Empowered for Missional Living Through the Holy Spirit
Summary
Over the past weeks, we’ve been exploring the early chapters of Acts, focusing on how the Holy Spirit empowers us for missional living. Missional living, as Gerard Kelly puts it, is anything that moves some aspect of creation from rebellion to obedience, from God’s will not being done to God’s will being done. This is a broad and inclusive calling, not limited to extroverts or those with a particular gift for evangelism, but for every follower of Jesus—introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between.
We revisited the story of Pentecost, where the Holy Spirit descended on the disciples as tongues of fire, echoing God’s presence in the Old Testament—at the burning bush, the tabernacle, and Solomon’s temple. What’s remarkable is that now, God chooses to put His name, His very presence, in each believer. This was His plan from before the foundation of the world, and it gives us confidence that He will not withdraw His Spirit from us.
Peter’s response to the outpouring of the Spirit was a simple but courageous act: he stood up and spoke. He explained that what was happening was the fulfillment of prophecy, that God’s Spirit would be poured out on all people, empowering them to prophesy—to speak forth the mighty works of God. The essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness to Jesus, and in that sense, all of us are called to be prophets, to speak about the One we love.
The heart of Peter’s message was not about the supernatural signs themselves, but about Jesus—His life, death, and resurrection. The Holy Spirit always points to Jesus, and our testimony should do the same. We are called to be ready to give a reason for the hope within us, to own our faith authentically, and to be prepared to share our story in a way that is both rational and personal.
Practical steps include writing down your testimony—what you believe and why you believe it—so you’re ready when opportunities arise. Look for the questions people are actually asking, and be willing to stand up, even in small ways, to represent Jesus in your everyday life. The Spirit empowers us not just for dramatic moments, but for the simple act of standing up and letting the life of Christ overflow from within us.
Key Takeaways
- God’s Presence Now Dwells in Us
The same God who manifested His presence in fire at the burning bush, the tabernacle, and the temple now chooses to place His name—His very presence—within each believer. This was His plan from before the foundation of the world, and it assures us that His Spirit is not given conditionally or temporarily. We can live with confidence, knowing that God’s empowering presence is a permanent gift, not something He will take away. [05:02]
- Prophecy as Speaking Forth the Life Within
Prophecy is not just about predicting the future; at its core, it is about speaking forth what God has placed inside us. The Hebrew root for “prophesy” carries the image of a seed germinating within a vessel, brought forth into the world. When we testify to the mighty works of God and speak about Jesus, we are letting the life God has planted in us overflow, bringing light and encouragement to others. [16:40]
- The Power of Ordinary Testimony
You don’t need a dramatic story to be a powerful witness. Peter’s sermon at Pentecost was essentially his personal testimony—what he had seen and known of Jesus. Likewise, our “ordinary” stories are often the most relatable and impactful for those around us. Authenticity and honesty about what Jesus means to us can open doors for meaningful conversations and transformation. [23:56]
- Preparation Enables Courageous Witness
Being ready to give a reason for our hope requires intentional preparation. Writing down your testimony—what you believe and why—helps clarify your faith and equips you to respond when opportunities arise. This preparation, combined with the Spirit’s empowerment, enables us to stand up with “20 seconds of insane courage” and represent Jesus, even in seemingly small or intimidating situations. [31:21]
- Mission is Moving God’s Kingdom Forward
Missional living is about moving people and situations from a place where God’s will is not done to where it is. This can be as simple as holding out God’s reality in everyday conversations, answering the real questions people are asking, and faithfully representing Jesus in our context. The Spirit empowers us not just for dramatic acts, but for the daily, faithful presence that brings God’s kingdom closer in our world. [29:51]
Youtube Chapters
[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - What is Missional Living?
[03:08] - What Stirs You Into Action?
