us that God’s mission is advancing and that we are called to participate in it together. [27:50]

John 13:34-35 (ESV)
A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can show Christlike love to a fellow believer this week, demonstrating the unity and mission of the Spirit-filled church?

Day 5: Come, Holy Spirit: Our Ongoing Need for Renewal

The Spirit inside us is better than even having Jesus physically beside us, because the Spirit empowers, guides, convicts, and encourages us every day; yet, we must continually pray for a fresh outpouring and renewal, both personally and as a church. In a world marked by loneliness and division, the church is called to be the antidote—a Spirit-filled community of deep fellowship and friendship that points others to God’s love. Let us earnestly seek the Spirit’s presence, asking God to revive our hearts, our families, and our neighborhoods with His power and love. [31:15]

Psalm 51:10-12 (ESV)
Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.

Reflection: Will you commit to praying “Come, Holy Spirit” each day this week, asking God to renew and empower you and your church for His mission?

Sermon Summary

On this Pentecost Sunday, we reflect on the significance of God’s mission in the world and our place within it. Just as D-Day marked the beginning of the end for the Nazi occupation in Europe, Christmas marked the world’s D-Day—God’s decisive intervention to liberate humanity from sin and death. Jesus, before ascending to the Father, entrusted His followers with a mission: to go and make disciples of all nations. Yet, before sending them out, He commanded them to wait for the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit. This waiting was not a delay, but a preparation for the supernatural work God intended to do through His people.

Pentecost, originally a Jewish festival celebrating the first fruits and the giving of the Law, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. Where the Law was once written on stone, now, through the Spirit, God writes His law on human hearts. This is not merely a set of rules to memorize, but a living relationship to be experienced and embodied. The Spirit’s indwelling presence is, as Jesus Himself said, even better than having Him physically beside us. The Spirit guides, convicts, empowers, and unites us, enabling us to live out God’s mission in ways we could never accomplish on our own.

The story of Pentecost is also a story of unity. Where humanity’s pride at Babel led to confusion and division, the Spirit at Pentecost brought together a diverse group of people in miraculous unity. This unity is not uniformity, but a Spirit-empowered harmony that transcends backgrounds, languages, and preferences. The church is not a collection of isolated individuals, but a body—called together, filled with the Spirit, and sent out on mission. Our love for one another and our unity are not optional extras; they are essential evidence of the Spirit’s work among us.

In a world marked by loneliness, division, and spiritual confusion, the church is called to be a visible outpost of God’s kingdom—a community where the Spirit’s presence is tangible, where relationships are restored, and where the mission of God is carried forward. The call is clear: pray for a fresh outpouring of the Holy Spirit, seek unity, and step boldly into God’s mission, trusting that the Spirit within us is more than sufficient for the task.

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Mission Precedes the Church God did not create the church and then assign it a mission; rather, He has a mission for the world and created the church as the means to accomplish it. This subtle but profound shift reminds us that our existence is rooted in God’s redemptive purpose, not our own agendas or preferences. We are not the originators of the mission, but the privileged participants in God’s ongoing work of renewal. [02:52]
2. The Necessity of Waiting for the Spirit Before launching into action, Jesus instructs His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit. This waiting is not passive, but an active dependence on God’s empowering presence. Without the Spirit, our efforts are merely human; with the Spirit, we become vessels of supernatural transformation, equipped for the mission God has entrusted to us. [04:22]
3. Pentecost Reverses Babel and Restores Unity At Babel, human pride led to division and confusion; at Pentecost, the Spirit brings diverse people together in unity and understanding. This unity is not the erasure of differences, but the Spirit’s power to create harmony among diversity. True spiritual renewal always leads to deeper relationships with God and with one another, breaking down barriers that once divided us. [21:14]
4. The Spirit Writes God’s Law on Our Hearts The coming of the Spirit fulfills the promise that God’s law would no longer be external, but internal—written on our hearts. This means our obedience is not just about following rules, but about being transformed from the inside out. The Spirit empowers us to live in ways we could never achieve by our own strength, making holiness and love possible in everyday life. [17:07]
5. The Church as the Antidote to Loneliness and Division In a fractured and lonely world, the Spirit-filled church is called to be a community of genuine fellowship and unity. Our love for one another is not just a witness to the world, but a foretaste of God’s kingdom. The Spirit’s presence among us is meant to heal divisions, foster deep relationships, and send us out together on God’s mission. [29:43]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:39] - D-Day and the World’s D-Day
[01:46] - The Unchanging Mission of God
[02:52] - God’s Mission and the Church
[04:22] - Go, But Wait: The Importance of Pentecost
[06:58] - Babel, Brokenness, and God’s Response
[07:40] - God’s Faithfulness Through Abraham and Moses
[10:02] - The Meaning and Significance of Pentecost
[11:54] - Why the Spirit Inside You is Better
[13:08] - The Gift of the Holy Spirit
[15:59] - Connections Between Sinai and Pentecost
[17:07] - The Spirit Writes on Our Hearts
[18:49] - Unintended Consequences: Unity and Relationships
[21:14] - Pentecost Reverses Babel
[22:32] - The Church: No Lone Rangers
[24:42] - Miracles of Salvation and Unity
[27:02] - Our Mission in a Challenging World
[28:59] - Unity in Diversity
[29:43] - The Church as the Antidote to Loneliness
[30:24] - The Spirit Within: Our Greatest Gift
[31:15] - Praying for a Fresh Outpouring
[32:07] - Closing Prayer

