Empowered Living: Relying on the Holy Spirit
Summary
In the exploration of Christian faith and practice, the concept of relying on the Holy Spirit for guidance and strength is emphasized as a crucial aspect of living a spiritually fulfilling life. The narrative begins with an analogy of a person trying to ride a bike in the wrong gear, illustrating the struggle and exhaustion that can occur when attempting to live a spiritual life without the Spirit's guidance. The message conveyed is that the Holy Spirit is there to teach believers how to navigate life without becoming worn out, allowing them to sustain their spiritual journey over a lifetime.
The discussion then shifts to the importance of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer, particularly in the context of evangelism and facing challenges. The Holy Spirit is described as a source of dynamite power that should have a noticeable effect on the world. The promise of the Holy Spirit's power is seen as the plan for spreading the Gospel, and this power is meant to be evident in the lives of those who follow Christ. The message underscores the necessity of the Holy Spirit's indwelling for true discipleship, as evidenced by a life transformed by God's power.
The sermon also addresses the issue of persecution, suggesting that living as a Christian in certain contexts, such as Boston, inevitably leads to challenges. The idea is that believers should not shy away from speaking up for their faith, even when it may lead to persecution. The narrative encourages Christians to be bold in sharing their faith and to expect the Holy Spirit to have an impact through their testimony.
Furthermore, the message delves into the concept of baptism and the reception of the Holy Spirit. It is argued that baptism is a necessary step for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, which in turn leads to a life marked by spiritual fruits and a deeper understanding of God's will. The sermon also touches on the confusion surrounding spiritual gifts and the need for clear biblical teaching on the subject.
The narrative then reflects on the power of pausing and waiting on the Lord, highlighting the importance of taking time to discern God's direction rather than rushing ahead with one's own plans. The speaker shares personal stories of grief and loss, finding comfort in the promises of God, and the unique joys that can emerge from painful experiences. The message encourages listeners to find solace in the promises of God, which are seen as more powerful and enduring than any human plan.
In conclusion, the message calls for a balance between pausing to listen to the Holy Spirit and acting boldly when directed to do so. It challenges believers to examine whether they are in a season of waiting for God's guidance or if they are being called to take decisive action in response to the Spirit's leading.
Key Takeaways:
- The Holy Spirit is essential for living a spiritually effective life, providing guidance and strength to avoid burnout and sustain one's faith journey. Believers are encouraged to listen to the Spirit and rely on God's power rather than their own efforts. [32:50]
- The power of the Holy Spirit in a believer's life should be as impactful as dynamite, visibly transforming their actions and interactions. This power is not just for personal edification but is meant to have a profound effect on the world, particularly in the realm of evangelism. [24:11]
- Persecution is a reality for Christians who live out their faith boldly. The message encourages believers to embrace the challenges that come with witnessing for Christ, trusting that the Holy Spirit will empower them to stand firm and have an impact through their testimony. [35:02]
- Baptism is presented as a critical step in receiving the Holy Spirit's indwelling, which leads to a life characterized by spiritual growth and alignment with God's will. The sermon emphasizes the importance of understanding and experiencing the true nature of discipleship as defined by Scripture. [25:28]
- There is power in pausing to discern God's will, but there is also a time for decisive action. Believers are called to recognize when to wait on the Lord and when to move forward in obedience to the Spirit's prompting, ensuring that their lives reflect a balance of contemplation and action. [22:18]
Study Guide
### Bible Reading
1. Acts 1:1-11 (NIV)
> In my former book, Theophilus, I wrote about all that Jesus began to do and to teach until the day he was taken up to heaven, after giving instructions through the Holy Spirit to the apostles he had chosen. After his suffering, he presented himself to them and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: “Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit.” Then they gathered around him and asked him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” After he said this, he was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight. They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven.”
2. Romans 8:28 (NIV)
> And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
3. 1 Peter 1:3-5 (NIV)
> Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, and into an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade. This inheritance is kept in heaven for you, who through faith are shielded by God’s power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time.