[03:53] - Empowerment for All: Introverts and Extroverts
[05:02] - The Fire of God’s Presence in the Old Testament
[08:30] - Pentecost: God’s Name in Us
[11:24] - The Spirit Poured Out on All Flesh
[14:10] - Peter’s Sermon: Cut to the Heart
[16:40] - Prophecy: Speaking Forth the Seed
[21:20] - God’s Word Will Not Return Void
[22:40] - Prophecy as Light in Darkness
[23:56] - The Reasonableness of Faith
[29:51] - Mission: Moving from Disobedience to Obedience
[31:21] - Preparing Your Testimony
[32:07] - Standing Up: Everyday Courage
[33:37] - Closing Prayer
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Empowered for Missional Living
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### Bible Reading
- Acts 2:14–40 (Peter’s sermon at Pentecost)
- Joel 2:28–32 (Prophecy about the outpouring of the Spirit, quoted by Peter)
- 1 Peter 3:15 (“Always be ready to give a reason for the hope that is in you”)
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### Observation Questions
1. In Acts 2:14–40, what was the crowd’s reaction to the disciples speaking in other languages, and how did Peter respond to their confusion? [[14:10]]
2. According to Peter’s sermon, who is the Holy Spirit poured out on, and what are the signs of this outpouring? [[11:24]]
3. What Old Testament events or images does the sermon connect to the coming of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost? [[05:02]]
4. In 1 Peter 3:15, what does Peter say believers should always be ready to do? [[22:40]]
---
### Interpretation Questions
1. The sermon says God’s presence now dwells in each believer, just as it did in the burning bush, tabernacle, and temple. What does this mean for how Christians see themselves and their daily lives? [[05:02]]
2. Peter’s message at Pentecost focused on Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, not just the supernatural signs. Why is it important that the Holy Spirit always points to Jesus, and how does this shape our own witness? [[23:56]]
3. The sermon describes prophecy as “speaking forth the life within”—letting what God has planted in us overflow. How does this understanding of prophecy challenge or encourage ordinary believers? [[16:40]]
4. The idea of “missional living” is described as moving some aspect of creation from rebellion to obedience. How does this broader definition of mission affect who is called to participate and what it looks like in everyday life? [[29:51]]
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### Application Questions
1. The sermon challenges everyone—introverts, extroverts, and everyone in between—to live missionally. What are some small, practical ways you could “stand up” and represent Jesus in your daily context this week? [[32:07]]
2. Have you ever written down your personal testimony—what you believe and why? If not, what’s stopping you? If yes, how did it help you clarify your faith? [[31:21]]
3. The sermon suggests looking for the real questions people are asking. Think of someone in your life who isn’t a Christian—what questions do they seem to be asking about life, faith, or hope? How could you be ready to answer? [[31:21]]
4. Peter’s “20 seconds of insane courage” was simply standing up and speaking. Can you recall a time when you needed a short burst of courage to share your faith or identify as a Christian? What happened, and what did you learn? [[32:07]]
5. The sermon says our “ordinary” stories can be the most powerful. What is one “ordinary” way Jesus has made a difference in your life that you could share with someone else? [[23:56]]
6. The Holy Spirit is described as a permanent gift, not something God will take away. How does this truth affect your confidence in living out your faith, especially when you feel weak or unqualified? [[05:02]]
7. The idea of mission is moving God’s kingdom forward in small, everyday ways. What is one situation or relationship in your life where you sense God’s will is not being done? What is one step you could take to bring God’s reality closer in that area? [[29:51]]
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Devotional
Day 1: The Holy Spirit Empowers All Believers for Mission
God’s Spirit is not reserved for a select few, but is poured out abundantly on all who call upon His name, regardless of background, gender, or status. This outpouring is not just for personal blessing, but to empower every believer—introvert, extrovert, or anyone in between—to participate in God’s mission of moving the world from rebellion to obedience. The Spirit’s presence within us is God’s assurance that He has chosen to dwell in us, equipping us to be His witnesses wherever we go. [11:24]
Acts 2:16-21 (ESV)
“But this is what was uttered through the prophet Joel:
‘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;
even on my male servants and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy.
And I will show wonders in the heavens above
and signs on the earth below,
blood, and fire, and vapor of smoke;
the sun shall be turned to darkness
and the moon to blood,
before the day of the Lord comes, the great and magnificent day.
And it shall come to pass that everyone who calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’”
Reflection: In what area of your life do you feel least qualified or most hesitant to be missional, and how might you invite the Holy Spirit to empower you in that very place today?
Day 2: Proclaiming the Mighty Works of God Is Prophecy
When believers speak out about Jesus and declare the mighty works of God, they are participating in the prophetic ministry described in Scripture—not just predicting the future, but “speaking forth” by divine inspiration. This is the Spirit’s work, bubbling up from within, as God’s life and truth overflow from our hearts to edify, comfort, and encourage others. Every believer is invited to let God’s testimony flow through them, making Jesus known in their own words and context. [16:40]
Revelation 19:10 (NLT)
Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said, “No, don’t worship me. I am a servant of God, just like you and your brothers and sisters who testify about their faith in Jesus. Worship only God. For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus.”