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In Acts 2, what are some of the signs and events that show the Holy Spirit has come upon the believers? (see Acts 2:1-13)
According to Jeremiah 31, what is different about the new covenant God promises compared to the old one? (see Jeremiah 31:31-34)
The sermon compared Pentecost to the story of Babel in Genesis 11. What happened at Babel, and how is Pentecost different? [[06:58]]
In 2 Corinthians 3:3, what does Paul say is now written on our hearts, and who does the writing?

Interpretation Questions

Why did Jesus tell His followers to wait for the Holy Spirit before going out on mission? What does this say about our need for God’s power versus our own efforts? [[04:22]]
The sermon says Pentecost “reverses Babel.” What does it mean for the Spirit to bring unity out of diversity, and why is this important for the church today? [[21:14]]
How does having the Spirit “write God’s law on our hearts” change the way we relate to God and to others, compared to just following a set of rules? [[17:07]]
The sermon mentioned that the church is meant to be an “antidote to loneliness and division.” What does this look like in practical terms for a local church? [[29:43]]

Application Questions

The sermon said God’s mission comes before the church, and we are participants in His work, not the originators. How does this change the way you think about your role in the church? Are there ways you’ve made church about your own preferences instead of God’s mission? [[02:52]]
Jesus told His followers to “go, but wait” for the Spirit. Are there areas in your life or ministry where you tend to rush ahead without waiting for God’s empowering presence? What would it look like to practice “active dependence” on the Spirit this week? [[04:22]]
Pentecost is about unity in diversity. Is there someone in the church who is different from you (background, language, preferences) that you find it hard to connect with? What is one step you could take to build a bridge this week? [[21:14]]
The Spirit writes God’s law on our hearts, making obedience a matter of transformation, not just rule-following. Is there an area where you struggle to obey God? How might you invite the Spirit to change your heart in that area? [[17:07]]
The sermon said the church should be a visible outpost of God’s kingdom, a place where relationships are restored. Is there a relationship in your life that needs healing? What is one practical thing you can do to move toward reconciliation? [[29:43]]
The pastor encouraged us to pray, “Come, Holy Spirit.” What would it look like for you to pray this prayer daily for the next week? How might you expect God to answer? [[31:15]]
The Spirit empowers us for mission. Who is one person outside the church you could reach out to this week, trusting the Spirit to guide and empower you? [[27:02]]

Sermon Clips

The way that we do church certainly may have changed throughout history, but the mission never changes. It might be different in Colombia and Puerto Rico than it is here in the United States. We learned a little bit about what's going on in Spain, and it might be different in Spain than it is here in the United States. It might be different here in Florida than it is in the rest of the United States, but the mission never changes. [00:02:08]

It's not so much the case that God has a mission for His church in the world, as that God has a church for His mission in the world. And it's a subtle nuance there of difference. The mission was not made for the church. Oh, I've got a church here. Now, let me see, what can I have them do? No, God had a mission for this world, and so He devised the church as the people who would carry out His mission. [00:03:07]

But it's the fact that this is what God is about, the mission of God, and He has a church to help Him carry out that mission of God. So, Jesus says, I want you to go. But before we go, He says, wait. [00:04:08]

It's crucial that we wait before we go because we need to wait for God to give us the spirit so today is Pentecost Sunday and so I'm asking the questions what is Pentecost and try to give an answer to that what happened on Pentecost try to give a quick answer to that and what does that mean well what does that mean we could be here till this time tomorrow talking about the ramifications of Pentecost but I'm going to try to take just one sliver and and talk about that just briefly here today what is Pentecost well the church the saved community the people of God is to be the supernatural work of God that points to what God's doing in renewing this whole world. [00:04:57]