### Observation Questions
1. What command did Jesus give to his disciples in Acts 1:4-5?
2. According to Acts 1:8, what will the disciples receive when the Holy Spirit comes upon them?
3. How does Romans 8:28 describe God's work in the lives of those who love Him?
4. What kind of inheritance is described in 1 Peter 1:4, and how is it kept?
### Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think Jesus instructed the disciples to wait in Jerusalem for the Holy Spirit before beginning their ministry? [12:55]
2. How does the analogy of riding a bike in the wrong gear relate to living a spiritual life without the Holy Spirit's guidance? [32:50]
3. What does it mean for the Holy Spirit's power to be like "dynamite" in a believer's life, as mentioned in the sermon? [24:11]
4. How can the promise of God's presence and guidance provide comfort during times of grief and loss, as shared in the sermon? [16:48]
### Application Questions
1. Reflect on a time when you felt exhausted trying to live out your faith. How might relying more on the Holy Spirit have changed that experience? [32:50]
2. The sermon mentioned the importance of pausing to discern God's will. Are there areas in your life where you need to pause and wait for God's direction? How can you create space for this pause? [12:55]
3. How can you be more bold in sharing your faith, even if it might lead to persecution or challenges? What steps can you take this week to speak up about your beliefs? [35:02]
4. Baptism was highlighted as a critical step for receiving the Holy Spirit. If you have not been baptized, what is holding you back? If you have, how can you help others understand its importance? [25:28]
5. The sermon emphasized the balance between pausing and taking decisive action. How can you better discern when to wait and when to act in your spiritual journey? [22:18]
6. Think of a specific situation where you need to rely on the Holy Spirit's power rather than your own efforts. What practical steps can you take to invite the Holy Spirit's guidance in that situation? [24:11]
7. How can you find comfort in God's promises during times of grief or loss? Share a personal experience where God's promises helped you through a difficult time. [16:48]
Devotional
Day 1: Embrace the Spirit's Sustenance
The Holy Spirit is the divine helper, present to guide and empower believers through every aspect of life. Just as a cyclist relies on the correct gear to ride efficiently, Christians are called to depend on the Spirit to avoid spiritual fatigue and maintain their faith journey. This reliance ensures a sustainable and fruitful walk with God. [32:50]
Galatians 5:25 - "Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit."
Reflection: In what areas of your life are you trying to 'ride the bike' on your own? How can you more actively seek the Holy Spirit's guidance in these areas?
Day 2: Dynamite Power of the Spirit
The Holy Spirit's presence in a believer's life is meant to be transformative, equipping them with a power that is both undeniable and influential. This divine power is not just for personal growth but is intended to be a catalyst for change in the world, especially in sharing the Gospel. [24:11]
Acts 1:8 - "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth."
Reflection: How can you allow the Holy Spirit to work through you to make a noticeable impact in your community today?
Day 3: Boldness in the Face of Persecution
Christians are called to stand firm in their faith, even when facing opposition or persecution. The Holy Spirit empowers believers to be courageous in their witness, ensuring that their testimony can have a significant impact, regardless of the challenges they may encounter. [35:02]
1 Peter 4:14 - "If you are insulted because of the name of Christ, you are blessed, for the Spirit of glory and of God rests on you."
Reflection: Can you identify a situation where you might face resistance for your faith? How can you prepare to respond with boldness and reliance on the Holy Spirit?
Day 4: Baptism and the Indwelling Spirit
Baptism is a pivotal step in a believer's spiritual journey, marking the reception of the Holy Spirit's indwelling. This sacred act leads to a life characterized by spiritual growth, fruitfulness, and a deeper comprehension of God's will. [25:28]
Romans 6:4 - "We were therefore buried with him through baptism into death in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life."
Reflection: Reflect on your own baptism. How does it shape your understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in your life and your growth as a disciple?
Day 5: Discerning God's Timing
Recognizing when to pause and seek God's direction is as important as knowing when to take bold action. This balance is essential for a life that is responsive to the Holy Spirit's leading, ensuring that one's actions are in harmony with God's timing and purposes. [22:18]
Ecclesiastes 3:1 - "There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens."
Reflection: Are you currently in a season of waiting or action? How can you be more attentive to the Holy Spirit's prompting to discern the right timing for your next steps?
Quotes
1) "There's power in the pause. There's power in taking a moment to take a beat... when traumatic events take place in your life you should never make life-altering decisions right after those things." [15:25] (Download)
2) "The spirit himself is trying to teach us how to do it through God's power... you can do this for the rest of your life. Listen to the spirit because there's so much power in listening to him." [32:50] (Download)
3) "Dynamite has an effect; the spirit must have an effect. You cannot walk around as a Christian in Boston and not be persecuted; it's impossible." [35:02] (Download)
4) "The idea of God's spirit living in you causes an explosion to come out... the plan is never been the issue, it's do we have the promise that the spirit is going to be with us and we do." [37:41] (Download)
5) "The promise is that the spirit is going to walk with you, it's going to have an effect, it's going to move. But are you living and you using the spirit?" [38:17] (Download)
6) "The witness and the promise of the witness is that you will have an effect through your testimony... the word of their testimony is what helped them Triumph." [40:06] (Download)
7) "The promise is the plan here; the plan to evangelize the world that the holy spirit's going to come into the world and have a massive effect." [24:11] (Download)
8) "If you've never been baptized, you do not have the Holy Spirit indwelling in you... you don't have the promise of Salvation, you don't have the deposit of the Holy Spirit." [25:28] (Download)
9) "The Holy Spirit renews our souls at baptism... he lives inside our souls and guides us... be overcome by the spirit." [27:52] (Download)
10) "The plan never had the power. Some of you are great planners... others of you love the idea of it's all about the promise because you hate plans. But regardless of where you're at, the idea that the promise is the plan and not how it all makes sense to you needs to get through." [09:14] (Download)
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