Reflection: What is one “mighty work of God” in your life that you can share with someone today as a testimony to Jesus?
Day 3: God’s Word, Sown and Spoken, Never Returns Void
God’s word, when spoken or shared, is like a seed with life inside, destined to accomplish His purpose and bring transformation. Even when we feel ordinary or our words seem small, the Spirit uses our faithful witness to shine light in dark places and to move hearts. We are called to trust that as we speak God’s truth, He will ensure it bears fruit in ways we may not see. [21:20]
Isaiah 55:11 (ESV)
“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth;
it shall not return to me empty,
but it shall accomplish that which I purpose,
and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it.”
Reflection: Who is one person you can pray for today, asking God to prepare their heart as you faithfully sow a seed of His word into their life?
Day 4: Be Ready to Share Your Hope with Gentleness and Respect
Every believer is called to be prepared to give a reason for the hope they have in Christ, not with arrogance or fear, but with authenticity and respect. This means taking time to reflect on what you believe and why, owning your faith as a firsthand discovery, and being willing to share your story—even if it feels ordinary—because God uses real, relatable testimonies to reach others. [23:56]
1 Peter 3:15 (ESV)
“But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”
Reflection: Take a few minutes to write down your personal testimony—what you believe and why—and consider how you might share it with someone who needs hope.
Day 5: Stand Up and Represent Jesus Where You Are
Sometimes the most courageous thing you can do is simply to stand up and be seen as a follower of Jesus in your everyday life. Whether it’s mentioning your faith in conversation, identifying as a Christian in your community, or offering a word about Jesus when the opportunity arises, these “but Peter” moments are where God’s Spirit empowers you to bring His reality into the world around you. [32:07]
Matthew 5:14-16 (ESV)
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.”
Reflection: What is one simple, specific way you can “stand up” and let your faith be visible in your workplace, school, or community this week?
Quotes
And as the translator of the Passion notes, each believer received an overpowering flame of fire signified by the shaft of life, the shaft of light. that engulfed them it was though each one received his own personal pillar of fire that would empower him and lead him throughout his life. [00:05:49] (21 seconds)
Before this the holy spirit was given in drops you now and it was only given to the favored few but now it's poured out in abundant supply on all flesh or at least all who call upon his name. [00:11:24] (15 seconds)
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 promises for you and for your children and for all who are afar off. Everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself. So you can never go too far from God's grace. [00:14:25] (21 seconds)
What was it that they heard they heard them telling in their own tongues the mighty works of God that's what they heard it wasn't just the fact that it was their own language it was what the words were saying the mighty works of God. [00:16:09] (19 seconds)
Our faith must be a first -hand discovery and not a second -hand story in other words he's saying in modern parlance it's got to be authentic it's got to be yours you've got to own it as your personal faith. [00:25:27] (15 seconds)
If you had a single word to describe what difference christian faith has made in your life what would it be and i thought that was actually quite a good question and there were a few of us in the room and i was one of them for whom the single word was hope he gives me hope and really since then that has kind of formed the basis when i'm talking to non -christians this is the difference the fundamental difference that my christian faith has made to me i have hope when the world's exploding around me i have hope when the world's falling around falling apart when everything in my life's going wrong bless god it hasn't happened that often but when it does i have hope. [00:26:50] (39 seconds)
If we look at peter's sermon on that first pentecost what he effectively did was to tell his own story he told what he knew so he'd been with jesus he knew stories it says at the end of the passage we read that in this way and many other things he said and you just kind of the jb phillips version fills in the gaps all the things he could have talked about people letting friends down through the roof and people being healed and this and that and all these stories that jesus that peter had seen jesus uh paul peter went through and he was telling them all the things that he had seen it was a personal testimony that he was given. [00:28:21] (36 seconds)
The prophetic is about the faithful holding out of God's reality so that it can be clearly seen and responded to, so that transformation can take place and so that relationship can be restored. [00:29:56] (15 seconds)
But Peter, what did he do? He stood up. And he brought Jesus into the scene. He stood up. So represent. Be who you are. I represent as the Christian you are, as the believing soul that you are. Be seen. [00:32:02] (25 seconds)
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