If you're not dead then God's not done so it doesn't matter how old you are right maybe I don't have the energy and the that some of those kids that walked out of here have maybe I don't have the strength I used to have maybe I'm not able to do what I used to be able to do but if if I'm not dead then God's not done using me. [00:08:52]

The festival of Pentecost is good, but it's pointing to something even greater, something even better. We've talked about this in our series of sermons that we looked at, that if the tomb is empty, anything is possible. [00:10:54]

We're not to just focus ourselves on the incredible work of God, but we're to focus ourselves on God and on the relationship that He has available to us. [00:11:24]

J .D. Greer wrote a book called Jesus Continued. And the subtitle is what I love about this book, Why the Spirit Inside You is Better Than Jesus Beside You. Why the Spirit Inside You is Better Than the Jesus Beside You. [00:11:42]

Jesus tells His disciples when He gathers them together in the upper room before He goes to the cross, before He's crucified, before He's buried, before He raises to new life on Easter, Jesus tells His disciples, it's better that I go and leave you here with the Holy Spirit. [00:12:07]

The Spirit inside you is better than the Jesus beside you. That's not my words. That's what Jesus says here. [00:14:54]

The prophet Jeremiah says in chapter 31, there's coming a day when God will write His commandments on stone. Now, He's already wrote those on stone, right? We celebrated that with Pentecost, the giving of the law. But Jesus is, through the prophets telling us here in Jeremiah and Ezekiel, that there's going to come a day that's going to be better because the Holy Spirit is going to write His law upon our hearts. [00:15:13]

God gave His law that was written on stone tablets and now God writes His law and His way on our human hearts. The prophet says, I'll pour out My Spirit upon you. And this is not so much a law to be memorized, but it's a person to follow. A spirit to be filled with. A life of God to be lived out. [00:17:23]

This is why we're excited about Pentecost, is because God's not just telling us about the law. He's pouring the law and writing the law and His Spirit in our hearts to not only give us what's right and wrong, but to guide us, to empower us to live it out, to put it into practice. [00:18:09]

We struggled all this time to try to obey the law. We couldn't measure up. We always fall short. We always fell short time and time again. We could never keep the law perfectly, but now God not only gives us the law, but He gives us the Spirit to empower us to walk in obedience to the law. [00:18:28]

Getting right with God means I also am going to be getting right with one another. It's not one or the other. They come together both end. We want unity and right relationship with God, but in order to have unity and right relationship with God, the consequence, the outflow, the normal process is I'm going to have right relationship with one another. [00:20:32]

There's no idea in the Scriptures of a solo spiritual journey. It's a modern invention. God saves us and incorporates us into the body of Christ, the people of God. There's no Lone Ranger Christianity in the Scriptures. We're always together. [00:22:32]

The two great miracles that we see here on the day of Pentecost is, one, the salvation of 3 ,000 people, and two, the unity of a diverse group of people who come together, united together, not just because we can all get together and sing Kumbaya, but we can be united together so that we can go out on mission together and be a part of the mission of God. [00:25:10]

God loves this world that He created. And it's gone haywire. It's gone off the rails. And God has a people, that's you and me, that He wants to be a part of bringing this world back to right. And so He's sending us out on mission. And Pentecost is a way that we can be empowered so that we can go out on mission, so that we can go out and share this good news, this message that Jesus has come. [00:25:39]

Sometimes we, looking at things from such a narrow perspective, it looks like the enemy's got the upper hand. It looks like we're being pushed back. It looks like Team Jesus is losing. But when you step back and you look from a distance, you can see the movement of God. God is saving His world that He created. [00:26:50]

But it's not just with our words that we take them. mission, but it's by the way that we love one another. That we are a visible outpost of the kingdom of God here in Citrus County. We're different. We have different likes, dislikes, but God can bring us together and unite us together through His Holy Spirit in such a way that we can be united together out on mission for the kingdom of God. [00:27:41]

The church ought to be the antidote to the loneliness in this world. We ought to be the antidote. Look at the community. Look at the koinonia. Look at the fellowship that we have with one another. God is not just friendly. He's the source of friendship. [00:29:29]

Pentecost is a day to be celebrated. It's a day that God poured out His Spirit upon us. That the Spirit inside us is better than the Jesus beside us. It's hard to get your head around that. But I want you to meditate and to think about and to ponder the Scriptures that point us to this direction that the Spirit of God that dwells within you, that empowers you, that guides you, that convicts you, that encourages you, this Spirit of God is better than anything else. Taste and see. Taste and see how good it is. [00:30:04]

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